Costa Rica in September: Weather, Tips & Better Rates
A Costa Rica holiday would be a trip to the Central American paradise home to amazing animals, picturesque volcanoes, and pristine beaches. The country does get a lot of rain—the secret to its lush rainforests—so it is important to know when to travel.
It rains in many parts of Costa Rica in September. But if you plan your trip to the Caribbean coastline, the weather there is far more agreeable during this time of year. You can either explore Tortuguero National Park, spot forest and marine wildlife, laze on the beaches or participate in other outdoor activities. The options are endless.
- Sanjay Sola
- From USA
Costa Rica Weather in September
Though September falls within the green (or wet) season of Costa Rica, it is actually one of the driest months on the country’s east coast. It still rains in this part of the country, but they are relatively quickly moving showers. Daily average temperatures hover between 20 and 24°C in the country’s central valleys and 27 to 31°C in southern coastal areas, including Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo.
For other months, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Weather in Costa Rica in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 76 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 76 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 58 | 58 | 58 | 61 | 63 | 63 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 59 | 58 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 32 | 26 | 28 | 100 | 369 | 378 | 301 | 339 | 344 | 438 | 165 | 65 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 23 | 23 | 22 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 74 | 74 | 72 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 61 | 61 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 339 | 344 | 438 |
Why Visit Costa Rica in September
There are several advantages of traveling to Costa Rica in September. If you are careful about exactly where to travel, you can discover the best of the country at low-season prices. Here is why we think you should travel to Costa Rica in September:
- Lower visitor numbers: Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is still very much open for business in September. Take advantage of this fact and enjoy the best beaches with fewer crowds.
- Better rates: Taking a trip to Costa Rica in September also means good deals on travel and accommodation.
- Turtle-nesting season: September is part of the nesting season for sea turtles. Head for the beaches to see these bone-shelled reptiles laying their eggs.
- Independence Day celebrations: Costa Rica celebrates its independence from Spain on September 15. Rain or shine, you can be sure of parties across towns and cities in the country during this day.
Where to go and what to do
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica may be largely off-limits in September because of the rainy season, but there is still plenty to keep any visitor to the country busy for several days. Its Caribbean coast is more than capable of meeting the expectations, with beaches, forests, and warm, clear waters awaiting.
For those looking to experience a rainforest and its spectacular biodiversity, look no further than Tortuguero National Park. But if you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and keen to flop down onto a beach, there is always the Caribbean coast, which offers an almost endless array of beaches with white and black volcanic sands. Limon is a favorite among the visitors. For more ideas, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Costa Rica.
September is not the peak tourist season in Costa Rica, but you can still enjoy an incredible vacation with proper planning. Stick to the country’s Caribbean coastline and you can enjoy the benefits of the high season—and at low prices. So why not contact our local travel experts to plan your customized trip to Costa Rica?
You can also check out our September tours in Costa Rica.
Other articles:
Costa Rica in August
Costa Rica in October
