Costa Rica Weather in July 2025: Height of the Rainy Season

The rainy season is in full swing in Costa Rica come July. It's not like the sun won't show its face during the month, it's just that you'll find it impossible to escape the rains during this time. It's green everywhere you look, though, and the vibrantly lush tropical landscapes of this Central American paradise serve as perfect backdrops for wildlife viewing. During your travels to Costa Rica in July, you can expect average temperatures to range from a high of 31°C (88°F) to a low of around 17°C (63°F).

While the first half of July may be slightly more crowded than the second half due to schools abroad being closed due to the summer holidays and the weather in Costa Rica being less rainy, the month, overall, is still nowhere near as crowded as it usually is. You can enjoy most places around the country in relative peace and quiet. This decrease in tourist activity during July also results in airfare, accommodation, and transportation being significantly less expensive during the month.

It's unlikely you won't encounter any rain during your travels in Costa Rica during July. As such, essentials for a trip to the country in July ought to include the following items: plenty of quick-drying tops and shorts, a raincoat or poncho, sandals, tennis shoes, swimwear, capris or lightweight pants, insect repellant, sunhats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a pair of binoculars if you plan on going to the national parks for some wildlife spotting.

To better understand what Costa Rica is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of July, continue reading below.

Costa Rica Weather in July: Overview

• Average temperature range: 17°C (63°F) – 31°C (88°F)
• Rainfall: 340 mm (13 inches) in San Jose; 870 mm (34 inches) in Manuel Antonio; 530 mm (21 inches) in Puerto Viejo.
• Rainy days: 23 in San Jose; 21 in Manuel Antonio; 22 in Puerto Viejo.

In addition to bringing with it regular rainfall, July also happens to fall in the middle of Costa Rica – and the surrounding region's – hurricane season. It's very important to point out that the country is very rarely hit by hurricanes itself, with peripheral storms bringing rainfall to its Caribbean coast instead. It's never a bad idea to stay prepared, though, and if you're traveling within Costa Rica during July, we suggest constantly checking local and national weather forecasts to stay updated on the latest developments.

Average temperatures in Costa Rica during July fluctuate depending on where you are in the country. The average maximum temperatures are 24°C (75°F) in San Jose, 28°C (82°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 29°C (84°F) in Puerto Viejo. The average minimum temperatures are 17°C (63°F) in San Jose, 23°C (73°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 24°C (75°F) in Puerto Viejo.

While delays and postponements brought on by the rains may affect some aspects of your itinerary and require additional flexibility and adjustment from you as a traveler, if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed, time to enjoy Costa Rica, July is a great option for when to visit. You'll be greeted to vibrantly green foliage countrywide and see wildlife that may be otherwise hard to spot, amidst fewer crowds and better prices!

Weather of Costa Rica's Major Cities in July

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in July

1. Monteverde

If you're in Costa Rica during the rainy season, you can't miss out on a visit to Monteverde. The area is greener than ever and thriving with life during July. A canopy tour in the Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest will surely result in many a sloth, monkey, and quetzal sighting, so make sure you don't forget your binoculars (and, of course, your raincoat or poncho!).

2. Jaco

Weather wise, nothing is typical in Jaco – and the Puntarenas region in general – in July. While the region certainly sees quite a bit of rainfall during the month, there are often days full of sunshine and clear skies as well, meaning you can enjoy everything Jaco is well known for, including surfing, fishing, and its magnificent beaches, during this shoulder month. Of course, it's best to be safe by planning your outdoor activities for the morning hours of the day as it usually rains in the afternoons and evenings but, that being said, you may have to play it by ear as weather apps can be anything but accurate during the rainy season. For this wet time of the year, though, Jaco provides a great alternative travel option if you're looking for some sun and beach time!

3. Puntarenas

The capital city of the province that goes by the same name, Puntarenas is a beautiful coastal city that comes alive during mid-July when it hosts its annual Fiesta Virgin del Mar celebrations. Honoring the city's patron saint, the Virgin Mary, streets in Puntarenas city are brought to life with decorations and live music during what is a very special event in the city's calendar.

July Crowds and Costs

While the first half of July sees slightly more tourists in Costa Rica than the second half of the month due to the weather featuring slightly clearer skies and longer hours of sunshine, and schools abroad being closed due to the summer holidays, July is still, overall, a less busy month than most. This means you can enjoy traveling in the country without having it be too crowded, regardless of which beach or national park you decide to visit.

This decline in tourism during July also sees prices drop dramatically. Depending on how far out in advance you book them, you could get accommodation and airfare for half the price they'd usually cost. Transportation and entertainment are similarly less expensive during July.

July Events in Costa Rica

Fiesta Virgin del Mar: The picturesque coastal city of Puntarenas celebrates the city's patron saint, the Virgin Mary, on the weekend closest to July 16 every year. Celebrations in the city include parades, processions, music, and oxcart races.

Dia de Guanacaste: Guanacaste is a region in Costa Rica that once belonged to Nicaragua, and is, for these reasons, unique in tradition, food, and culture, from the rest of Costa Rica. July 25 is celebrated as Dia de Guanacaste, or Guanacaste Day, in the region today, and features everything from bloodless bullfights and rodeos to block parties and livestock shows.

What to Wear in Costa Rica in July

It's almost impossible to avoid the rains if you're traveling in Costa Rica during July. There's nothing to worry about, however, as a little bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring you have as pleasant a time as possible, rain or shine!

Just make sure you pack plenty of tops and shorts made of quick-drying fabrics, and a good quality raincoat or poncho. In addition to these, other items in your packing list should include lightweight pants or capris, insect repellant, tennis shoes, sandals, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhats, and a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting.

Explore Costa Rica with Global Highlights

If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to gorgeous Costa Rica! That's just perfect because our travel experts here at Global Highlights go above and beyond in making sure your itinerary is as well planned yet personal as you like. We take immense pride in making sure you have a memorable time in Costa Rica, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and take in the good times!