Costa Rica Green Season: Is May-November Worth It?

Planning your timing? For a full month-by-month breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s rainy season – often fondly called the “green season” – is an open secret among savvy nature enthusiasts. Instead of deterring travel, the months from May through November transform this tropical paradise into an even more verdant and lively wonderland.

After four decades of designing custom Costa Rica vacations, we’ve sent thousands of guests during the green season – and many of them tell us it was better than the dry season trips their friends took. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what to expect month by month, where to go, what wildlife you’ll see, how much you’ll save, and how to plan a green season trip that avoids the rain and maximises the magic.

Green Season Month by Month: What to Expect

Not all green season months are created equal. Here’s what our naturalist guides have observed over 40+ years:

Month	Rainfall	Wildlife Highlights	Our Verdict
May	Light–moderate. Afternoons only.	Landscapes turn vivid green. Nesting sea turtles begin arriving at Tortuguero.	Excellent value. Dry season crowds gone, rain is gentle.
June	Moderate. 2–3 hour afternoon showers.	Bird migration peaks. Forests are alive with activity.	Great for birdwatchers and photographers.
July	Drops significantly — the “Veranillo” (little summer) arrives mid-month.	Olive ridley turtles begin nesting at Ostional. Green turtles at Tortuguero.	The insider’s pick. Dry-season weather at green-season prices.
August	Low–moderate. Veranillo often continues into early August.	Humpback whales arrive off Uvita. Peak turtle nesting.	Best wildlife month. Popular with US families on summer break.
September	Heavy on Pacific side. But this is dry season on the Caribbean coast.	Whale watching peaks. Mass turtle arribadas at Ostional. Caribbean is sunny.	Lowest prices of the year. Head to Caribbean for sun.
October	Wettest month on Pacific. Caribbean coast remains dry.	Baby turtle hatching. Whale season continues. Lush landscapes.	Best month for budget travellers. Caribbean-focused itineraries shine.
November	Tapering off. Transition to dry season begins.	Landscapes at peak green. Fewer tourists than any other month.	Hidden gem. Beautiful landscapes, holiday crowds haven’t arrived.

🌿 Insider Tip: The Veranillo

Most travel websites won’t tell you about the Veranillo (or “little summer”) — a natural dry spell that hits Costa Rica in mid-July through early August. During this window, you get near-perfect dry season weather at green season prices. It’s the single best value window in the entire Costa Rica travel calendar, and we specifically recommend it to guests who want the best of both worlds. Couples often build a honeymoon itinerary timed for the Veranillo to pair dry-season weather with green-season rates. Ask us about a Veranillo trip.

Lush Green Landscapes of the Rainy Season

One of the first things you’ll notice during the green season is how amazingly lush and vibrant the landscapes become. Regular showers turn the scenery into a tropical green paradise, reviving forests and filling the air with the scent of fresh rain. Costa Rica’s rainforests truly come alive with an explosion of greenery – ferns unfurling new fronds, moss carpeting the ground, and tropical flowers like orchids, heliconias, and bromeliads blooming in brilliant colors. Waterfalls that may slow to a trickle in dry months roar back to life, cascading over cliffs in dramatic display. In fact, waterfalls look more beautiful than ever thanks to the extra rain replenishing rivers. Rather than seeing rain as a drawback, consider it nature’s way of refreshing the scenery – the intermittent showers keep the environment cool and dust-free, while also offering moments of tranquility to pause and simply listen to the patter of rain in the trees.

Sky Tram Treetopia — Treetopia Park Monteverde

Wildlife Watching in Costa Rica’s Green Season

If you’re drawn to wildlife watching in the green season, you’re in for a treat. The rainy months coincide with some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular wildlife events. For instance, sea turtle nesting season reaches its peak during the heart of the green season. Mass turtle arribadas (arrivals) occur on certain Pacific beaches – thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore at Ostional Wildlife Refuge between July and November to lay their eggs, a breathtaking natural spectacle. Similarly, the late rainy season is prime time for humpback whale migrations: each year in August and September, humpback whales arrive from colder waters to the warm Pacific coast of Costa Rica to breed and raise their calves. Joining a whale-watching tour during these months can reward you with unforgettable sights of whales breaching and slapping their tails just off Uvita’s coast. Few experiences compare to hearing a whale’s splash echo against the backdrop of a rain-nourished, emerald coastline.

Two of our most popular green season itineraries are the 9-Day Discovering the Tropics family tour — with sloths, hot springs and toucans across Sarapiquí, Arenal and Manuel Antonio — and the Costa Rica Highlights tour, which takes you from the Caribbean to the cloud forest in 15 days. Both see dramatically fewer crowds in the green season.

Humpback whale in Osa Peninsula — Humpback Whale in Osa Peninsula

Even outside these headline events, Costa Rica’s wildlife thrives in the rainy season. The forests are teeming with activity as animals take advantage of abundant food and water. With fewer tourists on the trails (and the cover of thicker foliage), creatures tend to be more active and visible. Bird lovers will find the green season especially rewarding. It’s often called a birder’s paradise, as migratory species arrive and resident birds become easier to observe. The resplendent quetzal, for example, can be spotted in the cloud forests, and myriad hummingbirds flit about wherever colorful heliconias are blooming. The wet weather actually draws out many bird species, meaning you’ll hear and see more birdlife activity during these months than at other times. Biodiversity is at is peak during the green season.

Ready to experience this for yourself? Our 15-day Costa Rica nature and wildlife tour is designed specifically around green season timing — covering Tortuguero turtle nesting, Arenal in full cloud drama, and Corcovado at its most biodiverse.

Crimson collared tanager — Crimson Collared Tanager

Fewer Crowds, More Serenity

One of the greatest advantages of traveling in Costa Rica’s rainy season is the relative absence of crowds. This period is considered “off-peak” for general tourism, so you can explore popular destinations in a far more peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. Without the peak-season tour bus groups, national parks and beaches feel almost private, allowing for a much deeper connection with nature. You can walk at your own pace, take in the surroundings without rushing, and truly savor the pura vida lifestyle. Even famously popular spots like Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, or Manuel Antonio have stretches during the green season where trails are wonderfully tranquil.

Children´s Eternal Rainforest

🌿 Insider Tip: The Caribbean Secret

Most green season guides fail to consider this important fact about Costa Rica’s climate: The two wettest months (September and October) along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are, in reality, also the dryest, and brightest months for the Caribbean Coast. When the rain is pouring down at every beach on the Pacific side of Costa Rica; clear water and bright sunshine can be found at all beaches from sunniest months on the Caribbean coast. While the Pacific beaches are getting heavy rain, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Tortuguero are enjoying crystal-clear water and blue skies. As a result we will often have green season itineraries switch sides to take advantage of perfect weather while the rest of Costa Rica is experiencing rain.

Lower Prices and Off-Season Deals

Another compelling benefit of green season travel is the significant cost savings. Because it’s the off-peak period, prices for nearly everything – accommodations, tours, even flights – are often lower than in the busy dry season. Hotels and eco-lodges commonly offer discounted rainy season rates, meaning you might snag a luxury jungle lodge or beach resort for a fraction of the high-season price. It’s not uncommon to find promotions like a free extra night, complimentary upgrades, or guided tours bundled with your stay during this time, as hospitality providers encourage visitors in the slower months. For travelers on a budget (or anyone who appreciates getting more value), the green season is the best time for a discounted Costa Rica vacation. You can channel those savings into longer stays or additional activities – perhaps upgrade that standard room to a canopy suite among the treetops, or add an extra destination to your itinerary with the money saved.

This is exactly why so many of our guests choose May through November to book a tailor-made Costa Rica green season itinerary — lower prices, fewer crowds, and landscapes that look like they’ve been turned up to full saturation.

Cloud Forest Lodge Monteverde

Car rentals and domestic flights or shuttles can also drop in price, and you’ll find far less competition for reservations. This flexibility can even allow spontaneous travel plans – want to head to the mountains for a few days on a whim? In green season, it’s usually easy to find a room or make last-minute changes without the peak-season frenzy. International airfare to Costa Rica tends to be more affordable in the wet months as well, making the overall trip cost much easier on the wallet.

How Much Can You Actually Save in the Green Season?

Based on the hotels and eco-lodges we work with, here’s what the savings typically look like:

Category	Dry Season (Dec–Apr)	Green Season (May–Nov)	Typical Savings
Mid-range eco-lodge	$180–$280/night	$120–$180/night	30–40%
Luxury resort	$350–$600/night	$200–$400/night	30–50%
US flights to SJO	$400–$700 roundtrip	$250–$450 roundtrip	20–35%
7-day custom vacation package	$3,500–$5,500/person	$2,400–$3,800/person	25–40%

The math is simple: A couple taking advantage of green season travel can save between $2000-$4000 on their trip compared to dry season peak. With our green season itineraries, we will use this money for your travel to the most arid areas when they are available, and utilize our lodge partners’ seasonal offers. green season itineraries that take full advantage of these savings — routing you to the driest regions at the right times and be able secure you the best seasonal promotions from our partner lodges.

Ecotourism in Costa Rica: A Sustainable Travel Choice

Costa Rica is globally renowned for its commitment to ecotourism and sustainable travel, and visiting during the green season aligns perfectly with these values. By choosing the rainy season, you’re helping to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year, which reduces strain on the environment and local infrastructure during the busy months. National parks and wildlife refuges that see heavy foot traffic in dry season get a welcome breather in the wet season – your visit at this time provides needed income to conservation efforts and park maintenance without contributing to over-crowding. Many eco-conscious travelers actually prefer the green season for this reason: it’s a more sustainable way to enjoy nature, ensuring that your presence has minimal negative impact and is even beneficial by supporting park fees and local guides during a slower period.

Two Toed Sloth

Traveling in the rainy season also directly supports local communities. Much of Costa Rica’s tourism industry is made up of small businesses – family-run hotels, local guides, farm tours, artisans, and more. During the high season, these folks are extremely busy, but in the off-season they have more time and often a greater need for income. Your visit helps sustain their livelihoods year-round. You’ll often find that guides and hosts in the green season are extra appreciative of your business and enthusiasm, leading to very heartfelt and personalized experiences.

Tips for Comfortable and Safe Rainy Season Travel

Traveling during the rainy season in Costa Rica is absolutely rewarding, but it does require a bit of extra preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable journey:

Monteverde Reserve by Edo López

Stay in Comfort: Embrace the rain by booking lodgings that cater to rainy season needs. Many eco-lodges and hotels are designed with covered decks, comfortable lounges, and amenities to enjoy on a rainy day (like reading nooks, board games, or hot springs!). A cozy rainforest lodge can turn a stormy afternoon into a highlight of the trip. For those with mobility concerns, ensure your accommodation has easy pathways (non-slip where wet) and, if needed, request ground-floor rooms to avoid too many stairs in wet conditions.

Finally, the climate during the rainy season can actually be quite pleasant for older travelers. Temperatures are warm but not extreme – often in the 70s to mid-80s °F – and the rains can cool things off in the afternoon. Yes, humidity is higher, but if you dress in breathable fabrics and take breaks, it’s manageable. Some seniors even find the moist air helpful for conditions like respiratory issues (keeping airways from drying out), though individuals will have their own preferences. The key is to listen to your body: take advantage of the cooler mornings for active pursuits and use the more humid afternoons to rest. Costa Rica’s slogan pura vida (meaning “pure life” or essentially “enjoy life”) encourages exactly this balance.

Once you know your ideal travel window, the next step is building your route. Our complete Costa Rica itinerary guide covers day-by-day routes for 7, 10, 12, and 14 days — with specific green season lodge recommendations and what to prioritise by month.

Frequently Asked Questions: Costa Rica Green Season

Q: Does it rain all day during Costa Rica’s green season?

Simple answer is No! This is one of the largest misconceptions about a typical green season day in Costa Rica. While it will be mostly sunny and clear in the mornings, we can expect rain to begin to arrive sometime during the middle to late afternoons on most days and last anywhere from 1-3 hours. The weather is perfect in the mornings for your daily activity or tour and for your beach time. And while the rain has stopped by early evening, the sunsets in Costa Rica have been truly spectacular many times. Therefore, we plan our guided activities for the morning so you can make the most of this great weather.

Q: What is the best month to visit Costa Rica in the green season?

July is our top recommendation. The Veranillo (which is a natural dry spell) delivers you near perfect weather but at green season prices. August is also excellent because it’s peak whale watching, you have also the turtle nesting, and it’s still drier than September/October. However For the deepest discounts, September and October often offer the lowest prices of the entire year, especially if you focus on the Caribbean coast where those months are actually dry.

Q: Is the green season safe for travel in Costa Rica?

Absolutely; Costa Rica’s tourist infrastructure operates 365 days per year. National Parks always remain open to visitors with all trails available (except in extreme weather conditions) as roads are well maintained and our private transfer drivers private transfer driversdrivers have extensive experience navigating in green season. However, we would like to remind you that we suggest you wear sturdy shoes for your hikes and bring a quality rain jacket.

Q: How much cheaper is the green season compared to dry season?

Many of our guests can save even more than our exclusive rates we get with our connections. As much as 25–40% on the same itinerary compared to December–April pricing. Accommodation is the biggest saving lower rates at most lodges), and although we don’t offer flights, you will find that from the US are typically 25% cheaper. So a couple can easily save thousands of dollars on a 7–14 day trip.

Q: What should I pack for Costa Rica’s green season?

A portable rain coat and pair of hiking boots/shoes or trail sandals. Lightweight quick drying clothing. Dry bags for electronic equipment & camera’s. Sunscreen that is safe for reefs (you’ll still get some sun). Bug spray for the lower areas. Light weight Fleece for Monteverde – it can be cool/misty

Customize your green season trip with us!

Not sure which green season package fits you? Browse our 12-day Caribbean to Pacific nature tour — one of our most-booked green season routes, pairing Tortuguero’s rainy-season turtle arrivals with the Pacific’s lush jungle beaches.

Camila Leon

Marketing Assistant

“I am a passionate journalist and dedicated English teacher, and my love for writing has been a lifelong fascination. Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, I find myself naturally drawn to the wonders of nature, nurturing a profound love for animals and a fierce commitment to conservation efforts, which inspire my writing.”