So, you’re thinking about visiting Costa Rica in September or October (also known as the green season)? And you’re also wondering just how much of a euphemism is “green season,” really? Are we talking sun-showers-and-rainbows season or daily-deluge season?
The answer is, it depends.
The very shortest answer we can give you is that Costa Rica’s green season (aka rainy season) runs from about mid-May through mid-November, and September and October are the rainiest months. (Don’t click away yet! There’s a but.)
BUT, “rainiest” depends on where you’re visiting – for example, Guanacaste province, home to Tamarindo and beyond, is the driest province in Costa Rica – and your rain tolerance. (More on that, in a moment.)
Before we can get into that, though, let’s talk about Costa Rican weather. When it comes to generalizing the country, we divide our weather into two basic seasons: the dry season (December-May) and the rainy/green season (June-November). Here’s how the 12 months break down, both weather and tourism-wise:
Broadly speaking, there are four main reasons you might be considering traveling to Costa Rica in September or October:
They’re all good reasons. Great enough, even, that you shouldn’t feel like you’re settling.
The secret is (seriously, ask any local), green season can be the very best season. For many reasons. Especially so in our province Guanacaste – again, home to Tamarindo – which breaks the mold, at least a bit: We’re drier than the rest of the country so, while we do experience a marked dry season and a wetter season, our green months are less wet (and, therefore, a little more enjoyable) than, say, in wetter regions south, like Manuel Antonio or the Osa Peninsula.
So, now you know that it’s not quite as simple as “green.” So, what can you expect in September and October?
That varies, as we said. But in Tamarindo, you’ll have a good chance of afternoon showers and the occasional thunderstorm. Most days, the rain will last anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. Evenings usually clear up and usher in the best sunsets of the year. They are truly spectacular.
Our best advice is to plan your September/October travel days: Book activities for the morning and reserve your early to mid-afternoons for time in your villa. Watch the storm roll in (it can be very impressive!) Read a book. Spent time together. Take a siesta. And if it doesn’t rain, take a dip in your private pool. Get bubbly in the hot tub. Drink in a little extra sun on your terrace.
And then, enjoy your evening. Revel in the sunset. Walk along the beach. Pick a new restaurant to try. Because, more often than not, September and October mornings and evenings, in Tamarindo, are very similar to mornings and evenings the other 10 months of the year. Only less expensive.
While we’re on the topic of less expensive: You can google and price compare for weeks and even months, and you’re not likely to ever find a price that compares to green season travel.
That’s the simple truth: Costa Rica’s best prices are offered during the green season. From flights to accommodations to some tours and activities, you’ll find lower prices, better perks, and fewer crowds, especially in the August-October window. (More on green season benefits, below.)
As an example, we’re happy to offer the following discounts for travel to Costa Rica in September and October 2021. Note, please reserve through our sister site, Stay in Tamarindo, or by getting in touch.
Book your September/October 2021 stay before June 30, 2021, and get one night free for every seven you book. Discount applies to all homes and condos, except El Chante, Casa Serena, Flamingo Blu, Compass House, and Casa Leo Loco. Coupon code FreeOne.
Book 7 nights (November 21-28, 2021) and get a 10% discount on the following homes with Promo Code THANKS2021:
We’re also offering a range of rental-specific specials, including:
Only valid for these specific dates, bookings via Stay in Tamarindo. Prices are subject to taxes and fees. For more information about our latest specials, please view our specials or send us an email.
So, now that you know what to expect, what are the benefits of travel during the green season – and, specifically, during the months of September and October?
Here are the top six (in no particular order):
Of course, there are other benefits. For example, if you want to book white-water rafting, rainy season is the time to do it. Scuba diving? Great in the rainy season. Etc. etc. There’s
Wondering where to stay? We have dozens. Here are three you’ll love – and that still have availability for September and October 2021.
Within the heart of Tamarindo but absconded to a world of whispering pines, cool waters, and twinkling lights, Casa Calico is a vacation paradise. This beautiful walled property features private gardens and a refreshing pool, shaded patio and chef’s kitchen, generous outdoor living and graceful interiors – everything you seek (and probably more).
The property is separated into the main home, with three bedrooms, and an independent poolside casita, perfect for multigenerational travelers and small groups. You will all love Casa Calico’s proximity to the beach – a few minutes, and you’re there! – but what we think you’ll love most is the sheer ambiance.
A true secret garden, Casa Calico makes Costa Rica feel like your own personal wonderland. Have breakfast surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend hours (and entire days) lounging poolside. And be sure to earmark an afternoon for the deeply shaded, covered patio – the perfect spot to watch the storm roll in and to delight in tropical rainfall – to not just a pitter-patter, but a full drumbeat on the roof over your head.
Casa Calico also offers 100 Mbps high-speed WiFi internet, battery backout (modem and router), and access to a portable wireless router, upon request.
Paradise is real, friends. And you’ve found it. Right here, at the nexus of national park and rolling mountain range, spectacular beaches and wildlife estuary. Right here, at Casa Xanadu, a tropical paradise within a tropical paradise, overlooking Las Baulas National Marine Park, Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, the Tamarindo Wildlife Estuary, and both Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande.
A convergence of all things wonderful. And speaking of wonderful things, it’s right here, surrounded by rare tropical dry forest – one of the world’s last remaining swaths – that Casa Xanadu rises from the hillside and promises the perfect home base for all your September and October adventures. Yes, even storm-watching. There’s no better perch than this terrace!
So, lounge in the infinity pool, set your watch for epic sunsets, and never grow tired of the spectacular Pacific vistas. Walk softly, listen and look closely, and the howler monkeys, parrots, and butterflies will join you!
Where would you be, if you could somehow drop a secret garden by the sea – a private paradise, steps from crashing waves and soft sands, yet secreted into a lush hidey-hole that feels like it’s just for you?
We think you’d be right here, at Ibis Condo #2, a quiet two-bedroom condo both cozy and expansive. Artisanal wood ceilings and granite countertops, plush beds and a beachy color palette, a private outdoor patio and lush landscaping welcome you to this lovely rental. We promise, the patio and gardens are a lovely place to watch the raindrops fall!
Of course, when you rent Ibis #2, you’re reserving more than a home-away-from-home. Because here, you also have access to community: executive access to the Langosta Beach Club, where you’ll enjoy the use of a luxurious and oceanfront infinity pool, with its languid pool loungers, full-service poolside bar, private cabanas, fitness center, and beachfront restaurant.
And you’re also a short walk to Tamarindo’s vibrant restaurant offerings and nightlife, as well as a full menu of adventure activities, shopping, surfing beaches, and more. Welcome to exactly where you want to be.
Have questions? Prefer to speak to someone in person? Want to pick our brains about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the rainy season? We’re game!
Whether you’re seeking a little planning know-how, looking for a great deal, or just can’t decide on which of our Tamarindo rentals is right for you, we’re happy to help. So please, get in touch! We love to chat Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted on 07/15/2021 in Tamarindo Vacation Rentals, Tamarindo Vacations