Costa Rica Summer Holidays

What can you expect from Costa Rica summer holidays that you won’t find anywhere else?

Costa Rica summer holidays represent an excellent time for wildlife watching and budding zoologists can experience whale- and dolphin-watching at their peak in August or September. Certain areas are also most apt for visiting during our summer. Arenal and the Caribbean are exceptions to the rainy season, with the former’s dry season occurring between May and October, and the latter seeing the most sun in September and October. If you’re still not completely convinced by the benefits of visiting during Costa Rica’s winter, December to April is the country’s dry season, and Costa Rica summer holidays can be interpreted as an escape from our less-than-desirable weather to their sun-kissed summer months.

With fewer crowds frequenting the country during this time, there’s even more opportunity for authentic experiences. Take shelter from the afternoon rainfall in one of San José’s eclectic markets, such as the Central Market, and tuck into gallo pinto (the national dish), fresh seafood, sorbetera (local ice cream) and talapinto (a thin omelette). The capital city and Central Valley benefit from a unique climate known as ‘perpetual spring’, with less variation in temperature and the most rainfall occurring in August and October. These regional variations in climate and exceptions to the rainy season work in your favour for summer holidays to Costa Rica, as there’s always a dry corner ripe for exploring.

There are plenty of charming, traditional towns punctuating the natural landscapes, which are perfect for whiling away a rain-soaked afternoon. Shop for souvenirs along the shorefront of Dominical, listen to live calypso music in Cahuita or take a yoga class in Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula. And once the clouds have cleared in the afternoon, head straight to one of its bohemian beach bars and make the most of the sunshine.

Special things to do during Costa Rica summer holidays:

- Head out on whale and dolphin watching excursions around the Osa Peninsula or Gulf of Papagayo during July and August.
- Trek through Arenal Volcano National Park with a local guide, across other-worldly lava fields.
- Catch some waves on the Caribbean coast – seasoned surfers will feel at home in the consistent swells, or if you’re an eager novice, we can organise surfing lessons.
- Experience turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park, between July and September.

Best time to visit for summer holidays in Costa Rica:

The ‘best’ time to visit Costa Rica is a much-debated topic, as the weather can vary wildly from region to region and rainfall is often sporadic and unexpected. Generally, the period from May to November is dubbed as the country’s ‘rainy season’ and gets a bad rep as a result. Yet, this season also offers plenty of merits and Costa Rica summer holidays shouldn’t be immediately discounted based on the mention of rainfall. A more romantic moniker for these months is the ‘green season’, as a nod to the lush greenery and vegetation which appears across the landscapes. Along with the flourishing scenery and abundant wildlife, this period also sees a drop in tourist crowds, adding the nickname of ‘best-kept-secret season’ to the list. Just be sure to pack your waterproofs and you’ll be good to go.