Planning a trip to Costa Rica in July? Whether you're a solo adventurer, a romantic couple, a family with kids, or a group of friends chasing unforgettable memories, July is an exciting (and often underrated) month to explore the magic of Costa Rica. At Pura Vida Traveling, we’re here to help you experience the best of the country with personalized tips, real travel insights, and the most up-to-date info.
What is July Like in Costa Rica?
July falls in the green season, Costa Rica’s term for its tropical rainy season. But don’t let that scare you off—this month often includes what locals call the "Veranillo de San Juan" (Little Summer), a short dry spell that usually hits in early to mid-July.
Average temperatures:
- Central Valley (San José, Alajuela): 22–26°C (72–79°F)
- Pacific Coast (Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio): 27–33°C (81–91°F)
- Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita): 25–30°C (77–86°F)
Expect sunny mornings, occasional afternoon showers, and lush green landscapes everywhere you go.
Why Visit Costa Rica in July?
Fewer crowds, lower prices, and vibrant natural scenery make July a hidden gem for travelers seeking to experience the best of Costa Rica without the peak-season stress. Wildlife is thriving, waterfalls are full, and the atmosphere is relaxed and authentic.
Where to Go in Costa Rica in July?
1. La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
- Hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfalls, and volcano views.
- Ideal for adventure lovers and those seeking relaxation alike.
- Many guided tours are offered rain or shine!
- Great for: Solo travelers, couples, families
2. Tamarindo or Nosara (Pacific Coast)
- The perfect mix of beach, yoga, surfing, and nightlife.
- July’s dry spell means great sunsets and surfable waves.
- Wellness retreats and laid-back vibes.
- Great for: Surfers, digital nomads, couples, friend groups
3. Puerto Viejo & the Caribbean Coast
- July is one of the driest months here!
- Caribbean culture, stunning beaches, and wildlife-filled jungles.
- Sloth sanctuaries, cacao tours, and local music scenes.
- Great for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, culture lovers4. Manuel Antonio & Quepos
- One of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks.
- Easy wildlife spotting: monkeys, sloths, toucans.
- Kid-friendly beaches and plenty of tour options.
- Great for: Families, first-time visitors, nature lovers
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest
- July is misty but magical—this is where Costa Rica’s green season shines.
- Ziplining, night tours, and cloud forest hikes.
- Ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking a connection with nature.
- Great for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, eco-conscious travelers
Things to Do in Costa Rica in July
- Whitewater rafting (rivers are full!)
- Wildlife watching – especially sea turtles (nesting season!)
- Surf lessons – warm water + consistent swells
- Hot springs – perfect for rainy afternoons
- Waterfall hikes – lush trails and powerful cascades
- Yoga & wellness retreats – July is often quieter and more intimate
- Cultural festivals – July 25th is Guanacaste Day!
Check out our pages Things to do in Costa Rica & Tours & Activities to do in Costa Rica to discover all the best things to do all year round.
Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica in July
- Pack smart: Bring a lightweight rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and waterproof shoes or sandals.
- Start early: Most rain falls in the afternoon, so plan outdoor activities in the morning.
- Use private or shared shuttles to avoid driving in the rain, especially in more remote areas.
- Book guided tours – local guides know how to work around the weather and maximize your time.
- Embrace the green: July brings the country to life—everything is lush, vibrant, and alive.
Who Is July Ideal For?
Solo Travelers:
Enjoy peaceful beaches, easy-to-join group tours, and the freedom to explore without crowds. July is also perfect for self-reflection or adventure.
Couples:
Romantic hot springs, cozy eco-lodges, and empty beaches? Yes, please! July is intimate and ideal for meaningful getaways.
Families:
Fewer tourists = more space to explore. Many tours are kid-friendly, and national parks like Manuel Antonio are the perfect places to explore with children.
Groups of Friends:
Adventure awaits—rafting, zip-lining, surf trips, or group cooking classes. July is an awesome time to bond and experience Costa Rica together.
Is July a Good Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Absolutely. July is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. With its balance of sunshine, lower prices, and vivid green landscapes, it’s an ideal month for travelers looking to experience the real Pura Vida. But there are some aspects that it's better to take into consideration.
July is a good month to travel, as the rain is minimal during this time. In general, you don't have to worry about road closures and treacherous flooding in July, since there are almost no safety concerns in Costa Rica in this period. As with any similar situation, it is good to be aware of the risks associated with rain.
Remember planning. July has recently become a busy travel month in Costa Rica. It's by far the busiest month of the year outside the peak December-April high season. As a result, we recommend planning and booking your July vacation to Costa Rica in advance to make sure you get the exact hotels and flights you want.
Holidays and Festivals
July 17 - Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar
Festival of the Virgin of the Sea in Puntarenas. Procession of fishing boats carrying a statue of the Virgen del Monte Carmelo (the city’s patron saint) with parades, dancing, music, food, fireworks, and regattas. Playas del Coco also celebrates this festival.
July 25 – Día de Guanacaste
Celebration of the annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1924. Traditional bull fights, parades, music, cattle and horse shows, and rodeos are very festive and fun!
Travel Costa Rica the Easy Way with Us
At Pura Vida Traveling, we don’t just inspire your trip—we help you plan it. From shared or private transportation to custom tours and local tips, we make your Costa Rica vacation stress-free and unforgettable.
Need help planning your July adventure? We’re just a message away—reach out to us and let’s make your dream trip happen.
Frequently asked questions
Visiting Costa Rica in July is generally not a bad idea, as the weather can be lovely during this time of year. Costa Ricans call July the ``little summer'' and it is part of the dry season, meaning that rainfall is typically less frequent than during other months.
There's a lot to do in Costa Rica in July, and you'll want to make the most of the dry weather and the low season's quiet to visit the top sights. Head to the northwest for the best and driest weather, but also take advantage of low-season prices on the coast.
If you prefer to travel during July or August, you'll likely pay a mix of low-season and shoulder-season pricing on items in Costa Rica, and average or above-average international airfare prices. Avoid travel during December (mainly mid-month to the end of December), January, February, March, and April.
- A Visit to the Hot Springs – Rain or shine, you don’t want to miss a visit to one of Costa Rica’s many geothermal hot springs.
- Sea Turtle Voluntourism or Observation – Nature lovers will never forget the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch hatching turtles under a full moon make their way out to sea.
- Rainforest Canyoning – Rappel down rushing waterfalls in the rainforest in this unique guided adventure.
- Bird Watching in Monteverde Cloud Forest – With a bilingual naturalist as your guide, you’ll spot tropical birds as you hike through the cloud forest.
- Hanging Bridges Guided Hike – Take on this easy, family-friendly hike and explore the rainforest with the whole family while enjoying views of the canopy and spotting exotic wildlife.
Green season means rain throughout the day, but mornings are sunny and bright with plenty of time to hit the pool or beach. Explosion of life. Believe it or not, Costa Rica can be even more lush, abundant, and green.
As Costa Rica has a tropical climate, there are mosquitoes year-round. However, they are more prevalent between the months of May through October.
These are the essential items for your Costa Rica packing list: lightweight dry fast clothes, comfortable sandals, swimwear, mosquito repellent, sunscreen SPF 30+, hiking shoes/trail running shoes or closed toed hiking sandals, sunglasses, a hat, battery pack, medical kit, waterproof phone case, camera, day pack, rain ...
There are four types of turtles which can be observed on a holiday to Costa Rica, as follows; Leatherback: The Leatherback turtle can be seen in two locations in Costa Rica; on the Caribbean coast where they nest from March through to July and also on the Pacific coast, where they nest from September to March.
July offers a prime opportunity to witness the majestic dance of humpback whales. The Southern Hemisphere humpback whales travel from Antarctica to Costa Rica from late July through October each year, converging in the surrounding warm waters to breed and give birth.
