When planning a Costa Rican getaway, one of the first questions travelers ask is: What is the best time to visit Las Catalinas? The truth is, there’s no wrong time. Whether you’re drawn to sun-drenched beaches and lively town plazas or prefer quiet, rain-washed mornings surrounded by lush green hills, each season here reveals a different kind of beauty to enjoy.
At Las Catalinas Doorway, your trusted local partner for experiences, vacation rentals, hotels, and concierge services, we help our guests find the perfect time to visit based on your style of travel. This coastal town in Guanacaste shines year-round with family adventures under clear skies, connection and celebration with large groups, and nature and wellness retreats for couples and solo travelers in the heart of the green season.
The Beauty of the Dry Season in Costa Rica | December–April
Costa Rica’s dry season, known locally as verano, is the country’s version of summer, a time when skies stay clear, the ocean sparkles under constant sunshine, and outdoor life moves at a joyful, unhurried pace. In Las Catalinas, this is when the town feels most alive. Families on school holidays, couples escaping northern winters, and groups of friends gather to celebrate life outdoors.
Days begin with early morning swims or trail hikes through the surrounding tropical dry forest. By midafternoon, the beach comes alive with paddleboarders, kayakers, and snorkelers gliding across the calm, turquoise bay awaiting a spectacular sunset show. Evenings arrive early, but stretch long, with toes-in-the-sand cocktails at Celeste, local craft beers at Papagayo Brewery, or dinners that spill out onto candlelit terraces as music drifts through the plaza in Ponciano or several other favorite hotspots.
The dry season is also perfect for those who want reliable weather for their all-day adventures. Trails stay firm and easy to navigate, ocean visibility is excellent for snorkeling, and almost every day promises golden light from sunrise to sunset.
In December and early January, you can expect a wonderful, refreshing breeze coming off of the ocean.Surfers will be happy to hear that with this breeze, the surf season kicks off. These offshore winds and sunny days groom the beach breaks of Guanacaste, making it a great time to grab a board for all levels.
This is the time of year when you’ll really take advantage of Santarena Hotel’s rooftop terrace or your rental home’s outdoor spaces, like Casa Ventanas. It’s an ideal season for travelers craving energy and connection, for those who like a bit of buzz around them while still feeling immersed in nature.
Tip: This is the most popular time for vacation rentals in Costa Rica, especially for families and groups visiting during the holidays or spring break. Booking early through Las Catalinas Doorway ensures you’ll find your perfect home and receive personalized support, from airport transfers to private chefs and activity planning.
The Magic of the Green Season in Costa Rica | May–November
When the rains return in May, the landscape of Las Catalinas transforms. Hillsides once golden from the dry months turn vibrant green, flowers burst into color, and town takes on a softer, slower rhythm. We can’t always expect a sunset, but when we do get one, you can guarantee the cloud cover will make it a spectacular show. Known affectionately as the green season, this time of year invites travelers to experience a more intimate side of Costa Rica.
Despite its name, the green season doesn’t mean endless rain. Most mornings begin sunny and bright, ideal for exploring the beach, swimming, or heading out on the trails. Showers tend to arrive in the late afternoon or evening, bringing a refreshing coolness that makes for perfect sunset strolls or cozy dinners indoors. The temperatures drop slightly, the air feels fresher, and everything around you seems to hum with new life.
For those seeking tranquility, this is an especially rewarding time to visit. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more space to yourself, whether that’s a quiet cove for a morning swim or a table at your favorite café with views of the ocean. It’s more common to spot birds and animals that may be shyer when the crowds of summer are around, so keep your eyes peeled.
Rates for vacation rentals and hotels often offer greater value during these months, allowing you to extend your stay or enjoy a touch of extra luxury. Homes and businesses in Las Catalinas were designed to make the most of our tropical weather, with overhanging balconies that double as roofs to protect those walking by from a rainstorm. You may also want to consider renting a home with a covered balcony to take in the peaceful storms from your own cozy home, like Casa Estrella.
The green season also holds some of the area’s most exciting natural and cultural highlights. If you happen to visit in late July, you might experience the Veranillo de San Juan, a short, delightful dry spell within the rainy months that often feels like a second summer. It’s a local favorite and one of the most magical times to enjoy warm sunshine framed by emerald hills.
August brings the XTERRA Costa Rica triathlon, when athletes from around the world take to the trails and ocean for a spectacular test of endurance. You are also very likely to catch whales in the calm bay in Playa Danta, just in front of Las Catalinas.
September is home to Costa Rica’s Independence Day, where you’ll catch parades, bands, and decorations in town and in the surrounding area. October is always one of Las Catalinas Doorway’s most sought after events, the annual Halloween Party. And the Thanksgiving season is full of celebrations without the crowds.
Tip: Embrace the rhythm of the green season. Start your days early, plan outdoor adventures in the morning, and reserve afternoons for rejuvenation. Enjoy yoga or a sound journey at Center of Joy, or relax by the pool at the Beach Club as the rain rolls in. The Las Catalinas Doorway concierge team can help you plan each day around the weather, ensuring every moment feels easy, balanced, and intentional.
Finding Your Season: Which One Fits You Best?
Every traveler experiences Costa Rica in their own way, and each season in Las Catalinas offers a different lens on paradise. Families often gravitate toward the dry season, when the weather is consistent, and days stretch endlessly for beach time and outdoor play. Adventure-seekers, on the other hand, might find joy in both the firm, dusty trails of summer are exhilarating for mountain biking and hiking, while the green season brings lush forests alive with birds and tropical scents.
Couples and honeymooners tend to fall for the romance of the rainy months, when sunsets glow against soft clouds and evenings feel secluded and serene. For wellness travelers, retreat leaders, and digital nomads, the green season’s cooler mornings and relaxed pace create a perfect setting for stillness, focus, and inspiration.
If you’re drawn to yoga, spa days, and wellness experiences by the sea, you can explore our wellness offerings in Las Catalinas for more inspiration.
There’s No Wrong Time to Visit
So, is it better to visit in the rainy season or dry season?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for—but here in Las Catalinas, both seasons have their magic. The dry months bring lively energy and sunshine from dawn to dusk, while the green season offers renewal, intimacy, and endless natural beauty.
Because of the town’s unique microclimate, even in the heart of the rainy season, days often begin bright and inviting. Its car-free design and pedestrian layout mean you can move easily between the beach, trails, restaurants, and plazas, rain or shine. Year-round, there’s a sense of connection here—between people, nature, and the rhythm of coastal living—that makes every visit memorable.
At Las Catalinas Doorway, we believe the best time to visit is simply when you’re ready to experience it. Our team can guide you to the season that fits your travel style and help you discover where to stay Las Catalinas, whether it’s a beachfront villa for family gatherings or a cozy apartment for a quiet couple’s escape.
Tip: Now that you know when to visit, find out where to stay Las Catalinas. Explore our collection of vacation rentals Costa Rica and start planning your next unforgettable stay.
