How is Costa Rica in June?
Besides the fact that it may rain occasionally, June is a great time of year to come to Costa Rica. Still sunny with occasional periods of rain, June is when life really comes back after the long dry period. The landscapes turn luscious green, and species come out to feed everywhere.
This adds to the fact that the rates already come down and lodges and resorts are virtually empty.
Weather and Regions:
Despite its small geographic extension, Costa Rica has several characteristics that define the weather. Its global positioning and varied geography allow the climate of one region to be very different from another. This provides an incomparable ecological diversity and enables you to enjoy the environment you prefer according to the area’s characteristics.
Costa Rica doesn’t really have seasons, as the temperature changes just a little bit from period to period.
Atlantic Humid Tropical Region
The main tourist destinations in the Atlantic region of Costa Rica are Limon, Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Sarapiqui, and Arenal Volcano. While Sarapiqui and Arenal Volcano don’t seem like they belong to the Atlantic coast, they tend to follow the same weather patterns as the Caribbean. Weather in June is rainy, but hot. While there is a high possibility of rain if you visit during this month, it rarely rains the whole day. It is common to experience bouts of downpour, followed by bright sun.
- Average temperatures: between 71.5°F (22°C ) and 90°F (32°C)
- Average rainfall: 10.9 inches (276 mm)
- Humidity: 89%
- Number of rainy days: 20
Central Mountainous Region
San Jose, Cartago, and the capitals of Heredia and Alajuela in the center of the country are the most well-known parts of the central mountainous region of Costa Rica, Savegre Valley, Chirripo Mountain, and San Gerardo de Dota are located in the south. San Jose, Costa Rica weather in June is average for the year, though it tends to be hot at night so bring refreshing pijamas! .
- Average temperatures: between 66°F (19°C ) and 83°F (28°C)
- Average rainfall: 18 inches (464 mm)
- Humidity: 91%
- Number of rainy days: 21
South Pacific Region
While the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica reaches along an extensive coast, Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Dominical, Uvita, Drake Bay, and Puerto Jimenez are the most commonly visited areas.
- Average temperatures: between 71°F (22°C ) and 89°F (32°C)
- Average rainfall: 17 inches (431 mm)
- Humidity: 91%
- Number of rainy days: 21
Monteverde
Monteverde is a small region of Costa Rica. However, it has a unique enough microclimate to merit its own highlight.
- Average temperatures: between 66°F (19°C ) and 79°F (26°C)
- Average rainfall: 13.4 inches (342 mm)
- Humidity: 88%
- Number of rainy days: 24
Guanacaste
Guanacaste weather in June is the hottest in the country. Liberia, Playa Conchal, Papagayo Peninsula, Nosara, Tamarindo, and Samara are some of the main destinations in this area. Guanacaste is known as the driest region of Costa Rica.
- Average temperatures: between 73°F (23°C) and 90°F (32°C)
- Average rainfall: 8.6 inches (216mm)
- Humidity: 85%
- Number of rainy days: 19
Costa Rica Weather in June:
Yes, June is the rainy season. 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 be as alive as can be.
There is plenty of available food, so animals are quite active, It is also cooler than it would be during the sunny season. Remember, Costa Rica does not have a winter. The temperature fluctuates maybe two or three degrees Celsius, but remains quite steady.
What to Wear in Costa Rica in June
If you travel to Costa Rica, you should know that summer clothing is usually the most appropriate. Don’t forget to pack shorts, light pants, or dresses for most occasions and regions. However, it is good to consider that, in general, the mornings are usually cool. After noon, it gets hot. By the end of the afternoon, it starts to cool down again, while there is a high probability of a couple of hours of rain.
Not sure what to pack for your trip to Costa Rica in June? Here is our ultimate packing guide.
Surfing in June:
The best wave season in the Central and South Pacific starts in May and ends in November. So if you come to surf in Costa Rica in June, the best options include beaches like Playa Hermosa, Boca Barranca and Playa Pavones. While these may be the best, there is a good chance you will find a beach with good waves at any time of the year in nearly every region.
Costa Rican Wildlife
If you’re planning to travel to Costa Rica in June, you’ll have a chance to spot some really interesting wildlife, from whales to dolphins to unique birds.
Dolphins
Best time to see them: Year-round.
Types of dolphins: Several species such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be seen all year round.
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
Types of turtles: 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)
Birdwatching
June is a great month to see the resident and endemic species of Costa Rica. It’s a great time to see antbirds, watch a lot of activity from trogons and get fascinated with mixed flocks. Costa Rica is full of flora and fauna throughout the year, and birds are usually the most used to wildlife. And is that throughout the year, thousands of different species can be observed around the country. So if you come looking for birds, you are in the right place.
Migratory Species
Birds usually have a migratory pattern in which when their food is scarce, in the cold seasons of the north or the south of the planet, they tend to look for more resources, which is usually where the world is warmer. That is why many species travel from the north of America to Argentine Patagonia, and on the way, they pass through Costa Rica, where they find land with many resources and good weather.
In June, there are some migratory species coming from the Southern winter like Scissor Tailed Kites.
Resplendent Quetzal
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre in June as other high areas of the mountain ranges. This is the time of year when species are mating and watching for their eggs and little ones. The mating dances and songs are on and sometimes, the feathers and noises show can be amazing.
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round June is no exception.
In the tourism area
There are no cruise dates in June.
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.
Seasonal Agriculture
Star fruit, passion fruit, are in season in Costa Rica in March. It’s also sugar cane season, which could mean some heavy sugar cane-laden trucks on some Northern and Pacific roads.
Look out for trees in bloom! Depending on your region, there will be pink, orange, purple, and red blossoms starting to emerge in Costa Rica in June.