Best Time to Visit Los Sueños, Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide
The short answer: December through April if you want sunshine and calm seas. May through November if you want better rates, fewer people, and the year’s best offshore fishing.
That’s it. That’s the answer most people are looking for. But if you’re planning a real trip, especially one to a destination like Los Sueños, where fishing tournaments, holiday weeks, and school calendars all factor in, the full picture is worth understanding.
Los Sueños sits on Herradura Bay on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, about 90 minutes from San José. Unlike some tropical destinations, it genuinely works year-round. The question isn’t really “when is it good”; it’s “what kind of trip do you want, and which season delivers that better?” For a comprehensive overview of what the resort has to offer, check out our complete Los Sueños guide.
The Two Seasons at Los Sueños
Costa Rica runs on two clocks: dry season and green season. Understanding how they play out on the Central Pacific coast is the starting point for planning everything else.
Dry Season: December Through April
The dry season is what most people picture when they think “Costa Rica vacation.” Days are sunny and warm: temperatures sit in the low-to-mid 80s°F (28–31°C) with lower humidity than the interior. Rain is rare. The Pacific is calmer, which matters if you’re heading offshore to fish or taking a boat tour.
This is peak season. The Los Sueños Marina comes alive with fishing charters, the beach club fills up, and the Marriott books months out. The Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown: one of the most prestigious billfish tournament series in the world: runs January through March (Leg I in late January, Leg II in late February, Leg III in mid-to-late March), bringing teams from across the Americas. Scarlet macaws are nesting at nearby Carara National Park through April. Semana Santa (Holy Week) in late March/April is Costa Rica’s biggest domestic travel week: beautiful to witness, but pack the area with families from San José.
If you want predictable weather and the resort running at full energy, this is your season. The tradeoff: rates are higher (often 30–50% above green season), popular properties book months ahead, and popular boats on the marina fill fast.
Green Season: May Through November
The green season gets called the “rainy season,” which is technically accurate but creates a mental image (endless grey drizzle) that doesn’t match reality on the Central Pacific coast. Here’s what actually happens: mornings are often clear, temperatures are cooler (upper 70s°F, around 25–26°C), and the rain arrives in the afternoon, typically between 2–5pm, in a quick tropical downpour that clears up by evening. It’s not subtle: these are honest thunderstorms, but they don’t ruin beach days. You surf in the morning, fish at dawn, golf the front nine before lunch, and let the rain do its thing while you nap.
The landscape goes intensely green. Waterfalls that barely trickle in April run full. The jungle around the resort gets that saturated emerald color that doesn’t exist anywhere in December.
One thing worth saying clearly: Costa Rica sits below the main hurricane belt. Hurricane risk is extremely low: far lower than Florida or the Caribbean. Green season means afternoon rain showers, not storm season.
Rates drop significantly. Crowds thin out. The anglers who know what they’re doing show up: because May through November is when blue marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and yellowfin tuna peak offshore, and sailfish remain abundant throughout. If fishing is why you’re coming, green season makes a strong argument. For details on target species and charter options, see our Los Sueños fishing guide.
Month-by-Month: Los Sueños at a Glance
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sunny, hot, low humidity | High | Families, beach, golf, Triple Crown Leg I (late Jan) | Peak |
| February | Sunny, excellent conditions | Very High | Fishing tournaments, honeymoons | Peak |
| March | Sunny, warmest month | Very High | Triple Crown Final, families | Peak |
| April | Sunny early; first showers late April | High → Medium | Semana Santa, budget window opening | Peak → Shoulder |
| May | Rains begin, mornings clear | Low | Budget travelers, fishing starts | Low |
| June | Regular afternoon rains, lush | Low | Fishing, surfers, green season | Low |
| July | Heavy rains, very green | Low–Medium | Fishing, turtle nesting (nearby), surf | Low |
| August | Continued rains | Low–Medium | Fishing, surf, uncrowded beach | Low |
| September | Rainiest month | Very Low | Deep budget, fishing diehards | Lowest |
| October | Heavy rains, occasional breaks | Very Low | Fishing, deep savings | Lowest |
| November | Rains easing, transition | Low | Early green season deals, fishing | Low |
| December | Dry returns mid-month, festive | Medium → High | Holidays, families, surf | Shoulder → Peak |
A few details that don’t fit in a table:
January kicks off the Triple Crown season with Leg I in late January, the tournament calendar starting before most travelers realize it. If you’re planning a fishing trip around the event, January is often overlooked and easier to book than February or March.
February is the sweet spot for serious anglers who also want good weather. You get peak dry season conditions (calm seas, sunny mornings) with Leg II of the Triple Crown running late February. The marina has a different energy during tournament weeks: evening weigh-ins, boats flying tournament flags, serious anglers comparing notes at Hook Up Bar.
March is the year’s busiest month. Triple Crown Leg 3 closes out mid-to-late March, then Semana Santa arrives in late March through early April. Book everything early.
September is the quietest month on the planet for Los Sueños. Rain is heaviest, and the resort operates at a fraction of its peak capacity. If you’re an angler who doesn’t mind grey skies and is chasing marlin, it’s worth considering. For everyone else, October or November make more sense.
December deserves a split: early December is still shoulder season with decent rates. By December 20th, Christmas through New Year’s is peak pricing: sometimes the priciest week of the year. If you’re flexible, the first two weeks of December deliver near-dry-season weather at rates 20–30% below the holiday peak.
What Each Season Is Best For
Fishing
Sportfishing at Los Sueños is excellent in every season, but the type of fishing shifts throughout the year. The continental shelf drops quickly offshore, warm currents flow through the region year-round, and baitfish are present in every season — there’s no true offseason.
The marina’s marquee event (the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown) runs its three legs between January and March. These months bring peak sailfish action in the dry season, with calmer seas and consistent offshore conditions. Multiple releases in a single day are common during peak sailfish season. If you want to fish around a tournament or simply have your best shot at a banner sailfish day, book between December and April.
Green season (May–November) is when offshore fishing gets more diverse. Blue marlin and black marlin peak June through October. Dorado runs strong from April through October. Yellowfin tuna and wahoo are consistent throughout. The billfish counts during green season are often higher overall: anglers who fish year-round at Los Sueños will tell you some of the best days they’ve ever had came in August. You leave the dock at 6am under cloudy skies, and the fish don’t care what season it is. September through November is the best-kept secret — fewer boats on the water means less pressure, and dorado fishing is exceptional.
Bottom line: dry season for sailfish tournaments and perfect weather; green season for the full menu of species and lower charter rates. Don’t skip your trip because you think it’s the “wrong” season.
Golf
La Iguana Golf Course is one of the best courses in Central America: 18 holes through tropical rainforest with howler monkeys on the fairways and ocean views on the back nine. The Ted Robinson design keeps things interesting with water features and elevation changes, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified on the grounds. Yes, you might share a hole with an iguana. It’s playable year-round.
During green season, the course plays even more lushly. Fairways are softer, the rough is thicker, and the jungle looks like it’s trying to reclaim the course. Some golfers prefer the dry season for firmer conditions and more predictable ball roll. Either way, tee times are easier to get May through November, and green fees often drop with the season — April through July typically brings the lowest green fees if you’re watching your budget.
The one adjustment during green season: tee off in the morning. The afternoon rains arrive reliably around 2–4pm. Most rounds start at 7–8am, which works perfectly. The hottest hours hit around 11am from March through May, so early tee times are a good idea year-round.
Surfing
The Central Pacific coast faces southwest, catching long-period swells from storms tracking across the southern Pacific. The best surf season runs April through October, when larger, more consistent swells arrive from the southern hemisphere. Waves at Jacó (10 minutes from Los Sueños) and Playa Hermosa run chest-to-head-high regularly during this period.
Dry season surf (November–March) tends smaller and more wind-affected. There are still surfable days, especially December and January when random pulses push through, but the quality and consistency don’t match the green season peaks.
If surfing is a priority, green season is your window. The National Surf Circuit Grand Final at Playa Hermosa typically happens in late June or July: watching the pros navigate those barrels from the beach is worth a morning.
Families
The Christmas–New Year’s window is the biggest family travel week at Los Sueños, followed by March (when US spring break overlaps with Costa Rica’s dry season peak). Semana Santa (Holy Week, late March/early April) brings Costa Rican families to the beach, a festive scene if you embrace it.
Families who want the experience at a lower cost should look at late November through early December or late April through early May; these are shoulder periods with dry or drying weather and rates below peak. Early December especially hits a nice balance: weather is close to peak conditions, holiday decorations are going up at the resort, and rates haven’t fully hit Christmas levels. The best option for families wanting sun and pool time without peak pricing is April or May — shoulder season, lower prices, and still mostly dry.
Budget Travelers
The sweet spots are May and June (rains just beginning, rates drop but mornings still sunny) and October–November (rains easing, rates at their lowest before the holiday ramp). September is the absolute cheapest month but also the wettest: worth it only if you’re very flexible and very budget-conscious. June gives you the best combination of lower rates, decent weather windows, and uncrowded beach.
Holidays and Events That Impact Pricing
Three periods drive the highest rates:
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Christmas and New Year’s (December 20 through January 5): Peak of peak. Expect 30–50% rate increases and week-long minimum stays. Book 4–6 months ahead.
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Easter Week / Semana Santa (March/April): The second busiest stretch. Similar pricing to Christmas, though minimum stays may be shorter.
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Triple Crown Tournament Weeks (January, February, March): If you’re not fishing, these weeks mean a festive atmosphere and premium pricing around the marina. If you are fishing, book early.
The rest of the year, including the entire green season, offers more predictable pricing and availability. Prices drop 20–30% compared to peak season during the green months.
When to Book
- Peak season (December through March): 2–4 months ahead minimum
- Christmas/Easter: 4–6 months ahead
- Green season (June through November): 1–2 months ahead often suffices
- Fishing charters: Always book 2+ weeks ahead during peak season, especially if you want a specific captain
Packing by Season
Dry Season (December–April)
- Light clothing: linen, cotton, quick-dry
- Sun protection is non-negotiable: SPF 50+, wide-brim hat, UV rashguard for watersports
- Sunglasses for the water (offshore glare is intense)
- One light layer for air-conditioned restaurants or evening golf cart rides
Green Season (May–November)
- A compact rain jacket or packable poncho: afternoon showers are short but heavy
- Quick-dry everything: board shorts, hiking clothes, fishing layers
- Bug repellent with DEET or picaridin, particularly for dusk activities
- Same sun protection as dry season; UV is strong even on cloudy mornings
- Waterproof bag or dry sack if you’re heading out on the water
Our Pick by Traveler Type
Fishing groups: February or March for tournament energy and great weather. June through August if you want the full species menu and more value on charters. Either works: book early regardless.
Families with school-age kids: December 20–January 5 for the holiday energy (and everyone else is there, so the resort hums). Or late April if you want the same weather without paying Christmas rates.
Couples / Honeymoons: February is the ideal month. Perfect weather, the marina is alive but not overrun, and properties are available if you book a few months out. The Triple Crown creates a festive backdrop without being overwhelming.
Budget travelers: May or June. You’ll have a legitimately beautiful Costa Rica experience at 30–40% below peak rates. The mornings are yours; the afternoons belong to the rain.
Golfers: November through April for best course conditions, or any time you can get an early tee time. La Iguana doesn’t have a bad season. April through July for the lowest green fees.
Surfers: May through October. Plan sessions for 6–9am and let the afternoon rain be your excuse for a long lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dry season in Los Sueños?
The dry season at Los Sueños runs from December through April. During these months, rainfall is minimal, humidity is lower, and days are mostly sunny with temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s°F (28–31°C). This is peak tourism season, the best time for beach weather, golf, and predictable conditions for fishing charters and boat tours.
Is it safe to visit during rainy season?
Yes, completely. The “rainy season” label sounds worse than the reality. On Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, rainy season means afternoon thunderstorms, typically arriving between 2–5pm: not all-day rain. Mornings are usually clear, temperatures stay warm (upper 70s°F), and activities like fishing, golf, and surfing are fully operational. Importantly, Costa Rica sits below the main hurricane belt. Hurricane risk is extremely low: direct hits are exceptionally rare, which is why green season here means afternoon rain showers, not storm season.
When is the best fishing in Los Sueños?
Los Sueños has excellent fishing year-round, but the character shifts by season. December through April brings peak conditions for sailfish during the dry season, and the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown (the area’s marquee billfish tournament series) runs January through March (three legs across the dry season). The green season (May–November) delivers the year’s best diversity of species: blue marlin and black marlin peak June through October, dorado (mahi-mahi) runs April through October, and yellowfin tuna are consistent throughout. Many experienced anglers actually prefer the green season for the sheer variety and volume of offshore action. See our fishing guide for more on what to expect and how to book a charter.
Does it rain every day during green season?
Most days, yes, but “rain” is doing a lot of work in that sentence. The pattern on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast is reliable: mornings are clear or partly cloudy, temperatures are comfortable, and sometime in the afternoon (usually 2–5pm) a proper tropical rainstorm rolls in. It rains hard for 30–90 minutes, then often clears. By evening the air smells clean and the sky goes orange at sunset. You adjust your schedule: surf at dawn, fish in the morning, golf before noon, and the rain becomes a non-issue for most of the activities that bring people to Los Sueños.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Los Sueños has a property for every kind of trip, from one-bedroom condos above the marina to 5-bedroom private villas with pool and ocean views. Rates reflect the season, which means the same property is genuinely more accessible in May than in February.
Browse available rentals and see what’s open for your dates at nest.directstays.com, or explore everything Los Sueños has to offer (fishing, golf, and more) at our Los Sueños hub.
If you want help planning around a fishing tournament, a family holiday, or a specific travel window, reach out. We know which boats book out first, which weeks to avoid, and which weeks are actually the best-kept secret on the Central Pacific coast.
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