If you’re looking for a vacation home rental Costa Rica experience that’s a little more indulgent, a little more luxurious, a little more everything than your usual travel budget might allow, then September and October are worth serious consideration.
Yes, what you’ve read or heard is true: these are Costa Rica’s rainiest months. But they’re also two of the best-value months of the year, especially here in Tamarindo, where green season acts a little differently (in a good way) and your vacation budget can stretch to something far more exciting than you may have originally planned.
Beachfront may come into reach. More bedrooms may be possible. A private pool, a better location, more space, or even a home with Elite Service may suddenly be more attainable than it would be during peak travel months. You may also be able to squeeze in a few more experiences than you thought: ATV tours, horseback riding on the beach, or even a spa treatment or two.
And that’s really the sweet spot: Costa Rica on a budget doesn’t have to mean scaling down the dream. Sometimes, it just means adjusting the dream to the time of year when demand is lower, rates are more affordable, and the same budget can open the door to a more comfortable, more relaxed, more vacation-y kind of stay.
Costa Rica’s green season stretches from about mid-May through November, give or take a few weeks. Within this season, September and October are typically the wettest months of the year, at least here on the North Pacific coast.
So let’s start right here, with a bit of honesty. If your idea of vacation requires blue skies and bright sunshine from breakfast through stargazing every single day, then these probably aren’t your months. But if you’re open to a slower rhythm, lush landscapes, and the magic pitter-patter of falling rain, then September and October may be a great upgrade to your trip.
Our town of Tamarindo is located in the province of Guanacaste, one of the driest regions of Costa Rica, which means rainy season may not be exactly what you’ve read. Even in September and October, a typical Tamarindo day often begins with gorgeous mornings, blue skies, warm weather, great surf, beach time, pool time, and plenty of sun before the clouds start rolling in.
Usually in the afternoon, the rain comes. It could be anything from a five-minute shower to a proper downpour lasting a few hours. There are outliers, of course. Tropical weather is still tropical weather, and it doesn’t take requests.
What we really want you to know is that rainy season isn’t automatically a washout. It’s a different rhythm from the dry season, without question. But if you can lean into that rhythm, then September and October can make a vacation home rental Costa Rica trip both practical and surprisingly luxurious.

The secret to traveling Costa Rica in September and October is not hoping it won’t rain on a given day. The secret is betting that it will.
As locals, we do this without even thinking. We wake up, look outside, see that it’s a beautiful sunny day, and go. We hit the beach, take a surf lesson, schedule a horseback ride, book the ATV tour, walk into town for a long, lingering breakfast, or simply claim a favorite lounge chair by the pool.
Because here’s what you need to know: you don’t need luck on your side to enjoy a beautiful morning in September and October. Mornings this time of year are especially gorgeous because the hillsides are greener, the gardens are thick with botanicals in bloom, and there’s a washed-clean brightness that makes the light softer and everything a little more alive.
Then, when the clouds start to gather, that’s your cue. Head back to your vacation home rental Costa Rica. This is the perfect time for the kids to nap (or for you to nap!), prep an afternoon snack, enjoy Costa Rica’s afternoon coffee ritual (cafecito de la tarde), pull out a book, queue up a movie, or watch the storm roll in. Tropical rain loves to put on a show, and it can be an absolute treat to watch it on full display.
This is where your vacation home really starts to shine. Rain in a hotel can mean wet swimsuits hanging over chairs, kids bouncing between beds, and everyone waiting for the weather to “get better.” Rain in a vacation home becomes an anticipated part of your day. You have the space you need and a lot of the luxuries you want, so hunkering down for a few hours becomes part of the fun.
Then, of course, the rain passes. The coast exhales. The temperature drops a few degrees, and it’s the perfect time to take a walk, head back to the beach, or watch one of our spectacular rainy season sunsets. Then, meander down to dinner in the post-rain softness that makes Tamarindo so beautiful this time of year.
No, this isn’t the same rhythm as dry season, but that’s part of the charm. September and October are slower, quieter, and incredibly enjoyable for the right traveler. So if you’re that “right traveler” – if this sounds like your kind of vacation – don’t shy away from the season.

September and October are low season in Costa Rica, so if you’re one of the intrepid few, you’ll enjoy lower rates on the same vacation rentals that may have been out of reach during higher-season months.
For practical or budget-minded travelers, this built-in benefit can change the entire dynamic of your trip. Instead of making certain concessions to fit the budget, September and October can open up your options and let you choose the vacation home rental Costa Rica experience you’ve been dreaming about since forever: the one with the terrace, the one with the ocean view, the one with extra space, the one with ensuites for everyone, the one where kids cozy up in a dreamy bunk room while the adults enjoy conversation on a shaded terrace by the pool.
And then there are the extras. When the nightly rate works harder for you, there’s often room left over for experiences that make the trip extra special: surf lessons, a private chef, canopy zip line tours, or a few dinners out at the restaurants you really want to try.
In some homes, September and October may even put our Elite Service Standard within reach. This leveled-up service includes daily breakfast preparation, snacks, housekeeping, laundry, and private concierge support, depending on the home and service level.
For your family or group, this all can mark the difference between “We went to Costa Rica” and “We had our dream trip to Costa Rica.”
If you’re traveling in September or October, the right home makes all the difference. A great vacation home rental Costa Rica stay gives you the space to enjoy the sunny mornings, settle in when the rain arrives, and make the whole trip feel more relaxed, more comfortable, and a lot more special than the season’s lower rates might suggest.
6 Beds | 4 Baths | 10 to 14 Guests
Set in the heart of Tamarindo, Villa Motmot is a great choice for groups who want walkability, space, and a home with a story. This low-carbon-footprint villa was created by owners with more than 30 years of rainforest protection behind them, and that spirit comes through in the home’s botanical garden, eco-conscious systems, saltwater pool, and open-air connection to the landscape.
The villa gives your group plenty of room to spread out, with six bedrooms, two kitchens, three terraces, an exterior deck for morning yoga, and an oceanview rooftop terrace with 360-degree views over Tamarindo. It’s also just a short walk from the beach, downtown, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutiques, restaurants, and surf breaks, which makes it especially practical for families and groups who want to enjoy town without planning every outing around transportation.
Villa Motmot also includes Elite Service Standard Monday through Saturday, with breakfast preparation, cocktails and snacks (until 2:00 p.m.), daily housekeeping, laundry, and a personal concierge. During September and October, that service layer becomes even more valuable: mornings can be for the beach, surf, and town, while rainy afternoons can unfold easily at home with snacks, pool time, terrace views, and a house that feels designed for slowing down.
5 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 8 to 12 Guests
Casa Ventana is for travelers who want their September or October trip to be a true upgrade. Set on a hillside in Tamarindo, this five-bedroom home opens to sweeping views of the jungle, estuary, and Pacific horizon, giving your group the kind of setting that makes even a slower rainy-season afternoon feel like part of the experience.
Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, which makes Casa Ventana especially comfortable for families, couples traveling together, reunions, or groups where privacy is part of the luxury. The full-length infinity pool faces the ocean view, while the chef-ready kitchen and gas grill make it easy to gather for long meals, relaxed evenings, and the kind of stay where the house itself becomes one of the best parts of the trip.
You’re also close to Tamarindo’s beach and town energy, with beach access near Pangas Restaurant, where the estuary meets the ocean. And with Elite Service Standard included Monday through Saturday, your stay includes breakfast preparation, cocktails and snacks (until 2:00 p.m.), daily housekeeping, laundry, and a personal concierge.
If September and October sound like your kind of travel season – slower, greener, more relaxed, and a little more generous with your budget – then Tamarindo may be exactly where you want to be.
Browse our vacation home rental Costa Rica options and look for the homes that give your family or group the space, service, and setting to enjoy the season fully. We’ll help with the rest: grocery pre-stocking, airport transfers, tours, chef services, restaurant recommendations, and the little details that make Costa Rica on a budget feel much more like a dream trip than a compromise.
We look forward to welcoming you to Costa Rica!
The idea of booking a vacation rental property, sight unseen, in a foreign country can be intimidating, especially if it’s a country or a destination you’ve never been to. Are you going to be able to find it? How can you be sure the place is going to be what it looks like in the pictures? How do you know which one to pick? If you’re a seasoned traveler, you already know the drill, but there’s a first time for everything including your first vacation rental in Costa Rica.
Here are some ways to break down the decision-making process and of course some practical suggestions of Tamarindo vacation rental property perfect fits.
Vacation rentals in Tamarindo come in all shapes and sizes, and so do travel groups. How many people are you traveling with? Is it you and your significant other? You, your 5 best friends, their spouses, and their kids? Are stairs ok? Do you prefer to be near a golf course? A surf break? Do you like center-of-the-action vacations or restful away-from-it-all vacations? Come up with some answers to these questions before you start shopping to help you narrow it down.
Then the next filter to get through it price. How much do you want to spend? Are you attracted by pocket-friendly options, or is this the trip for which you’re going to pull out all the stops and live like royalty? Vacation rental prices range based on distance from the beach and lots of other factors like how new and chic the place is (or isn’t) and what kinds of amenities it includes. All of the Vacation Rentals of Tamarindo properties have the standard package: a/c, wi-fi, cable tv, linens, towels, equipped kitchens, a washer and dryer, a pool…so don’t think that by “pocket-friendly” we mean you have to bring your own pillows! We’re the industry trendsetters in our area and all of our vacation rentals are top-shelf.
Following, we explore 6 types of luxury vacation rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and give some examples from our fantastic menu of homes:
1. Small, Simple, Conveniently-Located
These are the condos that are otherwise known as budget-friendly. They’re great for couples, families with small children, travelers on a shoestring budget, or folks who want to spend their vacation dollars out exploring, not sitting around a fancy house.
Located literally across the street from the beach in the center of Tamarindo, you won’t find a better spot for a better price. This 2-bedroom condo is located on the 4th floor of the Sunrise complex which includes the coolest pool in town, the easiest beach access anything within an affordable price range, secure gated parking and oh yeah—the view!
This affordable 2-bedroom condo in Langosta sleeps up to 6, is conveniently located, has secure parking, access to the resort pool, and offers a sundeck on the roof of the complex.
2. Small and Modern-chic
So let’s say you don’t want a big place, but you’d like it to be sleek and modern. We have those vacation rentals too! You can get some of the big-ticket modern design elements in a new or newly-redesigned vacation rental without having to spend big bucks. These places are great to get into with your best friend or two or three. Enjoy gourmet meals and cocktails on the patio or rent some boards and go on a surf trek to Avellanas or Playa Negra.
Our condo at La Perla offers 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 8 people. Each unit in this recently-completed elite complex occupies a corner, displaying fantastic ocean and hillside panoramas in every room.
These 3 and 4 bedroom villas in central Tamarindo sleep from 6 to 12 guests. The ultimate in minimalist modern design, natural textures and materials, and European attention to detail make these villas a vacation rental choice that is a cut above the rest.
3. A Sprawling Villa for Your Destination Wedding or Other Event
We’re suddenly at the other end of the vacation rental type spectrum: huge mansions and villas for 20 or more guests—yes we have them! Costa Rica is a favorite pick for couples planning destination weddings, for yoga and meditation retreats, corporate retreats, family reunions…all of the above. These properties are the places dreams are made. From beach front mansions to luxury hilltop mini-resorts, these are your dream homes and they make your special event unforgettable for everyone in attendance.
This property is truly beachfront! Just steps behind the high tide line in Langosta, Casa de Luz is a stunning place for weddings, yoga retreats, surf trips, or whatever it is that brings your group together. It’s one of our most eco-friendly properties, too, and sleeps over 20 people.
How about an 8-bedroom Bali-style home for 20? That’s Casa Puros Dieces! This is one of Tamarindo’s top event venue choices because of its laid-back design, amazing ocean view and individual suite bedroom layout.
Of course, you want your event destination to be Casa Costa Blanca. This Hacienda Pinilla beachfront home has 7 bedrooms, sleeps up to 24, and includes all of the amenities of Guanacaste’s premier golf/surf resort.
4. Classified by Activity: Golf Resort and Secret Surf Spots
Many people wisely consider the types of activities they most enjoy when they are shopping for vacation rentals. If you’re the outdoorsy type who enjoys golf, surfing, mountain biking, or tennis, if you love peace and quiet but don’t want to be completely isolated from restaurants and night life, you might want to browse the vacation rental options in Hacienda Pinilla. From giant event-venue type homes to condos for single families, Pinilla has got something for everyone. Golfers and experienced surfers have a look at these amazing spots:
This where the fun begins! Casa Rebecca, with 4 bedrooms for up to 12 people, is a sleek new vacation rental home located in Hacienda Pinilla.
Hacienda Pinilla offers not only mansions, but also luxury condos like Villa Bonita that are more affordable than larger properties but still include all of Hacienda Pinilla’s amenities.
5. The Beach House!
Or let’s say it’s got to be a beach house. Of course. Who wouldn’t want to base their Tamarindo vacation in a beach house?! Some of our biggest and best beach houses are the ones you caught a glimpse of in the “event venues” category, but there are other properties on or very near the beach. Your beachfront vacation rental is the perfect way to enjoy early morning walks, peaceful sunsets, easy access to surf spots and still have all the comforts of home. Families with children love beach houses because being right on or very near the beach simplifies everything! You don’t have to pack everybody and all the trappings into a car every time you want to go out, you just open the door and there you are. You can even hire a chef to do in-home meal prep for you so that everybody in the family gets a break. Imagine how much fun that would be!
Hacienda del Pacifico is a 4-bedroom beach house for 8. Spend lazy afternoons here by the pool and cool tropical evenings listening to the sound of the waves crashing onto the beach on the other side of the trees. Your direct beach access is just outside your door.
Here’s a quintessential beach house that is outfitted with every luxury. Casa Tranquila has 4 bedrooms and sleeps up to 8 guests. No other Tamarindo vacation rental beats this one for beachfront location!
5. The View to Die for + Modern Luxury
Consider this: a totally sleek modern vacation rental property built for the view. Imagine floor to ceiling glass along the coast-facing side of the home, simple lines, comfortable furniture inside, an infinity pool outside, and in every room the unbelievable panorama of Tamarindo’s turquoise horizon where it meets the sea. This is what you get in our modern mountainside homes. These properties are located in Tamarindo just above the hubbub of the busy street, but are still only minutes away from the sand.
The photographs of Compass House speak for themselves. Yes, this is a real vacation rental home in Tamarindo and yes it really looks like that. The house has 8 bedrooms and sleeps up to 16.
Lomas del Mar offers an amazing view of the all of Tamarindo, Playa Grande, and the Las Baulas Estuary in between. Chic and modern, there are 4 bedroom suites for up to 8 and a pristine infinity pool.
6. The View to Die for + Old-School Beach House
This is truly unique category of home is something you won’t find just anywhere—it’s a Tamarindo specialty! Once upon a time, instead of stainless steel, pale marble and minimalist aesthetic, there were terracotta tiles, almond wood ceiling beams, and artesian-created ceramic sconces. In homes like these, you can lose yourself the timeless charm of the quintessential tropical beach house and the breathtaking view of the sky, sea, and rolling jungle hills. These hillside beach houses offer every amenity and form part of Tamarindo’s history. Stark modern vacation rental houses are everywhere—in every vacation destination all the world over—but if you love luxury mixed with the local fingerprint and a sense of place, one of our ocean view beach houses is the place for you.
Casa Leo Loco is perched above Tamarindo and is one of our favorite classic hilltop beach houses. There are 6 bedrooms for up to 12 guests, a multi-level infinity pool, and stunningly landscaped grounds. Imagine the sunsets!
Casa Catalina is one of Tamarindo’s original beach houses. It is set so high on the hill and offers such a dizzying view of the bay that on a clear day the Catalina Islands are visible in the distance. Your group of up to 16 is welcome here in the home’s 5 bedrooms.
As you can see, the perfect vacation rental in Tamarindo is here waiting for you. Contact our team of experts and make your reservation today!