Costa Rica in September: Everything You Need To Know

Thinking about traveling to Costa Rica in September?

With its beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and breathtaking volcanoes, Costa Rica is a terrific vacation destination.

And because it’s a tropical place, travelers can experience tropical temperatures year-round.

We spent a few weeks exploring Costa Rica by motorcycle. The country is absolutely beautiful and the locals are some of the nicest people we have ever met.

Visiting Costa Rica in September can make for an unforgettable vacation since the rainy season makes for lower rates and fewer fellow travelers.

Don’t be fooled, though— “rainy season” doesn’t mean non-stop downpours. You can have just as great a time at a beach during the rainy season as during peak travel months.

Is September a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?

While you need to know upfront that September falls near the middle of Costa Rica’s seven-month rainy season, you also should know that much of that rain falls in the mountains.

This means a couple of things, but most importantly, it means there aren’t quite as many tourists during this time, as most shoot for the dry season, aka high season.

But the rainy season doesn’t mean that rain falls all day every day over the entire country.

It is not one of the driest months, but you will still see sunny days. Since tourism is down during the rainy season, prices are lower for travel and lodging, making September one of the best times to visit.

Since there are dry spots and days to be found, a September trip to Costa Rica can be a wonderful adventure.

Weather in Costa Rica in September

What September weather is like in Costa Rica is tied to location. While the Pacific coast of Costa Rica gets lots of rain, the Caribbean coast does not.

Trade winds bring moist air to the Pacific coast, causing rain. And as the moist air hits the mountains, it gets cooled and condensed. Much of the moisture comes out of that air in the mountainous regions.

The process creates a rain shadow, which causes the Caribbean side to remain drier than the Pacific side.

That makes for beautiful beach weather, especially since the average temperature in September ranges from high in the 80s down to the upper 60s (°F).

Overall, you can expect some showers on your Costa Rica trip in September.

But unless you head for the Pacific coast, you won’t spend much time getting drenched. (Unless you’re getting in the ocean or the volcanic hot springs). 

Temperatures will be tropical, and while it might be a little chilly for a night swim, Costa Rican waters in September are perfectly warm.

What to Pack

For a trip to Costa Rica any time of year, there are the essentials:

• Sunscreen. It costs more in Costa Rica than in the States, so buy yours at home. Opt for environmentally friendly reef-safe sunscreen.

• Sunglasses and a hat. Skin cancer is real, and bright sunlight can, at the least, make you squint a bunch. Take some shades.

• Towel. A good, sand-proof beach towel will be invaluable. Get a good quality, quick-dry microfiber travel towel.

• Dry bag. Especially if you’re going to be heading back and forth to the beach. Having a good dry bag allows you to keep your phone, wallet, and dry clothes in a place where they will stay dry. Even as you and your friends splash and have a blast on the beach.

• Insect repellent. Mosquito-borne illnesses are not unheard of in Costa Rica, so to lower your chances of contracting zika, the dengue virus, or even malaria, take bug spray. You’ll also cut down on the itchy bites even if they don’t infect you with something.

• Water shoes and/or flip-flops. Casual comfort works for most trips to Costa Rica. And either kind of footwear will deal well with those times the waves come a little closer than you thought they would and wet your feet.

• Cash and a money belt. Much of Costa Rica consists of small towns, so don’t count on there being an ATM at every corner. Use the ATM at home and have cash on you when you get to your destination. Still, while Costa Rica isn’t dangerous, petty crime exists everywhere. A money belt will be more secure than your wallet.

Clothing

Depending on your plans, you may want to alter the clothing you plan to take.

If you’re just looking to sit on the beach, snorkel some, and soak up some sun, you’ll need a swimsuit, a few pairs of shorts, and some t-shirts, and that’s pretty much it.

Most people plan on at least one evening out at a restaurant or something similar, so if that’s you, pack at least one nice outfit. Bring appropriate footwear, too. The same goes for a visit to a museum or something similar.

Items to pack that apply directly to a September visit include:

• An umbrella. Even though the Caribbean side is drier than the Pacific at this time, it’s still the rainy season. Expect some precipitation. And if you’re heading inland for hiking in the mountains, it will be rainier there.

• Shoes that can get wet. Again, it’s rainy season. Don’t take your suede shoes for a September trip. And if you’re planning on hiking, pack a good pair of hiking boots. Your feet will thank you.

• Layered clothing. Since the temps can get down into the 60s, having layers available will keep you comfortable. Wear a t-shirt under a sweater or pullover hoodie and a light jacket that gives you plenty of comfort options. You can remove layers as the temperatures swing from nighttime lows to daytime highs.

• A rain jacket. A rain jacket can double as something to keep you warm if it gets a little chilly for you. Plus there’s the whole protecting-you-from-rain thing.

Things To Do in Costa Rica in September

Many people find themselves drawn to Costa Rica at any time of the year for the wildlife. September is great for wildlife watching, depending on the location.

In the mountains, you’ll find that the rainfall lowers visibility and sends many critters off in search of dry spots.

But on the Caribbean coast, especially, you’ll get to see the nesting Atlantic Green Sea turtles in places like the Tortuguero National Park.

September coastal waters are also a bit calmer than in the spring and summer months, so snorkeling will be terrific. The water will be easier to swim in, and visibility is top-notch at this time.

Annual Events

Perhaps the biggest thing in Costa Rica in September is Independence Day, which falls on September 15.

Commemorating the 1821 end of Spanish rule over all of Central America, the celebration begins on the evening of the 14th with the Lantern Parade. This day is also celebrated in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

The following day includes Independence Day parades, live music, and lots of dancing at locations throughout the country. 

September is also a terrific time for whale watching if you’re on the Pacific coast.

Key Places to Visit in September

Costa Rica has several regions— it’s not just one big beach. In September, many regions have sights and activities that are perfect for the month.

Beachgoing in September will be best on the Caribbean side

Towns like Cahuita and Puerto Viejo have lovely beaches. Plus the wildlife viewing available at Tortuguero is fantastic.

Remember that even though it’s the rainy season, the rain shadow makes the Caribbean coast a little less rainy.

More southerly Pacific coast areas of Costa Rica bear the brunt of the rainy season

September in these places truly lives up to the name. You tend to see more heavy rains in the south Pacific coastal areas.

Because of this, lodging is less expensive, and there are fewer tourists around.

Wildlife is also a little less shy when fewer people are spooking them.

The northern Pacific coast holds a tropical forest

It’s relatively dry during the September rainy days, making it a great time to visit. The vegetation is lush and green, and there are nesting turtles and migration birds on full display this month.

For this reason, it is also called the green season.

Surfing Cabo Matapalo and Pavones is exhilarating in September

This is the month when the waves there are the biggest of the year. For experienced surfers, it is the best time to catch some waves.

The Talamanca Mountains hold the Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is there year-round, of course, but the cloud cover that usually obscures much of it from view tends to break rather often in September.

Even if it’s for just a couple of hours, you’ll get a great view of the peak. Costa Rica also has some gorgeous waterfalls in the area.

You can book a combo tour to cover some of the best adventures Costa Rica has to offer, including the La Fortuna waterfall, the hanging bridges, and hiking the Arenal Volcano.

September is Whale Watching Time

You can see humpback whales in Manuel Antonio during the late summer to fall months. So September is one of the best months for whale watching!

Whale watching tours are available on the Manuel Antonio coast.

A visit to the Manuel Antonio National Park will also show you some amazing wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

The more information, the better. So here are some of the most common questions about travel to Costa Rica.

Is September hurricane season?

The hurricane belt that brings storms into the Caribbean generally sits above Costa Rica. While hurricane season runs from June to November, hurricanes are rare in Costa Rica.

Technically, it is hurricane season in September, but the country usually only gets one hurricane a year.

How much rain does Costa Rica get in September?

The effects of climate change have led to lower-than-average rainfall in Costa Rica, even in the rainy season.

That said, the current average rainfall for September in Costa Rica is a little more than three inches, or about 88mm. 

Does it rain every day in September?

The chances are good that it will rain every single day somewhere in Costa Rica in September.

However, it rarely rains all day, so even after a downpour, sunny afternoons are common. And some spots— the Pacific coast and the mountains— will have more rain than other places.

How hot is Costa Rica in September?

You’ll generally spend your September days enjoying temps in the 70s. It’s rare for a September day to get much hotter than 81°F (27°C).

What time does it get dark?

Because it’s fairly close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times in Costa Rica don’t vary greatly throughout the year. In September, you can expect a sunset at about 6:00 pm.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Costa Rica in September can make for a fantastic getaway. It’s part of the slow season for the country’s tourism industry, so you’ll find lower travel and lodging rates.

However, you’ll still have beautiful beaches and other sites that are available during peak tourism months.

Don’t let the rainy season discourage you. You’ll have plenty of rain-free time to hit the beach, the mountains, or any other adventure you want to experience.

Happy travels!