When the Rains Arrive, So Does the Wildlife
In Guanacaste, the rainy season (May through November) isn’t just about afternoon showers and emerald hillsides — it’s nature’s most vibrant season. As the land transforms from golden dry plains to lush, tropical green, animals respond in kind. Streams flow, flowers bloom, and the forests, beaches, and skies come alive with activity.
If you’re a wildlife lover, this is your season.
Sea Turtle Nesting: A Rainy Season Spectacle
Perhaps the most breathtaking event of all is the arrival of thousands of sea turtles. During the rainy season, beaches like Playa Ostional and Playa Grande become nesting grounds for olive ridley, leatherback, and green sea turtles.
The famous arribadas — mass nesting events — happen primarily between August and November, when entire beaches can be blanketed in turtles. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary natural phenomena and a true bucket-list experience.
Birdwatching Paradise
The rains bring an explosion of food sources, which means birds are at their busiest. You’ll see herons wading through flooded fields, bright motmots and tanagers in the treetops, and raptors like hawks and caracaras soaring overhead. Migratory birds also start to arrive, adding even more variety to the skies.
For photographers, the contrast of vibrant plumage against the fresh green backdrop is unbeatable.
Monkeys, Sloths, and Forest Life
As the forests fill with fruit and new growth, mammals thrive. Troops of howler monkeys make their presence known with booming calls, capuchins bounce through the canopy in search of ripe mangoes, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a sloth curled up in a cecropia tree.
Rainy season is also a wonderful time to see frogs — from the iconic red-eyed tree frog to colorful poison dart frogs — especially after evening showers.
Rivers, Wetlands, and Crocodiles
The region’s rivers swell during rainy season, making it the best time for boat tours through wetlands like Palo Verde National Park. You’re almost guaranteed to see crocodiles, iguanas, and countless bird species in this watery wonderland. It’s a reminder that Guanacaste isn’t just beaches — it’s rich ecosystems that thrive with the rains.
Why Visit Guanacaste in the Rainy Season?
Fewer crowds at national parks and beaches
Greener landscapes perfect for photography
Unique wildlife activity you won’t see in dry season
Lower prices on accommodations and tours
Final Word
Rainy season in Guanacaste isn’t something to avoid — it’s something to celebrate. From turtle nesting spectacles to monkey-filled canopies, nature feels more alive than ever. Pack a light rain jacket, embrace the afternoon showers, and get ready for some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters Costa Rica has to offer.
Pura vida shines brightest in the rain. 
