When you picture Costa Rica, do you imagine lush, green foliage reaching the coastline? Bright, bushy palms lining the beach? Of course, you do! But for most of the year, the most popular place to visit in Costa Rica is dry, experiencing no rainfall for months on end. This is the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica – home of the endangered tropical dry forest. While its dry season makes for sunny days with zero precipitation to hamper your plans, it doesn’t have the look you may come to expect during the dry months. To see Guanacaste at its most vibrant and beautiful is to see it during the rainy season, also known as the green season.
When is Rainy Season in Guanacaste Costa Rica?
Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s rainy season generally begins in mid-May and ends at the beginning of December. This is also known as winter or “invierno” and it lasts about half of the year. This doesn’t mean that it rains every day all day for six months of the year, however.
What is the Weather like during Rainy Season in Guanacaste Costa Rica?
The rainy season in Guanacaste is often defined by short bursts of rain in the morning or late afternoon or heavy rain overnight. Either way, it cools things down and makes the rest of the day more enjoyable for spending time outdoors. The rain also dries up quickly in the heat of the day.
October is the rainiest month of the year in Guanacaste, while there is often a reprieve in July, considered a “second summer”. You will still get days of sun and heat and warm nights, with the temperature sitting around 32 to 26 degrees Celsius (90 to 78 F). The rain and clouds tend to make the daytime highs a few degrees cooler than it is during the dry season, which is great if you want to spend your time outside doing tours, fishing, boating, and hanging out at the beach.
What are the Advantages of Visiting during Rainy Season in Guanacaste Costa Rica?
Less Crowds: The most popular months to visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica are from December to May, as many people from around the world seek to escape the “real” winters of the northern hemisphere. The lack of tourists means fewer crowds on the beach, getting a chance to meet real locals and expats who live in the area, and the opportunity to get semi-private tours withut the higher cost. You also won’t have to deal with congested traffic when you venture out on a road trip.
Better Deals: You are much more likely to find better deals on things like tours and accommodations during the rainy season. This is to help encourage tourism during the low season. Beautiful Casa de Luz in Tamarindo Beach is no exception! Our Costa Rica beachfront villa has zero event fees for previously approved events during the months of September and October 2024, which makes this an ideal time to book your conference, family reunion, anniversary party, or wedding. You also get peace of mind with our offer of free cancellation up to 14 days before your stay for any reservations made in September and October.
Discover the luxury event rentals at our Costa Rica beachfront villa.
Cheaper Flights: Airlines offer great deals to Liberia International Airport (LIR) from major US cities during the rainy season in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. For the best options check travel sites like Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner or directly on airline websites like JetBlue and Delta. As of publication:
- JetBlue is offering direct flights from New York (JFK) starting at $140 for one-way and about $306 for round-trip tickets in June.
- Flights from Atlanta are available with American Airlines and Delta, with round-trip prices starting at $407 in September.
- JetBlue has one-way tickets from Los Angeles (LAX) to Liberia for $215 in September.
- Delta is offering round trips from Miami (MIA) in October for $417.
What is the Best Part about Rainy Season in Guanacaste Costa Rica?
Stunning Sunsets: Rainy season has the best sunsets! Why? Because of the clouds. There are little to no clouds during the dry season, but clouds are what make sunsets spectacular. This is because the sunlight needs particles to reflect and diffract it into various colors, so a cloudy sky has the advantage. Sunsets during rainy season dazzle onlookers with shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow to really light up the sky over the sea.
If you choose to stay at Costa Rica beachfront villa Casa de Luz, you will want to make sure you’re on the property for every sunset! That’s because we are located directly on the peaceful beach of Playa Langosta, right next door to world-famous Tamarindo Beach. Whether you enjoy watching sunset from the pool and deck or if you decide to walk a few steps to the direct beach access, you will always want to be “home” in time for sunset! We even have a closet full of handy and comfortable folding beach chairs with drink holders, for the perfect sunset toast.
Seasonal Fruit: Two stars of the tropical fruit scene come onto the stage during the rainy season. While mangos can be found year-round, they are most abundant from May to August. This is when the trees naturally produce their delicious fruit. Trust us, you haven’t truly tried a mango until you’ve tasted one that ripened on the tree! One fruit you won’t find year-round is mamon chinos. These lychee-like fruits can be found in stores and on roadside stands from July to October.
The best part about staying at a Costa Rica beachfront villa like Casa de Luz during your vacation is having access to our dedicated on-site team. Our friendly concierge, Rafa, can help you set up all the best things about staying in Costa Rica during rainy season. Want to plan ahead and have the kitchen stocked with fresh mangos and mamon chinos before you even arrive? Rafa can make it happen. Hoping to take advantage of the slowdown and book a private or semi-private tour at a reduced cost? Rafa will hook you up. Meanwhile, our house moms Lorena and Liss will ensure your mornings are easy and peaceful. Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee which you can sip on the balcony overlooking the ocean, perhaps during a gentle rain. Get a healthy and fulfilling breakfast prepared to kickstart your day and leave the clean-up to our 5-star staff!
With cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, more fruit, lush green surroundings, and instant beach access for incredible sunsets, we think rainy season is the perfect time to visit Casa de Luz in Guanacaste, Costa Rica!
