Costa Rica in August

The rainfall doesn’t scare away the crowds this month with school holiday visitors braving the wet weather across the country to explore. It’s not the best time to go to Costa Rica if you’re planning to venture off the beaten track though, with hiking trails – and some roads – getting muddier and less passable.

But you can find some fantastic wildlife spotting, despite the weather. It’s another peak month to see green sea turtles and some hawksbill turtles nesting at Tortuguero, while more Olive Ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific Coast. August is a great month to spot humpback whales off the west coast around Uvita too; head to Costa Ballena to plan boat trips off the coast and make the most of any sunny days by the beach.

It’s also slightly drier than usual on the Caribbean coast this month, with most rain falling in the late afternoon, so you can soak up the rays at Puerto Viejo – the swell is better for experienced surfers though.

Festivals: August 15 is a national holiday with schools and businesses closing to mark both Assumption Day and Mother’s Day.

And on August 24, there’s another public holiday for National Parks Day, celebrating the country’s national parks and protected reserves.

Best for: Turtles nesting, whale-watching, beach time on the Caribbean coast

 

Or perhaps you’re thinking of travelling on another month..?

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