As a lot of the Northern hemisphere starts enjoying dry spells and sunshine, rain begins to fall on Central America. You're probably wondering: is June a good time to go to Costa Rica? Or is Costa Rica in June too rainy?
June is part of Costa Rica's rainy season, but don't let that put you off visiting this beautiful Latin American nation. The weather in Costa Rica in June is mainly warm and sunny, and the rain is still sparse. When it does fall, it only adds to the increasingly verdant and green landscapes found here, and it provides a welcome break from the humid Costa Rica climate in June.
By going to Costa Rica in June, you can enjoy low season prices and quiet tourist spots, avoiding the maddening crowds that descend upon the country in the drier months.
Plus, there are still lots of things to see and do. Here's our guide to the best of them.
There's no getting around it: You will experience rainy weather in June in Costa Rica, because it's the wet season. But don't let that put you off booking a great Costa Rica escorted tours package. The rain is still minimal in most destinations, especially further north, and the temperature in June in Costa Rica is still positively balmy.
Expect light showers through the day and heavy rains in the afternoon, but the worst of it is generally very predictable and easy to avoid. You'll be very unlucky to end up stuck inside for days at a time, so don't fear the worst weather. Instead, embrace the opportunity for lower costs and smaller crowds, and enjoy the fact that the wet Costa Rica weather in June makes all the scenery lush, green and beautiful.
How is Costa Rica in June compared to other months? Use our month-by-month comparison tool to see how it measures up in terms of weather, wildlife, crowds and cost.
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One of the best things to do in Costa Rica in June is attend a fiesta, and there are always plenty to choose from. Some celebrate religious occasions, but they're also a chance to appreciate the rainy season beginning. After all, because of the wet weather, Costa Rica in June is rich with vibrant greenery. The season is warmly welcomed by the locals and gives them a much-appreciated break from the high-season crowds.
The most important religious holiday that falls within the month of June is St Peter and St Paul's Day. This is celebrated on the 29th of the month each year. You can expect to see religious ceremonies and processions taking place in towns across the country, but head to Guanacaste province for lively fiestas featuring lots of food, dancing and traditional Costa Rican bullfights, which don't harm the bull.
The towns of San Pedro, Leon Cortes and San Jeronimo also host lively street fairs on the 30th June to celebrate the Fiestas Patronales Trinidad de Moravia. Many towns will also hold their own small celebrations dedicated to the local patron saint, and you can often find yourself stumbling into a fiesta without knowing where or why.
Make the most of the low season by adding the most popular destinations and activities to your list of things to do in Costa Rica in June. Brave the potentially rainy weather and you'll get to enjoy them with lower prices and a much quieter atmosphere, enabling you to take your time to really appreciate each moment of your trip. Don't forget to snap lots of photos while everywhere is emptier, either.
If you're wondering what to see in Costa Rica in June, why not start with the country's most iconic natural landmark? Head to Arenal Volcano to see this spectacular natural attraction and Costa Rica's most famous volcanic peak without the crowds and before the rains make it more difficult. Visit Tamarindo for great beaches and low prices, or stay in Papagayo to enjoy the beautiful peninsular and grab a bargain on a luxury beachfront resort.
June is also a great month to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the hiking trails and beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's most popular areas of rainforest and coastline. These places are usually packed during the high season, but in the low season you can enjoy Monteverde's misty rainforest mornings and leisurely Manuel Antonio hikes with far fewer crowds.
You won't need to worry much about where to stay in Costa Rica in June, either. Busy beach towns like Playa Grande and Puerto Viejo are also much quieter this time of year, making it easier to book rooms. Popular activities like turtle-watching tours have more availability too, and June is actually the nesting season for Costa Rica's green sea turtles. Visit Tortuguero National Park for the best chances of seeing them.
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While the June weather in Costa Rica is wet, it's not at all cold. So yes, the sea is still more than warm enough to swim in.
The weather in June in Costa Rica is mostly sunny, and daytime temperatures touch over 30 Celsius. This combination is highly effective for heating the crystal clear waters of Costa Rica's dual coastlines. The result is average sea temperatures in the high twenties, which are sure to delight swimmers and bathers.
Strong rain and storms can make swimming a little less safe, though. Stick to beaches in drier regions for worry-free paddling.
The rain in Costa Rica follows a fairly predictable pattern of dry mornings and wet afternoons, so it's best to get your swimming in early in the day.
Because it's the low season in Costa Rica, June is a relatively inexpensive month for your trip. Rather than risk empty seats and rooms, airlines and hotels tend to offer attractive discounts and promotions around this time.
Another expense that can be much cheaper when you travel to Costa Rica in June is car rental rates. Public transport tends to cost around the same whenever you go and doesn't offer the convenience and privacy of your own vehicle. It can be well worth taking advantage of the lower rental rates to have the freedom to go wherever you want, when you want.
If you're in the process of choosing which month to visit Costa Rica, June is worth strongly considering. Here are a few of the most compelling advantages of visiting Costa Rica in June.
June weather in Costa Rica is probably better than you expect. Sure, it's the green season, so you're bound to see some rain, but it's not yet at its worst and there are still places you can escape to for a fairly dry trip.
Plus, if you're looking for that famously warm Costa Rica temperature, June still delivers. The average temperature in Costa Rica in June is around 27 Celsius. Hot, but not too much.
Visiting during the green season does entail a little extra preparation, though.
You'll also enjoy going to Costa Rica in June more when you pack the right accessories.
June is a great time to come to Costa Rica.
Firstly, when you visit Costa Rica in June, weather is not something you actually have to worry about too much. Even though it's the rainy season, it's hot and mainly dry, especially to the north of the Pacific coast. This is important, because many of the best things to do in Costa Rica, in June and in general, are based outdoors.
Secondly, it's the low season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. But there's still plenty to see and do.
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities among visitors to Costa Rica, but before you book your place on a boat, it’s important to ask: is June a good month to visit Costa Rica for whale sightings?
The answer is that it's not ideal, because it's in-between the peak seasons, but it's also not the worst time of year. The southern-hemisphere whales start migrating past Costa Rica in July, so you could very well spot some early ones.
The best place to stay in Costa Rica in June for whale watching is around Marino Ballena National Park, where you can also see dolphins and sea turtles. Because of the beautiful Costa Rica climate, June is an excellent month to enjoy a boat trip, even if you miss out on the whales.
