Things to Do in Costa Rica in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
September Weather in Costa Rica
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
78°F (26°C)
High Temp
62°F (17°C)
Low Temp
14.0 inches (356 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Afternoon storms can trigger flash floods on low-lying roads between 2-6pm
Is September Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Green season gifts you empty Manuel Antonio beach mornings. Howler monkeys replace tour buses as your 6am alarm. By 8am the sand is already filling with footprints. Claim your spot early.
- + Canopy zip-lines run half-empty queues in September. Guides linger longer at platforms to point out Resplendent Quetzals. You get extra time to watch. No rush.
- + Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare hits optimal flow. Class III-IV rapids feel challenging in September rains. The river shows its wild side. Adrenaline guaranteed.
- + Olive Ridley turtles arrive at Ostional for the arribada. You'll see thousands nesting under moonlight without December crowds. The beach becomes a living conveyor belt. Pure magic.
Considerations
- − Afternoon storms roll in like clockwork at 2pm. Plan any photography or beach time for 6am-1pm windows. The morning light is golden. Use it.
- − Mountain roads to Monteverde and Arenal turn to muddy slip-and-slides. 4WD becomes non-negotiable after 3pm. Don't risk it. Get proper wheels.
- − Some Pacific coast boat tours shut down entirely. Isla Tortuga operators often cancel 50% of trips. Check weather daily. Have backup plans.
Best Activities in September
Top things to do during your visit
Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting
September rains swell the Pacuare to its peak flow. Class III-IV rapids through primary rainforest where each rapid feels like a natural water ride. You'll raft past 300-year-old ceiba trees and stop at indigenous Cabécar villages that are inaccessible by road. The journey becomes legend.
Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead with licensed operators. Look for trips that include the Cabécar village visit and overnight eco-lodge stays. The booking widget below shows current 2-day and 3-day options. Choose wisely.
Ostional Turtle Arribada Night Tours
September marks the start of olive ridley nesting season. Female turtles arrive en masse during new moon phases. You'll walk the beach at 10pm with infrared flashlights, watching thousands of turtles dig nests and lay eggs in real-time. Nature's reality show.
Booking Tip: Time your visit for 3-5 days after new moon. Book guides through the booking section below. They monitor turtle activity and only run tours when arribadas are happening. No turtles, no tour.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walks
September's humidity makes the cloud forest explode with life. Red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous, and the rare sloth mating calls echo through the canopy. The moss-covered trails become slippery mirrors under headlamps. Bring traction.
Booking Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead, preferably for 7:30pm walks when nocturnal activity peaks. Bring waterproof camera bags. The mist gets everything wet. Protect your gear.
San José Central Market Food Tours
While rains pound the Pacific, San José's covered markets stay dry. Good for learning to spot criollo chocolate vs. commercial, taste pejibaye palm fruit, and watch grandmothers wrap tamales in banana leaves for September Independence Day preparations. Culture happens here.
Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am) work best. Market stalls close by 3pm and you'll beat the afternoon storms that flood downtown streets. Early bird wins.
Arenal Volcano Hot Springs Circuit
September's rain enhances the hot springs experience. The contrast between 100°F (38°C) thermal waters and 78°F (26°C) rain creates natural spa conditions. The volcano's peak often emerges dramatically between storm clouds. Steam rises.
Booking Tip: Book day passes 1-2 days ahead. Look for springs open until 10pm where you can soak during evening storms, watching lightning illuminate the volcano. Pure theater.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica in September
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for September travellers.
September Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
September 15th
Independence Day Celebrations
September 15th lights up every town square with faroles (lantern parades) where kids carry homemade paper lanterns singing the national anthem. San José's Central Park becomes a sea of red, white and blue with marching bands and traditional food stalls selling chorreadas (corn pancakes) and agua dulce. National pride on display.
Mid September
Fiestas Cívicas de Zapote
San José's biggest rodeo happens mid-September in Zapote. Think Costa Rican state fair with bull riding, carnival rides, and food stalls serving chicharrones (fried pork belly) and Imperial beer. The outdoor concerts run until 2am, rain or shine. Party hard.
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View Costa Rica Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Book accommodations at least 4 weeks ahead. September is low season but Independence Day weekend fills everything within 50km of San José. Plan early.
Download the Waze app. GPS works better than Google Maps on washed-out mountain roads, and locals report real-time hazards. Trust the crowd.
Bring $20 USD bills. Rural sodas (local diners) often can't break $50s when ATMs run dry during holiday weekends. Small bills rule.
Learn 'Pura vida' timing. Nothing opens before 8am and the entire week after Independence Day as locals recover from festivities. Embrace the pace.
Skip the early morning Arenal volcano tours. September's clouds usually clear by 9am, making the 7am tours pointless photo-wise. Sleep in.
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking Pacific coast catamaran tours is risky. Operators cancel 70% of September trips due to afternoon swells and storms. Choose land activities.
Avoid wearing white clothing. The red volcanic clay stains permanently when you slip on muddy trails. Dark colors only.
Don't plan beach days after 1pm. That's when storm clouds build into guaranteed downpours. Morning is everything.
Trying to drive between Monteverde and Manuel Antonio in one day is madness. The mountain route becomes a 6-hour slip-and-slide in September rains. Break it up.
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