Costa Rica in September. It’s still the rainy season in part of Costa Rica. Luscious green from coast to coast, border to border. However, the Caribbean and Northern area is sunny and dry 🙂
Besides the fact that it will rain occasionally, September is one of the best times in the year to come to Costa Rica. Still sunny with occasional two-hour periods of rain, September is when life gets to its best. The landscapes turn luscious green, and species come out to feed everywhere.
This, together with the fact that the rates have already come down and lodges and resorts are virtually empty.
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Seasons:
Costa Rica doesn’t really have seasons, as the temperature changes just a little bit from period to period, yes “period”.
If you are in:
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the sunny period goes from December to April, and even May! (Our grandparents used to say that if by May 20th it had not rained, it wouldn’t rain at all). And then, of course, vice versa for the rainy season: From May to November (So, the dry season is coming soon!)
If you are in:
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas, the sunny period is different.
September is the sunny season!
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. As you travel south on the Pacific coast, moisture levels rise. The Caribbean Coast and almost all Northern Areas are generally hot and humid. 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
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Weather Map:
Here we have a map where you can be update with Costa Rica weather.
Costa Rica Weather in September:
As you can see in the chart above, it really depends on where you are to know what the weather is like.
Yes, September is the rainy season if I go to the Pacific side or even the Central Valley! Now, what does that mean? Unlike 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 during the sunny season. Remember, we have no winter. So, the temperature fluctuates maybe two or three degrees Celsius, but it is quite steady.
Wildlife Sightings in September:
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)
In Tortuguero, September is a great month, the big ones are laying eggs and the little ones are already hatching, hotels are empty, rates are lower and it is sunny as can be!
Birdwatching
September 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
September is a transition month and a great time to start watching the raptors migrating South. This event gets even better in October. But if you are here as see turkeys flying from one to the next swirl.. those are migrating! The highest peak of this fascinating nature exhibition is in early November!
Birds in General:
It is a time of year to see frugivores and insectivores.
Resplendent Quetzal
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre in September as other high areas of the mountain ranges.
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round… September is no exception.
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On the tourist area
There will be two cruises on the Pacific side September 18 and 19th. For these dates you may find that the Central Pacific region will be a bit crowded, aerial tram, Cara National Park and the canopy tours around Los Sueños Marriott
Cruises and attractions
In Manuel Antonio, you will probably have to make a line in the mornings to get in the National Park and in Tortuguero, there might be some waiting time on the boats before getting in the main National Park canals.
However, there will definitely be less crowded than in the sunny season.
Concerts of September:
Activity: Natalia Lafurcade
Time: 21:45 September the 7th.
Location: Jazz Café, Escazú
Activity: Franco de Vita en Costa Rica
Time: 20:00 September the 16th.
Location: in Parque viva, Alajuela
If you like to know more about Costa Rica in September, concerts, how to get tickets or simply where to spend this marvelous time in Costa Rica… Please ask our Travel Consultants simply clicking here