For those traveling on a budget, the rainy season is the ideal time to go and save money as the costs (hotels, airfare, etc) during this time can drop drastically. In fact, that's when most of expats and locals living in Costa Rica visit the touristic areas as they can enjoy the nature without the crowds and make the most out of their money.

The rainy season is popular in Costa Rica because there is still plenty of sun. The day begins with sunny and bright light with the clouds rolling in during the early afternoon. It Rains usually come for two or three hours and then stops for the evening. You can actually still have a great day in this weather – get some sun and go for a dip in the beach, hike in the rainforest, or visit the national parks, in the morning. Then spend your afternoon with excellent Costa Rican coffee while indulging in the tropical rain.

Here's another nugget of information that most folks might not know: the rainy and dry seasons don't exactly coexist on the two opposite coasts. That means you can even get a taste of each by simply switching between Pacific and Caribbean time here.

Additionally, Costa Rica boasts several celebrations countrywide as well as plenty of regional ones that take place throughout the year. Depending on your preferences, you can plan the timing of a visit around particular events.

Here are some of the more popular celebrations that keep Costa Rica busy all year round:

• January: New Year's Day Celebration: Fireworks light up the country while street parties attract locals and expats with food, music, and dancing. Expect a lot of dancing in Costa Rica so bring your most comfortable shoes.
• February: San Isidro del General Fiesta: Held in San Isidro del General, San Jose, this agricultural fair is a collection of different fun stuff - flower shows, bullfighting and traditional livestock competitions with prizes.
• March: Dia de los Boyeros: the oxcart driver day is celebrated with traditional parades and intricately painted oxcarts on display in Escazu, San Jose.

February and March: Wildlife watching - Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast in March

• April: Juan Santamaria Day: the nation's hero is commemorated every year with parades, music and dancing. Juan Santamaria helped Costa Rica defeat invading U.S citizen William Walker and his mercenary army in 1856. Celebrations are held throughout the country.
• May: Labor Day: Country-wide offices are given a day off from work for most of the country and a presidential speech honoring the day.
• June: Saints Peter and Paul Day: Religious celebrations to honor the Catholic saints Paul and Peter held throughout the country.
• July: Annexation of Guanacaste Day: This day commemorates the 1824 event of the Guanacaste province choosing their nation over neighboring Nicaragua. There will be celebrations everywhere but the biggest ones – parades, bullfighting, and a lot of drinking – are in Liberia, Guanacaste's capital city.
• August: Virgen of Los Angeles Day: This is Costa Rica's largest religious holiday. The celebration takes form in pilgrims marching on foot or on their knees toward Cartago's Los Angeles Basilica to pay honor to La Negrita and ask for a wish. Costa Rica is a catholic state, so it should not come as surprise that there is more than one religious celebration here.
• September: Independence Day: Parties and festivals are held throughout the country celebrating the day Costa Rica won its freedom from Spain. Following the anthem played at 6:00 p.m on national TV and radio stations, the popular 'faroles' parade commences where homemade lanterns are lit up, symbolizing the original freedom torch. Children in traditional costumes perform typical dances followed by fireworks.
• October: Puerto Viejo Carnaval: People flocking to Puerto Viejo to enjoy seven days of Caribbean parties complete with dancers, parades and live music.
• November: Coffee Picking Contest: Music and dancing accompany the event held throughout the Central Valley.
• December: Zapote Fiestas: Some might not recognize the tranquil farmers' market Zapote fairgrounds in San Jose once it turns itself into a free-for-all party on this day. This is also the most active festival among all, which includes fair and street food, amusement park rides, bullfighting, inflatable megabars, and a lot of libations.

Year round: wildlife watching - leatherback, hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles, Alaska/California humpback whales on the Pacific coast

A vacation in Costa Rica sounds awesome, doesn't it? Contact us for your lodging needs.