Is the Costa Rica rainy season really that bad? Current residents share their uncensored thoughts about living through the green season.
It might be the height of the dry season in Costa Rica right now, with warm January sunshine the norm throughout most of the country (although here in the Central Valley, the summer shine is still kind of struggling to get through at the moment). But the rains will arrive in a few short months, and many newbies living in the Land of Pura Vida might find themselves experiencing something quite different to what they might be used to.
Running from May to November in most parts of the country, the Costa Rica rainy season prompts questions from potential residents about what daily life is really like during these months. The experiences shared by locals and expats on a recent Facebook group paint a nuanced picture that varies significantly by region and personal perspective.
“The spouse and I are looking seriously at joining the Texodus to Costa Rica,” wrote a group member. “How’s the rain? I know there are six-to-seven months that are considered the rainy season. We’re looking at Central Valley, if that matters, climate-wise. My question is, how much of a damper is that? Do you get depressed? Do you just ignore it and go about your business?”
This article basically tries to answer this question through the viewpoints of people living in Costa Rica come rain or shine. We hope it helps anyone looking for info on this subject. Let’s check into what they’re saying.
Regional Patterns and Microclimates
When answering the above questions, most residents describe a predictable rainy season pattern where mornings stay clear and sunny, with rain arriving in the afternoon. “You just get out early and home before the rain starts… it’s a no brainer,” says one resident. This predictability allows people to plan their days around the weather, prioritizing outdoor activities in the morning hours. “It’s beautiful and great weather… it rains usually in the afternoon… not torrential rain from May to Nov… everything becomes very green… it’s not gloomy or cold,” shares another resident.
The experience also varies by region. Costa Rica has many different ecosystems, each with its own microclimate. While some areas might see heavy afternoon downpours, others might experience just a light shower. “I am in the central valley in an area that gets just enough rain to keep everything green, while the next suburb over will get a downpour,” shares one resident. In Arenal, recent weather patterns have created additional challenges: “Over the last couple of weeks, the road in and out of town on both sides were closed at different times due to mud slides. One street in town caved in so it is not passable.”
Life in the Green Season
For many, the rainy season – often called the “green season” – represents Costa Rica at its most beautiful. “The green season is truly magical,” describes an expat. “No room for any sort of seasonal depression because everything feels alive. The landscape is vibrant, lush, and thriving, with birds singing, plants and flowers in full bloom, and a refreshing sense of renewal in the air.” A resident in Turrialba adds, “Love the weather where I am. Not too hot, not too cold… just right. Rains when it rains and is sunny the rest of the time. Green, lush, beautiful.”
Some residents specifically prefer this time of year. “We mainly welcome the rainy season. Everything is green, no dust and barely any tourists,” notes one local. A long-term resident elaborates: “I love both seasons in Costa Rica. Actually, the green season is my favorite because we have a very large ocean view garden.”
Adaptation doesn’t come easily to everyone. A couple from Texas “came, built a house, moved in, then returned to Texas, all in about a year. Could not deal with day after day after day of rain,” according to one account. Others describe challenges with mold and dampness, particularly during extended rainy periods. “It’s annoying and it can be depressing if you’re already undergoing through difficult times. You have to be extra cautious with potholes and traffic in general,” warns one resident.
Finding Your Place in Paradise
Many recommend experiencing the rainy season before making a permanent move. One resident who followed this advice describes taking a 90-day stay during the rainy season before relocating: “Gave me a taste of the country and rain.” Now settled in Costa Rica, they’ve adapted their routine: “Run errands in the morning to avoid rain. Pack umbrella when going out. You get used to it all.”
The contrast with the dry season significantly influences people’s perspectives. “I hate rainy season. Everything gets moldy and it is depressing. Akin to winter in the north in the U.S. in my opinion – just not as cold,” shares one resident. Others get right into it: “I’m another lover of the rainy season, aka ‘winter’. I get to plant my new plants and watch everything explode with new growth, flowers, etc. The nights are brisker for those of us sleeping without AC. Lots more time for reading, playing games, and other cozy indoor activities once the afternoon rains come.”
A Vancouver transplant offers perhaps the most grounding perspective: “I am used to rain coming from Vancouver, Canada where it could rain for 3-4 months straight without stopping.” They emphasize the importance of research and location selection: “Costa Rica has so many different climates that you can pick and choose where you want to live. Do your research before asking such questions. You will be able to find the area that suits you just fine.”
A resident from Grecia in the Central Valley sums up the journey of many: “I moved here four years ago from Las Vegas, Nevada, and obviously wasn’t used to rain and never liked it. But once I moved here, I actually enjoyed it. It rains a couple of hours every afternoon, but we still have the sun in the morning. I think it’s a good idea to live here during the rainy season before you make a decision. I bought my house unseen, and never regretted it but most people rent for a while before they commit.”
This variety of experiences underscores a crucial point about life in Costa Rica: the country’s microclimates mean that no single description of the rainy season fits all locations. As a resident notes, “It gets rainy but it is not as bad as many people think.” For those considering a move, the key lies in understanding that Costa Rica is, fundamentally, a tropical rainforest environment. Success and satisfaction often come not from fighting this reality, but from embracing, and, dare we say, enjoying it.
