Costa Rica in June: A Month of Lush Landscapes

Is June a good time to visit Costa Rica? No, it isn't. June is a great time to visit Costa Rica! Sure, it's the first real month of the rainy season (May is a transitional month), but that's okay! The rains are still gearing up, and we're nowhere close to peak wet weather. Instead, you can expect hot sunny days for the most part, with refreshing showers in the afternoon. The school summer holidays haven't really gotten underway in the United States (at least in early June), meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. Hotels often offer good deals in June.

The countryside is fresh and green, ripe for exploration and adventures. Hiking, biking, surfing, and all manner of adventures are available the whole month, followed by afternoons relaxing in hammocks while the rain falls.

Below, we attempt to expand on what you can expect if you visit Costa Rica in June and whether this is a good month for you to travel or not. We love June in Costa Rica and hope you will too!

Before we start talking about the weather and the rainy season, it's worth reiterating that June isn't that bad for rain. It really isn't! You can expect, in general, dry mornings and an afternoon shower—at about 3:00 PM or so—during this month, throughout the country, even on the Caribbean side, which often runs in direct contrast to the Pacific side. Bottom line is that while June marks the start of the rainy season, you can still expect lots of sunshine—although that amount depends on where in Costa Rica you're visiting.

Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica is the driest part of the country, so June really represents a welcome change. March and April can turn much of Guanacaste quite arid, more brown than green. The change back to green starts in May, and those afternoon showers in June bring the leaves back, transforming the province into a lush landscape once again. Heading south to the Central Pacific, it's always lush and green, but even here you can anticipate sunny mornings. Even way down south in the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica's rainiest parts, you can expect sunshine before the afternoon rain allowing you to enjoy the rainforest hiking trails.

Travelers to the Central Valley and other inland areas can expect the same—sunny mornings with a shower in the afternoon. It's worth noting that some days have more rain than an afternoon shower, but, equally, there are often days without any rain at all, so it balances out.

As far as temperatures in Costa Rica go, they don't change much, regardless of the month and how rainy it might be. Expect coastal and lowland areas to range from the high 70’s to low 90’s (25 to 32° C) with the Central Valley averaging 5-10 degrees less than that (high 60's to low 80's) and mountainous areas cooler still (low 60s and 70s).

Costa Rica is technically a northern hemisphere country, which means June has the longest days of the year. Granted, the days don't stretch out into the night like they do in the United States, Canada, or Europe. But if you're eagle-eyed, you might notice the day getting dark at around 6:15 PM or so, rather than the usual 6:00 PM. It all counts, right?

We think June is a great month to visit Costa Rica, for a variety of reasons that we'll summarize below. It's also worth, for the sake of balance, to offer some cons to visiting Costa Rica in June - after all, there are 11 other months in the year that might work better for you!

June is a great month for wildlife spotting in Costa Rica. There are fewer tourists, and this means fewer people hiking through national parks, which means more opportunities to see something interesting. The monkeys, sloths, and reptiles are all around and fairly easy to spot.

For birdwatchers, June marks the end of the breeding season for resplendent quetzals, considered by many Central America's most beautiful bird. If you're in the cloud forests of Monteverde, it might well be your last chance to spot a quetzal until February—or at least your last chance to easily spot one.

Elsewhere in nature, everything has its normal life rhythms. We're in between the two main whale seasons—although there are dolphins aplenty—and turtle nesting hasn't yet properly got underway. But the national parks are still vibrant with life, and the lack of crowds makes wildlife spotting something more special in June.

June is perfect for all the activities that make you want to come to Costa Rica in the first place. Swimming, hiking, zip lining, whitewater rafting, you name it. There's nothing off limits in June, wherever you are in the country. And you'll have the added benefit of doing it all in an extra-beautiful environment, where those bright greens in a million shades are popping out due to the rain.

Be aware, though, that mornings are really the time for action. You'll get the dry weather and sunshine before heading back to your hotel for lunch and an afternoon relaxing in a hammock as the rain pitter-patters onto your terrace roof. Bliss!

We already said this but we'll say it again here: June is great for the beach. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or fishing, you've picked a good month of ocean adventures.

May through October are the best months for surfing in Costa Rica, which includes June. On the Pacific coast, June typically sees larger swells compared to the preceding months. This is due to winter storms in the South Pacific coming up from Antarctica and causing the largest swells of the year in these months. The Southern and Central Pacific coasts, including popular surfing spots like Dominical, Jacó, and Playa Hermosa, can all experience great waves during June, due to their more south-facing direction. Serious surfers should head down here, while novices and learners should go to Guanacaste.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has a different surf pattern and June is less optimal, although some good waves can be had. Whatever the month, the Caribbean is always more geared towards experienced surfers than novices.

For anglers, June is also a great month. The Pacific coast of Guanacaste is entering its prime sailfish season, and marlin, tuna, and wahoo are all biting. The Central Pacific is great for marlin, tuna, and mahi mahi while inshore fishing for roosters and snapper is also excellent.

Temperatures don't change much in Costa Rica—think hot and humid all year, especially at sea level. So packing light is in order. Expect to live in shorts and T-shirts for most of the time. But in June you also need to remember some rain gear, including fast-drying coats and long-sleeved clothing. Plus some sneakers or hiking shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Other essential items include sunscreen, a cap, socks, a sweater for cooler evenings, and of course, swimwear for those beach and poolside days.

As far as feast days and festivities go, June is a quiet month in Costa Rica. Use your time to recharge your energies and enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and rainforests of this beautiful country. If you want to appreciate the local culture, it’s a good time to walk along the streets, mingle, and see what normal life is like for Costa Ricans.

The primary safety concern in June revolves around road safety, mainly due to weather conditions. Try not to drive around if there's a rainstorm, especially on roads you don't know. Sometimes those puddles hide potholes that can swallow your car (a slight exaggeration, but only slight). We're not deep enough into the rainy season for many road closures in June, but just be aware of the conditions you may face.

Increased rain can also lead to a surge in mosquitos, especially in the early rainy season after months of dry weather. Using decent repellent is critical, especially if you're one of those people who tend to get bitten a lot. Oh—and bring sunscreen too. You'll definitely need it!

Costa Rica in June may be the start of the rainy season, but for the adventurous and nature-loving traveler, it presents an unparalleled opportunity. As the country shakes off the final dust of the dry season, the landscapes burst into vibrant hues, revealing a side of Costa Rica often missed by the sun-soaked crowds.

Tourist havens like Monteverde, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Puerto Viejo, and Tortuguero all have fewer tourists, leaving more beach space, pool space, and natural wonders for you. And remember—it's really not that rainy in June, either! It's a perfect time to travel to see the best of both worlds. So if you're willing to get a little wet and enjoy an afternoon shower, contact us and experience the wonders of Costa Rica in June.