Weather in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica by Month

The weather in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica is a big part of what makes this beautiful beach destination so special. Playa Flamingo is located on the North Pacific coast of the country. It is known for its sunny days, stunning sunsets, and warm ocean breezes.

The weather here follows Costa Rica’s typical pattern (dry season runs from December through April, and the rainy season kicks in from May to November). But don’t worry, there’s something to love in every season!

We’ve lived in Costa Rica for years and visit Playa Flamingo often. It’s one of our go-to spots for a relaxing beach break. The area has a slightly upscale feel without being over the top, and most accommodations are comfy condos with pools and great amenities (perfect for families with kids!).

In this guide, we’re breaking down the weather month by month, plus sharing what to pack and our favorite seasonal activities. By the end you’ll be totally prepared for your trip.

Let’s get into all things Playa Flamingo weather!

Playa Flamingo’s Dry Season (December to April)

Dry season in Playa Flamingo is everything you imagine when you picture a tropical beach getaway (hot, sunny days, hardly any rain, and low humidity). This is the best time for beach lounging, water adventures, and soaking in those famous Flamingo sunsets. It’s also peak tourist season, so the area is buzzing with energy.

If you’re thinking of visiting during this time, we highly recommend booking your hotel, rental car, and activities early (especially around the holidays and Easter week when it gets very busy).

Here are a few of our go-to booking tips:

• 🚗 Rental Car – Get 10% off with our favorite local company – Adobe Rent-a-Car
• 🏨 Hotels – We like using Booking.com for the flexible cancellation options
• 🎟️ Activities – Viator is a great option for secure payments and easy cancellation

Now, let’s break things down month by month:

December

December kicks off the dry season with warm, festive vibes. The ocean is usually calm and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Things really ramp up between Christmas and New Year’s, when both tourists and locals flock to the beach.

• Weather: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows around 73°F (23°C)
• Rain: Around 1 inch (2.5 cm), mostly early in the month
• Humidity: Moderate, about 70%
• Crowds: Very high around the holidays (beaches and roads will be busy)
• Activities: Sailing, beach days, holiday festivities
• Local tip: Some businesses may close for a few days during the holidays. For New Year’s Eve, you’ll find lots of bars in town with fun celebrations.

January

January is one of the driest, sunniest months. You can expect basically perfect weather every day. It’s a great time for any outdoor or water-based activities.

• Weather: Average daytime highs are around 90°F (32°C), with nighttime lows around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 65%.
• Crowds: High
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, beach lounging, sunset cruises
• Traffic: Roads can be busy, especially heading into town

February

February continues with hot, dry weather and slightly warmer temperatures, making it another excellent month for enjoying Playa Flamingo’s beaches and water activities.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 91°F (33°C), with evenings dropping to around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 0.4 inches (1 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 63%.
• Crowds and Prices: Expect continued high prices and busy tourist spots.
• Traffic and Transportation: Traffic remains steady, with occasional congestion in the town.

March

March tends to be the hottest month of the year in Playa Flamingo, with barely a cloud in the sky. It can get really dry in this area and you might see forest fires in the hills above town.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 92°F (33°C), with nighttime temperatures around 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Around 0.3 inches (0.8 cm), very rare showers.
• Humidity: Low, around 60%.
• Crowds and Prices: Still peak season, so expect high prices and busy tourist spots.

April

April wraps up the dry season and starts to hint at the rainy season with a few scattered showers later in the month. It’s also one of the busiest times due to Semana Santa (Easter Week).

• Weather: Highs up to 93°F (34°C), lows around 74°F (23°C)
• Rain: Starts to pick up—around 1.2 inches (3 cm)
• Humidity: On the rise, around 68%
• Crowds: Super busy the week before and after Easter when both tourists and locals hit the beaches
• Activities: Still great for beach time and tours before the rain begins
• Traffic: Heaviest around Easter. Expect delays and book everything early

👉 Want to learn more about what to expect during Easter in Costa Rica? Check out our full Semana Santa guide.

Playa Flamingo’s Rainy Season (May to November)

The rainy season in Playa Flamingo means fewer tourists, lush green landscapes, and afternoon rain showers that bring a peaceful rhythm to the day.

Mornings are usually sunny and perfect for exploring or beach time. Afternoons often bring short (but sometimes intense) bursts of rain.

If you don’t mind a bit of wet weather and want to avoid the crowds (and score better prices), this can be a great time to visit. Just plan your outdoor activities for the morning and pack a light rain jacket!

Let’s break it down month by month:

May

May marks the start of the rainy season, but don’t worry, it doesn’t pour all day. It’s not unusual in May to have several completely dry days. If it does rain, it’s typically only in the afternoons around 2 PM and lasts for an hour or so.

We love May because everything starts to get a bit green again.

There is still a decent amount of tourism, but it definitely starts to drop off.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 88°F (31°C), with nighttime lows around 74°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Increases significantly to around 5 inches (12.7 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 80%.

June

June brings more consistent afternoon rain, but mornings are still gorgeous. The hills and trees are now fully green and vibrant.

• Weather: Daytime highs are around 86°F (30°C), with evening temperatures cooling to 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Around 8 inches (20 cm), mostly in the afternoons.
• Humidity: High, around 83%.

July

July is known for the “veranillo” or “little summer.” This is a brief period during which the rains temporarily stops for about two weeks. However, it is hard to predict exactly when this will occur (if at all). So, don’t plan your trip around it.

Also, July is school vacation month in Costa Rica. Expect larger crowds as locals head to the beaches.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 85°F (29°C), with nighttime lows near 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Slightly lower at around 6 inches (15 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 81%.

August

August sees the return of heavier rains, with frequent and intense afternoon showers. Despite the rain, the mornings are often clear.

Tourism goes down a lot and you can expect lower prices.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 85°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Increases to around 9 inches (23 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 83%.

September

September is one of the wettest months in Playa Flamingo. Expect heavy rains that can sometimes last all day.

Some businesses tend to close in September and October due to lack of customers.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 84°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Peaks at around 11 inches (28 cm), making it one of the wettest months of the year.
• Humidity: Extremely high, around 85%.
• Tip: Travel with care. Some areas may experience flooding or slippery roads

October

October is the peak of the rainy season in Playa Flamingo, with the heaviest and most consistent rainfall. This month is known for its intense downpours.

Tourism is at its lowest. It is a peaceful time to visit, but many attractions and services may have limited availability due to the weather.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures are around 83°F (28°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: The highest of the year, averaging 12 inches (30.5 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 87%.
• Traffic and Transportation: Some roads, especially unpaved ones, may become impassable due to flooding or landslides.

November

November is a transitional month. The rainy season begins to taper off towards the end of the month. Heavy rains are still common but, there is a noticeable shift as the dry season approaches.

Prices begin to rise slightly as more visitors return, but deals can still be found, particularly in the first half of the month.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 84°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Decreases to around 7 inches (17.8 cm), though still substantial.
• Humidity: Remains high, around 85%.
• Tourism: Tourism starts to pick up slightly as the dry season nears, but it remains relatively quiet.

Year-Round Essentials

• We suggest carrying your stuff in a large backpack instead of a suitcase if possible. The Osprey 55L is great if you are only bringing a carry-on (take the small bag part off for under your seat) and the Osprey 75L is our go-to for checking in a bag.
• Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen: SPF 50 because the sun is powerful. We like Sun Bum because they are reef-safe.
• Teva Voya Flip Flops for men and for women: Waterproof and have a solid sole.
• Columbia Bora Bora Sun Hat: Slightly nerdy, but great for blocking the sun, folding up small in your luggage, and is made of breathable fabric.
• Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion: Hopefully you don’t get sunburned, but if you do, this stuff is a lifesaver.
• Hero Microfiber Towel: Most hotels will have towels for showering, but not for the beach, Microfiber towels dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage.
• Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen: SPF 50 because the sun is powerful. We like Sun Bum because they are reef-safe.
• LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: You can drink the water here, but it is safer to buy bottled water. We like LifeStraw to filter out any extra bacteria or impurities.
• Insect Repellent: Once the sun goes down the mosquitos come out in full force. It is worse during the rainy season, but you might experience them in the dry season as well.

Rainy Season Essentials

• The Anker Powerbox: A reliable battery pack to charge electronics if power goes out.
• Large Zip Lock Bags: Nothing ever dries in the rainy season. Zip locks are great for seperating damp clothing in your luggage.
• Rain Jacket: I love the North Face Antora for women and the same jacket for men. Lightweight, breathable, efficient.
• Waterproof Backpack: We use ours year-round because it is also great for the beach and boat trips, but especially good in the rainy season for potentially wet adventures.
• Motion Sickness Pills: You might want these year round for navigating the crazy roads. However, they are especially helpful in the rainy season if you plan to do a boat trip when waves can be bigger.
• Headlamp: Again, useful all year round since the sun sets by 6 PM. Also great to have if the power goes out.

Safety Concerns by Season

Playa Flamingo is generally a very safe destination, but a few seasonal tips can help make your trip safer and more enjoyable:

Dry Season Safety Tips:

• Watch the sun. The UV index is intense here. Bring SPF 50+, wear a hat, and wear a long-sleeve swim shirt (you can thank us later).
• Stay hydrated. It’s really easy to get dehydrated. Carry water with you and consider grabbing Gatorade or Powerade from local shops to replenish electrolytes.
• Pace yourself. The heat can sneak up on you. Hikes and outdoor adventures might feel more exhausting than usual, so take breaks and don’t push too hard.

Rainy Season Safety Tips:

• Beware of rip currents. Rougher seas are more common during this time. Swim only in safe, calm areas and pay attention to warning signs.
• Be cautious on wet roads. You usually don’t need a 4×4 here. However, if you’re staying at a hillside Airbnb or hotel on an unpaved road out of town, a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle may be smart.
• Slippery conditions. Waterfalls and hiking trails can be slick and muddy. There aren’t always safety railings, so take your time and wear good footwear.
• Mosquitos are worse. Especially in the evenings. Bug spray is essential. Mosquitos in Costa Rica can carry Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. Don’t skip protection.

Our Take: The Best Time to Visit Playa Flamingo

We’ve visited Playa Flamingo during every season, and honestly, it’s beautiful year-round. But if we had to choose a favorite time, May through July wins for us.

Tourism slows down a bit after the high season, prices drop, and the landscape turns lush and green. You’ll still get sunny mornings and usually just a quick afternoon shower to cool things off. It’s that perfect sweet spot before the heavier rains of late August through October roll in.

Also, a quick tip: the sun rises around 5:30 AM, and chances are the local birds or a howler monkey will be your alarm clock. Personally, we don’t even mind. Early mornings here are magical! It’s our favorite time of day to walk the beach, sip coffee on the balcony, or just enjoy the peace and quiet before it gets hot.

So if you’re up early, embrace it! You’ll be rewarded with golden light, cooler temps, and a Playa Flamingo that feels like it’s all yours.

In conclusion, Playa Flamingo’s weather is part of what makes it such a special place. Whether you’re chasing endless sunshine or want to experience the lush vibes of the rainy season, this destination has it all! Knowing what to expect by month can really help you plan the kind of trip that fits your travel style.

If you have any questions or need help planning your visit, just drop a comment below. We’re always happy to help!

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