Weather in Santa Teresa.
Costa Rica is known for its diverse climate and unique microclimates — the weather can vary a lot from one region to the next.
Santa Teresa is beautiful year-round, and its rhythm moves through three distinct seasons. Each one offers a different experience, so understanding what to expect can help you choose the time that feels right for your stay.
Summer season
December — April · Peak dry season
The sunniest time of year — warm days, clear blue skies, and very little to no rain.
- Very little to no rain, with clear skies and warm, sunny days.
- The ocean is typically calm, with smaller, friendlier waves — ideal for beginner surfers.
- Occasionally a bigger swell rolls through and brings larger surf.
- Fruits in season: mango, pineapple, and papaya.
- The most vibrant time in town, with lots of energy, travelers, and activity.
Green season
May — August · November · Lush & local favorite
Bright, sunny days with fresh mornings — the jungle at its most alive, and a favorite among returning travelers.
- Days are still bright and sunny, especially in the afternoons — rain usually comes at night or early morning.
- The landscape turns lush, rivers fill, and the air feels clean and vibrant.
- The town slows down slightly from peak season — calmer, more relaxed, but still very much alive.
- Surf is consistent with a mix of small and larger days — great for beginners and fun for intermediates. A prime time for the point breaks.
- Fruits in season: bananas, watermelon, and passionfruit.
Rainy season
September — October · Quiet & greenest
The quietest months in town — cozy, calm, and deeply connected to nature, with the biggest waves of the year.
- Rain arrives in waves throughout the day, with breaks of sun in between.
- The jungle is at its fullest and most dramatic during this time.
- With fewer visitors, Santa Teresa feels slower, softer, and more intimate.
- Waves tend to be at their biggest — an exciting time for experienced surfers, with powerful and rewarding conditions on the right days.
What to pack
Pack light · Live in your swimsuit
Santa Teresa is a hot, laid-back surf town, so pack light. The style here is young, casual, and effortlessly cool. Think bikinis, linen, sundresses, tanks, shorts, and easy pieces you can throw on after the beach and still wear out for dinner.
Bring more bikinis and swimsuits than you think you’ll need. Between the beach, surfing, and the pool, you’ll live in them.
Sandals and flip-flops will be your everyday shoes, but a comfortable pair of sneakers is worth bringing for walks, hikes, or exploring. Just skip the brand-new white ones. While the main road through town is paved, some side roads and paths can still get dusty.
There are plenty of great restaurants, sushi spots, beach clubs, and places to go out at night, but Santa Teresa is never particularly dressy. Lightweight, chic, and casual fits in everywhere. Leave the heels at home.
Sunscreen is essential, and bug spray is good to have on hand. There tend to be fewer mosquitoes during dry season, with more appearing during the rainy months and around dusk.
Hairdryers are available at The Baya House upon request, so you can save the extra suitcase space.
No matter the season, Santa Teresa offers warm water, walkable beaches, and an easy rhythm. Each time of year brings its own kind of magic.
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