Playa Grande received its first drops of rain this past week. While all of the Grande locals had their own predictions, it is likely that few, if any, predicted that the rain would return this early in April. The first rain became the topic on everyone’s tongue in the surf lineup and amongst the sunsetters the next day. After many bone-dry months, the season is finally shifting. Unlike more temperate parts of the world, Costa Rica only has two true seasons, wet and dry. The consensus on what the best season is in Playa Grande is mixed; it’s quite a personal question and one that you’ll just have to decide for yourself. We recommend trying them both out though!
Here’s a basic breakdown of the highlights of each season in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, which might help sway you to one or the other, or like a lot of us who live in Costa Rica or frequently return, to both.
THE DRY GOLDEN SEASON IN PLAYA GRANDE, COSTA RICA
Typically spans from December through April, but Mother Earth is rarely entirely predictable
Cloudless cerulean skies
Chance of sunshine is one hundred percent
Watercolor palette sunsets
Green flash potential
Cooler water temperatures, which can sometimes drop low enough that a spring suit is necessary
Strong Papagayo winds (offshore winds that comes from the north)
DREAMY DAWN SURF IN DRY SEASON IN PLAYA GRANDE | CARIVE PRODUCTIONS
Pleasantly crisp early mornings and evenings
Scorching hot afternoons
Vibrant flower blooms and golden landscapes
Low mosquito threat
Langostas return (sunset-colored giant grasshopper with incredibly poor navigational skills)
THEY LOOK LIKE DRUNK FAIRIES IN THE SKY | JENN PARKER
Turtle nesting and humpback whale migration season
Big holidays (Christmas, New Years, and Holy Week)
More visitors in Costa Rica
Higher accommodation prices
Local fiesta season (every town in Costa Rica has an annual fiesta, which includes a horse parade (tope), Costa Rican-style bullfighting, carnival rides and games, music and dancing, food vendors, and plenty of beer and guaro.)
THE WET GREEN SEASON IN PLAYA GRANDE, COSTA RICA
It typically doesn’t rain all day every day during the rainy season
The weather can be different every day
Still a high chance of sunshine
Neon color palette sunsets
Magnificent rain showers and thunder and lightning displays
Warm water temperatures
Shifting wind patterns
COUNTLESS SHADES OF GREEN IN COSTA RICA | © EMILIE CHEN/FLICKR
More consistent and bigger swells
Lush verdant landscape
More mosquitos (be adamant about insect repellent)
Local holidays (Juan Santamaria Day, Annexation of Guanacaste Day, and Independence Day)
Momon chino season (a delicious, juicy, and abundant fruit in Costa Rica that belongs to the lychee family and looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss story)
Less visitors
Less expensive accommodation prices in Costa Rica
THERE ARE ROADSIDE VENDORS EVERYWHERE IN COSTA RICA SELLING THIS DELECTABLE TREAT | JENN PARKER
Come find your season!