Journal / Seasons
Travel Planning

Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

April 2026 8 min read

Santa Teresa shines all year—but each season paints the coast in a different light. Whether you crave perfect surf, maximum solitude, or the buzz of high season, knowing when to arrive transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.

Dry Season: December to April

This is peak season—and for good reason. Expect cloudless skies, warm offshore winds, and consistent swell. December through March brings the largest number of visitors, the best surf conditions, and the most social atmosphere. Restaurants fill up, yoga studios pulse with energy, and sunsets become communal events.

Average temperatures: 28–33 °C during the day, 22–25 °C at night. Rain is almost non-existent from mid-January through March.

Best for: first-time visitors, families, surfers seeking consistent waves, and anyone who wants guaranteed sunshine.

Pro Tip

Book at least two months in advance for peak season (mid-December through mid-February). Villa availability tightens quickly, especially for groups of six or more.

Green Season: May to November

Locals call it the green season, not the rainy season—because the mornings are often clear and glorious. Afternoon showers roll in around 2 or 3 PM, last an hour, and leave the jungle vibrant and steaming. The landscape transforms into an emerald paradise.

Surf swells become larger and more powerful from May to August. September and October are the wettest months, but also the quietest—ideal for travelers who prioritize privacy over predictability.

Average temperatures: 26–31 °C during the day. Humidity rises, but ocean breezes keep the coast comfortable.

Best for: experienced surfers, budget-conscious travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who treasures solitude.

Aerial view of Santa Teresa coastline during green season
Green season reveals a softer side of Santa Teresa—fewer crowds, deeper greens, dramatic skies.

Shoulder Seasons: The Sweet Spots

Late April to Early May

The crowds thin out, prices drop, but the weather remains largely dry. A perfect window for those who want the best of both worlds. Surf stays consistent, restaurants are relaxed, and you can still secure a sunset table without reservations.

November

The last month of green season. Rains begin to ease, the jungle is at maximum lushness, and early-bird travelers start arriving for December. Rates are still low, and the atmosphere is intimate.

Surf Conditions by Month

January through March delivers clean, mid-size waves ideal for intermediate surfers. April brings glassy mornings and smaller swell. May to August produces the biggest swells—overhead and powerful, drawing advanced surfers. September to November is inconsistent but occasionally delivers world-class days.

"There is no wrong time to visit Santa Teresa—only different versions of paradise. The question is which version calls to you."

Rates & Availability at Les Roches

High season rates apply from mid-December through mid-April. Green season offers savings of 20–35% on villa rentals, with greater flexibility on minimum stays. The shoulder months (May and November) combine lower rates with excellent weather—the savvy traveler's window.

Insider Note

Book a green-season stay of 7 nights or more and enjoy our most favorable rates. Contact us directly for personalized quotes—our best prices are always direct.

Plan Your Season

Every Season Has Its Magic

Whether you arrive in golden December or lush September, Les Roches offers the same private luxury—jungle-wrapped villas, private pools, and the Pacific at your doorstep.

Book Now