September is the wettest stretch of Jacó's year and the quietest, but it is also the peak of the humpback whale season on the crossing to Tortuga Island. Here is what the month is really like, when to go and how to plan around the rain.
What You Should Know
- September is whale season at its best near Jacó. Of the Costa Cat Tortuga Island reviews posted in September, 27 of 84 mention whales, about one in three, against one in eight in August and almost none in the dry season.
- It is also one of the wettest months. Quepos, the nearest long-term station to the south, averages 544 mm over 26.5 rain days and Puntarenas 24, so expect rain on most days, usually later in the day.
- The sea is livelier too. September reviewers describe large swells across the Gulf of Nicoya and some seasick passengers, even on Costa Cat's big catamaran, so take a remedy before you board if you need one.
- Prices hold steady. In our hotel sample, September weeknights were about $162 to $165 and Saturdays about $187 to $191, with no rise around Independence Day on 15 September, which falls on a Wednesday in 2027.
September in Jacó: The Honest Picture
⭐ Best September window: any week, arriving midweek. Rain and whale sightings both run all month, and in our hotel sample weeknights cost about $25 less than Saturdays with no other change through September, so the day of the week matters more than the week of the month.
| Factor | September Rating |
|---|---|
| Weather | 4/10: rain most days, often heavy |
| Crowds | 9/10: one of the quietest months |
| Prices | 6/10: steady green-season rates |
| Beach & Swimming | 5/10: warm sea; bigger swell and stronger rips |
| Surf | 7/10: green-season swell for improvers |
| Whales & Boat Trips | 9/10: peak whale sightings; rougher crossings |
| Wildlife (Carara, Tárcoles & Turtles) | 8/10: green forest; turtle nesting season |
| Families | 5/10: schools in session; rain plans essential |
| Couples | 7/10: empty beaches, whales and storm-lit evenings |
💰 September hotel prices in our sample (Jacó, 3 to 4 star, room for two):
Weeknights: ~$162–165/night · Saturdays: ~$187–191/night · Independence Day, Wednesday 15 September: ~$162 · Wednesday 29 September: ~$174
Median of 12 to 17 Jacó hotels that returned a September 2027 rate, checked 20 October 2026. The weekly figures repeat almost exactly, which suggests many hotels had not yet set final rates; recheck closer to your trip.
Planning Jacó for September 2027? September is the month to come for whales and quiet, not for sun. The weather figures here are long-term normals from the nearest official stations, not a forecast; the prices and schedules are what we found for September 2027.
A September trip to Jacó means rain on most days, often heavy, with the best weather usually in the morning. In return, the beaches and tours are among the emptiest of the year, the forest is at its greenest, turtles are nesting just south of town, and the humpback whales that visit Costa Rica's Pacific coast from the Southern Hemisphere are at their most frequent on the crossing to Tortuga Island.
We'd only book September if whales, wildlife or quiet matter more to you than beach weather. We think the tradeoff is honest: you accept a wet trip and, in our sample, no special discount on hotels, in exchange for the best whale odds near Jacó and a town that feels like it is yours.
Who September suits best:
- Whale hopefuls: the best odds of the year on the Tortuga Island crossing.
- Crowd-averse travelers: schools are in session and weekdays are very quiet.
- Wildlife fans: green forest, nesting turtles and quiet trails in Carara.
- Sun-seekers and anyone prone to seasickness: less ideal. Come between December and April instead.
Jacó Weather in September
| Metric | September |
|---|---|
| Avg High | 30°C (86°F) |
| Avg Low | 23°C (73°F) |
| Water Temp | 28°C (82°F) |
| Rain Days | ~24–27 |
| Humidity | High |
| Wind | Low to moderate |
| Rain Level | Very high (one of the wettest months) |
Temperature and Humidity
Highs ease to around 30°C (86°F), with nights near 23°C (73°F). Quepos to the south averages 30.3°C and 22.6°C in September, and Puntarenas, across the Gulf of Nicoya, 31.9°C and 23.1°C. Humidity is high and cloud cover is frequent. Sunrise holds near 05:28, and sunset moves earlier, from 17:48 on 1 September to 17:30 on 30 September.
Rain Pattern
Quepos averages 544 mm over 26.5 rain days in September, the most of any month there, and Puntarenas 296 mm over 24.3 days, so expect roughly 24 to 27 days with some rain around Jacó. Most people don't realize that even in September the rain rarely lasts all day: the typical pattern is still a usable morning and heavy rain in the afternoon or evening, though longer wet spells are more common than in July or August. Puntarenas averages about five and a quarter hours of sunshine a day.
Sea and Outdoor Conditions
The sea is about 28°C (82°F). Green-season swell is at its liveliest: September reviewers on the Tortuga Island trip describe "quite large" swells across the gulf and a few seasick passengers, and snorkeling water can be hazy after rain. Trails are muddy and slippery, and rivers run high after heavy rain.
September in Jacó: Crowds and Prices Week by Week
September is one of the calmest months of the year in Jacó, with one national holiday in the middle.
- 1 to 12 September: in our sample, weeknights were about $162 and Saturdays $187 to $191. Schools are in session and weekdays are very quiet.
- 13 to 15 September (Independence Day): 15 September, Costa Rica's Independence Day, is a national holiday and falls on a Wednesday in 2027. The night before, children parade with handmade lanterns in towns across the country, and the Freedom Torch relay crosses Central America to arrive in Cartago. In our sample, Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 September were both about $162.
- 16 to 30 September: unchanged at about $162 to $165 on weeknights and $187 on Saturdays, with Wednesday 29 September at about $174 as October approaches.
Every tour we cover had open dates through September when we checked. What typically happens this month is that small operators run with very few guests, and some may cancel or reschedule for heavy rain or rough seas, so keep a spare day.
Peak Whale Season: Humpbacks on the Way to Tortuga Island
September's signature draw near Jacó is the humpback whale. Whales from the Southern Hemisphere visit Costa Rica's Pacific coast in the second half of the year, and September is when they are most often seen on the crossing from Los Sueños to Tortuga Island.
The Numbers
We counted every Costa Cat Tortuga Island review by the month it was posted. Whales appear in 5 of 168 July reviews, 16 of 130 in August, 27 of 84 in September and 6 of 61 in October. In other words, roughly one September review in three mentions whales, the best odds of the year, and guests describe mothers with calves, breaching whales and captains who stop the boat to watch. Dolphins and sea turtles are often seen on the same crossing.
The Trip
The Tortuga Island catamaran leaves Los Sueños, about 20 minutes north of Jacó, at 07:15 for a 45-minute crossing, with breakfast on board, a beach area on the island, snorkeling, a short hike and lunch. Several September guests saw whales on both the outbound and return crossings. Our Jacó boat tours guide covers private charters if you would rather have a smaller boat.
Turtles at Playa Hermosa
Olive ridley turtles nest from July to December at the Playa Hermosa–Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Jacó, and eggs hatch after about 45 to 50 days, so by our calculation September falls well inside the hatching period. Costa Rica's park service and coast guard patrol the beach. At night, use only red or amber light, keep at least 10 metres from turtles and never touch nests or hatchlings.
Wildlife on Land
Our Jacó wildlife tours guide compares seven ways to see macaws, crocodiles, monkeys and sloths near town, including Carara National Park, open from 08:00 in the green season, and a night walk that starts at 17:30.
What to Watch in September: Heavy Rain, Rough Seas and Rips
September is the month when the weather most affects a Jacó trip. Planning around it is what makes the difference.
Heavy Rain
Rain falls on most days and can be heavy enough to swell rivers and slow the roads. Book outdoor activities for the morning, keep afternoons free, and build a spare day into your plans for anything you would hate to miss.
Rougher Crossings
The best whale month is also the bumpiest on the water. One September guest found the swells across the gulf "quite large" and credited Costa Cat's large catamaran for a smooth ride; another noted that a few people got seasick. Take a remedy before boarding if you are prone to it.
Rip Currents
Green-season swell makes Jacó's rip currents stronger. Swim near the municipal lifeguard towers, follow their flags, avoid darker, foamy channels flowing out to sea, and if you are caught, swim parallel to the shore and raise an arm. The emergency number is 911.
Muddy and Closed Trails
Carara's lagoon trail beside the Tárcoles River can close in the wettest months because of flooding, and waterfall and ATV routes are muddy and slippery. Check with the operator the day before.
Playa Fantasia
The Sealounge catamaran trips to Playa Fantasia normally run in September, but when we checked in October 2026 no 2027 dates were yet open to book. Confirm before you plan around them.
Where to Stay on a September Trip to Jacó
September is the quietest month in Jacó. In our sample, most nights cost about the same, and Independence Day (15 September) brought no price bump.
Most visitors stay in the center, near Avenida Pastor Díaz, within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and tour pickups. The south end of Jacó Beach is quieter, and Los Sueños on Playa Herradura, about 10 minutes north, is the resort-and-marina choice and the departure point for the Tortuga Island catamarans.
Compare Live Jacó Hotel Prices for September
Live rates from our hotel reservation system for a sample three-night stay in September for two adults, so you can see what a September trip costs before you pick tours.
Change the dates at checkout to match your own trip, and book with instant email confirmation.
- Priced for September
- Instant confirmation by email
- Live rates, not brochure prices
- Free cancellation on selected rates
Croc's Resort & Casino
One of the largest resorts in Jacó, on the beach at the north end of town, with pools, four restaurants and a casino. Guests praise the clean, spacious rooms; food and casino drinks are pricey.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
The luxury option on Playa Herradura, about 10 minutes north of Jacó, beside the Los Sueños marina where the Tortuga Island catamarans leave. Beach, golf course, spa and kids' club; extras add up.
Club del Mar Oceanfront
Oceanfront rooms and apartments at the quiet south end of Jacó Beach, with a pool, restaurant and bar. Guests rate the location and staff highly; it is a short taxi ride to the center.
Best Western Jaco Beach All Inclusive Resort
Jacó's big beachfront all-inclusive in the center of town, with pools and children's activities. Guests like the staff and the kids' program; rooms are dated and the sea out front is rough.
Apartotel Girasol
Beachfront apartments with kitchens, a pool and a garden gate onto the sand, a short walk from the restaurants on the main strip. The highest guest score in this list.
Hotel Mar de Luz
A quiet garden hotel in the center, a few minutes' walk from the beach, with pools, a hot tub and rooms with kitchenettes. Guests praise the breakfast and staff; there is no restaurant or bar.
Indicative nightly rate for 3 nights, Sep 15 – 18, 2027, 2 adults. Live pricing at checkout.Room only. Local taxes and fees are added at checkout and can add roughly 20%.
Search all resorts & dates →Costa Cat Cruises: Tortuga Island Tour
The trip we'd book first in September, and the main reason to come this month. Roughly one September review in three mentions humpback whales on the crossing, the best odds of the year, and Costa Cat's large catamaran handles the bigger green-season swell better than small boats. It leaves at 07:15, before most of the day's rain, with breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling and a beach area of its own on Tortuga Island included.
Book NowThe Best Things to Do in Jacó This September
Every tour we cover around Jacó runs in September, though the Playa Fantasia catamarans had no 2027 dates open yet when we checked. The table rates each activity for the month; in September, the weather decides most days, so mornings and rain-proof options come first.
| Activity | September Rating | Best Time of Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tortuga Island Tour | 10/10 | Full day from 07:15 | Whales in about one September review in three |
| Night Walk | 8/10 | 17:30 | Frogs, snakes and owls; boots provided; from $70 |
| Carara National Park | 8/10 | 08:00 | Green, quiet forest; lagoon trail may close |
| Tárcoles Crocodile Tour | 7/10 | 08:30 | Runs daily; high water after heavy rain |
| Horseback Riding | 7/10 | 07:00 | Early rides dodge most rain; muddy trails |
| Zipline | 7/10 | 08:00–10:00 | Seven departures to work around storms |
| Surf Lessons | 6/10 | Early morning | Bigger swell; better for improvers than first-timers |
| ATV Tour | 6/10 | 09:00 | Runs in all weather; very muddy |
| Waterfall Hike | 5/10 | 08:00 | Wet rock and high water make it harder |
| Food Tour | 8/10 | Late afternoon | Runs in light rain; the natural evening plan |
Best in September
The Tortuga Island trip is the clear first booking, and we'd schedule it early in your stay so you have a spare day if the sea or the weather is poor. We'd give the night walk the edge as a second outing, because it shows a different set of animals and does not depend on a dry afternoon.
Rain-Proof Choices
A morning walk in Carara is usually done before the rain. In the evening, the food walk runs in light rain. We'd only book the waterfall hike this month if you are fit, sure-footed and flexible on dates.
More September Activities Worth Knowing About
These September-friendly experiences do not have their own guides on this site yet.
Independence Day Lanterns
On the evening of 14 September, children across Costa Rica parade with handmade lanterns (faroles), and on 15 September schools and towns hold parades with marching bands. Ask your hotel where Jacó's parade starts.
Playa Hermosa
Five minutes south of Jacó, Playa Hermosa is a powerful beach break for experienced surfers only, and September swell makes it more serious. Its beach is also the turtle refuge, so follow the refuge's rules at night.
Herradura Bay
The bay beside the Los Sueños marina, about 20 minutes north, is more sheltered than open Jacó Beach, which matters most in the swell of September.
Rainy-Evening Sunsets
With sunset moving from 17:48 to 17:30, September evenings are short, but breaks in the cloud after a storm often bring the most dramatic light of the year.
Our Take
Book the Tortuga Island crossing for your first or second day, not your last: September has the best whale odds of the year but also the roughest seas and the heaviest rain, and travelers who leave a spare day can simply rebook if their first crossing is cancelled or comes up empty.
Tips for a September Trip to Jacó
- Put the whale trip early in your stay: it leaves room to rebook if the weather or sea is poor.
- Take a seasickness remedy if you need one: September reviewers describe large swells on the crossing.
- Plan mornings outdoors and evenings flexible: rain usually arrives later in the day, and the night walk and food walk make good evening plans.
- Pack proper rain gear: a waterproof jacket, quick-dry clothes and shoes with grip.
- Respect the turtle beach: at Playa Hermosa, use only red or amber light at night and keep your distance.
- Swim near a lifeguard tower: green-season swell makes Jacó's rip currents stronger.
- Visiting at a different time of year? Our Jacó in August guide covers the build-up of the whale season and steady post-holiday prices, and our Jacó in October guide covers the lowest hotel prices of the year and the Playa Fantasia catamaran.
- Not sure what to book? Our best things to do in Jacó guide ranks the top nine experiences year-round and covers the free ones, from the beach to the crocodile bridge.
- Where to stay. Our best hotels in Jacó guide ranks 12 hotels by guest score, from $66 a night in our sample.
How We Put This Guide Together
Jacó has no long-running official weather station of its own, so the weather figures are World Meteorological Organization normals for the two nearest stations, Quepos (1984 to 2003) and Puntarenas, with Jacó placed between them; sea temperature is a long-term average from published sea-temperature records, and sunrise and sunset are calculated for Jacó's coordinates. These are normals, not a forecast for September 2027. Hotel prices are the median nightly rate for a room for two at 3 to 4 star Jacó hotels that returned a price for each September 2027 date when we checked on 20 October 2026; the figures repeated almost exactly week to week, so treat them as provisional. Tour prices, schedules, cancellation terms and September availability were checked live on 20 October 2026. The whale counts and the swell and seasickness notes come from reading every review of Costa Cat's Tortuga Island trip and sorting them by the month they were posted. Turtle-nesting dates for the Playa Hermosa refuge come from Costa Rican news reporting. Ratings in the tables are our editorial judgment of how September suits each activity, not guest scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacó good in September?+
For whales, wildlife and quiet, yes; for beach weather, no. September is one of the wettest months, with rain on most days, but it is the peak of the humpback whale season on the crossing to Tortuga Island, and the beaches and tours are among the quietest of the year. Hotel rates in our sample were steady at about $162 on weeknights.
What is the weather like in Jacó in September?+
Warm, humid and very wet. Expect highs around 30°C (86°F), nights near 23°C and roughly 24 to 27 days with some rain, judging by the nearest stations at Quepos (26.5 days, its wettest month) and Puntarenas (24.3 days). Mornings are usually the best part of the day.
Can you see whales near Jacó in September?+
Yes, with the best odds of the year. 27 of the 84 Costa Cat Tortuga Island reviews posted in September mention whales, about one in three, often mothers with calves. Southern humpbacks are seen mostly from July to November, peaking in September.
How much does it rain in Jacó during September?+
A lot. Quepos averages 544 mm over about 27 rain days in September and Puntarenas 296 mm over about 24, with Jacó in between. Rain usually comes in the afternoon and evening, but longer wet spells are more common than earlier in the green season.
Is September cheap in Jacó?+
Not especially, in our data. Our sample of Jacó hotels for September 2027 showed about $162 to $165 on weeknights and $187 to $191 on Saturdays, the same as most of the green season. The figures repeated week after week, so recheck nearer your dates.
What is the best week to visit Jacó in September?+
Any week, ideally arriving midweek. Rain and whale sightings both run through the month, and our hotel sample showed the same weeknight rate throughout, with Saturdays about $25 dearer.
What are the best things to do in Jacó in September?+
The Tortuga Island catamaran for whales, the evening night walk for frogs, snakes and owls, a morning in Carara National Park and the late-afternoon food walk. Early horseback rides and the zipline work if you go first thing.
What happens on Independence Day in Jacó?+
15 September is Costa Rica's Independence Day, a national holiday that falls on a Wednesday in 2027. On the evening of 14 September, children parade with handmade lanterns, and on the 15th towns hold school parades with marching bands. Hotel rates in our sample did not rise for the holiday.
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