Nosara's two seasons: dry, green, and when to come

What is the weather like in Nosara, and when should you come? The Guanacaste coast runs on two seasons, not four: a dry season and a green (rainy) season. Both have their pleasures, and knowing the difference helps you plan a visit — or a life — here.

The dry season (roughly December to April)

This is the classic postcard: hot, bright, blue-sky days with little rain, cooling breezes, and reliable surf at Playa Guiones. It is peak season for a reason. The landscape turns golden, and the flowering trees — the yellow cortez, the golden shower — put on their show on bare branches. It is the busiest, sunniest, most in-demand stretch of the year.

The green season (roughly May to November)

When the rains come, Guanacaste transforms. The dry forest turns emerald almost overnight, the rivers run full, and the whole coast feels lush and alive. Rain usually arrives as an afternoon burst, leaving mornings clear, so it rarely spoils a day. It is quieter, greener, and cheaper — and for many, the more beautiful half of the year. September and October are the wettest, and the calmest.

Which is “best”?

It depends on what you want. Come in the dry season for guaranteed sun and surf; come in the green season for lush landscapes, fewer people, and the fullest version of the gardens and orchard. Those who live here tend to love the green season most — it is when the land is at its richest.

At a glance

• Dry season: ~Dec–Apr — sunny, hot, peak surf and tourism; golden, flowering landscape.
• Green season: ~May–Nov — lush and green, afternoon rains, quieter and cheaper.
• Wettest: September–October.
• On the estate: the orchard and gardens are fullest in the green season.

The short version: Nosara has a sunny dry season (Dec–Apr) and a lush green season (May–Nov), each with its own appeal — sun and surf, or emerald landscapes and calm. To plan a visit to the estate in either, get in touch.