Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Rainy season is approaching Costa Rica, which signals time to slowdown and take a break from sun filled days. Towns slows down from the seasonal tourist swell. It’s actually a great time of year to be in Costa Rica. Marking a time when you can really rest. With the afternoon showers, the green becomes even greener during the rainy season, and the weather a little cooler.

Costa Rica’s seasons are divided between the wet and dry seasons. May through November mark rainy season, and the time to kick back. January, December and November are the coolest months. A tropical country because of its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica has no real winter, and the sun shines here throughout the year. The rainy season is a welcomed break for most people from the sun struck days.

Traveling during the rainy season also means lower prices and deeper discounts because it is less popular. People who own vacation rentals usually choose this time of year to take a break from renting their home to take advantage of the property for their own personal use. Prices can be 10% to 40% lower during the rainy season. While this time of year sees more frequent storms, for the most part, rainy season means an afternoon shower. Against the backdrop of the magical forests and mountains, it is a lovely time of year. There are still visitors but the population does not swell the way it does in December and January and then again during the spring break in March.

Expect the mornings and early afternoons to be sunny with rain hitting near the late afternoon and early evening sometimes continuing overnight. The rain brings a welcomed transitioned from the near perfect weather this country offers. There is no real summer in Costa Rica. March through May actually mark the hottest months. About 100 inches of rain fall each year with some mountainous areas getting as much as 25 feet of rainfall. It’s wet here. It’s also when the sea turtles come in to nest in large numbers, which is perhaps one of the most magical experiences you can have.

For the most part it rains at the same time everyday, making planning outdoor activities easy. Many take advantage of being outdoor in the morning and early afternoon and then returning indoors during the late afternoon. For many the lack of crowds makes this the best time to visit and take advantage of all the outdoor opportunities. Rivers run higher, the rainforest becomes a little more mystical, and the dry-forests of Guanacaste turn green and lush.

Costa Rica is known as one of the most biologically intense places in the world. Costa Rica means “rich coast” in Spanish, and the incredible flora and fauna support this name. Rich in natural resources, its innate beauty is impossible to deny. Home to 5% of the word’s biodiversity with over 1000 plants, Costa Rica is truly rich in life. Micro-ecosystems are throughout the country. In 1992, Costa Rica was made the headquarters of the world “Earth Council.”

A wild array of exotic, tropical flora and fauna supports the wildlife. 25% of the country is protected including 26 forests, 20 national parks, 9 forest reserves, 8 wildlife refuges, 7 wildlife sanctuaries and 1 national archaeological monument. Costa Rica has over 1,200 species of orchids and a range of wildly diverse habitats. 9,000 species of flowering plants and about 800 species of ferns grow in the region. The country has 12 different ecosystems including: tropical wetlands, primary dry forests and tidal mangrove swamps, which support a range of species, flora and fauna.

There is an abundance of rainforests throughout the country. Trees can grow up to 100 feet tall, absorbing up to 90% of the forest’s photosynthesis, while underneath through the wonders of nature, thousands of species of smaller trees sprout up. The dry forests do not contain as many plants. Here the exotic trees are short and robust. The mangrove swamps hold a variety of flora growing in the border between the land and the ocean and produce algae. These forests are essential for the preservation of species that only flourish in these unique conditions.

Costa Rica’s abundant fauna makes this one of the richest territories on the planet. 200 species of mammals, 850 species of birds, 220 species of reptiles, 200 species of amphibians and over 300,000 species of insects live in this country. Its geographic location between North and South American continents, and climate with a wide variety of habitats makes it home to so much biodiversity. Rich in bees, ants, moths, butterflies, lantern flies, and much more, Costa Rica has 1,251 species of butterflies and at least 8,000 species of moths. It is also home to the magnificent, endangered turtles: Giant leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also nest here.

The number one threat to species is endangered habitat followed by hunting and trapping. With an estimated 500,000 creatures throughout the country, Jaguars, Tapirs and the Squirrel Monkey are among the endangered species. The country is critical to preserving and protecting the world’s biodiversity. There rich number of wildlife preserves set aside across the country to protect endangered species throughout the country play a critical role in protecting biodiversity for the entire planet.