When planning a trip to Costa Rica for the first time, most travellers immediately think the “dry season” is the ideal time to visit. But for those in the know, the “green season,” which runs from May to November, offers a wealth of experiences that is every bit as rewarding. While it may be considered the rainy season, don’t let that deter you. The green season brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds and a chance to see Costa Rica’s wildlife at its absolute peak. Here’s why it’s worth considering Costa Rica during this often-overlooked time of year.
1. The Landscapes Are Vibrant And There’s An Abundance Of Wildlife
As the name suggests, the green season transforms Costa Rica into a verdant paradise. The rains rejuvenate the tropical rainforests, blanketing the country in vivid emerald greens. Waterfalls are at their most powerful, rivers flow with renewed vigour, and the landscapes take on a fresh, wild appearance that’s nothing short of magical.
Aside from looking beautiful, there’s more food and water available for animals, which encourages them to search through the canopies and near rivers, especially in national parks like Corcovado and Tortuguero. The green season in Costa Rica is an exciting time, as it overlaps with both turtle nesting and hatching season. This is when the “arribada” occurs, and thousands of sea turtles emerge from the ocean to lay their eggs on the country’s beaches, typically from March to November. On our Costa Rica Adventure, you can arrange an optional excursion to see green turtles lay their eggs from late July to October in Tortuguero National Park.
But that’s not all—between late July and October, humpback whales make an incredible journey from Antarctica to Costa Rica’s warm waters, adding even more wonder to this season. On our Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets trip, you’ll have a chance to observe these incredible creatures during a 45-minute boat ride to Caño Island, where sightings are possible between July and August. The rich foliage and fruiting trees blooming during this time of year also attract incredible birdlife, so birdwatchers will find some of the best opportunities to see exotic species, including scarlet macaws, keel-billed toucans and white-fronted parrots. It’s also the breeding season for resplendent quetzals, making the green season an excellent time to spot them, especially in the cloud forests. During our Discover Costa Rica trip, you’ll get the chance to walk through the Savegre cloud forest, which is arguably one of the best places to spot these elusive vibrant birds.
2. Temperatures Stay High And The Rain Is Refreshing
While the green season may bring rain, it can be a wonderful time to visit Costa Rica. Temperatures barely go down during the green season and the rain at this time usually follows predictable patterns: mornings are normally bright and sunny, with bursts of rain showers typically arriving in the late afternoon or evening. This means you’ll have plenty of time to explore during the day and your expert local guide will often plan around the rain.
In fact, we’d go as far as to say that the rain adds an extra something to your experience. Imagine listening to the sound of rain while relaxing in the remote Esquinas Rainforest Lodge on our Discover Costa Rica trip or watch the gentle patter of raindrops on the leaves while you’re out on a night walk in Monteverde to spot nocturnal wildlife on our Costa Rica Active Escape. Plus, these short bursts of rain can cause temperatures to dip, which we all know can be a welcome relief from the tropical midday heat. With the right mindset and a good light rain jacket (in case it catches you out on the trails), you’ll find the weather adds to the adventure rather than detracts from it.
3. Fewer Crowds Mean More Authentic Experiences
One of the greatest perks of booking a trip during the green season is the lack of crowds. Costa Rica is an undeniably popular tourist destination, and during the peak of the dry season, some of the country’s key wildlife areas can feel packed with visitors. Going to Costa Rica during its green season offers travellers a much more relaxed and authentic experience. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the rainforest trails, popular beaches, iconic viewpoints and even chat to locals at eateries without jostling for space with other travellers.
But don’t worry, regardless of when you travel, our trips give you plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals and embrace their infectious ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle. For example, on our Costa Rica Adventure, you’ll enjoy lunch at an organic farm and visit a pineapple plantation, which offers unique insights into rural Costa Rican life. Our Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday includes time in Puerto Viejo, a coastal town known for its vibrant local culture and friendly residents, and a visit to Aviarios del Caribe, the sloth sanctuary, where your family can meet resident sloths and learn about their rehabilitation back into the wild.
4. It’s A Photographer’s Dream
For photographers, the green season is a dream come true. The saturated colours, mist-shrouded mountains and dramatic skies create a stunning backdrop for capturing Costa Rica’s beauty. Whether you’re photographing wildlife or landscapes, the interplay of light and rain offers endless opportunities for fantastic shots.
Early mornings are particularly magical, with golden light streaming through the rainforest canopy and mist rising from the valleys. On our Discover Costa Rica trip, you could photograph spectacular landscapes of the Arenal Volcano or reflections of the surrounding rainforest in the serene waters of Lake Arenal. Bird photographers could also capture shots of vibrant toucans and scarlet macaws seen in the forests around Esquinas Rainforest Lodge.
On our Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets adventure, the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Drake Bay provide a stunning canvas for coastal photography, while a visit to Caño Island offers opportunities to photograph pods of dolphins or, in the right season, humpback whales breaching. The sunsets over the Pacific coastline are nothing short of spectacular, offering dramatic hues that make for unforgettable landscape shots.
5. Witness The Beginning Of Costa Rica’s Coffee Harvest
During Costa Rica’s lush green season, the Central Valley bursts into life as the coffee harvest begins in October, so if you travel towards the end of the green season, you may get the opportunity to see the collection process. Coffee is a cornerstone of Costa Rican culture and the country’s coffee cherries are hand-picked with precision, often requiring multiple passes through the plantations to ensure only the ripest beans are selected. On our Natural Highlights of Costa Rica trip, you’ll have the option to visit working coffee plantations and witness this fascinating process up close. With the help of our expert local guides, you’ll learn about the craftsmanship behind every cup and about the plantation’s sustainable farming practices, while also getting the opportunity to taste freshly processed beans. Exploring Costa Rica during the green season not only means seeing nature at its most vibrant but also connecting with its traditions and its people during the harvest.
Visiting Costa Rica during the green season is equally as extraordinary as travelling during the dry season. From lush landscapes and incredible wildlife to fewer crowds, this time of year is when the country is at its most vibrant. If you embrace the rhythm of the rains and the magic they bring, you’ll discover a side of Costa Rica that’s every bit as wonderful as its sunnier counterpart. So, open your mind to a different kind of adventure, pack your light rain gear, and get ready to fall in love with Costa Rica during the green season.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our extraordinary Costa Rica trips.
