
There are no crowds in September, so the beaches are picturesque, few people are in the parks, making the wildlife observation much more relaxed and better, especially in places such as Manuel Antonio National Park. Many hotels are priced at break-even rates, making it much more affordable than the dry season. The prices at this time are the best of the year. If you don't mind some rain, there are some great reasons to visit this area in September. The Central Pacific coast, including Manuel Antonio and Jaco, will be rainy in September, with it getting wetter as the month progresses into October when it is at its rainiest time. Temperatures will usually be in the low to mid-80s during the day and a little cooler in the evening.Īs you move south along the Pacific coast, it will become consistently rainier. There are also a lot of migratory birds in this region at this time of the year, adding to the natural beauty. Sea turtles come to shore to nest on beaches such as Ostional, Camaronal, and Grande.

One thing we love about Guanacaste in September is that it's lush and green, whereas it can be scorched and brown most of the year. Of course, patterns can come in, and it can rain through an entire day every once in a while. An average day will go similar to Florida in the springtime, sun in the morning, with clouds building throughout the day, eventually leading to an hour or so of rain in the late afternoon and overnight.

Tamarindo and points north, such as Flamingo, Conchal, Hermosa, and the Papagayo Peninsula, are in the driest area within this region. While it most certainly rains in this region in September, the rains are not as hard or consistent as they are further south along the Pacific coast. The Northwest Pacific region and Guanacaste are in Costa Rica's tropical dry forest. September truly is an exceptional time to visit Costa Rica's beautiful Costa Caribe! You can expect at least some rain, often just enough to keep it lush, green and beautiful! Daytime temperatures will usually hit the low 90's, and most rains at this time of the year occur in the evening. The gorgeous beaches are ideal for taking in the sunshine, but just like Arenal, this is a rainforest area. Small seaside villages like Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and even Tortuguero (Tortuguero is a wildlife destination, not a beach destination) on the Caribbean coast, are experiencing their lowest rainfall accumulations of the year.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is in the heart of its dry season in September. Evenings are a little cooler and just right to take advantage of some of the world's best volcanic hot springs! Be sure to have your camera ready, as it may not last long! Daytime temperatures typically reach the upper 70's to low-80's at this time of the year. Arenal sits shrouded with cloud cover most of the year, but the clouds usually dissipate at least once a day in September and October. An additional perk that few people realize is that September and October are the best volcano viewing months. That said, this September is one of the months that this area has it's lowest rainfall totals. Make no mistake, Arenal Volcano and its sidekick town, La Fortuna, are in the rainforest, so it can rain anytime. It's prime time for sea turtle nesting, whale watching, and an excellent time for birdwatching as many species make their way south for the northern hemisphere's winter.įew visitors to Costa Rica realize that while Arenal Volcano near the middle of the country, it is located on the eastern, Caribbean slope of the Talamanca Mountains. Additionally, September is a great month for wildlife observation. It depends on where you're planning to go. September is one of the best months to visit the Caribbean coast and slope of Costa Rica, which includes Arenal Volcano! The Pacific side of Costa Rica will be in the heart of the rain season in September, but that doesn't mean that it's a total wash.

There is undoubtedly a significant misconception about what Costa Rica is like in September! Many people think that it's a total rainout season, and while that is partially true in some locations, insiders know better.
