Costa Rica in September, despite being right around the peak of the rainy season, can still provide visitors a magical experience. However, it does take some extra planning. Make sure you do your research to avoid disappointment, travel hassles and frustration. With that bit of extra planning, you will love Costa Rica in the rainy season and all its lush forests, lightning storms and warm rain.
Here is what Costa Rica in September is like.
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Prices quoted in USD below unless otherwise stated.
Costa Rica Quick Facts
- Sunrise and sunset is roughly the same all year round, with a difference of around 15 minutes. Sunrise is generally 6 AM with first light around 530 AM and sunset is 530 PM, dark by 6 PM.
- Costa Rica uses 110 V and drives on the right hand side of the road.
- Local currency is called the colón. Exchange rate ~520 CRC to 1 USD.
- Spanish is the main language.
- Costa Rica is 8-12 degrees from the equator.
Costa Rica in September Weather
The most important thing to know about Costa RIca weather is that there are over 25 micro-climates. When it’s pouring rain on one coast, it’s dry and sunny on the other which is the case of the Pacific vs Caribbean. As the Caribbean coast follows its own weather pattern, September and October is the Caribbean coast’s summer months with the least rain fall. However, it’s the rainiest months for the rest of the country including the Pacific coast, Northern Lowlands, Central Valley and cloud forests.
September can still bring good weather, regardless of where you will go but you will run into some form of rain. It may be intermittent 10 minute rains throughout the day, it could be a full blown all night storm, it could drizzle a bit in the morning but be sunny the rest of the day.
The beginning of September sees mostly the intermittent rains with cloudy but dry mornings for most of the country but towards the end of September, rains can become more constant and more frequent in the late afternoons, evenings and nights. The Caribbean starts getting drier and sunnier days deeper into September and October.
Despite it being one of the rainiest months in Costa Rica for most of the country, temperatures do not really drop that much and is very similar to the rest of the year.
We do not recommend relying on weather apps if you’re visiting in September in Costa Rica. The apps will say rain and lightning all day, every day.
The exception is if Costa Rica is hit with a tropical storm. Rains may continue for 24 hours or more with high winds. The country will get put under orange, yellow or green alert depending on where the hardest hit areas are and those are the times when you need to travel with caution. Usually these waves/storms last 1-2 days. Depending on the type of year (El Niño or La Niña), it can be a drier rainy season or a wetter rainy season.
Below are short descriptions of the weather in August for popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula
Both the Guanacaste coast and Nicoya Peninsula experience rain in September, mostly in the late afternoons and nights. You will still get beautiful sunny and dry mornings at the beach so set your alarm clock (although the birds and howler monkeys may do it for you) to maximize your day. It may not rain every single day, even if by around 5 PM the dark clouds roll in and it thunders constantly.
On many days, the rain falls sporadically. You’ll get a huge downpour for 30 minutes at 4 PM, then it will clear up and the sunset is spectacular.
It is still hot hot hot in September. Average day time temperatures are approximately mid 80s° F (29°- 30° C) and night temperatures hover around mid 70s° F (24° C). Humidity levels are around 70-75% so be prepared to sweat! Although these areas are dry tropical forest, all the mountains will be lush and green. Towards the end of September, rains may become more consistent and longer in the evenings and nights.
Central Valley
The Central Valley cities: San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago can experience some intense rains and it is fairly consistent in afternoon rains. It can start getting dark and thundering around noon. Many days, it is a strong downpour in the afternoons, it may clear up for a couple hours, then it’ll rain again over night.
Towards the end of the month, rains become a bit longer and a bit more consistent.
Mornings still feel hot and humid and it can feel more humid with the intermittent rains. Average day time temperatures in the cities can be around mid 70s° – 80s° F (25-29° C). Average night time temperatures can drop to around 60-65° F (15-18° C).
La Fortuna
Near Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna, rains can come down at any time of the day being the tropical rainforest. It can thunder and storm in the morning, afternoon or night. But like true tropical fashion, rain is still intermittent in this area although the time in between rains may not be as long as the Guanacaste coast.
Plan for your activities in the morning, mid mornings and noon and always prepare for rain in the afternoon. Best prepare for rain and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn’t.
It’s still hot and humid in La Fortuna. Average day time temperatures hover in the mid 80s° F (29° C) with average night time temperatures in mid 70s° F (24° C).
Jaco and Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific)
The tropical rainforests of the Central Pacific and beach towns like Jaco and Manuel Antonio tend to see more rain than the North Pacific. Afternoon and evening rains become more consistent. By mid to end September, it may start raining a bit earlier around noon. But mornings are generally partly cloudy and dry and the rain is still intermittent. Plan for rain and be happy if it doesn’t. Many afternoon activities such as night walks and sunset catamaran tours don’t even run in September due to the weather.
Average temperatures in this area are still high, around low 90s° F (32° C) and night time temperatures are around mid 70s° F (24° C). If it’s pouring rain, it can cool off a few degrees but it’ll still be hot rain.
Costa Ballena and Osa Peninsula
The South Pacific tropical rainforest and beach towns like Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal and the Osa Peninsula can get washed out in September, if there is a tropical storm or wave. The deep South Pacific, being a true tropical rainforest welcomes constant rains in September. The beginning of September can be on and off in the latter part of the day, towards the end of the month, it’ll be on and off rains throughout the day and expect nightly rains.
Mornings can still be dry and clear, though humid as heck. More rain doesn’t mean cooler temperatures in these areas. Average day time temperatures are high 80s° F (31° C) and average night time temperatures are around mid 70s° F (24° C).
Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Limon and Puerto Viejo)
While the rest of the country is raining, September brings the lowest rainfall on the Caribbean coast making it the BEST time to visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limon and Tortuguero. Enjoy sunny and clear days at the gorgeous Caribbean beaches.
Although it’s drier, temperatures don’t change too much in this area. Average day time temperatures in the high 80s° F (30-31° C) and average night time temperatures are around the low 70s° F (23° C).
Monteverde
Be prepared for wind, rain, storms, drizzles, downpours, fog and light rain in Monteverde in September. As the cloud forest, it tends to be cooler and rainier up there at 1300 meters in elevation (4000+ feet). Bring warm clothes and just expect to get wet at some point of the day in Monteverde.
We don’t recommend booking a night walk in Monteverde in September as there are higher chances of evening and night storms.
Monteverde’s average day time temperatures are low to mid 70s° F (21° C). Average night time temperatures are around low 60s° F (15° C).
Prices in Costa Rica in September
September in Costa Rica is a fantastic time to travel on a budget if you have limited pennies. A room that costs $100 USD in high season, can be $60 or less in September and October. Restaurants give 20% discounts if you pay in cash. Tours will be happy to give better group discounts. Some surf camps even throw in awesome promos like book a one week surf camp and bring a friend for free.
However, September can be a bit tricky if you are a solo traveler. Tours and shared shuttles require a minimum of 2-4 people to operate. If the minimum is not met, whether by number of people or cost, they will not operate. Solo travelers may have a harder time finding available tours and shared shuttles due to less tourists.
Flights are also much cheaper in September. In high season, a roundtrip flight from Seattle – Costa Rica can be around $800 or more in peak times like Christmas and spring break. In September, flights drop 40% or more. I’ve found roundtrip flights from LAX – Costa Rica for $350 USD with Alaska Air. The only thing is that there aren’t as many flights. You may not find the best flight itinerary.
We love travel credit cards so we highly recommend getting a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire to collect points to use for reward travel. I also have the Alaska Air credit card. My family is based in Washington state so I earn lots of miles.
Save more money by booking a car with our Costa Rica car rental discount and freebies and checking out our Costa Rica deals page for discounts on tours and hotels.
Crowds in Costa Rica in September
If you want to escape the crazy crowds of Christmas, New Years, Easter and high season months of December to April, September is amazing. You can perfectly have the beach all to yourself if you visit on a week day morning and even more so if you hop in your 4×4 and find an off the beaten path beach.
One exception will be the Caribbean side, as many European tourists like to go there in August and September. Tortuguero tends to get more crowded in those month since it’s the peak Green turtle nesting season.
There will be two days where it’ll be very busy: Independence Day on September 15th. There will be parties, fireworks, parades, dances and celebrations on September 14th and 15th. Roads will close on September 14th in the evening for parades and on September 15th, all government facilities will be closed. Things will stay open in touristic areas but some businesses like supermarkets may close a couple hours earlier.
Trip Planning for Costa Rica in September
As mentioned, September 15th is Independence Day. If you happen to land on September 14th, many roads close in the evening for the traditional lantern parade. If you land on September 15th, all government facilities including banks will be closed. Other than that, September is generally nice and quiet for most of the country. There won’t be long lines at immigration and customs at the airports, no sold out tickets or attractions or crowded lineups while surfing.
We do not recommend to drive long distances at night as that is when it’s most likely to storm or downpour. Driving in the very intense, thundering rain can be nail biting if you’re driving in the dark, going up or down the mountain with no street lights, lots of pot holes and a washed out road. Do NOT cross any rivers in your vehicle. Always stay on the main road. Best to rent a 4×4 for any destinations that are more rural or remote. Get our Costa Rica car rental discount here!
You don’t need to pre-book things months in advance. You can wait until you’re in Costa Rica to see how the weather is to book your tours. The exception would be Tortuguero as it is the high season. With limited hotels, Tortuguero can sell out a few months in advance. If you know you want to visit Tortuguero in September, we highly recommend to book this early, at least a few months out. Get our Tortuguero tour packages discount here! It includes roundtrip transportation from San Jose, lodging, certain activities, meals and a bilingual guide.
Some businesses will close in September due to the slow tourism season. That may be some souvenir stores, restaurants or small B&Bs. This is more prevalent in October however. Some businesses also do construction and remodel their facilities.
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in September
Wildlife watching is the best in September for certain animals!
Turtle Nesting Tours
Turtle nesting season is at its peak in rainy season, particularly in September. The Green Turtles of Tortuguero will be at its peak nesting time and you will also be able to see baby turtles hatching. The Olive Ridley Sea Turtles will be going to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge to lay their eggs in masses (called arribada).
If seeing turtles in your life time bucket list, consider visiting Tortuguero or Ostional to tick that off your list.
Humpback Whale Watching
The beginning and middle of September are the top of the peak humpback whale watching season. In the South Pacific, daily sightings are nearly guaranteed. Uvita, the town with the best humpback whale watching, throws a weekend festival just for the whales! They have parades, parties and cheap whale watching tours for those who want to celebrate these majestic marine mammals.
Other places you can see the humpback whales are Gulf of Papagayo, Golfo Dulce, Flamingo, Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio, Samara and Salinas Bay.
Hot Springs
If you’ve read our other posts for the rainy season months, we looooove going to the hot springs in the rain. It’s a magical experience to soak in natural spring pools, surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, listening to the sounds of the raindrops and getting splashed by the cool water. So refreshing in the humid jungle!
Check out our recommendations for the best hot springs in La Fortuna. In Guanacaste, there are hot springs resorts like Guachipelin, Rio Perdido, Vandara, Buena Vista, Las Hornillas and Blue River Resort.
Caribbean Beaches
In the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca area, this area has some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Visit Playa Punta Uva, Playa Blanca inside Cahuita National Park and Playa Chiquita.
White Water Rafting (Pacuare River)
The Pacuare River has some of the best white water rafting in the world. This tour cannot be missed if you love adventure. Paddle through Class 3 and 4 rapids down an absolute pristine, lush river on this action packed excursion. As the river is located on the Caribbean side, you’ll get to enjoy that nice Caribbean sunshine. Get our Pacuare River white water rafting discount here! Our partners also provide tour interconnections so it’s a great way to get around San Jose/La Fortuna/Puerto Viejo if you’re not renting a car.
Fishing
September is a great month to fish in Costa Rica. There are high chances of Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, Tuna, Red Snapper and Roosterfish depending on your location. Best places for fishing is Puerto Jimenez, Quepos, Golfito, Paquera, Samara, Drake Bay, Caribbean, Playa Flamingo, Herradura, Tamarindo and the Papagayo Gulf.
Independence Day September 15 (Dia de la Independencia)
If you will be in Costa Rica on September 14 or 15, you can partake in the many Independence Day activities. On the night of September 14th, there will be a traditional lantern parade to symbolize the announcement of independence from Spain back in 1821. This is mostly for kids as the children will proudly show off their hand made lanterns depicting the symbols of Costa Rica.
On September 15th, there will be lots of parades, parties, music, dances and food to celebrate Costa Rica’s independence from Spain. Lots of Costa Ricans go to the beach to celebrate. Those days will be busy, especially if the 15th falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
Children’s Day – Dia de Los Niños y las Niñas September 9
Sept 9 marks children’s day and there will be activities and events for the kids throughout the country.
Tours We Don’t Recommend in September
There are some excursions we recommend to book with caution. Due to the rainy season, there are chances of any tour getting cancelled or rescheduled if there is a tropical storm, particularly volcano hikes and ziplining. If you book any tours, plan them for the mornings.
These excursions are night walks, sunset sailing, sunset snorkeling tours, blue waterfall hikes like La Leona and any type of boat tour if you get seasick easily. Keep in mind that if it’s been raining a lot for consecutive days and nights, snorkeling quality will be poor due to murky waters and lots of run off, even in the mornings.
You can still visit Rio Celeste inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, but if it has been raining for a few days in a row, the water won’t be that blue and they may close parts of the national park due to damage on the trail. We visited Rio Celeste once in September and still got good weather in mid morning even though it rained the night before. The water wasn’t super blue, it was kind of blue-ish green but it was dry during our hike. It started raining again in the late afternoon.
Some waterfalls may be overflowing with water with a strong current. Be extremely careful if visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Catarata Llanos de Cortes, Catarata Oropendola or any waterfall that you can swim in.
What to Pack for Your September Trip to Costa Rica
Essentials: Valid original passport, valid original drivers license if you plan to rent a car, credit card with no foreign transaction fee, travel insurance and medicines.
Your rainy season packing list will be: a waterproof rain jacket or shell, waterproof backpack or rain cover, hat or visor, light weight poncho, dry bags, micro fiber towel, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, after bite cream. Don’t leave your hotel room without your rain jacket or travel umbrella in your bag! As for clothes, for the rainforest and coast, light weight clothes that dry fast will be a life saver due to the high humidity. If you’re visiting high elevation mountain areas, bring a warm sweater, jacket and long pants.
If you are doing activities like hiking, we highly recommend a pair of waterproof trail running shoes. Trails get very muddy in the rain. If you are only doing water activities like snorkeling, tubing, white water rafting, waterfall rappelling, we highly recommend closed toed adventure sandals like KEEN.
Get our full Costa Rica packing list and packing list for rainy season.
Itineraries
2 week coast to coast itinerary
13 days in Costa Rica itinerary (no car) coast to coast
10 day coast to coast Costa Rica itinerary
Costa Rica By Months
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August
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Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
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- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
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- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
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