July in Costa Rica

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Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica in July? If so — you are in luck.

July falls during Costa Rica’s low season (and rainy season), which means discounts, fewer crowds, and reduced prices. However, while visitors may be accustomed to experiencing more rain during a trip to Costa Rica in the green season, July experiences a slight lapse in the late afternoon rain on the Pacific Coast, making it the most popular month to visit Costa Rica outside the dry season.

#1

Costa Rica Weather in July

July is smack dab in the middle of the rainy season in Costa Rica. However, if you want to experience low-season prices and high-season weather — July may be the perfect month to visit Costa Rica. There is a unique weather phenomenon in Costa Rica in July called “vernillo” — or “little summer.” Costa Rica’s little summer typically occurs from the beginning of July to early August. It offers a respite from the heavy rainfall during the green season in exchange for dry, sunny, and warm daytime temperatures.

A rainbow stretching across a canyon in Costa Rica.
July offers a small lapse in the rainy season in Costa Rica for “vernillo” – or “little summer.”

The best places to experience Costa Rica’s “mini” dry season are the beaches in the Guanacaste Province, such as Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, and Tamarindo. Just south of the northwestern part of the country, in the Nicoya Peninsula, the high temperatures and dry weather are not as pronounced. Some areas in the mountains, such as Monteverde National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and even the capital city — San José — experience less rain during July. However, along the Caribbean Coast and in the southern parts of the country, like Manuel Antonio National Park and the Osa Peninsula, the rainy season is still in full swing.

#2

Events, Holidays & Festivals in July

Virgin of the Sea Celebration (Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar)

If you are in Playas del Coco or Puntarenas on July 17th, you will have the opportunity to celebrate the annual celebration of the Virgin of the Sea. During this celebration, fishermen parade their fishing boats onto the ocean with statues of Virgen del Monte Carmelo — the city’s patron saint — followed by parades, fireworks, music, and food.

A group of people walking down the street with oxen and a painted cart.
Celebrate the Virgin of the Sea with parades, music, fireworks, music, and food.

Guanacaste Day (Día de Guanacaste)

Guanacaste Day is a national holiday in Costa Rica celebrated on July 25th. This event recognizes the (peaceful) annexation of the Guanacaste Province from Nicaragua on July 25th, 1824. In Guanacaste, you can participate in vibrant celebrations, such as cattle shows, bullfights, fireworks, and other fun events on this celebratory day.

A woman standing in a colorful skirt and braids in the street in Guanacaste.
Guanacaste Day is an awesome opportunity to celebrate this warm and beachy region of Costa Rica!

Costa Rica School Vacation

If you plan on visiting Costa Rica during July, keep in mind that most schools in Costa Rica permit students a two-week “summer vacation” in mid-July.

A line of people in the river getting ready to go white water rafting.
White water rafting is a fun experience in July in Costa Rica.

Though the weeks of this vacation vary depending on the school district, region, and type of school (public or private), many local families use this time to soak up the desirable weather conditions at the beach during vernillo. Remember that hotels, activities, and other tourist destinations (particularly near the beaches) may not offer the same low-season discounts you would expect during the rainy season in Costa Rica.

#3

Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in July

Pacific Coast Beach Hopping

Take advantage of the warm (and dry!) Costa Rica weather in July by visiting the beaches in Guanacaste. Some of the best beaches to visit include Playas del Coco, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Hermosa. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sun on the beach — from surfing and snorkeling to sunbathing and fishing. Plus, you can stay in one of our beautiful vacation rentals to enjoy quick access to the best beaches in Guanacaste!

Surfers walking along the beach in front of palm trees in Costa Rica.
Enjoy the warmer and sunnier weather in Guanacaste in July by visiting a few of the beaches.

Turtle Nesting Season

Though the Caribbean side of Costa Rica does experience more rain in July, it is the start of one of the most exciting phenomenons along the Caribbean Coast — sea turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park. From July to October, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles hatch on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and if you can, you should visit this national park to see the baby sea turtles in action!

Two baby sea turtles walking from the beach into the ocean.
Sea turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park is one of the best things to do Costa Rica in July!

Hot Springs

One of the best things to do in Costa Rica — rain or shine — is to relax in one of the hot springs in Costa Rica. However, during the months when the rainfall lets up a bit, it’s essential to add a trip to the springs to your list. Some of the best hot springs are found by Arenal Volcano and in Guanacaste near Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Two people in a hot spring in Costa Rica.
When the rainfall lets up, hang out in the hot springs in Costa Rica.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for some fun adventures when the rainfall lets up in July. You can book a canopy tour to soar across the rainforest, venture across the hanging bridges, or go on a birding tour to spot the diverse wildlife in this unique region of Costa Rica.

A woman walking across a hanging bridge in Costa Rica.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a great place to visit to see the flora and fauna in July.

Enjoy a Custom-Made Trip to Costa Rica in July with Special Places of Costa Rica

There is no question about it — a vacation to Costa Rica in July is a great idea if you want to dodge the constant rainfall while still enjoying low-season prices.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay during your vacation to Costa Rica, we hope you will consider staying with us at Special Places of Costa Rica. We offer hundreds of condos, houses, villas, and other vacation rentals in the Guanacaste Province — the best place to experience vernillo during July — and offer plenty of other Costa Rica travel advice on our blog to help you plan your vacation.

Explore our vacation rentals to book your trip to Costa Rica today!

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