Costa Rica July

[Sobloomintired]

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in July next year. We know it's the rainy season and have researched the weather in the different areas we want to go (Arenal, Monteverde, Manual Antonio) and expect it to be sunny mornings and then rain/thunder each afternoon and possibly cooler and also wetter in Monteverde. My friend has really put me off though and says it will be unbearably humid and we won't be able to do anything because of the rain.
I guess I'm looking for advice on whether the weather will spoil our holiday if we're totally prepared for some rain and not expecting to lie on a beach all day. Experiences please!!

@ClickClackClock Puerto Viego on the Caribbean or Pacific side?

I didn't go to either (!) but if Carribbean I heard several people being recommended Cahuita instead. That was really chilled. Is Puerto Viego more a party place?

Agree completely about it being expensive - including supermarkets. Self catering helped us keep costs down.

Explorerdores did our fab rafting trip. You can do it as a day trip from La Fortuna or the Caribbean side. Or do it on the journey between the two. They give a discount if you drive yourself (no idea how much).

For a day hike near La Fortuna we loved the Arenal Observatory Lodge - $15 day ticket, 11km of paths through different habitats quickly getting away from the hotel. We opted for that instead of the same price national park shorter hike, and spent the whole day there. There should be volcano views but that was one of our 2 rainy days.

If in nesting season, I'd add on tortuguero if you can to see turtles laying eggs and explore the national park. 2 nights in enough. You leave your car at the boat pick up place and take the public bus.

I just got engaged in Costa Rica in May 🥰 We stayed at Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo then Nayara Gardens in La Fortuna. An unforgettable trip ☀️

It was extremely hot but absolutely stunning. I'm jealous! 😜

@mumtotwox congratulations! It's going to be hard work beating that for your honeymoon.

carribean side @House4DS Thanks for the reccommendation about Cahuita - chilled sounds better I am not a party person!

Wasn't there in rainy season but we did have some rain mid April when in Monteverde. Its so beautiful. We were in monteverde 3 days, I could have stayed longer. If trees and nature are your thing then I think rain might elevate your experiences and the beauty. You can lie on a beach anywhere!

Don't let the concerns about the weather dampen your excitement. Embracing the possibility of rain and planning accordingly can actually add to the experience. Plus, with places like Arenal, Monteverde, and Manual Antonio on your itinerary, there's so much to explore even if it rains. Your friend's concerns might be valid, but being prepared and flexible can make all the difference. You might even find unexpected beauty in the rainforest during the wet season. For more insights and tips, you could check out resources like sicomono.com.