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Thinking about traveling to Costa Rica in June? You’re probably asking—is it going to rain the entire time? What do I pack, a raincoat or a bathing suit—maybe both? Well, I can tell you from living there long enough—June is one of the most underrated times to travel to Costa Rica. It rains—but it’s lush, alive, vibrant, and honestly—magical.
Costa Rica Climate in June – what to Expect?
June marks the start of the rainy season (referred to as the ‘green season’ by locals) but that doesn’t mean you should anticipate rain the entire time. Typically sunny mornings will follow with clouds (like clockwork) rolling in just after lunch. It usually rains for a few hours in the afternoon or evening—and then, like a light switch, sunny again. You’ll get plenty of sunshine; it just so happens to accompany a little bit of tropical temperamental activity.
Expect Weather to Vary Throughout Costa Rica
One thing that surprises a lot of visitors is that the weather can vary from region to region. Costa Rica may be small—but it’s a variety of microclimates packed into a relatively small space:
Guanacaste (northwest) stays dry through June, meaning it’s ideal for those in search of sun, beach, sunset, and all-day trips to the beach.
The Central Valley (where San José is) is a bit cooler and more misty—which works for those who love spring and coolness all year round.
The Caribbean side is a wash—not on the same dry/wet pattern as the Pacific, so some may have sunny days there as stable as their time on the Pacific, but others may find a rainstorm around every bend. It’s all part of the charm.
Temperature Check: Expect Warm Days and Cool(er) Nights
What is the climate like in Costa Rica in June? With temperatures hovering around 75-85° (24-29° for my metric fans), it’s warm but not too hot; the rain provides a nice cooling opportunity and makes the evenings quite comfortable. Perfect for having a cocktail on your balcony while listening to the frogs sing—no, that’s not a joke, they sing here.
What to do in Costa Rica in June? A Lot, Actually
Why travel in June? Because you can do everything! This is the best time to see the national parks super lush in fifty shades of green. Less tourists = lower prices. You may even get lucky and experience turtle nesting season on the Caribbean coast — something special for those who are animal lovers and would treasure such an event.
All the adventure tours are still running, and with higher water levels, white-water rafting is even more of an adventure. Roads remain primarily passable, with only a few concern areas that could be avoided with checking conditions first (mountains get tricky after storms, but nothing is without due diligence beforehand).
What to Pack: Think Layers and Waterproof Everything
The Costa Rican climate in June is difficult to pack for, because you pack for one thing and get the opposite. When the sun and rain can come out at any moment, you need to dress for the occasion – light, dry, and multifunctional.
Here’s what I always recommend:
- Lightweight clothes that dry fast
- A solid rain jacket (trust me, you’ll use it)
- Waterproof shoes or sandals
- A dry bag to keep your phone and gear safe
- A hat and sunscreen (yes, the sun still shows up strong)
- Bug spray, because… jungle
And don’t forget a good attitude—June weather keeps you on your toes, but that’s part of the fun.
Perks of Traveling in June: Deals & Breathing Room
If you’re on the fence about whether the rainy season would work for you, I’d say it does — Costa Rica climate in June is your traveler-in-the-know bonus! With fewer crowds and a lush rainforest feel, take advantage of the cheaper prices and secluded access to your bit of paradise.
Why June rocks:
- Lower prices on hotels, tours, and even car rentals
- More availability and flexibility when booking
- Less competition for those Instagram-worthy viewpoints
- A calmer, more local vibe in touristy towns
In short, June is when Costa Rica feels like it’s just for you. And if you’re the type who likes the road less traveled, this is your month.
So what’s the verdict on Costa Rica climate in June?
It’s tropical, it’s green, it’s a little moody — but it’s one of the best times to experience real Costa Rica. Enjoy the sun while you can, then enjoy the rainforest feel.
What’s the catch? Well, to be honest, there isn’t one—a major one, anyway—because the benefits are just too beneficial. You’ll get a taste of everything—sun, warm afternoon rains, breathtaking foliage, and fewer people. There may be one afternoon when you’re huddled under palm trees trying to avoid a torrential downpour; however, that’s the price you pay for experiencing the Costa Rica rainforest in its full glory—green, messy, and alive.
June is for the genuine traveler that’s okay with a little chaos for a lot of authenticity. It’s for those people who pack their ponchos right next to their bathing suits and call it a day. If that sounds like you, then June is the tropical paradise Goldilocks zone for you. Still not convinced how to create a travel plan to flow with June? I’ll make it easy—reach out to me for your personalized, customized itinerary to Costa Rica!
