One of the most common questions we get is: “When should I come?” The honest answer is that Sámara is worth visiting year-round — but the experience is very different depending on the season. Here’s what you actually need to know.

Dry season: December through April

This is peak season in Guanacaste. Days are reliably sunny, rain is rare, and the landscape is golden-brown and warm. Ocean conditions are generally excellent for all water activities — snorkeling, kayaking, catamaran tours, surfing. Prices are higher, accommodations book up faster, and the most popular tours sell out in advance.

If you’re visiting for the first time and want guaranteed sunshine, December through April is the safe choice. Book your tours early — our Turtle Nesting Tours, Gyrocopter, and ATV tours fill up fast during this period.

Green season: May through November

The green season gets a bad reputation that it doesn’t fully deserve. Yes, it rains — but typically in the afternoons and evenings, not all day. Mornings are usually clear and warm. The trade-off is significant: lower accommodation prices, fewer tourists on the beach, lush green scenery, and the best wildlife season in the area.

Turtle nesting season peaks between July and November. The mass arrivals at Ostional Wildlife Refuge happen year-round, but the largest events typically occur during the wetter months. If seeing the olive ridley arribada is on your list, the green season is when the odds are best. Our Ostional Tour and Corozalito Tour run year-round, with schedules tied to monthly lunar cycles.

Shoulder months: May and November

May and November are transition months that combine relatively good weather with lower prices. May still has mostly dry mornings. November starts to dry out again after the wettest period. Both are solid choices for travelers who want value without sacrificing too much sunshine.

What about specific activities?

Some tours are weather-dependent. Our Gyrocopter Tour requires clear conditions — if weather is unsafe, we reschedule or refund. Ocean tours like the catamaran and snorkeling trips run year-round but may be affected by swell during the wettest weeks of October. ATV tours run rain or shine — and honestly, riding muddy jungle trails in the green season is half the fun.

For horseback riding in Puerto Carrillo or hiking the Sámara Trails, both seasons work well — though the trails are greener and the landscape more dramatic in the wet months.

Bottom line

December–April: reliable sun, higher prices, book early. May–November: lower prices, lush scenery, better wildlife, occasional afternoon rain. There’s no bad time to visit Sámara — just different versions of a great trip.

Not sure which season fits your plans? Use our Free Vacation Planning service and we’ll help you build the right itinerary for your travel dates.