Weather in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica by Month: What to Expect

Planning a visit to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and wondering about the weather?

Santa Teresa, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a vibrant beach town known for its stunning sunsets, world-class surf, and bohemian vibe. Santa Teresa experiences a tropical climate, with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November, each bringing its own charm.

As frequent visitors to Santa Teresa, we’ve come to understand its weather patterns well. From the sun-filled days perfect for surfing and beachcombing to the rainy season that brings out the area’s natural beauty, we’ve experienced it all.

This guide will provide you with a month-by-month breakdown, packing tips, and the best activities for each season.

Let’s dive into Santa Teresa’s weather!

Santa Teresa’s Dry Season (December to April)

Santa Teresa’s dry season is characterized by hot, sunny days, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity.

This period is ideal for tourists looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches, world-class surfing, and vibrant atmosphere.

The dry season is also the peak tourist season, with the town bustling with visitors from around the world.

If you visit during the dry season we suggest booking your trip as far in advance as possible.

• 10% Discount on your rental car with our favorite local company, Adobe
• Book your hotel with Booking.com for great cancellation
• Book your activities on Viator for secure payment and great cancellation policies

December

December marks the beginning of the dry season in Santa Teresa. The weather is generally warm and dry, with the festive season bringing a lively and vibrant atmosphere to the town.

The ocean is generally calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Things really pick up between Christmas and New Years when Costa Ricans are also on vacation. Expect that the beaches will be very crowded.

Also, expect that some businesses will be closed during that week as people take time to celebrate with their families.

If you are looking for something fun to do on New Years Eve, there are plenty of great bars in town that will have festivities.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures reach 89°F (32°C), with evening temperatures around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), usually early in the month.
• Humidity: Moderate, around 70%.

January

January is one of the driest and most popular months in Santa Teresa. This is peak tourist season, with crowded beaches, full hotels, and a lively atmosphere. Expect high prices, busy roads, and crowded activities.

The ocean remains calm and are ideal for water sports like paddleboarding, surfing, and snorkeling.

• Weather: Average daytime highs are around 91°F (33°C), with nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C).
• Rainfall: Less than 0.4 inches (1 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 65%.

February

February continues with hot, dry weather and slightly warmer temperatures, making it another excellent month for enjoying Santa Teresa’s beaches and outdoor activities. High levels of tourism continue, with many visitors enjoying the consistent weather.

During this time of year, the climate starts to dry out a lot and things appear less lush.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 92°F (33°C), with evenings dropping to around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 0.3 inches (0.8 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 63%.

March

March is typically the hottest month in Santa Teresa, with temperatures frequently reaching the mid-90s°F. Despite the heat, the clear skies and warm weather make it a popular time for beachgoers and surfers.

By this month, mostly everything is somewhat brown due to lack of rain. The unpaved roads become very dusty as well.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 93°F (34°C), with nighttime temperatures around 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm), very rare showers.
• Humidity: Low, around 62%.
• Tourism: The area is bustling with activity, especially among surfers and sun-seekers.

April

April is the last month of the dry season, with temperatures peaking and the first signs of rain appearing towards the end of the month.

There are a lot of international tourists over the week before and after Easter. Locals also often having the week before Easter off of work. Everyone flocks to the beaches and things get a bit crazy.

Check out our guide to Easter in Costa Rica for all the details.

If you plan to visit this area over those two weeks, book as early as possible.

• Weather: Average daytime highs reach 94°F (34°C), with nighttime lows around 74°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Rainfall begins to increase slightly, averaging 1.2 inches (3 cm).
• Humidity: Starts to rise, averaging around 68%.

Santa Teresa’s Rainy Season (May to November)

The rainy season in Santa Teresa is characterized by frequent afternoon showers, lush green landscapes, and a significant drop in tourist numbers.

Mornings are typically sunny and clear, while the afternoons bring heavy rains, especially as the season progresses.

Also, keep in mind that you need to completely ignore the weather forecasts over the rainy season. Typically the forecast will say rain all day every day. That is just completely false. I swear the meteorologists just stop working or something.

May

May marks the beginning of the rainy season in Santa Teresa, with increasing rainfall and a noticeable drop in the number of tourists.

Typically the rain will roll in around 2PM and last for an hour or two. The rest of the day will be sunny and hot.

I like to take this little mid-day rain as a chance to take a siesta before getting ready for dinner and watching the sunset.

The ocean can become rougher, with larger waves ideal for experienced surfers. Visibility for snorkeling and diving may decrease.

Prices tend to go down a bit for hotels and activities.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 88°F (31°C), with nighttime lows around 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Increases significantly to around 5 inches (12.7 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 75%.

June

June brings regular afternoon rains, which help keep the vegetation lush and the landscape vibrant. Mornings are often sunny and pleasant.

The waves are generally larger, providing great surfing conditions. Swimming can be challenging due to stronger currents.

• Weather: Daytime highs are around 86°F (30°C), with evening temperatures cooling to 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Around 7 inches (18 cm) of rain, mostly in the afternoons.
• Humidity: High, around 78%.

July

July is known for the “veranillo” or “little summer.” This is a brief period during which the rains temporarily subside, providing a break in the rainy season.

However, it’s hard to predict exactly when this will occur (or if it will occur at all). So, I don’t suggest planning your trip around it.

Keep in mind that July is a school vacation month in Costa Rica. There will be an increase in domestic tourism while everybody heads to the beaches for vacation.

• 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 (15.2 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 77%.

August

August sees the return of heavier rains, with frequent and intense afternoon showers. The mornings remain warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities early in the day.

It is rare, but sometimes in July you can experience completely gray days with a lot of rain.

During this time of year tourism starts to go down a lot and prices are much lower.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 85°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Increases to around 9 inches (22.9 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 80%.

September

September is one of the wettest months in Santa Teresa with many completely rainy days. Despite the rainfall, the mornings are often clear, providing a window of opportunity for outdoor activities.

Road conditions can be difficult due to the heavy rain. There are some roads in this area that are unpaved and some which involve river crossings. These can become impassable.

The ocean can be very rough and not ideal for boat activities.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 83°F (28°C), with nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C).
• Rainfall: Peaks at around 11 inches (28 cm), making it one of the wettest months of the year.
• Humidity: Extremely high, around 85%.
• Tourism: This is the low season, with fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a more tranquil visit.

October

October continues to be one of the rainiest months in Santa Teresa, with the most consistent and heaviest rainfall of the year. This month is known for its intense downpours, which can cause flooding and make travel challenging.

A lot of hotels and restaurants close in October due to lack of demand.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures are around 82°F (28°C), with nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C).
• Rainfall: The highest of the year, averaging 12 inches (30.5 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 87%.

November

November is a transitional month in Santa Teresa, as the rainy season begins to wind down. The rains start to decrease in frequency and intensity towards the end of the month, signaling the approach of the dry season.

Tourism starts to pick up slightly as the dry season approaches, but it remains relatively quiet.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 84°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Decreases to around 7 inches (17.8 cm), though still substantial.
• Humidity: Remains high, around 83%.

Seasonal Packing Lists

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 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 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 teh 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 6PM. Also great to have if the power goes out.

Safety Concerns by Season

• The sun is very powerful here. You really need to take sun protection seriously because it is so easy to get burned. I suggest wearing long-sleeved swim shirts in the water, staying in the shade as much as possible, and wearing SPF 50+.
• It is very easy to get dehydrated with the strong sun. Drink a lot of water and replenish your electrolytes when you can. Most stores sell Gatorade or Powerade, which I find really helps here.
• Because it is so hot you might find that you get worn out a lot quicker than you are used to on hikes and with other activities.
• During the rainy season, rip currents and big waves are more common. Be careful about where you are swimming and obey any posted signs.
• You typically do not need a 4×4 rental car here, but if you are visiting in the rainy season and opt to stay at a hotel on an unpaved road in the hills above town, you may want one.
• Keep in mind that regulations might not be what you are used to. For example, you can often visit waterfalls that have no barriers. During the rainy season the rocks can be very wet and slippery. Use caution. People have died in the past in Costa Rica from slipping off waterfalls.
• As I mentioned above, mosquitos are worse during the rainy season. The mosquitos in Costa Rica can carry all sorts of illnesses such as Dengue and Zika, so load up on that bug spray!

Our Opinion on Visiting Santa Teresa

I think that Santa Teresa is always fun, no matter the month. However, tourism has drastically increased in this area in recent years. During the dry season, the town can be very full.

If that is not your vibe, I suggest staying in Mal Pais or Montezuma instead. Mal Pais is a peaceful fishing village located within 10 minutes of Santa Teresa. Montezuma is our favorite beach town in Costa Rica. It is about 30 minutes from Santa Teresa, but is home to its own collection of great sights such as the Montezuma Waterfall and Cabo Blanco Reserve.

I think the ideal time to visit Santa Teresa is between May and July. There are fewer tourists, the surf is good, prices go down a bit, and everything is lush and green again.

If you have any questions or need specific advice, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. We’re here to assist!

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