Sunny mornings, flash downpours, lots of food in the forest, wildlife’s eating and playing. Turtles are laying eggs, and the hatching babies are running to the sea. That is Costa Rica in August.
In Costa Rica, August is a month full of rain and extremely green. Nature is shining, lots of food in the forest, so chances to see wildlife increase dramatically. In the Caribbean, thousands of sea turtles go to lay their eggs, and it is a great time to watch the giant mothers at night and the little ones already hatching and fighting their way to the ocean.
Usually, at this time of year, what you find in hotels and general attractions are students and European groups that come to Costa Rica in their summer holidays.
Seasons:
Costa Rica doesn’t really have seasons, as the temperature changes just a little bit from period to period, yes “period”.
In The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas, and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the sunny period goes from December to April, even May. . And then, of course, vice versa for the rainy season: From May to November. However, the sunny period is different anywhere on the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui, or Arenal areas.
Diverse Climates
We have to realize that the climates and, therefore, the landscapes of Costa Rica vary considerably by sector. The coastal areas are usually hot, and the highlands are ordinarily cooler. The Caribbean Coast and almost all Northern Areas are generally hot and humid. As you travel south on the Pacific coast, moisture levels rise. And when it rains, it pours.
The more humidity and rain there is in a region, it will be more exuberant, and wildlife sightings are more common.
Costa Rica Weather Chart Month by Month:
Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal
Weather Map:
Here is a map to understand how the rainy season affects the different regions of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Weather in August:
As you can see in the chart above, it really depends on where you are to know what the weather is like.
Yes, August is definitely rainy season. Now… What does that mean? Different from other locations in the World, our rainy season is quite sunny in the mornings. It is a great time to come and see the rainforest as alive as can be.
There is plenty of food so animals are quite active, and it is cooler than it would be for the sunny season. Remember we have no winter. So, the temperature fluctuates maybe two or three Celsius degrees, but it is quite steady.
Wildlife Sightings in August:
Many marine species with migratory characteristics come to the warm waters of the Costa Rican coast to reproduce or raise their offspring.
Dolphins
Best time to see them: Year-round. Several species such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be seen all year so you have a good chance to see them.
The Best places to go dolphin watching:
- Drake Bay
- Golfo Dulce
- Dominical (Parque Marino Ballena)
- Tambor
- Golfo de Nicoya
- Tamarindo and surroundings.
- Caribbean: Limon and South Caribbean
*Some lucky people has seen dolphins in the Tortuguero Canals
Turtles
Best time to see them:
All year round: Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle.
Best places to see Sea Turtles:
- Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (Playa Grande (Close to Tamarindo)
- Santa Rosa National Park
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Arribadas)
Annnnd! In Tortuguero, Parismina and some areas in the South Caribbean, it is turtle time!
Yes! Green Sea Turtles are at their peak at this time of year in the region that gets its name from them: Tortuguero. So, if you are willing to see the huge green sea turtles coming to shore, crawling through the sand, digging a hole with their back paws, laying around 100 eggs, and covering it back before turning back to the ocean. August is the perfect time to watch this magical natural wonder.
As well by late August, you may start seeing the little ones hatching and struggling to get back to the ocean, it is an amazing thing to witness and a fantastic experience to live!
You may also be interested in reading: The Ultimate Guide to driving in Costa Rica
Important to know:
When you go on the night tours to watch the turtles lay their eggs you have to know a couple of important things:
- In the protected beaches you CANNOT bring any video or photo camera unless you have a special permit for them. If you are thinking about your cell phone, that is also a bad idea. The flashes really scare the turtles off so they don’t allow any of those in the tours.
- Wear black or really dark colors. As said in the bullet above, the light really scares the turtles and the reflection of the moonlight or any other in your clothes is equivalent to real light for them.
- If you wear repellent in the night tour, make sure that is not a strong aroma repellent. Cream repellents are better.
- The fee for the night tour is $15 per person and it is paid directly to the hotel (The fee may change for 2017)
- Nature is nature. Sometimes, turtles simply don’t appear. Usually, they do, but it happens every now and then that you go to Tortuguero and turtles are simply not there.
Birdwatching
August is great to see the resident and endemic species of Costa Rica. It’s a great time to know antbirds, watch a lot of activity from trogons and get fascinated with mixed flocks.
Migratory Species
No migratory species in Costa Rica. Waiting for the next months though!
Birds in General:
It is a time of year to see frugivores and insectivores.
Resplendent Quetzal
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre in August as other high areas of the mountain ranges.
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round. Including August.
In the tourism area:
- There are no cruise dates in August.
- In Manuel Antonio, you will probably have to make a line in the mornings to get into the National Park.
- In Tortuguero, there might be some waiting time on the boats before getting into the Tortuguero National Park canals.
- It is a usual time for Europe tourists to enjoy Costa Rica.
- And it will definitely be less crowded than in the sunny season.
If you like to know more about Costa Rica in August, concerts, how to get tickets or simply where to spend this marvelous time in Costa Rica… Please ask our Travel Consultants simply clicking here