Costa Rica
Costa Rica in September: what you can expect
Costa Rica lives by 'pura vida', the country's relaxed lifestyle. September falls in the middle of the rainy season, and you notice it everywhere: fewer people, greener nature and lower prices. The best time for your trip depends on what you are looking for.
23 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 3 sources
December to April: dry, busy and expensive
From December to April, very little rain falls in Costa Rica. The sky is blue and it is a good time for the beaches of Manuel Antonio. You can also plan activities like white water rafting and the hot springs of La Fortuna without any worries.
These months are the busiest, though. Hotels are full and you pay more for your stay. If you mainly want good weather and can handle the crowds, this is your period.
- Book your hotel at least two months in advance.
- Enter the national park early in the morning, before the groups arrive.
After a rain shower in September, the Monteverde rainforest smells of wet earth and green.Costa Rica
September: quiet, green and affordable
September is one of the wettest months of the year. The rain usually falls in heavy showers late in the afternoon, while the morning often stays dry. That is exactly why the Monteverde rainforest is at its greenest in September.
The big advantage of September is the quiet. There are far fewer travellers, hotels are cheaper and the nature parks are quieter. As long as you bring a raincoat and plan your schedule around the showers, September is one of the nicest months to go.
- Plan walks and tours in the morning, before the rain starts.
- Bring a light raincoat, not an umbrella.
Choose your coast: Pacific or Caribbean
The weather varies greatly by coast, so that determines where you're best off in September. On the Pacific side, where Manuel Antonio is located, September brings the most rain. On the Caribbean coast, near the province of Limón, the climate is milder.
Limón also has a character all its own. A large Jamaican community has lived there since the nineteenth century, with its own English-based language. If you still want to be by the coast in September, you'll often find better weather here, and a very different atmosphere, than on the Pacific side.
- Choose Limón if you want drier coastal weather in September.
- Go to Uvita for a quiet beach, even outside the high season.
Protecting nature and travelling safely
Almost a quarter of Costa Rica is protected natural area. That applies all year round, including September: many parks work with a limited number of spots per day. Always book your visit to a park in advance, especially if you're only in the area for a short time.
In cities such as San Jose, keep a close eye on your belongings. Most people are friendly and helpful, but pickpocketing does occur in busy streets. This way, you can enjoy the country's forests, waterfalls and beaches without any worries.
- Always reserve your spot in a nature park in advance.
- Wear your bag on the front of your body in busy streets in San Jose.
