Visiting Costa Rica during the lush rainy season, also known as the “green season,” offers several unique advantages and experiences that can make your trip truly memorable. In this blog, we explore Costa Rica’s Great Green Season as we consider the many benefits of travelling from May to November, including a look at our own travel specialists trip there during the shoulder season of May.
Rainbow After the Rain
From May to November, a transformation in Costa Rica’s already beautiful landscapes occurs. The rain rejuvenates the flora, resulting in vibrant paradises of verdant forests and blossoming flowers. These forests come alive, especially at night, where wildlife is abundant during a Monteverde wildlife night walk.
Go With the Flows
Increased rainfall means that waterfalls are at their most spectacular, with powerful flows and stunning visuals. Rivers swell, offering better conditions for white-water rafting. And even when it does rain in the tropics, it’s usually warm enough to still be in t-shirts and shorts for activities
Catarata del Toro, one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa RicaGlass Half Full
Green season is considered the off-peak tourist season, which means fewer crowds at popular attractions, beaches, and national parks, better availability in hotels and therefore a more budget-friendly time to visit.
And if you’re a fan of sitting back and listening to the rain patter through your surroundings, look no further than a region like the Golfe Dulce, where regular rainfall falls in a relaxing fashion on most days.
Wet Season Wildlife
On the Caribbean coast, this season coincides with turtle nesting season. Visitors can witness sea turtles, such as the green and leatherback turtles, coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Over on the Pacific coast, Southern Hemisphere humpback whales are also travelling from Antarctica to Costa Rica from late July through October.
Humpback breaches the water in Golfo Dulce
Turtles coming ashore for laying eggsTurtles coming ashore for laying eggsShoulder Season
Our travel specialists visited all over Costa Rica in the shoulder season of May, and enjoyed a mostly sunny country at a time when the weather can typically be more changeable. The one region that did offer an immediate change from blue skies elsewhere however, was Golfito and the Golfo Dulce in the Puntarenas district. There, the atmospheric feel of the forest mists gave their trip into the rainforest lodge by boat an enhanced experience of adventure.
Misty skies over GolfitoTime Your Outings
Despite this period being wetter overall, mornings are often sunny and clear, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities before afternoon showers, which can also be a refreshing break from the tropical heat. Whatever time of year here that most captures your imagination, we can promise you – Costa Rica will be certain to capture your heart!
Rainbow over the rainforestReady to book your trip to the Costa Rica? Get in touch with one of our specialists today on 020 3820 0885, or complete the enquiry form to get in touch.
