Costa Rica · Month comparison
June vs July
July ranks #1 overall vs June at #7. Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.
June
#7 of 12 months
Strong option
Quietest month of the year — budget prices, almost no other tourists, and the rainforest at its most dramatic.
- ↑The cheapest month to visit: accommodation, tours, and car hire at annual lows — the same national parks, wildlife, and experiences at a fraction of peak cost
- ↑National parks and hiking trails are essentially to yourself; Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, and Tortuguero trails have almost no other visitors
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
| Factor | June | July |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 4 | 5 |
| Value score | 9 | 8 |
| Crowd score | 9 | 8 |
| Events score | 5 | 9 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 8 |
| Avg high temp | 26°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 241mm | 211mm |
| Daily sunshine | 5.1hrs | 5.3hrs |
June trade-offs
- ↓Heavy daily rainfall (241mm) is the trade-off for all the value; mornings often start clear but afternoons are reliably wet — plan activities for 7–11am
- ↓Sunshine hours drop to 5.1 daily and overcast conditions are common; photography of beaches and landscapes requires patience
- ↓Some tour operators and smaller lodges run reduced schedules or close for maintenance; fewer options at the budget end of the market
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
Scores compare months within Costa Rica. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →