Living in Costa Rica during the rainy season provides very specific challenges for those who are not prepared. This guide aims to provide some solutions to common problems faced by newcomers in their first rainy season in Costa Rica.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, February 7th 2012 – This may seem a bit out of place; reading an article about the rainy season while we are in the midst of a particularly hot Dry Season here on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, but Rainy Season is just around the corner, and being prepared is half the battle.

Rainy Season is aptly named due to the fact that from mid May through to the end of October, for the majority of days, it is very wet. Living in a somewhat isolated area such as Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula, the extreme amounts of rain cause some pretty serious issues. Landslides are frequent, bridges wash out with every big storm that blows through, and power outages are the norm. Dealing with all of this can at times be quite daunting, but there are a few things you can do to make sure that your survival is guaranteed.

Dampness, bug hatches, mold, fungus and flooding are all things that you have to deal with living in the tropics during the rainy season. The Nicoya Peninsula is subject to pretty extreme weather during the wet months, as is the rest of Costa Rica. The Central Valley is not free of problems during the wet months either, as many mountain towns such as Heredia and San Jose de Montaña face massive flooding and rain water management issues.

Being able to deal with the extreme wetness at the beach is something that locals here have become very good at over the years. Having a good dryer is a must, as there is not enough sun to properly dry your laundry. Having medicated talcum powder to prevent foot fungus is key, as keeping your feet dry and healthy is one of the most important things you can do. Having a large selection of Tupperware containers to keep important documents and electronics out of the extreme humidity is a good plan, as you never know what will happen. Pack clothing away, not with mothballs, but with some antibacterial soap to preserve freshness and prevent mold and fungus. Scented soaps smell better than mothballs anyway, and you can always use the soap when you unpack your things.

Having proper footwear will make your experiences during the rainy season in Costa Rice much better. Ticos prefer knee high rubber boots, with long socks and liberal use of talcum powder to keep your feet dry and clean. The added bonus is that if you wear pants, you can tuck them into the boots to keep them dry as well. Along with a good pair of boots, you should have a storm proof raincoat, something that is light, yet durable. You don’t need something that is designed for cold weather, but you do need something that can handle a serious amount of rain. Some people even take an extra step in weather proofing their garments, and apply a liquid water seal, such as Thompson’s Water Seal, in a spray bottle. This makes your raincoat so waterproof that you could stand under a fire hose and not get wet.

As far as jungle tools that you will need for survival of your first rainy season on the Nicoya Peninsula, a good machete (not to be confused with the Mexican hero of the people) can do amazing things. Any local “ferreterria” or hardware store will have lots of machetes of varying lengths. You want one that is around two feet long, as it can double as a shovel, and the shorter blade is stiffer, offering better digging capabilities. With a good machete you can cut down small trees, cut vines, cut barbed wire fencing, and even open a coconut after you work up a sweat. A good multi tool such as the Leatherman Wave is a great thing to have in your survival kit as well, as this will get you through too many situations to even number. A roll of duct tape, a LED waterproof head lamp, and a few yards of strong military grade cord will round out your hardware list, and will ensure that no matter what you come across you are prepared.

You could go the extra mile and outfit your vehicle, if you have one, with a chainsaw, jack, winch and rally lights, but those are extras that not everyone has access to. A well-made mosquito net is something that should be in your bag no matter where you travel in the tropics, as dengue fever and malaria are common during the wet season. As far as medical supplies to always carry, there are a few necessities; you will always want a powdered antibiotic, as creams keep things moist, and in the rainy season you want to dry wounds out ASAP. You should carry a stitch kit, some good bandages, a few bottles of cortisone cream, some New Skin, a very practical liquid bandage, and hydrogen peroxide. These few items will allow you to patch yourself up and seek further medical attention if needed.

Don’t be daunted by the challenges presented by living in the tropics during Rainy Season, the weather is not always bad. Between storms there are some amazing things to be seen; the rivers are flowing, there is no dust, there are more birds and animals around, it’s a very pleasant experience, provided you have what you need to be comfortable. More and more people are staying here throughout the year, and have come to love the rainy season, it’s unpredictable, but you can’t fight nature. You never know until you give it a try, so stick around and tough it out! That is what Costa Rica is all about.