The “Green Season” in Costa Rica is a great time to visit Dominical

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JANUARY, 2025

In a country with as many diverse climates as Costa Rica, it’s difficult to define the rainy season. There are periods in which it rains more. That means it’s greener. There are less tourists. It’s also the best time to see whales. Everything is a trade off. 

Rainy season or green season?

The rainy season sounds dreary to some people. It’s not! Many people talk about “green season” instead of rainy season, because this is when the rainforest comes alive.

Officially, the rainy season starts in May and ends in November on the south Pacific Coast. The rain may start earlier in the season and end in December, of course.  We are discussing weather, after all! In a normal year, October is the wettest month, which is also one of the best whale-sighting months. 

A typical rainy season day in Costa Rica starts sunny. It usually rains for 30 to 90 minutes in the late afternoon or evening. The rain is often beautiful. Most people like it because it brings the temperature down for sleeping and fills up the waterfalls for swimming and beauty.

The plants and trees benefit from the rain and look very vivid and green during the rainy season; thus the term “green season..” The climate in Dominical & Uvita stays green year round, and the plants and trees are most beautiful and vibrant during Green Season. This effect is stronger in areas where the summertime is very dry, like in Guanacaste.

Unless you absolutely dislike rain and muddy conditions, the weather is still great to have a wonderful vacation. Whales, wildlife, waterfalls, stunning flowers, and lush greenery all put on a show during the Green Season.

You can check weather statistics at the national meteorological institute of Costa Rica. Read on for more benefits.  

rainy season costa rica

Rainy season is also called Green season

Benefits of having your vacation in Costa Rica during green season:

 

#1 Strong promotions!

A great advantage of planning your vacation to Costa Rica in rainy season is that most prices are much lower. Hotels, car rental, tours, flight tickets are lowered for the season. Most companies offer strong promotional prices, which are often on top of the already attractive low season prices. Villas Río Mar has great hotel deals during rainy season. 

#2 Get the real rainforest experience

Witnessing a proper rainforest downpour is an experience by itself. You won’t believe the amount of water that can fall! When the rain stops, you can go to the beach where you will see the rainstorm move away over the ocean. Watching the light show over the sea – created by the thunder in the distance – will be an unforgettable experience!

Benefits of having your vacation in Costa Rica during green season:

 

#1 Strong promotions!

A great advantage of planning your vacation to Costa Rica in rainy season is that most prices are much lower. Hotels, car rental, tours, flight tickets are lowered for the season. Most companies offer strong promotional prices, which are often on top of the already attractive low season prices. Villas Río Mar has great hotel deals during rainy season. 

#2 Get the real rainforest experience

Witnessing a proper rainforest downpour is an experience by itself. You won’t believe the amount of water that can fall! When the rain stops, you can go to the beach where you will see the rainstorm move away over the ocean. Watching the light show over the sea – created by the thunder in the distance – will be an unforgettable experience!

#3 Fewer tourists

Another great advantage of having your vacation in Costa Rica during rainy season is that it will not be crowded in hotels or at popular beaches and -attractions. So your vacation will be even more relaxed and you don’t have to wait in line.

#4 Nature and Waterfalls at their best! 

Costa Rican nature and wildlife are even more stunning during the rainy season. In addition; waterfalls are spectacular and river rafting is absolutely awesome during this time in the year.

“The rainy season is also called ‘Green Season’ because the plants and trees look at their best during this season.”

#5 Whale watching season

The whales come at the peak of the rainy season! Although whales are seen from mid-July mid-November, the best time for whale watching in Uvita and Dominical is during September and October. The following article gives more information on whale watching in Uvita & Dominical.

Tips for traveling in Costa Rica during rainy season

  • Plan your activities in the morning, since rain is more likely during the (late) afternoon.
  • There are more mosquitoes during the rainy season; make sure to bring sufficient repellent.
  • Remember to pack your mud-friendly shoes and quick-drying clothes. 

 

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