Short answer? Yes—absolutely!
In fact, the rainy season (aka the “green season”) is one of the most incredible times to go canyoning in Costa Rica — if you know what to expect.
Whether you’re planning a trip between May and November or just got caught in a surprise downpour while already in-country, here’s everything you need to know about canyoning in the rain.
Rainy Season = Waterfall Season
During the green season, Costa Rica’s rivers and waterfalls swell with fresh rainwater. For canyoning, that means more dramatic rappels, stronger flow, and extra jungle magic.
Why people love it:
- Waterfalls are bigger and more powerful
- The jungle is at its lushest and most vibrant
- Fewer tourists mean smaller group sizes and more flexibility
- Tours often feel more adventurous (in a good way!)
But… is it SAFE to go canyoning in the rain?
Yes — with a professional, experienced canyoning guide. Here’s why:
- Daily water level checks: we assess rainfall and runoff every morning before deciding if a tour can run safely. If we’re doubtful, we cancel. It’s that simple.
- Optional Exits Mid-Tour: if we were ever to be IN the water system and the strong rain hits us then, we can simply exit the system early and avoid danger.
- Few Tributaries: which means that we won’t ever have water rising without us having warning. That means it’ll be pouring rain where we are, and so we’re attentive to any water level changes without any risk of a “silent” flash flood. If water levels ever rise beyond our safety threshold, we don’t go. Simple as that.
If you are booking during the rainy season (heaviest months tend to be May, October & November), just remember that if we need to cancel or reschedule due to the conditions, we will absolutely be in touch to make those arrangements. We do have the added challenge of needing to cross a larger river at the bottom of the mountain, which sometimes presents as the primary barrier, but again, we’ll let you know.
During any part of the shoulder and rainy seasons, afternoon showers are common, but that’s usually lighter rain that doesn’t have any notable effect on the water levels or the tour conditions. It really takes a downpour for conditions to be affected.
Ultimately, during the rainy season, the adventure level goes UP.
Don’t let a little water stop you — unless we tell you to! Canyoning is literally built for wet conditions. You’ll get wet in all seasons, and so it’s just a difference of degree. With the right crew and safety precautions, you’ll have an unforgettable experience in conditions that most dry-season tourists will never see.
Ready to go canyoning in Costa Rica’s rainy season? Pick your dates here.