Things to Do in Costa Rica in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Costa Rica
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuine green season pricing - accommodations run 30-40% cheaper than December-April rates, and you'll actually have negotiating power at mid-range hotels if booking last-minute. Flight prices from North America drop significantly after the July family travel rush ends.
- The landscapes are legitimately spectacular right now - waterfalls are at full force (Nauyaca Falls and La Fortuna Waterfall are thundering), the cloud forests are living up to their name with mist rolling through daily, and everything is that intense green you see in photos but assume is oversaturated. It's not.
- Fewer crowds at major attractions means you can actually experience them - Manuel Antonio trails that are shoulder-to-shoulder in February have breathing room, you can book popular zip-line tours with just 3-5 days notice instead of three weeks, and turtle nesting tours at Tortuguero aren't fighting for space.
- Wildlife viewing is surprisingly excellent - animals are more active in the rain (especially amphibians and insects, which means better bird activity), and the afternoon rain pattern is predictable enough that you can plan morning wildlife activities with confidence. Sloths are easier to spot when they're not hidden in dry-season foliage.
Considerations
- The Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero) gets absolutely hammered in August - this is peak rain season over there with 350-400 mm (13.8-15.7 inches) of rainfall and genuinely gray, drizzly days that can last 48+ hours. If Caribbean beaches are your priority, you're visiting the wrong month.
- Afternoon rain is practically guaranteed on the Pacific side and central highlands - it typically rolls in between 2pm-4pm and lasts 1-3 hours. This isn't a light sprinkle, it's a proper downpour that will soak you in 30 seconds. Your daily schedule needs to account for this, which means early starts and flexible afternoons.
- Some roads become legitimately challenging - the route to Drake Bay and certain parts of the Osa Peninsula can be muddy enough that 4WD becomes mandatory rather than recommended, and river crossings that are ankle-deep in dry season can be thigh-deep now. Budget extra travel time and verify road conditions before heading to remote areas.
Best Activities in August
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve hiking
August is actually ideal for cloud forest exploration - the mist and rain create the atmospheric conditions these forests are named for, visibility inside the forest is fine during morning hours, and you'll see significantly more amphibian and insect life than in dry season. The hanging bridges are magical when clouds are rolling through. Temperatures hover around 18-22°C (64-72°F) at elevation, which makes hiking comfortable. The afternoon rain pattern means you want to start by 7am-8am and finish main trails by 1pm.
Arenal hot springs and volcano viewing
The rainy season creates an interesting dynamic at Arenal - you get fewer crowds at the hot springs complexes, which makes the experience significantly more relaxing, and the afternoon clouds often clear in early evening (around 6pm-7pm) giving you dramatic volcano views with mist. The natural hot springs along the river are at perfect temperatures right now because groundwater flow is higher. Morning hikes on volcano trails are excellent before the afternoon rain arrives.
White-water rafting on Pacuare or Sarapiqui rivers
August is prime rafting season - water levels are high enough to make Class III-IV rapids genuinely exciting without being dangerous, and the rivers are flowing through lush jungle scenery at peak green. The Pacuare River is considered one of the world's best rafting experiences, and August conditions are ideal. You will get wet anyway, so the rain doesn't matter. Water temperature is comfortable at 22-24°C (72-75°F).
Manuel Antonio National Park wildlife watching
The park is significantly less crowded in August - you might see 200-300 daily visitors instead of 600+ in high season, which transforms the experience. Wildlife is active in morning hours before rain, and the reduced crowds mean animals are less skittish. Sloths, monkeys, and toucans are reliably spotted. The beaches inside the park are swimmable in morning hours, though afternoon rain often arrives around 2pm-3pm. Trails can be muddy but are well-maintained.
Tortuguero canals boat tours
Despite heavy rainfall in this region, the canal boat tours are actually excellent in August - water levels are high, wildlife congregates along waterways, and you'll see caimans, river turtles, monkeys, sloths, and diverse birdlife. The rain creates a dramatic jungle atmosphere, and most tours provide rain ponchos. August is also sea turtle nesting season (green turtles), so evening beach walks offer chances to see nesting, though this requires separate permits and guides.
Pacific coast surfing lessons and beach time
August brings consistent swells to Pacific beaches, making it ideal for both learning and intermediate surfing. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco have warm water around 27-28°C (81-82°F), and morning sessions (6am-10am) typically happen before afternoon rain. The beaches are far less crowded than high season, so you're not fighting for waves. Water visibility is decent despite being rainy season. Afternoons are good for beachfront restaurant time under cover while rain passes through.
August Events & Festivals
Dia de la Madre (Mother's Day)
August 15th is a major national holiday celebrating mothers - expect restaurants to be packed with family gatherings, many businesses closed, and a genuinely festive atmosphere in towns. It's an interesting cultural experience if you're here, but advance restaurant reservations are essential if you want to eat anywhere decent. Churches hold special masses, and you'll see lots of flower vendors on streets.
Fiesta de la Virgen de los Angeles
August 2nd honors Costa Rica's patron saint with the most important religious celebration of the year. The main event is in Cartago (30 km or 19 miles east of San Jose), where thousands of pilgrims walk to the basilica - some starting days in advance from across the country. Even if you're not religious, the cultural significance and the sight of pilgrims walking highways is remarkable. Cartago gets extremely crowded August 1-2.