Costa Rica in July

There’s similar weather this month as in June, with rainfall across the country, but also some great wildlife-spotting opportunities. It’s one of the peak months to see turtles at Tortuguero, with some of the highest numbers of green sea turtles nesting here as well as one of the last chances to see leatherback turtles in the same area.

The first Olive Ridley turtles also start making their way to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific Coast to nest, while southern humpback whales are heading to the same coast around Uvita – base yourself around Costa Ballena to make the most of any sunny hours on the beach. While the Caribbean coast is normally rainier than the west coast year-round, July sees the start of some drier time in the east; surfers can make enjoy the bigger swells around Puerto Viejo too.

It’s a good time too for bird-watchers, with young birds hatching and fledging, including at Monteverde cloudforest or San Gerardo de Dota where you could still be lucky enough to spot a quetzal. But if you want to escape the rain, the far north-west is one of the driest areas in the country overall this month, so it’s a good time to discover the volcanic landscape and waterfalls of Rincon de la Vieja, including its volcanic thermal pools. If you’re heading off the beaten track elsewhere, the months of rain start making it harder to explore, with muddy slippery roads and trails.

Festivals: Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar takes place on the Saturday closest to July 16 at Puntarenas, with brightly coloured fishing boats heading out onto the waves to pray for another safe year at sea. Expect plenty of dancing and a parade, not to mention traditional food to enjoy.

Dia de Guanacaste on July 25 celebrates the day the province became part of Costa Rica, with fiestas, rodeos, cattle shows and folk dancing in the region and around the Nicoya peninsula.

Best for: Turtles nesting, whale-watching, bird-watching, surfing, adventure sports

 

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

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