Costa Rica Travel Insights
Costa Rica in August: Travel Ideas, Weather & More
August falls in the middle of "green" season, a rainier time of year when Costa Rica is painted green, and animals are more active. Take advantage of the warm weather between the downpours to enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer, particularly wildlife spotting and surfing, and stick to the north Pacific and Caribbean coasts if you're looking for sunny breaks. One of the year's biggest religious holidays occurs during this month, too. Read on for more on the nature and festivities of Costa Rica in August.
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica's dry season (December to April) is considered the best time of year to visit, with most travelers arriving for reliable sunshine and prime beach days. Yet insiders know the rainy "green" season (May to November) can be just as rewarding: think quieter trails, better availability at standout lodges, and landscapes at their most vivid (and wildlife at their most active). Besides, rain typically arrives in short afternoon bursts, leaving mornings wide open for outdoor adventure.
How Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica
You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active volcano, and take a surfing lesson. Of course, a week or more is recommended so that you can take advantage of the wide range of activities and biodiversity, giving you more opportunities to explore the culture and vast natural surroundings like a local. This is a breakdown of optimal itineraries to explore Costa Rica, from four days to two weeks.
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Olman Romero
I was born in Turrialba, a region rich in history and natural beauty, home to the Guayabo National Monument, the most important pre-Hispanic archaeological site in the country, as well as the...
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Elena Mora
"I was born in Costa Rica and grew up on my family's sugar and coffee plantation farm in the mountains of Turrialba. From an early age, I learned from my family to deeply cherish and respect our...
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Bryan Leon
Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...
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Yuliana Valverde
For over a decade, my passion for creating unforgettable trips in Costa Rica shines a deep understanding of the country's diverse attractions and activities, as well as a genuine commitment to...
read more...Trip Reviews for Costa Rica
Our trip to Costa Rica was wonderful.
Costa Rica
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May 9 - May 16, 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It sounds like you had such a wonderful adventure exploring Costa Rica and enjoying so many different activities along the way.
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed the mix of culture, nature, wildlife, and beach experiences throughout your trip. From hiking to waterfalls and exploring the rainforest at night to learning about coffee and chocolate production, it sounds like you truly experienced many of the things that make... Read more
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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May 9 - May 16, 2026
Yuliana from KimKim planned out a great itinerary for us, it was our first time to Costa Rica and she made it very easy with hotels, transport and tours Read more
Hello Karen
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so happy to hear you had a great time in La Fortuna and enjoyed your first trip to Costa Rica.
It was a pleasure helping you plan your adventure, and I am glad the hotels, transportation, and tours made your experience smooth and stress free. Thank you for trusting me and KimKim with your vacation.
We hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica again in the future for even more unforgettable experiences!
Pura Vida,
Yuliana
La Fortuna - Arenal - Tamarindo
Costa Rica
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May 16 - May 23, 2026
Love hearing that it was a 10 out of 10 experience! 🎉 Thanks so much for sharing.
La Fortuna has it all, hot springs, volcano hikes, hanging bridges, and it's so great that you get to see monkeys every day there! 🐒 And that Tamarindo ending sounds incredible. Catching sailfish and then having Walter's turn the rest into ceviche and fish tacos? That's the dream last day right there.
So glad everything ran smoothly and hope to see you on another kimkim adventure! :)