If you’ve only heard of Costa Rica’s two main seasons—the dry season and the rainy season—you might be surprised to learn there’s a secret third: veranillo de San Juan, the “little summer.”
Veranillo in Costa Rica is a short but magical dry spell that appears in the middle of the rainy season, typically in early to mid-July. While most travelers expect clouds and downpours this time of year, locals know that veranillo offers a precious window of sun-drenched days, lower humidity, and a quiet lull in rainfall. For those in the know, it’s one of the best times to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty without the crowds or high-season prices.
What Causes Veranillo?
The weather shift behind veranillo is known as the mid-summer drought or Canícula. It’s driven by large-scale atmospheric patterns that temporarily suppress rain across parts of Central America. These changes usually occur around July 10–20, though timing varies slightly each year.
While the science behind it is complex, the effect is simple: several days (or even a couple of weeks) of bright, breezy weather right in the middle of the green season.
Where Is It Most Noticeable?
Veranillo shines brightest on Costa Rica’s Pacific side—particularly in Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, and Puntarenas. These areas typically see the longest stretches of sunny weather during this dry pocket.
In contrast, the Caribbean coast doesn’t experience veranillo the same way. Its weather patterns are governed by different forces, and July can still be quite rainy in areas like Limon and Puerto Viejo.
5 Lesser-Known Facts About Veranillo
1. It’s a Big Deal for Locals
Many Costa Ricans plan vacations, beach days, and even weddings during veranillo. It’s a seasonal rhythm they grow up with, even if most tourists have never heard of it.
2. Farmers Time Their Crops Around It
In agricultural zones, some crops are planted or harvested specifically around veranillo to take advantage of dry soil conditions.
3. UV Levels Can Be Higher Than in Dry Season
Because the rain clouds disappear but the sun is still intense, UV radiation often spikes. It’s easy to get sunburned if you’re not careful.
4. It Changes Every Year
Some years it lasts two weeks, other times just a few days. Occasionally, it doesn’t show up at all. It’s best to watch the local weather and ask around.
5. It Means Great Travel Deals
Because it falls during the low season, veranillo is a chance to get sunny weather without high-season pricing. Hotels often offer promotions, and popular spots aren’t as crowded.
How to Take Advantage of Veranillo
- Visit the Pacific coast between July 5–20 for your best chance of sunshine
- Pack for both sun and rain—weather can shift quickly
- Ask locals or hotel staff for real-time updates on regional patterns
- Enjoy the waterfalls, beaches, and national parks while the skies are clear
Final Thoughts
Veranillo in Costa Rica is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It offers a taste of summer in the middle of the green season, with lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and those golden hour sunsets that photographers dream of. If you’re planning a trip in July, keep an eye out for this hidden summer—you might just catch Costa Rica at its most enchanting.
