Costa Rica Weather Update: Understanding the Rainy Season and Its Impact on Travel and Real Estate

Costa Rica’s rainy season, typically running from May to November, is often misunderstood. While travelers might imagine torrential downpours, the reality varies greatly depending on the year, location, and recent weather patterns. This year, an unusually prolonged period of consistent light rain has raised questions about the season's character and its implications for those visiting or considering real estate in this tropical paradise. From landslides to lush gardens, this year’s rainy season offers a mix of challenges and charm. Here's everything you need to know, with insights from the Osa Tropical Properties (OTP) real estate team.

What Is the Rainy Season Like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s weather, particularly during the rainy season, is influenced by various natural phenomena. This year, Tropical Storm Sara has exacerbated rainfall across the region late in the rainy season, causing record-breaking precipitation in areas like Guanacaste and the South Pacific. According to national weather alerts, rainfall levels in some regions are up to ten times the monthly average, leading to widespread flooding, landslides, and road closures.

Despite these challenges, the South Pacific region, including the Costa Ballena area where OTP operates, remains a unique and attractive location. Stricter environmental laws have preserved the lush forested landscapes, allowing the area to better absorb rainfall compared to more developed regions. Realtor Rebecca Rowntree explains, “This is my favorite time of the year; gardens are flourishing, and the temperature is refreshing. It's warm rain, unlike in North America!”

Navigating the Rainy Season: What Visitors and Buyers Should Know

Travel and Safety Tips

Navigating Costa Rica during the rainy season requires preparation. Landslides and road closures are common, particularly in mountainous regions and areas with saturated soil. Major routes such as Route 2 and Route 34 have seen temporary closures due to landslides but these typically only last a few hours at most. Visitors are advised to check real-time weather and road conditions via official channels like the CNE and SINAC.

“Make sure to have a 4x4 vehicle, especially if you plan to explore the incredible beauty spots and tours in the region,” advises Richard Owens, OTP realtor. “Driving is mostly fine, but having the right vehicle makes a huge difference when the roads are wet or muddy.”

Adventures in the Rain

For adventurous travelers, the rain adds an exciting dimension to outdoor activities. “Anything you do in the rain becomes an adventure,” Richard adds. Popular activities include ATV tours, hiking to waterfalls, and even visiting national parks, many of which remain open year-round.

Felicia Clarke emphasizes that tours in Costa Rica are often designed for rain or shine. “When I was a travel agent here, most of the tours we offered were available regardless of the weather. If you don’t mind getting wet, there’s almost nothing you can’t do.”

Rainy Season Real Estate Insights

Why Buy During the Rainy Season?

The rainy season is often the best time for prospective buyers to evaluate properties in Costa Rica. “Most of my serious clients want to come during this time to see what it’s like,” says Felicia Clarke. “It’s not as bad as people imagine, and it’s a great opportunity to assess a home’s durability, such as whether it has roof leaks or other water-related issues.”

Realtor Tonya Kershner highlights another key advantage: lower prices. “This is the best time to purchase because prices are typically lower, and serious buyers are focused on finding the right property regardless of the weather.”

Environmental Considerations

The Costa Ballena area’s strict environmental regulations help protect against major flooding and landslides, ensuring that properties are built with sustainability and safety in mind. “Not just any project can get a permit here,” explains Alexandra, OTP’s marketing lead. “This exclusivity not only preserves the environment but also ensures that buyers get properties that meet high standards.”

Rainy Days in Costa Rica: Embracing the Season

While the rain can be an adjustment, many residents and visitors find ways to enjoy it. The OTP team shared their favorite rainy-day activities:

• Relaxation and Family Fun: “I used to surf in the rain; it was the best,” says Kevin Champagne, OTP broker. “My daughters played in the pool in the rain recently, and they loved it.”
• Cozy Comforts: Realtor Marcia Oro enjoys her outdoor bathtub during the rain, complete with bubbles. Others recommend indulging in comfort foods like soups and roasts or settling in with a good book. “This is, after all, a tiny window of the year that is not observably hot and we can indulge in cold weather comforts,” says Alexandra.
• Nature Watching: Rainy days are a great time to see wildlife in Costa Rica. Richard Owens notes that “wildlife is particularly active before and after the rains. It’s a perfect time to sit on the terrace and birdwatch.”

The Bigger Picture: Adapting to Costa Rica’s Weather

Weather Extremes and Resilience

This year’s prolonged rains have caused disruptions, including landslides, road closures, and temporary park shutdowns. However, Costa Rica’s government has demonstrated resilience and efficiency in addressing these issues. Bridges and roads are often repaired quickly, minimizing long-term inconveniences.

“Landslides and road closures are a reality here, but the government does a great job of handling them,” says Felicia Clarke. This adaptability reassures both residents and visitors that life in Costa Rica continues, even during challenging weather.

The Appeal of a Slower Season

For those seeking tranquility, the rainy season offers a slower pace. “It’s quieter here during this time, with fewer people around,” Richard notes. “It’s like the Canadian winter—great for staying in with a book, trying new recipes, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.”

Travel Update: What You Need to Know Now

Road Closures and Travel Advisories

• Several major routes, including Route 2 and Route 34, have experienced closures due to landslides.
• Travelers should monitor official updates and exercise caution, particularly in flood-prone areas.

National Park Access

While some parks remain closed, key attractions like Corcovado and Ballena Marine National Park are expected to reopen soon. Visitors are encouraged to confirm park availability before planning trips.

A Message to Potential Buyers

Costa Rica’s rainy season is not just about challenges—it’s also a time of transformation and growth. The lush landscapes, reduced crowds, and opportunities to explore properties under real-world conditions make this season uniquely valuable for serious buyers. As Rebecca Rowntree aptly puts it, “Most serious buyers want to experience the rainy season and find it’s not so bad.”

Whether you’re visiting for adventure or considering a property investment, the rainy season offers a glimpse into the rhythms of life in Costa Rica. Embrace the rain, and you might just fall in love with the country even more.

Final Thought: Costa Rica’s weather, particularly during the rainy season, is a defining feature of its natural beauty and way of life. While this year’s rain has brought some challenges, it also underscores the resilience and adaptability of both the environment and its people. For travelers and real estate buyers alike, the rainy season is a time to discover the heart of Costa Rica in all its vibrant, rain-soaked glory.