Best Time to Visit Los Sueños, Costa Rica: Month-by-Month Guide
There’s no bad month to visit Los Sueños. But there’s definitely a best month for what you’re after.
If you’re chasing sailfish, January through April is your window. If you want empty beaches and the lowest rates of the year, September and October are your answer. If you’re a surfer, the green season swells from May through October are when Playa Hermosa earns its reputation. And if you’re bringing the whole family and want nothing but sunny afternoons by the pool, dry season delivers.
This guide breaks down Los Sueños weather by month and tells you what to actually expect: not just whether it rains, but what the fishing, surf, crowds and pricing look like, which holidays and tournaments move rates, when to book, and what to pack. Everything here applies equally to Jacó, ten minutes down the road on the same coastline.
Quick Answer: Who Should Go When
Anglers: December through April for sailfish, with the Signature Triple Crown legs in late January, late February and mid-to-late March. June through September for blue marlin and yellowfin tuna.
Surfers: May through October, with July and August the most consistent months at Playa Hermosa. Beginners do better December through April on Jacó’s softer beach break.
Families: January through April. Warm, dry and predictable. Budget extra, and book early, for Christmas week and Semana Santa.
Budget travelers: September and October. You’ll see real rain, but rates drop 30 to 40%, and the fishing and surfing are still excellent.
First-timers and couples: February or March. The weather is about as reliable as it gets, the marina is lively without being chaotic, and everything is open.
Los Sueños Weather: The Basics
Los Sueños sits on Herradura Bay on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, about 90 minutes from San José. The resort operates in two seasons: dry season (mid-December through April) and green season (May through November).
Dry season means almost no rain, blue skies most days, and daytime highs of 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) with overnight lows around 25 to 27°C (77 to 80°F). Humidity is noticeably lower than the rest of the year, so 32°C feels manageable rather than oppressive. The Pacific is calmer too, which matters if you’re heading offshore.
Green season means afternoon showers, usually arriving between 2 and 5pm and lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, then clearing. Mornings are often beautiful even in the wettest months. Daytime highs stay around 30 to 31°C (upper 80s°F), and the afternoon rain typically knocks temperatures down by 5 to 8°C, which is a relief rather than a nuisance. The landscape goes intensely green within days of the first real rains, and waterfalls that barely trickle in April are roaring by June.
Two things worth saying clearly. First, Costa Rica sits below the main hurricane belt, so green season means afternoon thunderstorms, not storm season. Direct hurricane hits are exceptionally rare. Second, the ocean stays warm year-round at 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F), so water temperature never drives the decision. You’ll surf and swim in board shorts in September just like in February.
The real question is the trade-off between weather reliability and what you’re there to do.
Los Sueños at a Glance
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Rates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sunny, low humidity | High | Peak | Sailfish, Triple Crown Leg I, families |
| February | Sunny, most predictable month | Very high | Peak | Triple Crown Leg II, couples, first-timers |
| March | Sunny, warmest month | Very high | Peak, highest at Semana Santa | Triple Crown Leg III, families |
| April | Dry early, first showers late | High to medium | Peak to shoulder | Post-Easter value, building surf |
| May | Rains begin, mornings clear | Low | Low | Budget travelers, surfers, offshore variety |
| June | Regular afternoon rain | Low | Low | Surf, marlin and tuna |
| July | Veranillo mini dry season | Low to medium | Low to moderate | Surf peak, tuna, turtle nesting |
| August | Afternoon rain, very lush | Low | Low | Surf, offshore fishing |
| September | Wettest month | Very low | Lowest | Deep discounts, experienced surfers |
| October | Wet with good breaks | Very low | Lowest | Deals, turtle hatchling releases |
| November | Rain easing | Low, rising late | Low to shoulder | Early sailfish, pre-holiday value |
| December | Dry returns mid-month | Medium to very high | Shoulder to peak | Holidays, sailfish season opener |
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January
Weather: Sunny and warm. One of the best months. Daytime highs around 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F), minimal rain, and comfortable evenings.
Fishing: Sailfish season is in full swing. Leg I of the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown runs in late January, and tournament boats arrive from Florida, Texas and across Central America. During tournament weeks, 20 to 40 sailfish releases per boat in a day is not unusual. Blue and striped marlin show consistently, and roosterfish are active nearshore.
Surf: Playa Hermosa (20 to 25 minutes south) is getting moderate swells. Jacó’s beach break runs waist to chest high, ideal for longboarders and lessons. Get out before 9am for glassy water.
Wildlife: Humpback whales are offshore and scarlet macaws are nesting at Carara National Park, 20 minutes north.
Crowds: High season. The Christmas surge has passed but January stays busy, and tournament week fills the marina.
Pricing: Peak season rates. Charter boats for tournament week book months ahead; the weeks either side of it are noticeably easier.
Good for: Anglers, families, whale watchers, anyone who wants reliable sunshine.
February
Weather: Arguably the best month in Los Sueños. Dry, sunny, and slightly less humid than March or April. Temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F). This is the most predictable weather window of the year.
Fishing: Still excellent for sailfish, with 30-plus release days common. Leg II of the Triple Crown runs in late February, and the Pescadora Billfish Championship, a women’s tournament in Quepos, usually falls the same month. The marina has a different energy during tournament weeks: evening weigh-ins, boats flying release flags, captains comparing notes at the bar.
Surf: Similar to January. Small to moderate, best for beginners or those who want to learn. Surf schools in Jacó are fully booked.
Crowds: The busiest month at the resort. There are no Costa Rican holidays, but North Americans escaping winter and European families on school break keep every villa occupied.
Pricing: Peak. Expect roughly 40% above what the same property costs in September.
Good for: First-timers, couples and honeymoons, anglers who want tournament atmosphere with guaranteed weather.
March
Weather: Still dry, but the warmest month, with highs in the 31 to 33°C range (upper 80s to low 90s°F). Humidity creeps up toward the end of the month and you’ll notice the air getting thicker.
Fishing: Sailfish numbers remain strong. Leg III of the Triple Crown, in mid-to-late March, crowns the overall champions on cumulative points, so boats that placed well in the first two legs show up ready to fight. By late March, dorado (mahi-mahi) start showing up along the debris lines offshore.
Surf: Swells start picking up as the season transitions. Advanced surfers get cleaner, bigger sets at Hermosa by late month, while Jacó stays manageable.
Crowds: Watch for Semana Santa (Holy Week). When it falls in late March, Los Sueños fills up fast. It’s Costa Rica’s biggest domestic holiday, and San José families head for the coast. Many restaurants in Jacó and Herradura close or run limited menus on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, so stock the villa kitchen at the Marina Village farmers market (Thursdays) beforehand.
Pricing: Regular March weeks are normal high season. Semana Santa week is, alongside Christmas, the most expensive period of the year.
Good for: Anglers (great sailfish), families who plan ahead. Just check the Easter calendar before booking.
April
Weather: The end of dry season. Still mostly sunny, but you’ll start getting the occasional afternoon shower by late April, and humidity rises. The landscape turns green within about 72 hours of the first real rains, like someone flipped a switch.
Fishing: Sailfish season winds down and the catch gets more varied. Dorado numbers climb to the point where you target them on purpose, blue and black marlin become primary targets at the offshore FADs (fish-aggregating devices), and roosterfish stay active nearshore. Quepos hosts its big marlin and tuna tournaments in this window.
Surf: Swells build noticeably as the Pacific pattern shifts. Good month for more experienced surfers.
Crowds: Semana Santa can fall in early April. After the holiday, crowds drop noticeably.
Pricing: Post-Easter, rates come down 20 to 30%. Late April is one of the best value windows of the year with still-good weather. Green fees at La Iguana also start dropping from April.
Good for: Value travelers who will accept a little weather uncertainty, surfers, anglers switching from sailfish to marlin. Juan Santamaría Day (April 11) closes banks and government offices but beach businesses stay open.
May
Weather: Green season begins. Mornings are often clear, but afternoon showers become regular, typically between 2 and 5pm, then it clears. Overnight lows sit around 26°C (79°F). The jungle turns intensely green.
Fishing: Dorado numbers pick up. Blue marlin start appearing at the FADs. Yellowfin tuna show up with schools following spinner dolphins. Good variety offshore.
Surf: Swells arrive in earnest. Playa Hermosa starts delivering the powerful beach break it’s known for. Not a beginner month at Hermosa, though Jacó stays surfable for intermediates.
Crowds: Drop significantly. You’ll have the resort more to yourself.
Pricing: Green season rates kick in, typically 20 to 40% lower than dry season highs. Charters can be booked with days rather than months of notice.
Good for: Experienced surfers, anglers after variety, returning visitors who want a quieter experience.
June
Weather: Green season in full effect. Mornings are often beautiful. Rain usually arrives mid-afternoon for one to two hours, occasionally intense, and rarely lasts into the evening. Highs around 30°C, overnight lows in the mid 20s.
Fishing: One of the better months for blue and black marlin at the FADs, where fish over 400 pounds are landed regularly by captains who know the seamounts. Yellowfin tuna in the 50 to 150 pound range are common targets. Dorado is strong. Charter boats are easier to book on short notice and many offer green-season rates.
Surf: Consistent and building. Overhead to well-overhead waves make Playa Hermosa one of the best surf spots on the Central Pacific coast during this period. The Costa Rica National Surf Circuit Grand Final is usually held at Hermosa in late June or July; watching the pros from the beach is worth a morning.
Crowds: Light. One of the quieter months at the resort.
Pricing: Green season rates, 30 to 40% below peak. April through July is also when La Iguana’s green fees are lowest.
Good for: Surfers, anglers after big offshore fish, travelers who want space and better pricing. June gives the best overall mix of low rates, decent weather windows and an uncrowded beach.
July
Weather: Something interesting happens in July: a brief dry spell called the veranillo (little summer) usually arrives mid-month, giving you two to three weeks of drier, sunnier conditions with fewer afternoon storms than June or August. It doesn’t always show up exactly on schedule, but most years it’s real.
Fishing: Tuna fishing peaks. Yellowfin schools chase baitfish near the surface: fast, exciting fishing. Blue marlin also strong.
Surf: The biggest, most consistent swells of the year. Playa Hermosa holds powerful beach break that draws Costa Rica’s top surfers. Not for beginners, but serious surfers specifically plan trips around July.
Wildlife: Olive ridley turtle nesting kicks off at Playa Hermosa and runs through December. Local conservation groups run guided night tours; check the Playa Hermosa events calendar.
Crowds: Moderate. The veranillo draws more visitors, US school holidays bring families, and some Costa Rican families travel during the mid-year break. Still well below February.
Pricing: Slightly higher than June due to that demand, but still below dry season peaks.
Good for: Surfers (the best month), anglers after tuna and marlin, families who want good weather without peak season crowds, wildlife watchers.
August
Weather: Back to the regular green season pattern: morning sun, afternoon rain, a little more of it than July. Warm and humid.
Fishing: Still strong offshore. Tuna, marlin, wahoo and dorado all active. One of the better all-around months for variety.
Surf: Excellent. Consistent swells continue and Playa Hermosa is still breaking well, with fewer people in the lineup than July.
Crowds: Light to moderate. Some US and European visitors plan around this month.
Pricing: Green season rates.
Good for: Surfers, offshore anglers, photographers after lush landscapes, experienced travelers comfortable with rainy season patterns.
September
Weather: Typically the wettest month. Rain can be heavy and sustained, sometimes lasting into early evening rather than clearing by late afternoon. That said, mornings are often clear, and it rarely rains all day.
Fishing: Good fishing if you can get out. Dorado stays strong, wahoo is active, blue marlin is around, and the sailfish bite starts rebounding closer to shore. Offshore trips do get canceled more often this month due to weather, so build in a spare day.
Surf: Big, powerful swells with the emptiest lineups of the year. For serious surfers, September can be extraordinary. For casual visitors, the conditions can feel overwhelming.
Crowds: The quietest month at Los Sueños. Remote workers, long-stay travelers and surfers replace the tourist crowd.
Pricing: The lowest rates of the year. Significant savings on rentals, and charters will often negotiate.
Good for: Experienced surfers, budget travelers who know what they’re signing up for. Not ideal for families with young kids or anyone expecting reliable beach weather.
October
Weather: Still rainy, but often slightly better than September. October can surprise you with stretches of good weather.
Fishing: Roosterfish nearshore stay active. Offshore variety is solid and the sailfish rebound continues; some October weeks rival January numbers. Marlin remain at the FADs.
Surf: Still big. Consistent swells, good conditions for experienced surfers.
Wildlife: Turtle hatchling releases begin at Playa Hermosa, roughly 45 to 60 days after the July and August nesting peak. Conservation groups announce them on social media the day before, and watching hundreds of hatchlings scramble to the ocean at dawn beats any resort activity.
Crowds: Very light. One of the best months to have the place to yourself.
Pricing: Low season rates continue, matching September for the deepest discounts.
Good for: Experienced surfers, anglers who want a deal, wildlife watchers, anyone who wants Los Sueños without the crowds.
November
Weather: The rainy season winds down. Expect three or four rainy afternoons a week early in the month instead of daily showers, tapering further as the weeks pass. By late November it feels transitional, and the landscape is still fully green.
Fishing: Sailfish start appearing offshore again. Early dry-season billfish is one of November’s surprises. Dorado still around, and blue and black marlin remain productive.
Surf: Swells start to back off as Pacific patterns shift, but Hermosa still delivers clean, solid waves without the raw size of August.
Crowds: Light for most of the month, then rising as US Thanksgiving week and early holiday visitors arrive.
Pricing: Green season rates early in the month, trending toward high season by month’s end. Thanksgiving week fills at high-season rates; early November is very good value.
Good for: Anglers (early sailfish plus remaining variety), budget-conscious travelers who want to beat the high-season rush.
December
Weather: Dry season returns. Early December can still see residual showers, but by mid-month conditions are excellent: sunny, warm, consistent, with highs around 31 to 32°C (88 to 90°F) and the landscape still lush from months of rain.
Fishing: Sailfish season kicks off. December often produces some of the highest catch rates of the year as the fish arrive in big numbers, and multi-release days become normal again. Tournament boats start arriving in late December to prep for the January Triple Crown opener.
Surf: Returns to smaller, calmer conditions more suitable for beginners. Lineups stay mellow until the Christmas crowds land.
Crowds: December really has two halves. The first two weeks are quiet shoulder season. From around December 20 through January 5, Christmas and New Year’s is the single busiest stretch of the year, with fireworks over the marina and special menus at every restaurant.
Pricing: Peak of the year over the holidays, with 30 to 50% premiums and often week-long minimum stays. The smart move is December 8 to 15: near-identical weather at roughly 30% less than Christmas week.
Good for: Anglers (sailfish season starts), families on school holidays, anyone who plans well in advance, and value-seekers who can travel in early December.
Fishing at Los Sueños: Season Summary
Los Sueños Marina is one of the premier sportfishing bases in Central America, and the fishing calendar drives a lot of trip planning decisions. There’s no true off-season; what changes is the species mix.
Sailfish: December through April is the core season. January through March typically produces the highest numbers, with calm seas and stable weather. The Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown runs three legs through this period (late January, late February, mid-to-late March), and the marina is at its liveliest during those weeks. A secondary sailfish push shows up closer to shore in September and October.
Blue and Black Marlin: Strongest from June through September at the offshore FADs and seamounts, with a second reliable window from November into February closer to shore. Green season is when the biggest fish are landed.
Yellowfin Tuna: Peaks June through September. Schools follow spinner dolphins; when you find the dolphins, you find the tuna. Fish from 50 to 150 pounds are typical targets.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Strong September through December, with a secondary run from April through June. Debris lines from seasonal rains concentrate the fish.
Wahoo: Most consistent August through October alongside the marlin bite.
Roosterfish: Year-round nearshore, along with snapper. They don’t follow a strict season, but they’re reliable on any given morning close to shore.
Bottom line: dry season for sailfish numbers, tournament atmosphere and perfect weather; green season for the full species menu, bigger fish, easier bookings and lower charter rates. For current charter rates and booking logistics, see our Los Sueños fishing charter pricing guide, and for target species and techniques, the Los Sueños fishing guide.
Surf Conditions at Playa Hermosa and Jacó
Playa Hermosa, 20 to 25 minutes south of Los Sueños, is one of Costa Rica’s best beach breaks. It was designated a World Surfing Reserve in June 2022, a recognition reserved for the world’s most significant surf ecosystems. The waves are legitimate.
Peak surf season: May through October. Long-period swells from Southern Hemisphere storms push into the southwest-facing coast and create powerful, hollow beach break. July and August are the most consistent months; September and October bring the same size with the fewest people in the water.
Off-season (November through April): Smaller, more manageable and more wind-affected. Better for beginners and those learning. Not flat, just not the heavy beach break of green season.
Jacó’s beach break: Ten minutes from the resort and 2.5 miles long, with multiple peaks that spread out the crowd. In dry season it runs waist to chest high and is where the surf schools teach. In green season it stays surfable for intermediates when Hermosa is too heavy. See our Jacó surfing guide for the breaks and lesson options.
Two constants regardless of month. First, surf early: the cleanest conditions are from 6 to 9am, and onshore winds chop things up by late morning year-round. Second, the water is 27 to 29°C, so you won’t need a wetsuit. Playa Hermosa has a strong rip current; take local advice seriously and don’t paddle out if the conditions feel beyond your level. For more, see our Central Pacific surfing guide and Playa Hermosa surf guide.
Golf and Wildlife by Season
Golf at La Iguana
La Iguana Golf Course is one of the best courses in Central America: 18 holes routed through rainforest with howler monkeys on the fairways, iguanas on the greens, and ocean views on the back nine. The Ted Robinson design drains quickly after rain and is playable year-round.
Dry season (December through April) gives firmer fairways, more predictable roll and the most reliable weather. Green season plays softer and lusher, and tee times are much easier to get. The one adjustment from May through November is to tee off early; most rounds start at 7 to 8am and finish well before the 2pm rain. That’s good advice in dry season too, since the hottest hours hit around 11am from March through May.
On price: green fees are typically lowest from April through July, and green-season twilight rates make an afternoon round very affordable if you don’t mind the chance of a downpour on the back nine.
Wildlife Calendar
- Scarlet macaws: Nesting at Carara National Park from October through April, with peak activity January through March. Guided tours departing at 6 to 7am catch them flying between feeding grounds.
- Humpback whales: North Pacific population offshore December through March, with mother-calf pairs close to shore and boats operating from Herradura and Quepos. A smaller South Pacific migration passes July through October.
- Olive ridley turtles: Nesting at Playa Hermosa July through December, with hatchling releases from October into late November.
- Year-round: Howler monkeys, capuchins, three-toed sloths, iguanas, morpho butterflies and enough birds to justify binoculars. Wildlife is most active in the early morning and late afternoon whatever the month.
Holidays and Events That Impact Pricing
Three periods drive the highest rates:
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Christmas and New Year’s (roughly December 20 through January 5): Peak of peak. Expect 30 to 50% rate increases over regular high season, week-long minimum stays, and fully booked restaurants. Book 4 to 6 months ahead.
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Semana Santa (Holy Week, late March or early April): The second busiest stretch, driven by domestic travel. Pricing is similar to Christmas, though minimum stays may be shorter. Restaurants and some services close Thursday and Friday of Holy Week.
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Triple Crown tournament weeks (late January, late February, mid-to-late March): Charters, marina slips and properties near Marina Village command premium pricing. If you aren’t fishing, you get a festive atmosphere at a higher price; if you are, book early.
Smaller bumps come from US Thanksgiving week, US spring break (which overlaps with March high season) and the July school holidays. Outside those windows, pricing and availability are far more predictable, and the entire green season runs 20 to 40% below dry season rates.
When to Book
- Christmas, New Year’s and Semana Santa: 4 to 6 months ahead, minimum.
- Peak season (December through March): 2 to 4 months ahead.
- Shoulder months (April, early December): 1 to 3 months ahead; these fill faster than the rest of green season because value-seekers know about them.
- Green season (May through November): 1 to 2 months ahead is usually enough, though July fills a little faster than June or August.
- Fishing charters: Months ahead for Triple Crown weeks and Christmas, 2-plus weeks ahead elsewhere in peak season (especially for a specific captain), and days ahead in green season.
- Tee times at La Iguana: 3 to 5 days out in high season for a specific morning slot; same-day is often fine in green season.
Packing by Season
Dry season (December through April)
- Light clothing: linen, cotton, quick-dry
- Sun protection is non-negotiable: SPF 50-plus reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV rashguard for watersports
- Polarized sunglasses for the water (offshore glare is intense)
- One light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and evening golf cart rides
Green season (May through November)
- A compact rain jacket or packable poncho: afternoon showers are short but heavy
- Quick-dry everything: board shorts, hiking clothes, fishing layers
- Water-resistant sandals or shoes that don’t mind getting soaked
- Bug repellent with DEET or picaridin, particularly for dusk activities and turtle tours
- Same sun protection as dry season; UV is strong even on cloudy mornings
- Waterproof bag or dry sack for phones and cameras if you’re heading out on the water
Evenings stay warm all year, so lightweight layers beat anything heavy in either season.
Our Pick by Traveler Type
Fishing groups: February or March for tournament energy and great weather; book the boat first and the villa second. June through August if you want the full species menu, the biggest marlin and better value on charters.
Families with school-age kids: December 20 through January 5 if you want the holiday energy and don’t mind paying for it. Late April, or the first two weeks of December, for the same weather at a fraction of the price. Herradura Bay is calm enough for young swimmers in dry season.
Couples and honeymoons: February. Perfect weather, the marina alive but not overrun, and properties available if you book a few months out. The Triple Crown creates a festive backdrop without being overwhelming.
Budget travelers: May or June for a legitimately beautiful trip at 30 to 40% below peak, with sunny mornings and manageable rain. September or October if you want the absolute lowest rates and can embrace the wet.
Golfers: December through April for the best course conditions, or April through July for the lowest green fees. Book early tee times in any month.
Surfers: May through October. Plan sessions for 6 to 9am, stay in Jacó or at the south end of the resort to shorten the drive to Hermosa, and let the afternoon rain be your excuse for a long lunch.
Wildlife watchers: January through March covers whales and peak macaw activity with dry weather. July through November covers turtle nesting and hatchling releases, plus the lushest rainforest of the year.
Long stays and remote workers: September through early November. The lowest rates, empty beaches, and reliable morning weather for getting outside before work.
Planning Your Trip
The honest version of “best time to visit Los Sueños” depends entirely on what you’re there to do:
For the best weather: February or March. Dry, sunny, and everything is open and running.
For the best fishing: December through April (sailfish), or June through September (tuna and marlin).
For the best surf: July, August or September.
For the best value: September and October. Or late April, June, early November, or December 8 to 15 if you want a drier compromise.
Whatever month you choose, the basics stay the same: the marina is active, the water is warm, and the resort infrastructure at Los Sueños makes for a smooth trip. If you’re new to the area, start with our complete Los Sueños guide, then check the Los Sueños tours and activities guide for what to do around your timing. Fishing, golf and events are all collected on our Los Sueños hub. If you’re evaluating the resort as an investment, seasonality drives rental income too; our Los Sueños market guide has the numbers.
If you’re looking for a rental property and want help timing your stay, our team can put together recommendations based on your priorities. We know which boats book out first, which weeks to avoid, and which weeks are the best-kept secret on the Central Pacific coast.
Last updated: September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is dry season in Los Sueños?
Dry season runs from mid-December through April. Rain is minimal, skies are mostly clear, humidity is at its lowest, and daytime highs sit around 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) with overnight lows near 25 to 27°C (77 to 80°F). It is peak season for pricing and crowds.
What is the best month to visit Los Sueños for good weather?
February. It is the most predictable weather window of the year: dry, sunny, slightly less humid than March or April, and free of Costa Rican holidays. March is nearly as reliable but warmer, and it can overlap with Semana Santa. Early December is the best combination of dry-season weather and pre-holiday rates.
When is the best time to visit Los Sueños for fishing?
For sailfish, December through April, with January through March the peak and the Signature Triple Crown legs in late January, late February and mid-to-late March. For blue and black marlin and yellowfin tuna, June through September at the offshore FADs. Dorado run April through June and again September through December. Roosterfish are nearshore year-round.
When is surf season at Los Sueños and Playa Hermosa?
May through October, when South Pacific swells produce overhead, hollow beach break at Playa Hermosa, with July and August the most consistent. From November through April the waves are smaller and cleaner, which suits beginners and longboarders on Jacó’s beach break. Surf before 9am year-round; onshore wind picks up by mid-morning.
Is Los Sueños worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes, for the right traveler. Rates drop 20 to 40%, marlin and tuna fishing peaks, surf conditions are at their best, and the resort is far less crowded. Costa Rica sits below the main hurricane belt, so green season means afternoon thunderstorms rather than storm season. The trade-off is accepting afternoon rain and the occasional cancelled offshore trip in September.
Does it rain every day in green season?
Most days from June through October, but it rarely rains all day. The pattern is reliable: clear or partly cloudy mornings, then a heavy shower between roughly 2 and 5pm lasting 30 minutes to a couple of hours, then clearing. Fishing, surfing, golf and tours are all planned around the mornings. July usually brings a two to three week dry spell called the veranillo.
How much cheaper is green season, and what is the cheapest month?
Villa rates run 20 to 40% below dry season from May through November, with the deepest discounts (30 to 40%) in September and October. Late April and early May, June, and the first two weeks of December are the best value windows if you want decent weather at reduced rates. Charters and green fees also drop in green season.
How crowded does Los Sueños get during Semana Santa?
Very. Semana Santa (Holy Week, late March or early April) is Costa Rica’s biggest domestic holiday. The resort fills, charter boats sell out, and prices match Christmas week. Many restaurants close or run limited menus on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Book 4 to 6 months ahead if you plan to visit that week.
When can I see whales, turtles and macaws near Los Sueños?
North Pacific humpback whales are offshore December through March, with a second, smaller South Pacific migration July through October. Olive ridley turtles nest at Playa Hermosa July through December, with hatchling releases from October into late November. Scarlet macaws nest at Carara National Park October through April, most active January through March. Howler monkeys, sloths and iguanas are around all year.
When should I book a Los Sueños rental?
For Christmas, New Year’s and Semana Santa, 4 to 6 months ahead. For the rest of peak season (December through March), 2 to 4 months. For green season, 1 to 2 months is usually enough, though July fills faster than June or August. Fishing charters during Triple Crown weeks should be reserved months out; in green season, a couple of weeks is fine.
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