Costa Rica in Rainy Season: Why Nicoya Is One of the Driest Places to Go
By the Bluesky Lodge & Farm family, NicoyaUpdated October 1, 2026
Short answer
If you're traveling between May and November, go northwest. Nicoya and Guanacaste are the driest part of Costa Rica, with roughly half the yearly rain of the Caribbean coast and well under half of the South Pacific. Up on our hill we notice even less rain than down on the coast. Mornings are usually bright, and the landscape is at its greenest.
How much does it rain? Nicoya compared with the rest of Costa Rica
| Region | Typical yearly rainfall |
|---|---|
| Liberia (Guanacaste) | ~1,640 mm (65 in) |
| Nicoya (Guanacaste) | ~1,750–2,400 mm (69–95 in) |
| Monteverde (cloud forest) | ~2,500 mm (98 in) |
| Costa Rica national average | ~2,540 mm (100 in) |
| Caribbean coast (Limón, Puerto Viejo) | ~3,500–4,000 mm (138–157 in) |
| South Pacific (Quepos, Osa Peninsula) | 4,000–7,500 mm (157–295 in) |
Approximate long-term averages; figures vary by weather station and source.
Why so dry? Northwestern Costa Rica has a tropical savanna climate, and it sits in the "rain shadow" of the mountain ranges that catch much of the moisture coming from the Caribbean side.
Rainy season month by month in Nicoya
- December to April (dry season): sunny, dry and hot. January and February often see less than 10 mm of rain all month. This is high season, with the most visitors and highest prices.
- May and June: the first rains arrive. The hills turn green almost overnight, dust settles and the air cools down. Usually sunny mornings, with showers later in the day.
- July and August: often a calmer stretch locally called the veranillo ("little summer"), with more dry days. A great time to visit.
- September and October: the wettest months, averaging about 350–420 mm each. Expect real downpours, muddy back roads and swollen rivers.
- November: the rain tapers off and everything is lush and green before the dry season.
What we see up on the mountain
We live at 380 m above the valley, and in our experience the rainy season is much less rainy up here than it is in other parts of the country. Ask us on WhatsApp before you book and we'll tell you honestly what the weather has been like.
One honest caveat: heavy rain can wash ruts into our 4x4 road. We repair it as fast as we can, and there's always room to drive around the holes. If you'd rather not drive it, park at the gate and we'll take you up. See how to get here.
Why green season can be the best time to come
- Lower prices: our green-season rate is ₡65,000 per night (about US$125) for up to 5 guests, compared with ₡85,000 (about US$165) in high season.
- Fewer people at the beaches of Sámara, Nosara and Tamarindo.
- Green landscapes and more wildlife activity: the dry forest comes back to life.
- Cooler air: the rain takes the edge off Guanacaste's heat. See why it's cooler up here.
Tips for traveling Guanacaste in rainy season
- Do your outdoor plans (beach, hikes, Barra Honda caves) in the morning.
- Rent a 4x4 if you plan to explore back roads. Some are fine in April and tough in October.
- Pack a light rain jacket and shoes that can get wet.
- Don't cross a flooded river in a car, even a 4x4. Wait; the water drops fast.
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest region of Costa Rica?+
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, in the northwest. Nicoya gets roughly 1,750–2,400 mm of rain a year, compared with about 3,500–4,000 mm on the Caribbean coast and 4,000 mm or more in the South Pacific (Osa, Quepos).
Is it worth visiting Costa Rica in rainy season?+
Yes, especially in Guanacaste. Landscapes turn green, there are fewer tourists and prices drop. Mornings are often sunny, and rain tends to come in the afternoon or evening. September and October are the wettest months, so May to August is the sweet spot.
When is the rainy season in Nicoya, Guanacaste?+
Roughly May to November, with the heaviest rain in September and October. The dry season runs from December to April, and January and February often get almost no rain at all.
Are prices lower in green season?+
Often, yes. At Bluesky Lodge our green-season rate (May 1 to December 14) is ₡65,000 per night, compared with ₡85,000 in high season.
Come and see it for yourself
A-frame cabins, an infinity pool and a 180° view over the Nicoya mountains, 10 minutes from town and 45 minutes from the beach.
