May through November
Forget what you've heard about the "rainy season." From May to November, Nosara transforms into a lush tropical paradise with the best surf of the year, jaw-dropping wildlife, fewer crowds, and prices that let you stay longer. Here's why the wet season might be the best time to visit.
The Wet Season follows a predictable, pleasant rhythm. Mornings are sunny and warm -perfect for surfing, beach walks, or exploring. By mid-afternoon, tropical showers roll in and cool everything down. By evening, the air is fresh, the jungle smells incredible, and the sunsets are some of the most dramatic you'll ever see.
Unlike rainy climates where gray skies linger for days, Nosara's Wet Season gives you the best of both worlds: sun-filled mornings for adventure and refreshing afternoon rains that turn the landscape into a brilliant emerald canopy. Daytime temperatures sit between 75–90°F, and nights cool down to a comfortable 68°F -a welcome relief from the dry season heat.
Two local weather phenomena make mid-season even more appealing. The Veranillo de San Juan arrives around June 24th -a 3-to-5 day stretch of sunshine that coincides with community celebrations, parades, and outdoor festivities.
Then from mid-July through early August, the Canícula brings an extended stretch of blue skies, warm sunny days, and trade winds that reduce humidity. Think dry-season weather at Wet Season prices. It's ideal for beach weddings, family vacations, and photography trips -with high weather predictability and a fraction of the crowds.
If you surf -or want to learn -the wet season is when Playa Guiones truly comes alive. Powerful groundswells generated by Southern Hemisphere storms deliver consistent, high-quality waves from May through November. The 6-kilometer beach break works across a wide range of tides and swell sizes, meaning there's a wave for every level.
Mornings are typically glassy and uncrowded. Imagine paddling out at dawn with just a handful of other surfers, catching wave after wave as the sun rises over the jungle behind you. That's a regular Wet Season morning at Guiones.
Gentle takeoff zones and a forgiving sand bottom make Guiones one of the best learning beaches in Costa Rica, even during swell season.
September and October bring larger, more powerful swells with hollow sections. This is when the serious surfers show up.
Fewer tourists means fewer people in the water. The morning scene at Sunset Shack and Beach Dog Café feels more intimate and local.
Surfside Nosara tip: Both of our properties are a short walk from the beach. Our concierge can arrange surf lessons and board rentals so you're in the water within minutes of arriving.
The Wet Season triggers some of the most spectacular wildlife events in the Western Hemisphere. These are experiences you simply cannot have during the dry season.
Just north of Nosara, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge protects one of the world's most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles. During the wet season (August through December), mass synchronized nesting events called arribadas bring up to 300,000 turtles onto the beach over 3 to 7 nights. During the dry season, you might see tens of thousands -impressive, but nothing compared to the peak spectacle. Visits are led by certified local guides and timed with the lunar cycle.
From July through October, Southern Hemisphere humpback whales travel thousands of miles from the Antarctic to the warm waters off Nosara to breed and raise their calves. You can witness mothers with newborns, dramatic breaching displays, and tail slaps from boat tours departing nearby. The overlap of whale season and peak turtle nesting in August and September creates an incredible marine double-feature exclusive to the wet season.
The rains bring the jungle to life. Increased water and fruit availability means more frequent sightings of howler monkeys, white-throated capuchins, and coatis. The Nosara Biological Reserve -nearly 100 acres of protected mangroves and dense forest -becomes a haven for birdwatchers, with North American migratory species joining the resident motmots, ospreys, and Blue Morpho butterflies. Smaller crowds on the trails make for better, quieter wildlife encounters.
Nosara is a world-renowned wellness destination, and the wet season amplifies everything that makes it special. The lush environment, the sound of afternoon rain on the jungle canopy, the cooler evenings -it all invites you to slow down.
The afternoon showers are nature's way of telling you to take it easy. Read a book on the porch, book a massage, take a nap. This is the luxury of having nowhere to be and nothing to rush for -and it's core to the Blue Zone way of life that Nosara is known for.
Balinese-inspired residences, organic buffet, and daily signature retreats set in the forest.
Multi-day workshops, meditation, and ocean-view yoga shalas for deep immersion.
Sustainable beachfront wellness with a healing center and daily complimentary yoga.
Studios throughout town offer daily classes for all levels. The Gilded Iguana has affordable options for surfers and families.
The Wet Season is a time of agricultural abundance. The weekly Nosara Farmers Market (Tuesdays, with a second market Saturdays at Giardino Tropicale) is the heartbeat of the community. Fresh-cut coconut water, tropical fruits, homemade sourdough, organic skincare, handmade jewelry -and a chance to meet the people who make Nosara special. There's easier parking, shorter lines, and more space to linger during the off-season.
Nosara's restaurant scene punches well above its weight, and during the wet season you can actually get a table without booking weeks ahead. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired beachfront dining at La Luna, tacos and live music at El Chivo, or casual surf vibes at Beach Dog Café.
The Wet Season brings some of Costa Rica's most meaningful celebrations:
The region celebrates its 1824 decision to join Costa Rica with traditional folk dance, marimba music, cowboy parades, and community festivities. A window into authentic Guanacaste culture.
A national holiday in Costa Rica. Families gather for traditional meals and celebrations -a beautiful glimpse into the family-first Blue Zone culture.
On the evening of September 14th, students carry colorful handmade lanterns (faroles) through the streets -a tradition dating back to 1821. School bands with drums and marimbas fill the town with joy.
The rains don't slow things down -they power up some of the best adventures in Guanacaste. Rivers run higher, waterfalls thunder at full force, and the landscape is at its most photogenic.
Guanacaste's hidden waterfalls are at their most spectacular during the rains. The Pilas Blancas ATV tour takes you through backcountry jungle to a secluded waterfall right near Nosara. For a day trip, the turquoise waters of Río Celeste (about 3 hours) and the massive Llanos de Cortez falls (about 2 hours) are unforgettable.
Paddle through the mangrove tunnels of the Nosara and Montaña Rivers. Glide past crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, and great blue herons in near-silence. A peaceful, immersive way to experience the biodiversity that the rains bring.
This hidden gem north of Nosara has turquoise coves and white sand beaches perfect for a day trip. Combine it with an ATV adventure for the full experience. The dirt roads add to the fun -a 4x4 is recommended.
The Wet Season isn't just about nature -it's about getting more for less. With fewer visitors, everything feels more personal and more accessible.
Flights to Costa Rica can drop by 30% or more compared to peak season. Accommodation rates are lower too, letting you stay longer or upgrade to a beachfront villa you might not splurge on otherwise.
Less competition for waves, emptier trails, easier restaurant reservations, and a quieter, more personal experience at popular attractions like the Ostional turtle refuge.
No need to book tours and transfers months in advance. Concierge teams and tour operators have more availability to customize plans and adapt to the weather.
With fewer tourists, you experience the real community. Local festivals, quieter surf lineups, and a pace of life that's closer to the true Pura Vida spirit.
A 4x4 rental is highly recommended for better traction on muddy roads and when crossing swelling creeks. Alternatively, air taxis (like Sansa Airlines) can get you from San José to Nosara in 35 minutes, bypassing road conditions entirely. Download offline maps before you arrive -cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Think lightweight and breathable -linen and cotton over thick fabrics. Bring a light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings, quality sun protection for strong morning rays, and practical footwear since the terrain in Nosara is uneven. A quick-dry rain shell is useful for afternoon showers but you won't need heavy rain gear.
The Wet Season is the most photogenic time of year in Guanacaste -rich greens, dramatic skies, and active wildlife. Let camera gear acclimate when moving from AC to humid air (keep it in a sealed bag first). A circular polarizing filter cuts glare on wet leaves and reveals detail beneath water. Bring a telephoto lens for canopy wildlife, and plan for low-light conditions under the forest cover.
Free parking at Surfside Nosara. If you rent a car, both Casa Guiones and Casa Garza have onsite parking included with your stay.
Our beachfront vacation rentals in Playa Guiones put you steps from the sand, walking distance to restaurants and yoga studios, and surrounded by the lush beauty that makes the wet season unforgettable.
No. Mornings are typically sunny and warm. Rain usually arrives in the mid-to-late afternoon and lasts a few hours. You'll have plenty of time for beach activities, surfing, and exploring each day.
Yes. The main highways are well-maintained year-round. A 4x4 is recommended for the unpaved roads near Nosara. Alternatively, fly directly into Nosara's airstrip via Sansa Airlines from San José to skip the drive entirely.
Absolutely -it's the best time to surf. Powerful groundswells from the Southern Hemisphere produce the most consistent, high-quality waves of the year at Playa Guiones. Mornings are typically glassy with far fewer people in the lineup.
The mass arribada nesting events at Ostional peak between August and December. These Wet Season events can bring hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles to the beach in a single event.
Flights to Costa Rica can be up to 30% less than peak season. Accommodation and tour rates are generally lower too, giving you the option to stay longer or upgrade your experience.
The Canícula is a natural weather pause from mid-July to early August that brings blue skies and sunny days right in the middle of the wet season. It's one of the best-kept secrets for planning a trip with great weather and off-peak prices.