{"id":14780,"date":"2021-05-05T07:47:41","date_gmt":"2021-05-05T13:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adobecar.com\/?p=14780"},"modified":"2026-02-15T14:18:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T20:18:57","slug":"costa-rica-rainy-season-how-to-drive-in-the-rain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adobecar.com\/en\/travel-costa-rica\/costa-rica-rainy-season-how-to-drive-in-the-rain\/","title":{"rendered":"Costa Rica Rainy Season – how to drive in the rain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica between the months of May and late November? If so, you\u2019re likely to encounter rainy conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But don\u2019t be dismayed. The rainy season is a great time to visit. The tropical landscape is green and vibrant, wildlife is thriving, and the rivers are full of exciting rapids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The following tips will keep you informed and prepared for your trip to paradise during the rainy season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Weather conditions in Costa Rica\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Costa Rica has two seasons – the rainy season and the dry season. They are known respectively as the <\/span>green season\/winter<\/span><\/i>, or, the <\/span>high season\/summer. <\/span><\/i>The rainy season runs from May to late November, with exceptions on the Caribbean Coast. And the dry season runs from December (late November) to April.<\/span><\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t mean it will rain 24\/7 during the green season. On the contrary, most mornings and early afternoons are sunny and beautiful throughout the country. Then storm clouds start moving in during the early afternoon bringing showers that last into the evening and sometimes overnight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a couple of exceptions, however. The rainiest months on the Pacific Coast and in the country\u2019s interior are <\/span>September <\/b>and <\/span>October<\/b>. While on the Caribbean Coast, these two months are the driest and most beautiful – the Caribbean\u2019s peak tourist season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another exception is known as <\/span>St. John\u2019s Little Summer <\/span>(el Veranillo de San Juan)<\/span><\/i>. Technically referred to as the El Nino Southern Oscillation. It is an oceanic weather phenomenon creating a dry spell for two or three weeks around late July and early August. The <\/span>Veranillo <\/span><\/i>period coincides perfectly with most school vacations making it a good time to visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Osa Peninsula, Southern Zone, and the Caribbean are covered in rainforest and rain is a regular occurrence. No matter what month of the year it is. The best time to visit Costa Rica if you\u2019re planning to spend time in these regions is during the dry season or September and October for the Caribbean region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the rainiest period of the year, the roads in these areas may become impassable due to washouts and rivers overflowing their banks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rainy season in Costa Rica<\/b><\/h2>\n

Driving in a foreign country is always a challenge. Especially when wet weather is a factor. And Costa Rica is no exception. In fact, most newcomers find that driving here for the first time can be stressful. The best thing to do is be prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n

Costa Rica is rugged and mountainous. You\u2019ll encounter steep inclines and curvy roads even in the Central Valley. The majority of streets, roads, and even some major thoroughfares are not named or marked with regular street signs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Car rental companies, like Adobe, will encourage you to rent a GPS navigation system for your rental car or use a navigational cell phone application. WAZE is the preferred platform in Costa Rica. The tens of thousands of WAZE users nationwide ensures you\u2019ll almost always receive regular updates on current road conditions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Extreme weather in Costa Rica is another factor. Intensely hot days and intermittent heavy rains can wreak havoc on the roads causing potholes and even washouts. Oftentimes the yellow and white safety lines painted on the pavement will be faded or obstructed with debris, especially in rural areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adobe car rental for rainy days<\/b><\/h2>\n

Adobe Rent a Car is owned and operated by Costa Ricans. We\u2019re the largest and longest operating vehicle rental company in the country. And we know Costa Rica\u2019s weather and road conditions like nobody else!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our impeccably maintained <\/span>fleet of rental cars<\/span><\/a> are all under two years old. And we know that even if you\u2019re visiting the country during the dry season you\u2019re likely to be driving in bad weather at one time or another.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we offer a selection of cars that can tackle every terrain and keep you and your loved ones safe. All of our recommended vehicles have an automatic transmission, added lift, and high-quality tires with a minimum of 3mm tread.<\/span><\/p>\n

We also suggest Adobe\u2019s popular full-coverage <\/span>SPP insurance <\/b>option, which includes 24\/7 roadside assistance throughout all of the national territory, and <\/span>Insurance coverage of up to $5 million per event, <\/span>among other benefits<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>At Adobe, your safety is our priority.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Examples of the best Adobe cars for wet conditions:<\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n