Costa Rica in September
September is a month to think twice about visiting Costa Rica. On the Pacific: the year's heaviest rain, rough roads, and closures, including Monteverde-area rest weeks. The flip side: the Caribbean coast has its best weather now.
Weather
Pacific rainy peak, highs near 85F (29C); Caribbean side sunny
Crowds
Prices
What's on in September
Roughly December through March and again July through October, strongest in the south Pacific
Humpback whale seasons. Two hemispheres' worth of humpbacks use the same warm coast, making Uvita and the Marino Ballena area a nearly year-round whale destination.
Roughly July through October
Green sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero. 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
- 1
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.
- 2
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 ↗
- 3
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 ↗
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
Whale watching at Marino Ballena. Humpbacks visit on two calendars: roughly December through March from the north, and July through October from the southern hemisphere, one of the longest whale seasons anywhere.
- 8
A coffee farm in the highlands. The Central Valley's farm tours turn a rainy afternoon into the best cup of the trip. Harvest generally runs in the drier months, varying by altitude.
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.
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.
Costa Rica in September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Costa Rica?
September is a month to think twice about visiting Costa Rica. On the Pacific: the year's heaviest rain, rough roads, and closures, including Monteverde-area rest weeks. The flip side: the Caribbean coast has its best weather now.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica in September?
Pacific rainy peak, highs near 85F (29C); Caribbean side sunny.
Is Costa Rica crowded in September?
September is one of the quieter months in Costa Rica; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Costa Rica in September?
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).
Also in their September window
Better windows for Costa Rica: January, February, March, May, November.