Costa Rica Weather in August

August is generally the mid-point of the rainy season (May to November) in Costa Rica, which means plenty of heavy showers but also part of the green season – effectively winter – which sees the countryside and rainforest morph into a bright and luscious palette of emerald, jade and dazzling green.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in August?

Despite being the rainy season, Costa Rica's weather can vary significantly depending on the region. Although the best time to visit Costa Rica is between mid-December and April, the warm weather between the downpours means that travellers may find more deals in August. Here's what to expect in terms of the weather.

This is in the middle of the rainy season in Costa Rica, so you can expect some rain and higher humidity levels. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and you may still get some sunny days. If you're okay with the occasional rain shower, you can still enjoy all the outdoor activities that Costa Rica has to offer, especially wildlife-spotting and surfing.

Travelling in Costa Rica in August? Check out these great itineraries.

Is Costa Rica warm in August?

In August, the average temperature in most regions of Costa Rica ranges from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). However, it's important to note that specific temperatures can vary depending on the region and elevation.

Generally, coastal areas tend to be hotter and more humid, while higher elevation regions, such as the Central Valley and mountainous areas, offer cooler temperatures. Overall, August in Costa Rica offers warm and pleasant weather, making it an appealing time to explore the country's lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant biodiversity.

Travelling in a different month? Read all about the best time to visit Costa Rica

Playa Ocotal Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Is August a good time to visit Costa Rica?

August is a low season for tourism in Costa Rica, which means you can often find cheaper prices and fewer crowds. If you're looking for a more relaxed and less crowded experience, then August might be a good time to visit.

August is the peak season for the desove, or egg-laying of endangered marine turtles, inside Parque Nacional Tortuguero. Few are disappointed, with the majority of tours during laying seasons (March to May and July to Oct, though most will lay in August) resulting in sightings of the surreal procession of the reptiles from the sea to make their egg-nests in the sand.

While turtles have been known to lay in the daylight (the green turtles and hawksbills nest mainly from July to October, with August the peak month, while the leatherbacks may come ashore from March to May), it is far more common for them to come ashore in the relative safety of night.

Grey-sand Playa Hermosa, 5km south of Jacó, becomes a playground for hotshot surfers in August. Pummelled by powerful waves, the 10 km-long strip rivals Dominical for having the most consistent beach breaks on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Steep sandbars cause waves to break hard, fast and close to the shore, most impressively during the rainy season between May and August – with the best breakers in front of Terraza del Pacífico and the Backyard Hotel.

On this tailor-made trip to Beaches and Volcanoes, you have a chance to escape to Arenal for volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Enjoy gentle hikes or partake in adrenaline-fuelled river rafting. Then journey down to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific for some sand and surf fringed by dense forest that’s teeming with wildlife.

Average rainfall in August

In the Central Valley region, which includes San Jose, August marks one of the rainiest periods of the year, with an average rainfall of approximately 18 inches (457 mm) throughout the month.

This drops along the North Pacific Coast, specifically around Guanacaste, where the average rainfall is around 10 inches (254 mm) throughout August. On the Caribbean Coast, precipitation levels increase again, with an average of around 16 inches (406 mm) of rainfall experienced throughout the month.

Festivals and events in Costa Rica in August

There are several festivals and events that take place in Costa Rica during the month of August. Here are some of them:

El Día de La Negrita (Virgin of Los Angeles Day; August 2): Worshippers make a pilgrimage to the basilica in Cartago to venerate the miraculous Black Virgin of Los Angeles (La Negrita), the patron saint of Costa Rica.
Assumption Day and Mother’s Day (15 August); This is a national bank holiday with schools and businesses closing for the holiday.
National Parks Day (Día de los Parques Nacionales; 24 August): This public holiday is dedicated to celebrating the country's extensive network of national parks and protected areas, which cover more than 25% of the country's land area.

Ready for your dream trip to Costa Rica in August?

Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. All of our planned itineraries are created by local travel experts and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

A Self Drive Caribbean Adventure (10 days): Embark on a Costa Rican adventure along the Caribbean coast with your rental car. Explore Boca Pacuare, witness turtle nesting, experience Cahuita's unique culture, and bask in the beauty of Puerto Viejo's beaches. Your journey concludes in Turrialba, where the country's primary archaeological monument awaits.

Discover Northern Costa Rica (10 days): Unveil the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica on this self-drive adventure. Witness the might of Arenal, the active volcano, wander through the enchanting cloud forest of Monteverde, and relish the surf and yoga on the pristine beaches of Guanacaste.