Things to Do in Costa Rica in June
June weather, activities, events & insider tips
June Weather in Costa Rica
Is June Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season pricing drops accommodation costs by 25-40% compared to December-April peak season - you'll find beachfront hotels in Manuel Antonio for $80-120 instead of $200+ per night
- Waterfalls hit maximum flow by June making La Fortuna Waterfall, Rio Celeste, and Nauyaca Falls absolutely spectacular - the volume and mist create photo opportunities impossible during dry months
- Wildlife viewing actually improves as animals congregate around remaining water sources and fruiting trees - sloths, monkeys, and toucans are easier to spot when they're not dispersed across the rainforest
- Fewer crowds mean you'll have trails, beaches, and hot springs largely to yourself - Monteverde cloud forest reserves see 60% fewer visitors than peak months, and you can actually enjoy the canopy bridges in peace
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is practically guaranteed on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts - expect downpours between 2-5pm lasting 1-3 hours, which means your beach time needs front-loaded mornings
- Some dirt roads to remote areas like southern Nicoya Peninsula become challenging or impassable without 4WD - rental costs jump from $35/day for standard cars to $65-85/day for proper 4x4s
- Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero) enters its wettest period with near-daily rain and rougher seas - snorkeling and boat tours get cancelled more frequently than other regions
Best Activities in June
Arenal Volcano hot springs and hanging bridges
June rain keeps the cloud forest lush and waterfalls roaring around Arenal. Morning hikes (6-10am) typically stay dry, and soaking in natural hot springs during afternoon rain is genuinely magical - the steam mixing with raindrops creates an atmosphere you won't get in dry season. Temperatures hover around 24-26°C (75-79°F) in La Fortuna, comfortable for hiking without the intense heat of March-April.
Manuel Antonio National Park wildlife tours
June marks prime wildlife season as animals become more visible and predictable in their movements. Morning tours (6-9am) before rain starts give you the best chance at spotting all four monkey species, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, and iguanas. The park limits daily visitors to 600, but June crowds rarely hit that cap - you'll share trails with maybe 50-100 people instead of the 600 you'd battle in January.
Monteverde cloud forest canopy tours
Cloud forests thrive in June moisture - you're literally walking through clouds most mornings, which is the entire point of this ecosystem. Ziplines operate rain or shine (they pause only for lightning), and honestly, ziplining through misty forest feels more adventurous than doing it in bright sun. Hanging bridges and night walks show different wildlife than dry season - glass frogs, emerald toucanets, and resplendent quetzals are active.
Rio Pacuare whitewater rafting
June hits the sweet spot for rafting - rivers have strong flow from early rains but aren't the raging torrents of September-October. Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare are thrilling but manageable, and you're paddling through pristine rainforest canyon with waterfalls pouring off cliffs. Water temperature stays around 22°C (72°F), warm enough that you don't need a wetsuit.
Tortuguero canals kayaking and wildlife watching
Yes, Tortuguero gets rain in June, but the canals are the point - you're already on water, so afternoon showers just add to the atmosphere. Morning kayak tours (5:30-8am) through the canal network offer incredible bird watching - green macaws, toucans, herons, and kingfishers are everywhere. Caimans sun on banks, river otters hunt, and if you're lucky, manatees surface near your kayak.
Coffee plantation tours in Central Valley
June is actually harvest season for some higher-elevation coffee varieties, and plantations are actively processing beans. Tours in Doka Estate, Cafe Britt area, or around Naranjo show the full production cycle - picking, pulping, drying, roasting. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid afternoon rain and the Central Valley stays pleasant at 20-24°C (68-75°F). You'll learn why Costa Rican coffee commands premium prices and taste the difference between processing methods.
June Events & Festivals
Dia del Padre (Father's Day)
Costa Rica celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, and it's a genuine family-focused holiday rather than a commercial event. Restaurants fill up with multi-generational families, beaches get crowded with locals on Sunday, and many businesses close or reduce hours. If you're traveling this weekend, book restaurants ahead and expect popular spots like Manuel Antonio or Jaco to feel busier than typical June weekends.