Let’s be honest, when most people hear “rainy season,” they picture vacation plans getting ruined. But here’s what we’ve learned from Arenal Hills owners who visit between May and November: the green season isn’t something to avoid. It’s actually when Costa Rica shows you its best side.
Yes, it rains. Sometimes a lot. But once you know how to work with the weather instead of fighting it, rainy season becomes the secret to experiencing Arenal the way it’s meant to be experienced, lush, alive, and without the crowds.
What Rainy Season Actually Looks Like
First, let’s clear something up. “Rainy season” doesn’t mean it pours all day, every day. That’s the myth that keeps tourists away and keeps prices low for those of us who know better.
Here’s what actually happens most days between May and November:
You wake up to clear skies and sunshine. The morning is beautiful, perfect weather for everything you want to do. Around noon or early afternoon, clouds start building up. Then it rains, usually hard, for one to three hours. After that, the sky often clears again for a nice evening.
This pattern repeats pretty consistently. Once you know it, you can plan around it easily.
The wettest months are September and October. May and June are gentler, with shorter afternoon showers. But even in the wettest months, you’re not stuck inside all day. You just need to adjust your schedule.
The Magic Morning Hours: Get Up Early
If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: wake up early during rainy season.
Between 5:30 AM and 10:00 AM, you get the best of everything. Clear skies, cool temperatures, and active wildlife. This is when the rainforest wakes up, and this is when you should be out exploring.
See the Volcano: Arenal Volcano hides behind clouds most afternoons. But at sunrise? It’s right there, perfectly clear from your villa’s patio. Grab your coffee, step outside, and enjoy the view. By lunchtime, it’ll be gone until tomorrow morning.
Spot Wildlife: Animals don’t care about your vacation schedule. They’re active when it’s cool—early morning and evening. Birds are calling and feeding. Monkeys are moving through the trees. Sloths are easier to spot. Early morning wildlife tours time their departures for exactly this reason.
Hit the Trails: Hiking trails are driest and most comfortable in the morning. Plus, you’ll often have them to yourself since most tourists are still sleeping in.
This early morning window is your secret weapon. Use it, and rainy season becomes incredibly rewarding.
How to Plan Your Days
| Mornings (5:30 AM – 11:00 AM) | Afternoons (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Evenings (After 5:00 PM) |
| Hike Arenal Volcano National Park | Soak in hot springs (rain makes it better, trust us) | Go on a night wildlife walk |
| Walk the hanging bridges and go birdwatching | Get a massage or spa treatment | Watch frogs at Arenal Oasis |
| Visit waterfalls | Take a yoga class | Return to the hot springs |
| Take photos of the volcano | Relax at your villa | Enjoy dinner in La Fortuna |
| Bike around Lake Arenal | Have a lunch at a local restaurant | Stargaze if clouds clear |
Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Packing right makes all the difference. Here’s what actually works:
Must-Haves:
- Rain jacket – Lightweight, packs small, dries fast. Not a bulky raincoat.
- Quick-dry clothes – Synthetic or merino wool fabrics. Skip cotton completely—it stays wet forever.
- Water-resistant hiking shoes – With good grip. Trails get slippery.
- Ziplock bags – Various sizes for your phone, camera, and wallet. Simple but crucial.
- Small backpack – With a rain cover or waterproof liner.
- Swimsuit – Keep it in your bag. Hot springs opportunities pop up unexpectedly.
- Extra socks – You’ll go through them faster than you think.
- Microfiber towel – Dries in an hour instead of overnight.
For Activities:
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Waterproof phone case
- Good sunscreen (sun still burns between clouds)
- Bug spray (rain brings out insects)
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp
Why Rainy Season Is Actually Better
- Way Fewer Tourists: Popular trails, restaurants, and hot springs aren’t packed. You’ll have space to breathe and actually enjoy things without crowds. No fighting for restaurant reservations or tour spots.
- Lower Prices: Everything costs less, hotels, rental cars, tours. If you’re renting out your Arenal Hills property, offering green season stays at competitive rates attracts guests who understand the value.
- Better Wildlife: More rain means more food and water, which means more animals. Birds migrate through the area. The rainforest is active and alive. You’ll see more wildlife during green season than dry season, hands down.
- Incredible Scenery: Dry season turns hillsides brown. Green season keeps everything vibrant and lush. Waterfalls actually have water. The landscape looks like those photos that made you want to visit Costa Rica in the first place.
- Authentic Experience: You’re seeing Costa Rica as it actually is, not the dried-out tourist version.
Real Talk: Things to Know
- Roads Get Messy: Heavy rain creates potholes and occasional flooding, especially on rural roads. Main highways are fine, but give yourself extra time for travel. Check conditions before heading to remote areas.
- Some Activities Cancel: Most tours run rain or shine, but extreme weather can force cancellations. Stay in touch with tour operators. They’ll reschedule for free if needed.
- Waterfalls Can Be Dangerous: Green season waterfalls are powerful and beautiful, but strong currents make swimming risky sometimes. Follow safety signs and local advice.
- Your Villa Will Be Ready: Let property management know when you’re arriving. They’ll have your place cleaned, cooled, and ready, which feels amazing after traveling through rain.
Bottom Line
Rainy season at Arenal Hills isn’t a compromise. It’s a different way to experience Costa Rica, one that many people argue is better.
You get dramatic scenery, active wildlife, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The trade-off? You need to wake up early, pack smart, and stay flexible.
With your Arenal Hills villa as home base, you have everything needed to make green season work beautifully. Start your mornings early when weather is perfect. Embrace afternoon rain as relaxation time. Keep your rain jacket handy and your expectations realistic.
The rainforest didn’t get its name by accident. Green season is when you see exactly why this place is so special.
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