Central America & Caribbean

Costa Rica in August

Still workable, especially early month and on the Caribbean side, where whales also gather offshore in the south Pacific.

TradeoffsRain building again, highs near 86F (30C)

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica — Costa RicaPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Costa Rica. Still workable, especially early month and on the Caribbean side, where whales also gather offshore in the south Pacific.

Weather: Rain building again, highs near 86F (30C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What August is like in Costa Rica

August sees the rains building again, with highs near 86F (30C) and wetter afternoons, especially later in the month. Early August is still workable on the Pacific side, and prices are low. The Caribbean coast is often drier, and southern humpbacks gather off the south Pacific near Uvita.

It suits families on late-summer break and travelers who can go with the flow. It is a weaker pick for beach-focused trips on the Pacific. If you want sunny beaches, go early in the month, or shift your beach days to the Caribbean side around Puerto Viejo.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Costa Rica this month.

Whale watching near Uvita

Southern humpbacks gather off the south Pacific coast, often with calves. Marino Ballena is the classic base.

Tortuguero turtles in full swing

Green sea turtle nesting continues at Tortuguero, one of the world's most important nesting beaches.

Coffee farm afternoons

When the rain comes, a Central Valley coffee farm tour is a cozy, tasty way to spend the afternoon.

What to pack for August

A reliable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothes
Waterproof sandals
A dry bag for electronics

Our timing tip

Travel in the first half of August, and plan whale tours for early mornings when the seas are calmer.

Book Costa Rica for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Costa Rica
Opens a hotel search for Costa Rica in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Costa Rica
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Costa Rica
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Costa Rica for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Humpback whale seasons

Roughly December through March and again July through October, strongest in the south Pacific

Two hemispheres' worth of humpbacks use the same warm coast, making Uvita and the Marino Ballena area a nearly year-round whale destination.

Green sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero

Roughly July through October

One of the world's most important green turtle beaches. Night viewing is by licensed guide only, in small groups, no lights.

Things to do in Costa Rica

Full guide

Arenal and La Fortuna

The classic volcano base: lava-field hikes, waterfall swims, and hot springs for the afternoon rain slot. The perfect cone hides in clouds some days in any season.

Tickets and tours →

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Hanging bridges through the canopy and a real shot at the resplendent quetzal, especially in nesting season. Bring layers; the cloud forest is genuinely cool and wet.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Manuel Antonio National Park

The greatest-hits park: sloths and capuchins over postcard beaches. Closed Tuesdays, capacity-capped, and best booked ahead with a licensed guide at opening time.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tortuguero's canals

A roadless Caribbean 'Amazon in miniature' reached by boat or small plane, famous for green sea turtle nesting from roughly July through October.

Tickets and tours →

The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado

The wildest corner of the country, with scarlet macaws overhead and tapirs on the beach. Guided entry only; the dry months are far easier logistically.

Tickets and tours →

Surf towns of the Pacific

Tamarindo and Nosara for learner-friendly consistency, Santa Teresa for the boho scene. Waves run all year, with green-season swells often the biggest.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Travel in May, June, or November: green-season shoulder months deliver most of the dry season's mornings with a fraction of its crowds and prices.
Book the capacity-capped parks, Manuel Antonio above all, for the first entry slot of the morning: wildlife is most active, heat is lowest, and the tour waves land later.
Skip the two national holiday crushes if you can: Christmas through New Year's and Semana Santa fill beaches, buses, and lodges with the whole country on vacation at once.
Trade one famous stop for its quieter twin: Rincon de la Vieja instead of Arenal, the Nicoya surf towns instead of Manuel Antonio, San Gerardo de Dota instead of Monteverde.

Know before you go

Costa Rica does not close seasonally as a country, but September and October on the Pacific side are the exception zone: some small lodges and tour operators pause, remote dirt roads can become impassable, and the Monteverde area's famous reserves and businesses take some maintenance downtime in the deepest low season.
Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays and caps daily entries; Corcovado requires a licensed guide and advance permits year-round. Book both before you build days around them.
The Caribbean coast runs on the opposite weather calendar: its sunniest, calmest stretch is September and October, which keeps Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo very much open when the Pacific is at its wettest.
Semana Santa, the week before Easter, is the national vacation week: alcohol sales restrictions apply in some areas on the holiest days, transport is packed, and coastal lodging sells out far ahead.

Costa Rica in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Costa Rica?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in Costa Rica. Still workable, especially early month and on the Caribbean side, where whales also gather offshore in the south Pacific.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in August?

Rain building again, highs near 86F (30C).

Is Costa Rica crowded in August?

Crowds in Costa Rica are moderate in August; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Costa Rica in August?

Humpback whale seasons (roughly december through march and again july through october, strongest in the south pacific); Green sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero (roughly july through october).