No Rainy Day Blues in Costa Rica

If you visit the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica any time between May and early December, you’re probably going to experience some rain. It is, after all, a very lush rainforest that stays green all year for a reason.

Not to worry, though, as there are plenty of activities to do when a bit of precipitation is falling from the tropical sky. And when it rains — typically in the afternoons after 2 PM — it’s a warm moisture. Bundling up isn’t something you need to consider in this part of Costa Rica. You’ll get wet, and that’s about it.

Most days in Dominical during this stretch of the year feature bright, sunny mornings with afternoon showers. It’s not uncommon to experience a good thunderstorm for an hour or two before dinner, only to have the sky clear back up again after nightfall. So, chances are you’ll be wrapping up your day’s activities before the rain hits. But in case the clouds creep in a bit early one day, here are a few options for making the most out of a rainy day along Costa Rica’s incredible southern coastline.

Go surfing or bodyboarding:

The ocean temperature here is as close to perfect as it gets, between 82-85 degrees for 365 days each year. Rain isn’t going to change that. Surfing and bodyboarding conditions rely much more on wind than rain, and sometimes a good rain will help the ocean “glass off,” making for a very smooth riding surface. Cloud cover is your friend, too, as it can help protect from an intense afternoon sun. It doesn’t have to be sunny to surf. This is an all-weather activity, so get out there and have some fun.

Take a river rafting or ATV trip:

You shouldn’t go zip lining or on a sportfishing boat trip while it rains, for obvious reasons. But river rafting and ATV riding are awesome in the wet stuff. You can launch down the Savagre or Coto Brus rivers with significant rainfall and it won’t hurt the experience one bit. It’s all water anyway, and the rapids only get more intense with added water! And here’s a little secret about local ATV tours: they can be on dusty roads in the dryer season (January through April), which isn’t a ton of fun with dirt all up to your nose and in your ears. But a little precipitation settles those dirt roads and makes the driving conditions absolutely ideal for ripping through the backroads.

Waterfalls are rushing:

Here’s an interesting fact: waterfalls need water. If you pack right — think a nice, waterproof jacket and shoes that can handle the wetness well — you can make an epic rainy-day trip to Nauyaca, Eco Chontales or Diamante waterfalls. The trails leading to these majestic waterfalls can get a bit busy in the high season, but a rainstorm can thin that line out quick. When other tourists are hiding from the rain or canceling their hikes due to suspect weather, that’s the best time to pounce. Zig when they zag and you’ll be a very happy camper.

Most of the guests who stay at one of our luxury rental homes, find these refreshing afternoon rain showers just another opportunity to enjoy their amazing villa.