Things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September

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Overview

September is a less popular time to visit La Fortuna de San Carlos. The weather is usually very warm, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 71—82°F (22—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in La Fortuna de San Carlos during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Arenal Volcano National Park, go on a night hike in the Arenal Observatory, visit the Tabacon Hot Springs, and more!

La Fortuna de San Carlos has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to La Fortuna de San Carlos. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September

Top experiences in September
Visit the Arenal Volcano National Park
September is a great time to visit the park as the weather is usually clear, providing stunning views of the volcano. You can hike through the lush rainforest and see the diverse wildlife that calls the park home, including howler monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The park also features hot springs and thermal pools, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Go on a night hike in the Arenal Observatory
September is the start of the rainy season, which means the forests come alive at night with the sounds of frogs, insects, and other nocturnal creatures. A guided night hike through the Arenal Observatory allows you to see the rainforest in a whole new light, as you search for creatures like red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and tarantulas.
Visit the Tabacon Hot Springs
September is a great time to relax in the soothing thermal waters of the Tabacon Hot Springs, as the cooler temperatures and occasional rain make the experience even more enjoyable. You can soak in the natural pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with views of the Arenal Volcano in the distance.
Go on a horseback riding tour of the countryside
September is a great time to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding La Fortuna on horseback, as the countryside is lush and green from the recent rains. You can ride through fields, forests, and small villages, getting a unique perspective on the natural beauty and rural life of Costa Rica.
Take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
September is a great time to visit this wetland area, as the rains bring an abundance of waterfowl, including herons, egrets, and storks. You can also spot caimans, monkeys, and other wildlife as you cruise through the canals and lagoons of this important bird sanctuary.
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Go on a coffee tour at a local plantation
September is the start of the coffee harvest season in Costa Rica, and many plantations offer tours where you can learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee. You can also sample some of the freshest and most flavorful coffee you'll ever taste.
Go birdwatching in the Children's Eternal Rainforest
September is a great time to spot a wide variety of bird species in this protected reserve, as many birds are active during the rainy season. You can see colorful toucans, parrots, and hummingbirds, as well as elusive species like the resplendent quetzal.
Go whitewater rafting on the Balsa River
September is the start of the rainy season, which means the rivers are flowing fast and full. This is the perfect time to experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, as you navigate through Class II and III rapids surrounded by the lush rainforest.
Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall
September is a great time to visit this stunning 70-meter waterfall, as the rains make it even more impressive. You can take a refreshing swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by the lush greenery of the rainforest.
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Holidays in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September
September
  • Children's Day (September 9)
  • Independence Day (September 15)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September

Temperatures on an average day in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September

The average temperature in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 82°F (28°C) to a low of 71°F (22°C). Some would describe it as very warm, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in La Fortuna de San Carlos, April, has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in La Fortuna de San Carlos in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
82°F
highs
71°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, humid but cool
Feels like
94%
Chance of rain
0.823 in
Amount
5.8 mph
Wind speed
93%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:27 AM
Sunrise
5:38 PM
Sunset
22%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C), it generally feels very warm, humid but cool. There might also be a very high chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for La Fortuna de San Carlos in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities La Fortuna de San Carlos has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in La Fortuna de San Carlos that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in La Fortuna de San Carlos for September.
Fortuna Waterfall
1. Fortuna Waterfall
4.6
(6880)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
70-m. waterfall on the Fortuna River, plunging into a natural pool amid lush tropical forest.
Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa
2. Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa
4.5
(7391)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Posh getaway with a spa & 25 geothermal pools, plus volcano views, a restaurant & free breakfast.
Ecotermales Fortuna
3. Ecotermales Fortuna
4.7
(2551)
Thermal baths
Nature & Parks
Charming, laid-back spa with natural hot-spring pools, a waterfall, restaurant & bar.
Lake Arenal
4. Lake Arenal
4.7
(664)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Costa Rica's largest lake, a popular spot for wind- & kitesurfing, offering scenic volcano views.
Proyecto Asis
5. Proyecto Asis
4.8
(447)
Animal shelter
Nature & Parks
Free Natural Hot Springs River
6. Free Natural Hot Springs River
4.7
(1649)
Nature & Parks
Hot Springs & Geysers
Paradise Hot Springs
7. Paradise Hot Springs
4.6
(1537)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Straightforward rooms in a serene hot spring resort offering massages, a swim-up bar & dining.
Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort
8. Los Lagos Hotel, Spa & Resort
4.6
(3361)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Relaxed resort with a spa, a restaurant & outdoor pools, plus hot spring baths & volcano views.
Arenal Natura Ecological Park
9. Arenal Natura Ecological Park
4.4
(435)
Ecological park
Outdoor Activities
Lush forest with trails amid a crocodile lagoon, frog garden & turtle pond, plus colorful orchids.
Chato Volcano
10. Chato Volcano
4.2
(193)
Volcano
Nature & Parks
Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
11. Arenal Volcano View and Lava Trails
4.5
(1213)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
The huge Arenal eruption of 1968 gave this hike offering views of the lava fields its name.
Termales Los Laureles
12. Termales Los Laureles
4.5
(3193)
Hotel
Water & Amusement Parks
Relaxed rural property offering outdoor pools & volcano views, plus dining & a playground.
Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge
13. Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge
4.6
(578)
Tour agency
Nature & Parks
Down-to-earth log cabins with private gardens in a laid-back lodge featuring a restaurant.
Kalambu Hot Springs
14. Kalambu Hot Springs
4.3
(3972)
Water park
Water & Amusement Parks
Water park featuring slides, a children's play area & pools with swim-up bars, plus a restaurant.
Parroquia San Juan Bosco
15. Parroquia San Juan Bosco
4.8
(133)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Wood & Art Gallery
16. Wood & Art Gallery
4.7
(55)
Art gallery
Museums

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in La Fortuna de San Carlos?

Get inspired for your trip to La Fortuna de San Carlos with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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