Seasons
When to come? It depends on what you're after
Nosara has two seasons, and the sea and the turtles keep their own rhythms.
- Dry season: December to April
- Green season: May to November
- Sunset 5:15–6:10 PM
The year, month by month
Dry season: January, February, March, April and December
Green season: May, June, July, August, September, October and November
Rainiest months: September and October
Bigger south swell: April, May, June, July, August, September and October
Bigger arribadas: May, June, July, August, September, October and November
Sunset (PM)
- J5:40
- F5:51
- M5:54
- A5:53
- M5:57
- J6:04
- J6:08
- A6:00
- S5:43
- O5:26
- N5:17
- D5:24
In mid-November the sun sets at 5:17 PM; in mid-July, at 6:08 PM. Times worked out for Playa Guiones, Costa Rica time.
There are arribadas a few days every month; in the rainy season they tend to be bigger.
December to April
Dry
The dry months: dusty roads and plenty of sun. Keep sunscreen and water at hand.
May to November
Green
It mostly rains in the afternoon, so mornings are for heading out. September and October are the wettest, and the roads get muddy.
April to October
South swell
Waves from the south are bigger in these months. If you're learning, ask about the day's conditions.
All year
Sunset
The sun sets between 5:15 and 6:10 PM, depending on the month. Plan to head back in daylight.
What to do by season
The sea, the turtles and the rain keep their own rhythm. Here's how to make the most of it.
April to October
The south swell
From April to October the south swell arrives bigger; the rest of the year the sea is usually calmer. If you're learning, ask about the day's conditions.
Discover surfing at GuionesIllustrative photo 
A few days every month
Arribadas at Ostional
Thousands of olive ridley turtles come out of the sea to nest at the same time; in the rainy season, arribadas tend to be bigger. Visits are only with a local guide.
Discover the wildlifeIllustrative photo 
May to November
Rainy afternoons
In the green season it mostly rains in the afternoon: a good time for a massage at the villa. Mornings are for heading out.
Discover in-villa wellnessIllustrative photo
Questions about Nosara
When is the dry season?
From December to April: dusty roads and plenty of sun. The green season runs from May to November and it mostly rains in the afternoon.
What time does the sun set?
Between 5:15 and 6:10 PM, depending on the month, Costa Rica time. Plan to head back in daylight: the roads have no street lights.
When are the arribadas at Ostional?
A few days every month; in the rainy season they tend to be bigger. Visits are only with a local guide, as we explain on the wildlife page.
When do the biggest waves come?
From April to October the south swell arrives bigger. If you're learning, ask about the day's conditions.
Goes well with
Surf · Playa Guiones
Surf lesson at Playa Guiones
- 2 h
- Up to 6 per departure
- Book 12 h ahead
USD 65 per person
Free cancellation up to 24 h before
Wildlife · Ostional refuge
Ostional turtle tour
- 3 h
- Up to 10 per departure
- Book 12 h ahead
USD 55 per person
Free cancellation up to 24 h before
Wellness · At your villa
In-villa massage
60 min massage by a certified therapist
- Request 2 h ahead
- Concierge 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
USD 90
Free cancellation up to 24 h before
Got your dates?
Let's plan your Nosara stay
Tell us when you arrive and what you'd like to do. We help with the transfer, the vehicle, tours and anything you need at the villa.