Costa Rica in August: What to Expect, Weather & Why It’s a Great Time to Visit

Esteban Acedo
Jul 19
7 min read

Thinking of visiting Costa Rica in August? You’re not alone. While many travelers hesitate to book during the rainy season, the truth is, August can be a fantastic time to explore the country, especially if you’re a nature lover, a budget-savvy traveler, or simply want to avoid the crowds.

Whether you're traveling solo, with your partner, family, or friends, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Costa Rica adventure in August.

What’s the Weather Like in Costa Rica in August?

August falls within Costa Rica’s green season, also known as the rainy or low season. However, don't let that deter you.

In most of the country (on the Pacific side), expect sunny mornings and afternoon showers. The rain rarely lasts all day, and mornings are ofte perfect for tours and spending time on the beach.
In the Caribbean (like Puerto Viejo or Tortuguero), the weather is often drier and sunnier in August, making it a great time to explore that side of the country.
Temperatures remain warm: typically ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) depending on the region.

Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and waterproof shoes—you'll be ready for anything.

Why Visit Costa Rica in August?

1. Fewer Tourists, More Pura Vida

August is less crowded than peak months, such as December to April. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed vibe at popular attractions and more personalized experiences—whether you’re hiking Arenal Volcano, soaking in La Fortuna’s hot springs, or relaxing in a surf town like Santa Teresa.

2. Lower Prices on Hotels & Tours

Traveling with family or a group of friends? August is a budget-friendly month. Many hotels, car rentals, and tour companies offer off-season discounts, particularly in areas such as Manuel Antonio, Uvita, and Monteverde.

3. Nature at Its Best

The rain breathes life into Costa Rica’s jungles and waterfalls. Expect lush green landscapes, powerful cascades, and amazing wildlife sightings. August is also part of sea turtle nesting season on both coasts—an unforgettable experience for couples, families, or solo adventurers alike.

Where to Go in Costa Rica in August?

Best Places to Visit:

Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero) – Drier weather, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife.
La Fortuna & Arenal – Great for hot springs, volcano hikes, and adventure tours, with lighter crowds.
Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay, Corcovado National Park) – Excellent for wildlife lovers, be ready for some rain and muddy trails.
Monteverde – Cloud forest magic at its greenest; perfect for ziplining and hanging bridges.
Santa Teresa & Nosara – Surfers’ paradise with chill vibes, ideal for solo travelers and couples.

What to do in Costa Rica in August?

Morning nature tours (sloths, monkeys, and birds are most active early)
Waterfall hikes (quite impressive after rains!)
Hot springs in La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Chocolate or coffee farm tours – ideal for rainy afternoons
Yoga retreats – a favorite for solo travelers and couples alike
Surf lessons – the Pacific coast still has solid waves
Turtle nesting tours in Tortuguero, Ostional, or Playa Grande

Is August Good for Traveling Around?

Yes, but you’ll want to plan smart.

Shared and private shuttles still run regularly across Costa Rica in August, and with fewer travelers, you might even get more flexibility.
Car rental is a great option for families or small groups, as it provides the freedom to explore. Just make sure to choose a 4x4 if heading to remote areas or the Nicoya Peninsula.
Public buses are reliable and very affordable, but expect longer travel times and less flexibility.

Need help figuring out how to get from point A to B? We can help you book the right transport option—from budget to private.

Wildlife viewing in August

In August, Costa Rica's lush greenery and rainy season make it an excellent time for wildlife viewing, especially on the Pacific side and in rainforest areas. Here’s a list of animals you can commonly spot in Costa Rica during this time, specifically for spotting sea turtles and marine life.

Sea Turtles

August is prime turtle nesting season on both coasts:

Green sea turtles – Nesting in Tortuguero (Caribbean coast).
Olive Ridley turtles – You can witness arribadas (mass nesting events) in Ostional and Santa Rosa National Park on the Pacific coast.

Marine Life

Humpback whales – August is peak whale-watching season on the southern Pacific coast (Uvita, Marino Ballena National Park). They come here to give birth and nurse their young.
Dolphins – Common in both Pacific and Caribbean waters year-round. Whale watching tours in Costa Rica often provide opportunities to see dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of other marine life.
Colorful fish & rays – Snorkeling in Cahuita or the Gulf of Papagayo reveals parrotfish, angelfish, and eagle rays.

Pros & Cons of Visiting Costa Rica in August

Pros:

Lush green scenery & full waterfalls
Fewer crowds
Lower prices on hotels and tours
Great wildlife sightings
Excellent Caribbean weather

Cons:

Rain (mostly in the afternoons)
Some remote roads can get muddy or difficult
Occasional cancellations of tours due to weather

Is Costa Rica in August Right for You?

Solo Travelers: August offers a perfect blend of peace, reflection, and adventure. You’ll meet fellow travelers in eco-lodges and hostels, or connect on a wildlife tour.

Couples: Romantic jungle vibes, empty beaches, and cozy hot springs? Yes, please.

Families: With more space and better deals, August makes family travel more accessible in terms of price, and plenty of activities are available, as well as for other periods of the year.

Groups of Friends: Whether you're chasing waterfalls, surfing together, or going on rainforest adventures, Costa Rica in August is full of shared memories.

Holidays and Festivals in August

August is also the right month to enjoy both religious and cultural festivals, perfect opportunities to know more about Costa Rica's history and traditions, and to experience a real immersion into the country's culture.

Romeria a la Virgen de Los Angeles – August 2

The “Pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Angels” is Costa Rica’s most important religious celebration. Over one million romeros (“pilgrims”) travel on foot — sometimes for days — to the Basilica de los Angeles church in Cartago. There, they pay homage to the Virgin de los Angeles, also known as La Negrita (“The Little Black Girl”), a small black statue depicting the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. The statue was miraculously discovered in the forest by a young indigenous girl in 1635.

Mother’s Day in Costa Rica – August 15

El Día de la Madre (“Mother’s Day”) is one of Costa Rica’s most important holidays. All workers get the day off, and mothers are treated to presents, serenades, and special meals.

Entrada de los Santos – August 30

This parade in San Ramon features over two dozen statues of saints brought from various towns. The celebration includes live music and traditional Costa Rican food.

Afro-Caribbean Culture Day – August 31

This parade in Limon celebrates Costa Rica’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. There are concerts, cultural activities, delicious Caribbean food, and more. According to the latest national census, 8% of Costa Ricans are of African descent, and half of them live in the province of Limón, on the Caribbean coast.

In the 1980s, Costa Rica decreed August 31 as the Día del Negro (Black Peoples Day), which was later expanded to the celebration of the Día del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense (Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day). On April 26, 2018, Law No. 9526 was published in the National Gazette, declaring August the Month of the History of African-Descended Peoples in Costa Rica.

Final Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica in August

Book tours and activities for the morning when the weather is drier.
Keep plans flexible in case of heavy rain.
Pack for both sun and rain – bring sunscreen and bug spray too!
Stay updated on the weather and always ask locals or your hotel before setting off on a hike.

Ready to Plan Your Costa Rica Trip in August?

At Pura Vida Traveling, we help travelers like you find the best places to go, stay, and explore in Costa Rica—rain or shine! Whether you’re looking for the perfect itinerary, transportation options, or a custom tour, we’re here to help.

Let’s plan your August adventure—reach out today or browse our top-rated tours and hotel deals!

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth going to Costa Rica in August?

August is a great month for a trip to Costa Rica. In July and August, the rainy season takes a short break, and rainfall is usually significantly lower than during the peak rainy months.

Where to go in Costa Rica in August?

While the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica stretches along an extensive coast, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, and the Osa Peninsula are the most commonly visited areas.

Are mosquitoes bad in Costa Rica in August?

Mosquitoes are present all year long in Costa Rica. However, since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, the rainy season (May to the end of November) is the worst time of year for mosquitoes.

Is Costa Rica expensive in August?

It's not as cheap as September or October, but it's not as expensive as January, February, or March for sure. Hotels normally offer their low-season rates in August with some last-minute promos.

Can you see whales in Costa Rica in August?

North Atlantic St Lawrence humpback whales frequent the Caribbean coast. The very best time to visit if you want to spot whales is between August and October.

What is the festival in Costa Rica in August?

Virgen de Los Angeles—National holiday celebrating the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Negrita. Special masses and a religious procession from San José to La Basilica de Cartago. Pilgrims come from all over the country, many on foot, to celebrate the mass at Cartago. According to tradition, La Negrita, the Black Virgin, is a small (less than a meter tall), probably mulatto, representation of the Virgin Mary found on this spot on August 2, 1635 by a native woman.

What is the 15th of August in Costa Rica?

It's Mother's Day (Día de la Madre). It is a very important holiday marked by street fairs, music, dancing, and traditional foods. This is a national holiday, so banks, schools, and many businesses are closed.

What is the holiday on August 30 in Costa Rica?

Ramon Day / Día de San Ramón (August 30th). Each county in Costa Rica finds the opportunity to celebrate its heritage. On August 30, the lovely town of San Ramon — located between San Jose and Arenal — holds a huge parade where statues of 30 saints are processed through the streets.

Is August 31 a holiday in Costa Rica?

In the 1980s, Costa Rica decreed August 31 as the Día del Negro (Black Peoples Day), which was later expanded by degree to the celebration of the Día del Negro y la Cultura Afrocostarricense (Black Peoples and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day).

When to see dolphins in Costa Rica?

Opinions vary on the best time to see dolphins in Costa Rica, but most sources agree that the peak season is between August and December. During these months, dolphins tend to be more abundant, attracting a considerable number of tourists to Costa Rica's shores for dolphin encounters.