In June, Costa Rica is easing into its rainy season. Crowds are down and the foliage is in full bloom. Travelers who venture here during this month might have to endure some precipitation, but they'll also have the nation's most desirable destinations almost all to themselves. This monthly guide reveals more.

Weather

June is the second month of Costa Rica's rainy season (May to November). This time period is also known more optimistically as the "green" season due to the fact that everything is blooming. Even the normally dry tropical scrub on the Guanacaste coast is lush and green. As for temperatures, you can expect it to be a few degrees cooler than the rest of the year in the hotter areas (high 70s Fahrenheit on the northern Pacific coast as opposed to the low 80s). 

As for rain, you may get lucky and only experience mild afternoon showers that clear up seemingly as quickly as they appear. Then again, it's not uncommon for rains to keep people indoors for up to a week. To avoid this, steer clear of high-precipitation areas like rainforests and cloud forests, particularly in places like Monteverde and the northern Caribbean coast. Consider instead visiting the dry forest regions like Rincon de la Vieja, or north pacific area, such as Gulf of Papagayo.

For more on Costa Rica's rainy season, see this article. 

Crowds & Costs

By June the crowds have departed and the hotels and resorts are struggling to fill those rooms. Take advantage of low-season rates by shopping around in normally tourist-heavy locales like Nosara, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal. You're certain to find rooms at enticing discounts, sometimes even 50% cheaper than during the high season. 

Where to Go

As mentioned above, you'll likely want to avoid the highland areas of the country as well as the southern Pacific, as these areas receive much precipitation. That said, you'll definitely want to visit the north Pacific region of Gulf of Papagayo. The north Pacific regions, including Playa Hermosa will have the driest weather.  You can enjoy lazing on the sand and/or enjoy a sunset cruise.

 

You could even make it a multi-leg trip that will take you from the Nicoya Peninsula down to Puntarenas Province on the central coast. This region is commonly known as the Gold Coast, and it has certainly earned its nickname.

For example, on the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is known as a spiritual wellness haven that also has some incredible surf. Just down the coast, Tamarindo is a surf mecca of a village, and further south Playa Guiones is famous for its epic waves. But even if you don't surf, there are plenty of little beach communities and quiet coves, like Playa Hermosa, that are ideal for lazing on the sand and/or enjoying a sunset cruise.  

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What to Do

Everything is blooming in Costa Rica in June. Besides that gorgeous tropical fauna, the water levels of the rivers are rising too. That makes the green season the perfect time to brave some rapids on a whitewater rafting adventure. The Río Pacuare, for example, is regarded as one of the best rafting rivers in the world, and you can enjoy it's class II/III and IV rapids on an organized outing. Many rafting trips take place over multiple days and include an overnight stay in a jungle lodge plus nature treks. 

If you have an interest in marine life, head 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. And as luck would have it, July marks the start of turtle nesting season. Come during this month and you can see mother turtles lay their eggs at night. While you can't approach the turtles during this process, you can snap as many photos as you like. 

Events in June

Saints Peter and Paul Day. This holy day honoring the two saints occurs on the 29th of June and it's celebrated throughout the country. Expect many masses held throughout Costa Rica on this day.

Traveling to Costa Rica in June? Check out these great itineraries.

Nicoya Peninsula Family Adventure. Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families and this itinerary ensures you'll experience the best the country has to offer. On your 7-day adventure, you'll explore the towering Arenal Volcano, visit the white-sand beaches and lush rainforests of the Nicoya Peninsula, and see the bustling capital of San José. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from waterfall hikes to dolphin watching.

San José and the Caribbean Coast. Get out and explore Costa Rica's capital city before making your way towards the sunny Caribbean Coast in this adventure tour. From river rafting on the Río Pacuare—ideal in June—to pristine beaches, this weeklong itinerary is created for families who want to experience Costa Rica's splendid scenery, wildlife, and distinctly laid-back culture.

More Helpful Information

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