What it is and 8 great reasons to visit its rainforests then
Costa Rica has developed a very solid eco-tourism perception for travelers. Travelers may think of pristine beaches with waves for surfing, zip lines through sky-high tree canopies, witnessing iconic volcano cones, scaling (or descending) epic waterfalls, spotting incredible wildlife in their natural habitats, or trekking through dense rainforests. The reality is that Costa Rica offers all those things, and more. But what vacation planners don’t always get right is their perception of Costa Rica’s weather.
Weather misperceptions
Though a tropical, equatorial country, Costa Rica does not have just one universal weather pattern. The country is actually made up of 12 different climate zones! Each zone has its own unique microclimate, dictated by its location and the geographic topography of that region. The rainy season in one part of the country may be the dry season in another. In the rainforest areas, aptly named for receiving between 300 – 600 centimeters of rain per year, rain is essential to their existence and all life forms within it. To Costa Ricans, when the rainy time of year comes, it’s not called, “the rainy season,” it’s called “the green season” and for good reason: just as in higher latitude countries such as North America and Europe has a spring season where dormant plants and trees come back to life, the Green Season in the Costa Rican rainforests is when life really gets going.
The Osa Peninsula
With consistent year-round temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) and 12 hours of daily daylight, the Osa Peninsula is the most remote and undeveloped part of Costa Rica. It’s important and precious globally for the preservation of biodiversity existing there. It is home to almost a dozen distinct ecosystems, all of which rely on the humidity and heavy rains of the green season to exist and thrive. Rainforest ecosystems dominate by far, covering about 80% of the peninsula1. The rainforests of the Osa teem with life – plants, animals, insects, birds, … and a few humans. 😉
In the Osa, the green season runs from May through November, with a “mini” dry season in July that the locals call Veranillo de San Juan. Being in the Osa during the green season doesn’t mean day-long deluges – it may rain daily, but not all day. Expect rain for an hour or so in the afternoon, followed by a welcome cooling off and sunshine. The exception is the heaviest rain months of October and November, but those are important times, too, as it’s the best time to observe Humpback whales, turtles and their hatchlings, the arrival of migratory birds, and the cacophony of male frogs looking to mate.
8 great reasons to visit the Osa during the green season
Active wildlife – We’ve already mentioned whales, turtles, birds, and frogs, but truly all the rainforest’s wildlife comes alive in the green season. In the dry season, the animals know they must conserve energy and work harder to find the food that might otherwise be in abundance. It’s hotter in the dry season, so many mammals seek shade and rest more. For tourists, the dry season actually makes it harder to spot wildlife in action. But when the green season arrives, the wildlife gets busy! Food becomes abundant and babies are born, timed with that abundance. If you’re a naturalist, the green season is the best time to be in the Osa rainforest!
Rivers, waterfalls and water activities – With the rain comes more fresh-flowing water spectacles. Trickles become creeks, creeks become streams, and streams become rivers. New water-loving vegetation grows, attracting its share of wildlife. Rivers feed magnificent waterfalls with shimmering, mist-created rainbows of which you can snap photos of or rappel down. Swelling waterways that feed the Gulfo Dulce keep its temperatures refreshing, excellent for kayaking and paddleboarding, and as rivers flow into the Pacific Ocean, they enhance the already world-class surfing conditions at spots like Matapalo Beaches such as Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay, and & Cabo Matapalo. Of course, you can simply stand outside and enjoy a cooling, refreshing, afternoon rainshower courtesy of Mother Nature.
Sounds & smells – Watching rainforest storms from a protected perch is like watching something manufactured in a movie. The skies crack with booms of thunder while bolts of lightning set the sky alight. Rainstorms at night are even more magical to observe as they roll in, suddenly illuminating the darkened landscape of trees set against a temporary aubergine sky. You can smell a variety of scents – must, metal, leafy greens, and sweet flower fragrances. It’s been proven that scent has power over memory2, and the smell of the rainforest before, during, and after a rainstorm are smells you will not easily forget.
Vibrant colors – Yes, green, lots of green, but the green season also brings a range of colors, from flowers in bloom to a magical array of local and migratory birds.
Incredible full moons and amazing dark starlit skies – Out so close to the ocean and often feeling like you’re on the edge of the earth, witnessing a full moon on the Osa is truly an extraordinary sight. The green season boasts nearly two-thirds of all the full moons. And when the moon is but a sliver, the Osa’s night skies are unsullied by ambient light. Abundant stars flicker, constellations taunt you to remember your early education, and you will be struck by the quietude of the jungle at night.
Natural skincare & self-care – Don’t even worry about moisturizing during the green season. Your skin will be fully hydrated, naturally. But the green season gives you a great excuse to make some down time for other spa treatments like an exfoliation, wrap, massage, or foot scrub. If skincare isn’t your thing, when it rains, use the time to do something you probably don’t do enough of back home: RELAX. Take a nap. Read a book. Write in a journal. Hang out in a hammock lounge chair and watch, listen, and breathe in Nature. Do a crossword puzzle. Enjoy a “couples activity.” You get the drift.
Fewer crowds and better deals – The Osa already benefits from fewer crowds but even more so in the green season. There’s definitely no over-tourism problem here. Why not take advantage, then, of fewer people and the reduced pricing for flights, lodging, and activities?
Well-suited for the impulsive types – Because of the reduced demand during the green season, you’ll likely be able to book a great stay at the last minute. In fact, it may wind up being the best vacation of your life!
If the idea of a little daily rain on your vacation doesn’t deter you, why not visit a place where rain will heighten your experience? Plan a trip to the thrilling rainforests of the Osa during the green season. It’s guaranteed to be unforgettable. Just don’t forget to pack your sunblock as well as your waterproof gear!
Sound like your kind of vacation? Contact El Remanso today for more information about its Green Season Specials!
