If you’re like a lot of potential visitors to the pura vida, you might be considering a Guanacaste rainy season visit… And that means you’re probably also curious if “green season” is more euphemism than accurate descriptor: Will you be treated to refreshing rain showers or rather find yourself soaked in relentless downpours?
You’re in luck because here at Stay in Tamarindo, we’re all about honesty, transparency, and realistic expectations. So let’s talk a little about just what this season has to offer. Spoiler alert! It’s likely much better than what you’re expecting.
First, let’s address the jaguar in the room: Just how rainy is Costa Rica’s green season, really?
The truth is, it depends. While Costa Rica’s rainy season spans mid-May to mid-November, and September and October are typically the rainiest months, don’t hit the back button just yet: “rainiest” varies based on where you’re headed. For example, the Guanacaste rainy season – Guanacaste is the province where Tamarindo is located – you’ll experience a drier version of the rainy season compared to places further south, like Manuel Antonio or the Osa Peninsula.
So, what can you expect if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica in during the rainy season? Picture sunny mornings, typically short afternoon rains (a long rain is not unheard of), and magical sunsets painted across the sky.
In regions like Tamarindo – notably, the Guanacaste rainy season is not quite as long or as wet as much of the country – mornings usually start bright and sunny, perfect for outdoor adventures.
By early afternoon, short bursts of rain often roll through – sometimes lasting only 15 minutes, sometimes a few hours. Then, like clockwork (usually), the rain clears and evening skies often serve up some of the most jaw-dropping sunsets you’ll ever see. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the famous “green flash,” as the sun dips below the horizon.
Our best advice? Plan your outdoor activities in the morning, enjoy a relaxed afternoon in your rental (maybe by your private pool or hot tub, if it’s not thundering), and then head out again in the evening for dinner or a sunset beach stroll.
While the green season may have a well-deserved reputation for rain, the truth is that it’s one of the most beautiful, incredible times of year.
And now that you’re in the know, you can take advantage of the season’s perks, from incredible savingsto once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences. Because the green season can be the best time to visit. So, let’s dive into some of the most compelling reasons why you should book that trip.
Reason #1: Unbeatable Deals and Discounts
Who doesn’t love getting more for their money? One of the biggest draws of the green season is the lower prices across the board, including on your favorite villa rentals Costa Rica. From flights to accommodations, you’ll find discounts that can’t be matched during the dry season. In fact, you could save up to 70% on some vacation rentals compared to peak season rates!
And it’s not just the cost savings – you’ll also have much more availability to choose from. Popular homes that are often booked solid months in advance during the dry season are likely still available in the height of the Guanacaste rainy season. This is prime time for spontaneous travelers looking for last-minute deals without sacrificing luxury.
Reason #2: Breathtaking Sunsets
Here’s a little-known fact: the best sunsets in Costa Rica happen during the green season. The combination of post-rain clouds and clear skies creates a canvas filled with vibrant hues of pink, purple, orange, and gold. Watching the sun set behind the horizon as the waves crash on the shore is an experience you’ll never forget.
Pro tip: Grab a drink (or ask your villa’s onsite staff to mix one!), sit back on the terrace of your ocean-view rental, and soak in the magic.
Reason #3: A More Relaxed Pace and Fewer Crowds
Let’s be real – high season in Costa Rica can mean high crowds. During the dry season, many beaches, tours, and restaurants can feel packed.
In contrast, the green season is a time of serenity. Imagine wandering along a secluded beach with only the sound of the waves to keep you company. Picture a hike through the forest, spotting wildlife, with no one else around… Whether you’re exploring a waterfall, booking a surf lesson, or visiting a wildlife reserve, you’ll often find that you have the place practically to yourself. The green season offers a chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty in the peace and quiet that Mother Nature intended.
Reason #4: Wildlife in Abundance
If wildlife-watching is on your Costa Rica bucket list, then you’re in for a treat. The green season is prime time for some of the country’s most incredible wildlife experiences.
One of the highlights? Sea turtles. If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing a sea turtle nesting or hatching event, this is the time to visit. September and October mark the height of nesting season for olive ridley turtles, especially at the famous Ostional Wildlife Refuge. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an arribada – a mass nesting event that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.
In addition, the green season is whale-watching season in Costa Rica. From mid-July to mid-November, humpback whales migrate to Costa Rica’s warm waters, making this the best time of year to see these majestic creatures up close.
Reason #5: Epic Surfing Conditions
If surfing is your thing, the green season won’t disappoint. The swells pick up during this time of year, providing fantastic waves for surfers of all levels. From Tamarindo to Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point, some of Costa Rica’s best surf spots are at their peak during the green season months of September and October.
Not an experienced surfer? No problem! Local surf schools offer lessons for beginners, and the conditions are perfect for learning. Before you know it, you’ll be riding the waves with confidence.
Reason #6: Tropical Landscapes at Their Best
Costa Rica’s green season isn’t called green for nothing. This is when the country’s landscapes come to life, bursting with lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and dense rainforests. If you want to see Costa Rica at its most vibrant, this is the time to visit. Waterfalls flow stronger, forests are greener, and the entire landscape feels like a tropical paradise.
Hiking trails become more scenic, with colorful flora dotting the paths, and the scent of fresh rain in the air. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll appreciate the heightened beauty that comes with the rainy season.
Reason #7: Ultimate Relaxation
For those who crave a little rest and relaxation, the green season offers the perfect excuse to slow down. Picture this: a warm rain shower outside, a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee in hand, and the sound of raindrops falling on the roof as you curl up with a good book.
And if the rain lets up? Hop in the hot tub, take a swim in the pool, or indulge in an in-home massage. Many luxury vacation rentals offer spa-like amenities that allow you to fully unwind, no matter the weather.
Now that you’re sold on the perks of traveling during the green season, where should you stay? Here are a few top villa rentals Costa Rica that offer the perfect balance of luxury, location, and comfort during Costa Rica’s green season:
Hacienda Pinilla | 6 bedrooms | 6 baths | 17 guests
Step into a sanctuary that transcends the definition of a home: Casa Alegria (the Home of Joy) is a total retreat, where unforgettable moments are curated and crafted. Graciously accommodating up to 17 guests, the villa's pièce de résistance is its colossal pool. This is not your average pool; it's a veritable aquatic kingdom that includes a 3x3m heated Jacuzzi capable of hosting at least 10 people, creating a complete and private pool party experience. But the marvels don't end there...
At Villa Alegria, each master bedroom boasts a breathtaking pool view and its own balcony or petite terrace. Imagine waking up, sliding open the door, and immersing yourself in a paradise right at your feet. For our youngest guests, the children's bedroom transforms into a play haven with three bunk beds, a mini climbing wall, and a mezzanine for epic sleepover adventures.
Villa Alegria isn't merely a home; it's a lifestyle. Embrace a vacation life of opulence and entertainment in this haven of comfort!
Playa Langosta | 8 bedrooms | 6 baths | 18 guests
Designed as the ideal retreat venue – the amenities of a boutique hotel and the expectations of a warm, private home – Villa Estrella Azul is both expansive and intimate, at once luxurious and cozy.
Named for its blue-and-sun-bleached beach palette, the "Blue Star Villa" serves as a welcoming beacon, even amidst the incredible smorgasbord of luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Here, no comfort is spared, no amenity is overlooked.
Wrap yourselves in the indulgence of a beach-adjacent location (just a two-minute walk to the beach!) and the luxury of fine amenities, including a custom infinity pool, gourmet-ready chef's kitchen, brick pizza oven, and expansive outdoor living: pergola, verandas, and a private yoga pavilion. And then, there's the catered daily breakfast, rooftop terrace, and eight spacious rooms to house your vacation dreams.
Tamarindo | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 6 guests
Casa Maui is a stunning, ultra-modern home designed to exceed expectations and capture hearts. Upon entering, you're welcomed by enormous sliding-glass panels that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, filling the space with natural light and offering breathtaking views of Guanacaste’s jungle landscapes.
This architectural gem features luxurious amenities such as a private swimming pool, a gym room, and a media room. Best of all, Casa Maui is just steps away from Tamarindo Beach, known for its world-class surf, and Pangas Beach Club, recognized by Travel & Leisure as one of the top 20 once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences with unbeatable ocean views.
Costa Rica’s green season offers an entirely unique travel experience – one that combines the beauty of lush landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the thrill of having some of the country’s most beautiful destinations all to yourself.
Add in the unbeatable prices, fewer crowds, and the chance to relax in style, and it’s clear why so many savvy travelers choose the greenest of the green season for their Costa Rica adventures.
Ready to start planning? Reach out to our team today, and we’ll help you find the perfect rental and activities for your unforgettable green season getaway!