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

Costa Rica · Costa Rica

July

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

Best match

#1 of 12 months

July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica.

Climate

High

25°C

Low

18°C

Rain

211mm

Sun

5.3hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How July scores in Costa Rica

Weather
Above average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Outstanding
Atmosphere
Excellent

What you gain in July

  • 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
  • A "veranillo" (little summer) often occurs in mid-July on the Pacific — a brief dry window of 1–2 weeks where weather improves, offering unexpected good beach days

What you sacrifice

  • 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

July in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Costa Rica, not across destinations. Methodology →