Last updated on July 23rd, 2020 at 08:13 pm EST
Pictured above (left to right): An empty Monteverde Country Lodge; an empty trail in the Manuel Antonio National Park; empty pools at the Titoku Hot Springs
Some of the information in this article about traveling to Costa Rica in June can also be found in our related blog post:
When To Go To Costa Rica According To Cost, Weather, Wildlife, And More!
Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article’s TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Is June a good time to go to Costa Rica?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking to get out of your travel experience, where in Costa Rica you’re headed, what you want to see and do while here, how much money you’re willing to spend, and several other factors. We compiled the information below to help you decide whether you should or shouldn’t go to Costa Rica in June, which is part of Costa Rica’s “low season” (click here to learn more about Costa Rica’s high and low travel seasons), according to your own interests, wants, needs, and vacation priorities.
Planning to visit Costa Rica during a different month? Don’t miss our related blog posts:
Costa Rica in January / Costa Rica in February / Costa Rica in March / Costa Rica in April / Costa Rica in May / Costa Rica in July / Costa Rica in August / Costa Rica in September / Costa Rica in October / Costa Rica in November / Costa Rica in December
Special events and celebrations in June
June is a fairly low-key month in terms of Costa Rican celebrations. With the exception of Father’s Day, which is typically celebrated privately among Costa Rican families on the third Sunday in June, there aren’t many significant events or holidays that take place in Costa Rica in June that are worth planning your trip around.
Noteworthy wildlife / marine life sightings in June
If you’re coming to Costa Rica to see a particular species of wildlife or marine life, consider the following benefits to visiting Costa Rica in June:
- Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional (the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge) hosts olive ridley sea turtles nesting on Playa Ostional in June (best seen between May and December, ideally between August and December).
- Parque Nacional Tortuguero (the Tortuguero National Park) hosts olive ridley sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, and green sea turtles nesting on Playa Tortuguero in June (best seen between March and October).
- Refugio de Vida Silvestre Camaronal (the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge) hosts olive ridley sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, and hawksbill sea turtles nesting on Playa Camaronal in June (best seen between June and December).
- Islas Murcielago (the Bat Islands, also known as “The Bats”) hosts bull sharks in June (best seen between May and November).
- Isla del Coco (Cocos Island) hosts sharks and whales in June (best seen between May and December).
- Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Cano Negro (the Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge) hosts resident bird species in June (best seen between May and December).
- Parque Nacional Palo Verde (the Palo Verde National Park) hosts resident bird species in June (best seen between May and December).
Interested in Costa Rican wildlife? Don’t miss the photos in our related blog post:
Costs in June
On average countrywide, the least expensive time to travel to Costa Rica is during the low season, especially during months that fall outside of the shoulder sub-season (July and August), including June. This is when accommodation prices and car rental rates are at their lowest (note that prices for tours / activities, shared and private transportation services, and food tend to remain the same year-round).
Weather in June
Costa Rica’s least favorable weather is experienced during the low season, which spans June. During this time, most of the country experiences Costa Rica’s green / wet / rain season, which is considered Costa Rica’s winter season. Even though you’re most likely to encounter fewer periods of sunshine and above-average periods of rain if you visit during June compared to dry / summer season months (mid-December to April), there’s still plenty of great weather to be had. It’s also worth noting that the first few months of Costa Rica’s green / wet / rain season (May and June) typically receive more sunshine and less rain than the last few months of the green / wet / rain season (September, October, and November), so if you plan to visit Costa Rica during the off-season, June offers some of the best non-dry season weather you can get.
Views in June
Cloud cover and sporadic rain is experienced in Costa Rica during the month of June. This weather can affect otherwise beautiful views captured during adventure and nature tours, atop volcano craters, and at several miradors (viewpoints) around the country.
Landscape in June
June is part of Costa Rica’s green / wet / rain season, which means you’re most likely to witness the country lush and green (as opposed to dry and brown, in some areas) when you visit.
Road conditions in June
In general, Costa Rica’s roads conditions are average during June. Though driving at anytime during Costa Rica’s green / wet / rain season comes with its challenges, including occasional road delays or closures due to landslides, river crossings, and bumpy roads dotted with potholes, the roads aren’t as bad as they can be at the end of the season (October and November). Since rain is a common occurrence during the green / wet/ rain season, if it has rained recently where you plan to travel, you may find that unpaved roads comprised of dirt and dust have turned to mud or become lined with ruts. Having a 4×4 vehicle is a good idea—if not a requirement, depending on which highways and roads you’ll be covering—if you plan to drive around Costa Rica in June.
Plan to drive yourself around Costa Rica? Learn what to expect from each road and highway by reading our related blog posts:
Water levels in June
Costa Rica experiences an average amount of rainfall during June, which means water levels around the country are sometimes high. This means that waterfalls (for swimming in and canyoning beside) may be powerful, white-water rafting excursions may be intense, and other water-related activities (such as kayaking tours and boat tours) may require tour modifications during the month that you visit. Though tour and activity cancellations resulting from dangerous water levels are more likely to occur in October and November, they may also occur in June.
Terrain in June
Hike conditions tend to be average during June but rainfall throughout the month can produce muddy and debris-filled trails. Though uncommon during June, you may also encounter trail closures due to landslides, floods, or fallen trees.
Tourism in June
Countrywide, tourism in Costa Rica is low and muted during June. If you plan to visit during this month, you can expect smaller group sizes for organized tours; below-average numbers of hikers on popular nature trails, guests in hotels, and diners in restaurants; fewer occupants in transportation vehicles (i.e., shared shuttle services, domestic flights, water taxis, ferries, and local buses); and lower levels of noise.
Atmosphere in June
Characteristic of Costa Rica’s low season, the month of June gives off a laid-back vibe that thrives among the absence of crowds.
Closures in June
Since June sits neatly between Costa Rica’s high season, which ends in April, and Costa Rica’s shoulder season, which typically begins in July if not the end of June, the majority of tourism businesses don’t bother temporarily closing, reducing their hours of operation, or renovating during the month. This is great news because it means that most of the hotels, tour companies, and/or restaurants you wish to experience in Costa Rica will be available to you during your June visit.
Cruises in June
Costa Rica’s cruise season typically runs from October to March each year. Because cruises rarely dock in Costa Rica during June, tourism is practically non-existent in port towns like Puntarenas (on the Pacific coast) and Limon (on the Caribbean coast) during the month.
Availability for accommodations in June
Most Costa Rica hotels don’t sell out during the month of June, which means room availability is typically easy to come by.
Wondering when you should book Costa Rica trip items to not lose out on availability? Don’t miss our related blog post:
Booking Costa Rica Trip Reservations In Advance: How Much Time Is Needed?
Availability for tours / activities in June
Spaces for most Costa Rica tours / activities don’t sell out during the month of June. If you’re interested in booking preferred tour times and/or tour guides though, it’s a good idea to reserve tours / activities once you’ve selected them. If you’re a single traveler visiting Costa Rica in June, you may find it tough to participate in some tours / activities as many tour operators have a minimum two-person requirement.. Since June receives fewer visitors than most other times of the year, it can be tough to find other people to participate in guided tours with during the low-season month.
Want to save money on your Costa Rica day tours? Check out the free discounts we offer for Costa Rica tours and activities:
Availability for transportation services in June
Most Costa Rica transportation services (including shared shuttle services, private transfer services, domestic flights, water taxis, and ferries) don’t sell out during June. If you’re interested in booking preferred departure times and/or routes though, it’s a good idea to reserve transportation services once you’ve selected them. Some transportation service providers (such as shared shuttle service providers and domestic airlines) reduce the number of services they offer during low-season months, including June, so there may be fewer departure times available for you to choose from.
Need help deciding which transportation services to use in Costa Rica? Check out our related blog post:
Availability for rental cars in June
Most Costa Rica car rental agencies don’t sell out of vehicles during June. 4×4 vehicles are the first to go, however. Since it’s recommended to navigate many of Costa Rica’s roads in June with a 4×4 vehicle, it’s a good idea to secure a rental car of this type as soon as you decide on it.
Have you booked your Costa Rica hotels, transportation services, or car rental yet? If not, don’t miss the free discount codes we offer for these items:
Free Costa Rica Discount Codes For Hotels, Shuttles, And Car Rentals
QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you been to Costa Rica in June? What did you experience?
Pura vida!
Summary
Article Name
Costa Rica in June: Costs, Weather, Wildlife, Roads, Tourism Closures And More!
Description
Everything you need to know about visiting Costa Rica in June, including events, wildlife sightings, costs, weather, tourism, and more!
Author
Nikki Solano
Publisher Name
The Official Costa Rica Travel Blog
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