Rainy Season in Guanacaste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It
After months of golden sunshine and clear blue skies, the first rains of the season are rolling into Guanacaste. According to Costa Rica’s national weather service, the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), the rainy season begins its official transition around May 1st, and Guanacaste is already starting to feel the shift. But what does that mean for travelers?
If you’re planning a trip during this “green season,” don’t be discouraged — this time of year offers a different kind of magic. Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and vivid sunsets await those willing to embrace a little rain with their pura vida.
When the Skies Open: What the Rain Is Really Like
In Guanacaste, the rainy season (May–November) doesn’t mean non-stop downpours. In fact, early May typically begins with sunny mornings and refreshing afternoon showers, perfect for siesta time or grabbing a cozy seat at a beachside café.
Rains are usually predictable and short-lived, especially in the early months. You might hear locals joke that you can “set your watch by the rain” — it often arrives mid- to late-afternoon, then clears up for stunning evening skies.
By June, heavier rainfall becomes more consistent, and nature responds in full force: dry hills turn a brilliant green, rivers swell, and wildlife flourishes. “Winter” in Costa Rica, as locals call it, is a celebration of renewal and abundance.
What to Pack for Rainy Season Travel
A little planning goes a long way. Here’s what seasoned visitors and locals recommend:
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho – waterproof and breathable
Quick-dry clothing – leave the heavy cotton at home
Hiking sandals or waterproof shoes – especially if you plan to explore trails or waterfalls
Small travel umbrella – optional but helpful in heavier downpours
Dry bags for phones, cameras, or valuables
Insect repellent – more standing water = more mosquitos
Don’t forget a swimsuit — the rain won’t stop you from enjoying hot springs, ocean dips, or even a steamy jungle hike.
Forecast for 2025: What the IMN Is Saying
The IMN’s sub-seasonal forecast predicts that from May 5–10, the Intertropical Convergence Zone will influence Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, including Guanacaste, bringing regular rainfall to the region. These early rains signal the end of the dry season and the beginning of a greener, cooler stretch of months.
Expect more cloud cover, slightly cooler temperatures, and a noticeable difference in the landscape as it begins to come alive.
📚 Source: IMN Subseasonal Forecast
How Locals Feel About the Rain
Ask anyone who lives here — the arrival of rain is more than just a change in weather. It’s a sigh of relief after the long, dusty dry season. Farmers welcome the rainfall for their crops, wildlife wakes up, and the region begins to feel refreshed.
Some say the scent of the first rainfall — a distinctive earthy smell known as petrichor — is one of the most nostalgic parts of living in Costa Rica. “It’s the smell of life coming back,” as one local put it.
Why Travel Now? The Rainy Season Perks
While many tourists flock to Costa Rica in the dry season, rainy season travelers enjoy some serious benefits:
Fewer crowds at national parks and beaches
Lusher scenery for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing
Discounted rates on accommodations and tours
Dramatic sunsets with rich, moody skies
Jungle adventures — think waterfalls, mud treks, and misty morning hikes
Sure, you might need an umbrella, but you’ll also get to see a side of Costa Rica that most tourists miss.
Final Thoughts: Is Rainy Season Worth It?
Absolutely. Rainy season in Guanacaste isn’t a travel deterrent — it’s an invitation to experience Costa Rica in all its vibrant, untamed beauty. With the right mindset (and maybe a poncho), you’ll find this season just as enchanting — if not more so — than the dry months.
Whether you’re here to surf, soak, hike, or simply sip coffee while watching a storm roll in over the mountains, you’ll soon understand why pura vida is more than a phrase — it’s a way of life, rain or shine.
