At a Glance
- Statistically, July is the driest month of the rainy season, which Costa Ricans refer to as the veranillo (little summer).
- July temperature averages range between 60°F and 88°F (16°C and 31°C).
- Compared to other rainy season months, you might notice a few more crowds at the beach or popular sites.
- Surfing, wildlife spotting, and river rafting continue to be the best activities for July.
Weather
| Region | Average Temperature | Average Rainfall | What to Expect |
|
North Pacific |
73°F-88°F (23°C-31°C) |
11.3 inches (286 mm) over 22 days |
The driest region and least humid (though still 86%) |
|
South Pacific |
72°F-84°F (22°C-29°C) | 9.6 inches (243 mm) over 29 days | Peak rains. Hot and steamy mornings with hard afternoon and evening rains most days. Significant cloud cover |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest | 66°F -79°F (19°C-26°C) | 11.9 inches (302 mm) over 23 days | Partly cloudy days (higher chance of sunny breaks in the early morning) with some rain. Heavy rains in the early evening |
|
North Caribbean |
75°F-86°F (24°C-30°C) | 25 inches (624 mm) over 22 days | Wettest month with rain all day on some days, averaging 5 hours of sun |
|
South Caribbean |
74°F-82°F (23°C-28°C) | 16 inches (408 mm) over 21 days | Hot and steamy |
|
Northern Zone |
72°F-84°F (22°C-29°C) |
18 inches (462 mm) over 22 days |
Peak rainfall. Cooler in higher elevations, with showers in the late afternoons |
|
Central Valley |
60°F-74°F (16°C-23°C) |
11.9 inches (301 mm) over 30 days |
Frequent afternoon showers; cool evenings with high humidity |
Although July falls within the parameters of the nation's rainy season (May to November), there's also a "sweet spot" during this time. Known locally as the veranillo (little summer), the rains abate, usually beginning early to mid-July and sometimes pushing into August. The veranillo lasts 2-4 weeks, and visitors are treated to that perfect sunny beach weather that defines the dry season (most pronounced in the northern Pacific region).
That said, outside of the veranillo, you can expect hot and sunny mornings with afternoon and/or evening downpours, bringing the humidity and temps down slightly. While during the veranillo, the bouts of rain are less frequent and lighter. The north Pacific coast and Central Valley and its surrounding highlands most follow this pattern, while farther south along the Pacific coast and along the Caribbean coast see more typical rainy season weather.
This month, you can expect averages of 7.2 inches (183 mm) of rainfall over about 24 days, taking place mostly in the afternoons and/or evenings. However, you'll likely still experience sunshine before the rain showers and up to 13 hours of daylight. The sun rises around 5:15 am and sets around 6 pm.
Read this article for more on Costa Rica's rainy season.
Crowds & Costs
July can be one of the best rainy-season months to visit Costa Rica. There may be green season prices and hotel rates to be found (speak to your travel specialist to make the most of the available discounted rates and activities) and sunnier veranillo weather to be enjoyed. Yet, book in advance as mid-July sees North American schools close for summer and Costa Rican schools take two weeks off for vacaciones del invierno (winter vacation). You might notice a few more crowds at the beach or popular attractions than in June, though you're still better off than at peak season months during the dry season.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go & What to Do
Costa Rica can be divided into several regions, first by its two coasts, the Pacific (north, central, and south) and the Caribbean, and by its Northern Zone (also northern plains), Monteverde, and Central Valley. Because the weather should be sunnier in July than in other green season months, you can enjoy the main traveler hotspots without having to endure the high-season crowds. The following destinations are kimkim favorites for July.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast is known for its beaches, surf, and wellness activities (the northern coastal region will be its driest). Venture to the Nicoya Peninsula and enjoy the many beaches like Playa Sámara and Playa Hermosa. From Playa Sámara, you can hike the tropical dry forest of the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve with a guide to experience Central America's rarest and most vulnerable biome, home to unique flora and animals like coatis and capuchins. Alternatively, climb into a kayak and paddle the waterways and mangrove tunnels of Boca Nosara on a wildlife and birding tour.
If you're a surfer, this would be the perfect opportunity to take a surf lesson at Playa Guiones (or look on from the comfort of your beach blanket). Meanwhile, more experienced surfers should venture to the central or southern coastline for big swells; the rainy season months offer some of the best waves.
Monteverde
Monteverde is home to the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which can be explored via canopy tours, ziplining, hiking trails, and walking along suspension bridges. In July, you have the best chance of seeing the vibrant resplendent quetzal, including young chicks learning to fly, on a bird-watching tour. Then, perhaps thrill to a canopy tour as you hike along hanging bridges and whiz above the treetops on a zipline.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast has its own rainy season during July (so road trips should be out of the question). However, if you are interested in marine life, get yourself to the northern Caribbean coast and Tortuguero National Park. The 22-mile (35 km) beach here is a prime nesting ground for various sea turtles, including leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles. Come during July, and you have a good chance of witnessing any of the four species of mother turtles lay their eggs at night.
Elsewhere
Spend a few days in San José for a little culture before whitewater rafting the exciting rising levels of the Río Pacuare. In the Northern Zone, discover Arenal National Park and visit the famed volcano and nearby hot springs. Then, on the central Pacific coast lies Manuel Antonio, ripe with wildlife spotting now that the animals are more active thanks to the green season rains.
Events in July
Vacaciones del Invierno, Nationwide. Typically, Costa Rican schools close for the "winter" break during the first two weeks of July.
Fiesta Virgen del Mar, Puntarenas (July 17). Every year, on the weekend closest to July 16, the coastal city of Puntarenas comes alive with live music, regattas, oxcart races, parades, dances, and locals decking out their boats in bright colors, all to give thanks to the city's patron saint. Playas del Coco also celebrates.
Día de Guanacaste, Guanacaste (July 25). The biggest fiesta of July, Guanacaste celebrates its independence from Nicaragua, which took place in 1924. Head to the provincial capital, Liberia, for the most impressive festivities, which include parades, fiestas, speeches, concerts, folk dancing, and cattle and horse shows.
Travel Tips
- Bring appropriate rainproof gear and fast-drying clothes. Mosquito repellent is also a must. Read The Ultimate
- Costa Rica Packing List for more on what to bring for the green season.
- Schedule outdoor activities in the morning before the afternoon or evening rains.
- If renting a vehicle (it's always best to go with 4WD), don't drive long distances in the afternoon or after dark, and stick to the drier north Pacific coast region.
Traveling to Costa Rica in July? Check out these great itineraries
Arenal & Manuel Antonio Family Tour - 9 Days. Take advantage of the lull in rainfall and low-season rates with this family-friendly tour of Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Arenal features one of the most famous volcanoes in the country, surrounded by tropical rainforest, while Manuel Antonio National Park is renowned for its white sandy beaches and vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife.
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days. Road trip into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy ziplining adventures, nature hikes, beach excursions, and more. This itinerary also takes you to Puntarenas, where the Fiesta Virgin del Mar takes place this month.
More Helpful Information
Costa Rica in June
Costa Rica in August
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
How Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica