Weather

Are we going hiking even though it’s raining and windy?

We do tours in the rain and any other weather conditions that nature decides to throw at us. After all, we’re going on adventures! If the weather is unsafe for any reason, the trip will be changed or postponed. Please note that you will be notified last minute if there are changes due to weather. These situations happen a few days a year in the rainy season.

When is the best time to visit Golfito and Osa?

All year round. However, March is the hottest and November is the wettest.

What is the weather like?

Temperature
Remember that you are in the tropics: it is hot and humid, and there are snakes and creepy-crawlies. It is the latter though, which concerns people the most. Well, snakes and insects are not as bothersome as your imagination would have you believe. It is the combination of heat and high humidity that is the greater problem. On the Osa Peninsula, temperatures seldom drop below 27oC (80oF), in the rainy season, and may exceed 35oC (95oF), in the dry season. Combined with the high humidity (60 – 100%), conditions here can become uncomfortable, even oppressive. Physical activity in such conditions is much more tiring than in cooler climes, and unless you take the appropriate precautions, severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and dehydration are likely consequences. Your guide will give you precautionary advice during adventure tours.

We recommend you bring with you:

  • Light clothing
  • An effective sun block
  • Sunglasses and a peaked cap or a wide-brimmed hat
  • Water bottle of one liter (2 – 3 pints) or more

Rainfall
On the OSA Peninsula rainfall is from 4 to 7 meters (160 to 280 inches) annually, and falls mainly between the months of April and November, heaviest in October. During this period–referred to by Costa Ricans as winter–it rains every day, though usually as heavy showers in the afternoon and evening. At times, rainfall can be torrential and accompanied by thunder and lightning. These thunderstorms, if they persist, can interrupt schedules as a result of swollen rivers and flooding. During such times Corcovado Park can be inaccessible and roads impassable. Throughout the rainy season forest trails will be muddy and in places slippery.

We recommend you bring with you:

  • Light washable hiking boots or rubber boots, both with good grips
  • Sealable plastic bags and/or bin bags to keep your belongings dry
  • Light waterproof clothing