4 Perfect Reasons to Invest during the Rain Season in Costa Rica

Most will not take this advice...

From September until mid-November it is normally very wet. I mean, we can see over 80 inches of rain in the next 60-75 days in the Costa Ballena.

With an average rainfall in this area of 175 inches annually, we can get over 50% of that between September and November. Most tour books will say to “stay away” from green/wet/rain season.

I disagree – a lot. Why? Lets get down to the reasons:

1. The temperature from Sept-Nov is the best of the year – This is the tropics where humidity is part of our life. Our summer is between January and April, when temperatures can hover over 95F. Add 90% humidity and it is HOT! But, that is when the travel books say to visit. Fine, whatever.

If you want to see what the “worst” time of the year is all about, come now and experience the evening chill, blankets at night, fresh clean air and go home telling your friends you witnessed a 12 inch rain fall, in one day. Yep, that does happen – its cool!

2. It is “Local’s” season – This is the time when you get to meet all the locals in a relaxed atmosphere. We work our tails off all year when tourism is high. (Yes we are here to serve you and we get little rest during high season).

Now is the time to rest a bit, enjoy the hammock, dark gloomy days and catch up on our reading. It is a great time to engage in conversations with the permanent folk about what we do year-round, where we see opportunity, and even go to spots that we keep “secret.”

3. It is much less crowded – My wife and I went to Italy a few years ago for the month of May. It was amazing. There were barely any tourists. We basically had all the museums, wineries and restaurants to ourselves. No crowds, no long lines and were treated with impeccable service.

Similar here. The beaches are almost empty, the waves are excellent and the water is still warm. There are many spectacular days where you can enjoy most tours (except diving and waterfall stuff).

4. Real Estate Demand at its lowest, Supply side Nervous – I saved the meat for last.

This is the time of the year when sellers (supply) get nervous as there are very few showings of property. Most realtors are gone, travel sites and books have scared tourists away and many establishments are closed. Our phones ring like crazy with calls from sellers.

There is a calm between September and November that allows you a window of opportunity in the market. When you are one of few looking, you get more attention from brokers and sellers and you will get to see some price reductions.

It is now when you might actually get that “flash-bid” to work in your favor. What is a “flash-bid?” Placing an offer on a property that has been on the market a long time and you get the seller at that perfect moment. Psychologically speaking, after a month of dark, rainy days, people are more inclined to get something done.

I have seen it before – actually the last 11 years. The great deals happen during the rain season. We urge our customers to come now and get negotiating and those that do, can achieve nice results. But if you wait until the herd shows up around Christmas and when high season is back in full force, demand is back and sellers have more patience.

Bring your umbrella. Bring your checkbook. It’s Rain Season!

JDub