Costa Rica · Month comparison
September vs July
July ranks #1 overall vs September at #2. Humpback whales arrive off the Pacific coast and sea turtles begin nesting at Tortuguero.
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
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 | September | July |
|---|---|---|
| Weather score | 3 | 5 |
| Value score | 10 | 8 |
| Crowd score | 10 | 8 |
| Events score | 7 | 9 |
| Atmosphere | 6 | 8 |
| Avg high temp | 24°C | 25°C |
| Monthly rain | 305mm | 211mm |
| Daily sunshine | 4.6hrs | 5.3hrs |
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
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 →