Best Time to Visit Los Sueños & Jacó Costa Rica: Your Seasonal Travel Guide

Ask a sailfish captain when to visit Los Sueños and she’ll tell you January through March. Ask a surfer and he’ll point to August. Ask a family who just wants an empty beach and uncrowded pool, and they’ll pick September. There’s no single “best” time to visit Jacó and Los Sueños because the answer depends entirely on what you want to do, how much you want to spend, and whether you mind sharing the beach with other people.

This destination works year-round. That’s the real answer. But the difference between a trip planned around February’s tournament season and one booked in September’s quiet months is massive. One is a high-energy spectacle with premium pricing and packed restaurants. The other is a laid-back tropical escape with deep discounts and empty beaches. Both are worth it. Here’s how to figure out which one matches what you’re after.

Dry Season vs Green Season: The Big Picture

Los Sueños and Jacó sit on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, where the climate divides cleanly into two seasons.

Dry season runs December through April. This is what most North American travelers picture when they think “beach vacation.” Zero rain, humidity that actually feels bearable, sunny days from sunrise to sunset, and ocean temperatures in the low 80s that make swimming feel like bathwater (in a good way). The trade-off is peak crowds, premium pricing, and booking restaurants weeks ahead.

Green season runs May through November. Locals call it “green season” for good reason, the jungle explodes with color, rivers swell into waterfalls, and the landscape turns the kind of emerald that looks photoshopped in real life. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 2 to 5 PM, dumping rain hard and fast, then clearing to reveal a double rainbow. Mornings stay sunny. The beaches empty out. villa rates drop 30 to 40 percent.

Neither season shuts anything down. Fishing charters operate year-round. Surf breaks fire in both dry and green seasons, just with different wave sizes. Golf courses stay open. Restaurants stay open. The difference is purely about rhythm, price, and crowd tolerance.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

December: The Holiday Crunch

December marks the return of dry season and the arrival of holiday travelers. The first half of the month stays relatively calm, with decent availability and pricing that hasn’t fully spiked yet. By late December, expect full occupancy, crowded beaches, and villa rates at their annual peak.

Weather: Sunny, dry, comfortable humidity. Highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 77°F (25°C). Ocean temperature: 82°F (28°C).

Crowds: Low in early December, peak during Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

Pricing: High. Christmas and New Year’s Eve command premium rates, often 50% above standard high-season pricing.

Activities: Sailfish season is winding down but still excellent. Surf conditions are manageable, with smaller swells suitable for beginners. Whale watching starts as humpbacks arrive offshore. The Marina Village Farmers Market runs every Thursday year-round, great for stocking up your villa.

Best for: Families celebrating holidays, travelers who want guaranteed sunshine and don’t mind crowds.

January: Tournament Season Kicks Off

January is Los Sueños at its most energetic. The first leg of the Signature Triple Crown in late January transforms Marina Village into a competitive billfish scene with boats arriving from Florida, Texas, California, and across Central America. If you’re into sportfishing, this is the month.

Weather: Zero rain, sunshine, comfortable humidity that drops compared to green season. Highs pushing 90°F (32°C), overnight lows around 77-80°F (25-27°C).

Crowds: High, driven by the tournament and winter escapees from North America.

Pricing: High season rates. Tournament weeks see premium pricing on charters and villa proximity to the marina.

Activities: Sailfish action peaks hard, 20 to 40 releases per boat during tournament weeks isn’t unusual. Surf is manageable, waist-to-chest-high at Jacó’s beach break, cleaner at Playa Hermosa. Scarlet macaw nesting season is underway at Carara National Park, early morning tours catch them flying between feeding grounds. North Pacific humpback whales arrive offshore, mother-calf pairs close enough that sighting guarantees are standard.

Best for: Sportfishing enthusiasts, photographers, travelers who want action and don’t mind crowds.

February: Peak Season Peak

February is the busiest, most expensive month of the year. Every villa is occupied, every restaurant is booked, and the second leg of the Triple Crown keeps Marina Village buzzing. If you want the classic “Costa Rica beach vacation” experience with guaranteed weather, this delivers. If you want space and quiet, skip it.

Weather: Dry season continues. Zero rain expected. Temperatures hold steady: lows around 80°F (27°C), highs around 90°F (32°C). Most predictable weather window of the year.

Crowds: Maximum. This is what peak season looks like.

Pricing: Peak pricing. Expect 40% premiums over green season rates.

Activities: Sailfish bite stays aggressive, 30+ releases on good days. Surf schools are booked teaching beginners on Jacó’s forgiving break. Whale watching peaks. Howler monkeys are vocal and active at dawn (brace yourself, they sound like dinosaurs). The Pescadora Billfish Championship in Quepos (late February) celebrates women in sportfishing.

Best for: Families on school break, travelers who book ahead and want the full resort experience.

March: Last Call for Dry Weather

March extends the high season through the final Triple Crown leg and Easter week. The dry season holds through mid-month, then humidity creeps up like someone turned on a humidifier. Occasional afternoon clouds appear but rain stays rare until late in the month.

Weather: Dry season holds through mid-March, humidity increases toward the end. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Nights stay warm in the upper 70s.

Crowds: High through Easter week (Semana Santa, typically late March through early April). Book months ahead for Easter.

Pricing: High season, with Easter commanding premium rates.

Activities: Sailfish season hits its grand finale. Marlin numbers climb. Playa Hermosa starts delivering bigger, more powerful sets as the Pacific transitions. Semana Santa transforms the coast into a Costa Rican family beach party, many restaurants close Thursday and Friday of Holy Week. Stock your villa kitchen at Thursday’s farmers market if you’re staying through the holiday.

Best for: Easter travelers, those chasing the last of dry season, surfers who want bigger waves without full green season conditions.

April: The Shoulder Month

April is the transition. Tourism drops after Easter, afternoon thunderstorms arrive with increasing frequency, and pricing shifts from peak-season premium to mid-range value. The landscape turns intensely green within 72 hours of the first real rains. It’s like someone flipped a switch from brown to emerald.

Weather: Shift from dry to green season. April still sees mostly sunny days with occasional afternoon clouds. By late April, thunderstorms become regular. Highs in the upper 80s, warm nights.

Crowds: Drop significantly after Easter. Much easier to get restaurant reservations and villa availability.

Pricing: Drops 20-30% from high season. Good value window.

Activities: Sailfish disperse after spawning season wraps, but fishing stays productive with more variety. Blue and black marlin become primary targets. Dorado numbers increase significantly, now targeted intentionally rather than as a bonus catch. Surf swells build noticeably, Playa Hermosa starts delivering the powerful, barreling conditions it becomes famous for. Macaw nesting activity winds down by late April.

Best for: Value travelers, those who want green landscapes without full green season rates, anglers transitioning from sailfish to marlin.

May: Green Season Begins

May flips the script. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 2 to 5 PM, bringing brief but intense downpours that cool temps by 10 to 15 degrees and leave the air smelling like wet earth. Mornings stay sunny and clear. The jungle is lush. The crowds are gone. This is the best-kept secret for returning Costa Rica visitors.

Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms become regular. Mornings are gorgeous, sunshine and blue sky. Highs push past 90°F before rains cool things down. Overnight lows around 79°F (26°C).

Crowds: Low. International tourism drops significantly after Easter.

Pricing: Low season rates. 30% below high season, with more availability.

Activities: Marlin season ramps up at offshore FADs. Surf swells continue building. Early morning sessions before onshore winds are critical for clean conditions. By 11am, it’s choppy. Olive ridley sea turtles begin early nesting activity at Playa Hermosa (full season ramps up July through December). Morpho butterflies flash electric blue wings through newly lush forest trails.

Best for: Returning visitors, nature lovers, travelers who understand that “rainy” doesn’t mean “rained out.”

June: Surf Season Starts

June through August is what locals call green season and tourists call rainy season, though “afternoon thunderstorm season” nails it better. Mornings deliver sunshine, blue skies, and perfect conditions for fishing, surfing, and beach time. Rain arrives predictably between 2 and 5 PM. The jungle explodes in green. Crowds vanish. Prices drop hard.

Weather: Mornings are gorgeous, sunshine, temps climbing toward upper 80s, humidity that’s noticeable but manageable. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 2 to 5 PM, 1 to 2 hours of rain that can be intense but rarely lasts into evening. Upper 80s during the day, upper 70s overnight.

Crowds: Very low. This is the quietest time for international tourism.

Pricing: Low season. 30-40% below high season rates.

Activities: Prime marlin season. Blue and black marlin exceeding 400 pounds landed regularly at offshore seamounts. Yellowfin tuna fishing peaks, 50 to 150 pound fish are common targets. Peak surf season begins, consistent South Pacific swells deliver overhead to well-overhead waves at Playa Hermosa. Jacó handles the size well with multiple peaks firing across the 2.5-mile beach. Dawn patrol (6 to 9 AM) offers the cleanest conditions before winds mess with it.

Best for: Surfers chasing bigger waves, anglers targeting big game fish, budget travelers who don’t mind afternoon rain.

July: The Veranillo Break

July often includes a brief dry period known locally as veranillo, a little summer within summer. It’s one of the most pleasant months to visit, with a mix of sunshine and the green season’s lush landscapes. School holidays in the USA bring families, but not in the numbers seen during February or Christmas.

Weather: Veranillo brings a dry spell within green season. Sunny mornings and afternoons, fewer afternoon thunderstorms than June or August. Comfortable temperatures, upper 80s.

Crowds: Moderate. Higher than June due to school holidays but far below February.

Pricing: Moderate. Not at peak levels but not at deepest low-season discounts either.

Activities: Olive ridley sea turtle nesting season kicks off at Playa Hermosa, running through December. Female turtles crawl ashore after dark to dig nests and lay eggs in the black sand. Guided nighttime turtle-watching tours operate through local conservation groups (book through your villa concierge). Surf conditions are excellent, consistent swells continue. Marlin and tuna fishing stay strong.

Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, travelers who want good weather without peak season crowds.

August: The Quiet Peak

August sees more rainfall than July but remains manageable for flexible travelers. It’s one of the quietest months for tourism, with beaches and restaurants largely to yourself. The surf is excellent, the fishing is strong, and the green season landscapes are at their most dramatic.

Weather: More frequent afternoon rain than July, but mornings typically stay clear. Upper 80s, warm overnight. Humidity is noticeable but afternoon rains make it tolerable.

Crowds: Very low. One of the least crowded months of the year.

Pricing: Low season. Excellent deals on villas and charters.

Activities: Surf remains prime at Playa Hermosa. Marlin and tuna fishing continue strong. The green season jungle is thick and lush. Howler monkeys are particularly active in the wet-season canopy growth, vocalizing constantly at dawn. Beach cleanups happen first Saturday each month at Playa Hermosa, a great way to connect with the local community.

Best for: Experienced travelers, photographers seeking lush landscapes, surfers, anglers who know how to plan around afternoon weather.

September: The Deep Value Month

September is the wettest month in Jacó, but it’s also the cheapest and the quietest. If you don’t mind rain and want to experience this destination like a local, this is the month. The ocean is warm, the surf is consistent, and you’ll have everything to yourself.

Weather: Wettest month. Afternoon rain is regular, sometimes lasting into evening. But mornings are often clear and beautiful. Highs in the upper 80s, warm nights.

Crowds: The lowest of the year. International tourism hits its annual minimum.

Pricing: The cheapest rates of the year. Deepest discounts on villas, charters, and activities.

Activities: Surf is excellent, consistent swells and empty lineups. Some tours may adjust weather, but operators are schedules around experienced at adapting. The rainforest is at peak beauty, waterfalls are flowing, and wildlife is active. Turtle nesting continues at Playa Hermosa.

Best for: Budget travelers, surfers who want uncrowded waves, travelers seeking solitude and authentic local experiences.

October: Still Green, Still Quiet

October remains rainy but uncrowded, with deep discounts and an authentic local atmosphere. The landscape is impossibly green, waterfalls are full from months of rain, and you’ll have the beach to yourself. This is the Costa Rica that repeat visitors fall in love with.

Weather: Rain continues, primarily in afternoons. Mornings can be clear or cloudy. Highs in the upper 80s. The humidity is high but the ocean is warm and inviting.

Crowds: Very low, though some breaks bring families looking for post-summer deals.

Pricing: Very low. Among the cheapest rates of the year.

Activities: Surf stays good. Fishing slows slightly as the transition toward dry season begins but remains productive. Wildlife tours showcase the green season at its finest. Turtle nesting continues through November. This is a great month for waterfall hikes, rainforest walks, and photography.

Best for: Returning visitors, photographers, budget travelers, those who prioritize value and solitude over guaranteed sunshine.

November: The Transition Back

November brings the shift back toward dry season. Rainfall decreases, sunshine increases, and the landscape is fresh and green from the wet months. It’s a transitional month with the best of both worlds: lower prices than high season, improving weather, and returning tour operators.

Weather: Rain decreases noticeably. Afternoon storms become occasional rather than daily. Sunshine returns. Highs in the upper 80s.

Crowds: Low but increasing as the holiday season approaches.

Pricing: Rising but still reasonable. Good value before December premiums kick in.

Activities: Fishing picks up as sailfish start returning. Surf conditions moderate as swells calm from their green-season peak. Tour operators restart full schedules after reducing operations during the wettest months. The landscape is lush, beaches are empty, and restaurant reservations are easy.

Best for: Smart travelers seeking value before the December rush, those who want green landscapes with improving weather.

December: Round and Round

December closes the loop. Dry season returns, holiday travelers arrive, and the calendar starts again. Early December is less crowded than late December, with better availability and pricing. By Christmas week, everything is full.

Weather: Dry season returns. Sunny, comfortable humidity, highs around 90°F. Ocean temperature: 82°F.

Crowds: Low in early December, peak during Christmas and New Year’s.

Pricing: Starts moderate, spikes for holiday weeks.

Activities: Sailfish season starts to ramp up. Surf is manageable. Whale watching continues through early December. Holiday events at Marina Village. The Marina Village Farmers Market is a must-visit for Christmas provisions.

Best for: Holiday travelers, those who want to experience Costa Rica’s festive side.

Making Your Decision

Here’s the honest version: there’s no bad time to visit Los Sueños or Jacó. The real question is what trade-offs you’re willing to make.

Choose dry season (December through April) if guaranteed sunshine is non-negotiable, you’re traveling during school holidays, you want the full resort experience with restaurants and activities at full operation, and you don’t mind paying premium prices for the privilege.

Choose green season (May through November) if you’re flexible about weather, budget matters, you prefer empty beaches and uncrowded restaurants, you want to see the jungle at its most lush, and you understand that “afternoon rain” is a small price for 30 to 40 percent savings and much more space.

Choose specific months if your priority is a particular activity. January through March for sportfishing. June through October for surfing. July through December for turtle watching. September through October for deepest discounts and quietest beaches.

The destination works. Whatever month you choose, book your villa ahead for high season, and pack appropriately for the weather. That’s really all there is to it.