Many people ask ‘when is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?’ The truth is it’s always a great time to come – with beaches, national parks, and endless outdoor adventures available all year long. There are two seasons to be aware of, however, if you are planning to travel to the tropical country, and we are nearing the end of one of them.
May through November is considered the Costa Rican winter. But don’t let the word “winter” fool you. Obviously you won’t see any snow but you will see rain. Sometimes it’s the only time of year you’ll see rain, especially in Tamarindo, which is located in the tropical dry forest in the province of Guanacaste. Here, it can go months without so much as a drop of moisture, but that’s in the summer months
(December to June).
Winter is actually the rainy season, or green season, and it’s the best time to see the country, especially beach towns like Tamarindo, looking lush and green. Visiting the dry forest during the green season will give you that tropical jungle vibe you have likely been dreaming of since you started planning your Costa Rica vacation.
While October is the rainiest of the rainy season months, you won’t be subjected to all-day rains like you might the online weather forecast would have you believe. More often than not you will have a sunny day with some clouds and a short downpour in the late afternoon. The ground tends to dry up quickly due to the heat so you won’t have to worry about everything being wet all night.
We think visiting Tamarindo Costa Rica during the rainy season is, quite possibly, the best time to visit. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a trip during green season (or slightly after):
1. Fishing
While Tamarindo fishing is a year round event, green season fishing, particularly late green season, is a special experience for anglers. Blue and Striped Marlin will be trolling the area in search of phytoplankton and schooling fish. Floating debris like logs, pulled to sea via rushing rivers, hide bonito, mahi-mahi, and yellowfin tuna – some in the 125-150 pound range!
2. Sunsets
They say cloudy skies make for the best sunsets, and it’s true! Often times during the dry season, the sky remains cloudless all day. Not only does this mean there are no breaks from the hot sun, but the sunsets don’t have anything to reflect their colourful hues. During the rainy season, the clouds serve to paint the sky with shades of purple, pink, and orange, giving you the most colourful and magical sunsets of the year.
3. Shade
There is nothing quite like an overcast day in Tamarindo Costa Rica. You get to spend the entire day outside at a perfect temperature without having to search for a shady spot! A cloudy day is the perfect time to spend outdoors without having to worry about being overwhelmed by the heat. The daytime high during the dry season in Tamarindo is typically 34 degrees Celsius (93 F). An afternoon during the rainy season can be as low as 25 degrees (77 F), especially after a quick, refreshing downpour.
4. Peace
Less people visit Costa Rica during the green season. Even though this can be the most beautiful time of the year to visit Tamarindo, most people take a beach vacation to escape the cold weather back home, making December to May the busy (or high) season in Costa Rica. The beaches and restaurants won’t be as crowded during rainy season and you’ll find it easier to book accommodations for the dates you desire. You may even come across rainy season, or low season, price breaks!
5. Wildlife
The wildlife in Costa Rica love the rainy season! Monkeys travel from the lusher inland to the coast to find food and delight Tamarindo visitors. Parrots take to the fruit-filled trees to gather and feed every night before sunset. This is also the best time to see sea turtles in the Tamarindo area. Neighboring beach, Grande, is an important nesting site for sea turtles. Other nearby locations experience the
arribada, which is when thousands of sea turtles come to shore at the same time to lay their eggs. It is considered one of the most memorable experiences for those lucky enough to witness this natural wonder.
Let us help you take advantage of the Costa Rican winter months and beyond. You can trust Go Fish Costa Rica to make your family vacation, buddy trip, or solo journey a memorable one, no matter what time of year you visit.
Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International
