Costa Rica · Month comparison

July vs September

July ranks #1 overall vs September at #2. Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.

Costa Rica July — golden sunset over the Pacific at Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita — home of the humpback whale watching season

July

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.

  • ↑Humpback whale watching season opens off the Pacific south coast (Marino Ballena National Park, Drake Bay) — the July–October migration of humpbacks from Antarctica is one of the world's great wildlife spectacles, viewable on day boats
  • ↑Green turtle nesting begins at Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast — guided night beach walks to watch turtles lay eggs are among the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Central America
Costa Rica September — the vivid blue waters of Rio Celeste in Guatuso, one of the world's most striking natural phenomena

September

#2 of 12 months

Best match

The wettest month on the Pacific — but the Caribbean coast enters its mini-dry season, and prices are at their lowest.

  • ↑Cheapest month to visit Costa Rica by a clear margin: budget airlines, rock-bottom accommodation rates, and tours at reduced prices — the same country at a fraction of high-season cost
  • ↑Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita National Park) enters its own mini-dry season in September–October: while the Pacific drowns, the Caribbean enjoys better weather, calmer seas, and excellent reef snorkelling
FactorJulySeptember
Weather score
5
3
Value score
8
10
Crowd score
8
10
Events score
9
7
Atmosphere
8
6
Avg high temp25°C24°C
Monthly rain211mm305mm
Daily sunshine5.3hrs4.6hrs

July trade-offs

  • ↓Pacific rainfall continues at 211mm: the morning-clear, afternoon-wet pattern holds, and planning activities for early morning is essential
  • ↓Tortuguero turtle tours require advance booking through licensed operators — only a limited number of visitors allowed on the beach each night; reserve weeks ahead
  • ↓Still low season pricing which means infrastructure is quieter; some upscale lodges and tour operators work at reduced capacity

September trade-offs

  • ↓305mm of rain is serious: September is the wettest month on the Pacific coast, with long heavy downpours that can last all day rather than the predictable afternoon pattern of other months
  • ↓Sunshine hours fall to 4.6 daily and coastal roads can flood; rivers swell and some adventure activities (white-water rafting class grades increase, can close) become more intense or limited
  • ↓The Pacific beaches are genuinely difficult to enjoy in September — this is not a month for beach holidays on the Pacific side; the Caribbean coast requires a plan B mentality
See all 12 months for Costa Rica →July in detail →September in detail →
Scores compare months within Costa Rica. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →