Let’s talk Costa Rican weather!
One of the most common questions I get is “When should I go?” and “What’s the weather like?” – so let’s break it down month by month:
Guanacaste’s Seasons:
There are really just two main seasons here:
Dry Season (December-April) This is what locals call “high season” and for good reason:
- Sunny days with barely a cloud in sight
- Virtually no rain (we’re talking maybe one quick shower per month)
- Temperatures around 85-95°F during the day, cooling to 75°F at night
- Perfect beach weather every single day
- BUT: This is the most popular time, so expect higher prices and more crowds
- The landscape is more golden/brown (think California vibes) rather than lush green
Green Season (May-November) Don’t let “rainy season” scare you!
This is actually my secret favorite time:
- Morning sunshine almost guaranteed (perfect for activities!)
- Afternoon showers (usually 1-3 hours) that clear by dinner
- Lush, vibrant green landscapes everywhere
- Fewer tourists and lower prices (often 20-30% less!)
- September-October are the rainiest months (I’d avoid these unless you LOVE rain)
- Temperatures around 80-90°F, with slightly higher humidity
Month-by-Month Quick Guide:
- January-March: Perfect weather, but busiest time
- April: Still dry, getting hotter, Spring Break crowds
- May-June: Starting to green up, occasional afternoon showers, great deals
- July-August: Brief “little summer” with less rain, good balance of price/weather
- September-October: Rainiest months, some places close for renovations
- November: Transitioning to dry season, good deals, landscape still green
- December: Beginning of dry season, festive atmosphere, prices climbing
For your first trip, I usually recommend late November-early December or May-June for the sweet spot of good weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
One thing to note – Guanacaste is actually the DRIEST region in Costa Rica.
Even during green season, it gets way less rain than the Caribbean side or central mountains.
What time of year were you thinking of visiting?
I’m happy to dive deeper into specific months if you have dates in mind!
Pura Vida, JaQuay
P.S. Fun fact – locals actually look forward to the first rains after the dry season. They call it “renewal time” when everything comes back to life!