Home › Destinations › Guanacaste
Weather in Guanacaste
Dry tropical forest and Pacific peninsulas
—
Loading live weather...
About Guanacaste
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's northwestern province—a dry tropical region of white sand beaches, ocean-front national parks, and wide-open sky. The region encompasses multiple beach towns and protected reserves, from Tamarindo to Santa Rosa National Park. Guanacaste offers the most consistent sunshine in Costa Rica, making it the reliable beach destination.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, December
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Guanacaste
Beach hopping across multiple coastal towns
Dry forest hiking in Santa Rosa National Park
Snorkeling and diving offshore islands
Surfing at multiple beach breaks
Wildlife spotting in protected reserves
Hot springs soaking near Arenal volcano
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
32C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
34C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
April
34C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
May
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
31C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
November
29C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
December
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Guanacaste is Costa Rica's driest and sunniest province, a swath of Pacific coastline and dry tropical forest dotted with beach resorts, surf towns and cattle ranches that feel distinct from the lush rainforests further south. Liberia's international airport has made the region's beaches, like Tamarindo, Playas del Coco and Conchal, some of the most accessible in the country for short getaways.
Best areas to stay in Guanacaste
Playas del Coco
A lively, accessible beach town close to Liberia airport, popular for diving and nightlife.
Playa Conchal / Flamingo
Upscale resort beaches known for calm turquoise water and a distinctive shell-sand beach.
Rincón de la Vieja
An inland volcano area with hot springs, mud pools and hiking through dry forest.
Papagayo Peninsula
A gated resort area with luxury hotels and protected coves along the gulf.
Getting to Guanacaste
✈
Flights
Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) receives direct flights from North America and is within an hour of most beaches.
⏱
From London
~30-60 minutes by road from Liberia airport to most beach towns.
🚕
Getting around
Rental cars are the most flexible option given distances between beaches; shuttles connect major resorts.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Guanacaste?
December to April is the dry season, when Guanacaste lives up to its reputation as Costa Rica's sunniest region.
What's the difference between Guanacaste and the rest of Costa Rica?
Guanacaste's dry tropical forest and savanna landscape are noticeably drier and more open than the cloud forests and rainforests elsewhere in the country.
Which airport serves Guanacaste?
Liberia's Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) puts most of the region's beaches within an hour's drive, avoiding the longer trip from San José.
What activities are popular in Guanacaste?
Surfing, sportfishing, zip-lining, horseback riding on working ranches and visiting Rincón de la Vieja volcano's hot springs and mud pools.
Is Guanacaste good for families?
Yes — many beach resorts in areas like Playa Conchal and Papagayo cater specifically to families with calm water and all-inclusive options.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Flying into Liberia made this so much easier than other Costa Rica trips — we were on the beach within an hour of landing.
Wendy A. · February 2024
★★★★★
Soaking in the natural hot springs near Rincón de la Vieja after a morning hike through dry forest was a completely different side of Costa Rica.
Rico D. · March 2023
★★★★☆
Playa Conchal's shell sand and calm water were perfect for our kids — much gentler than the surf beaches further south.
Anya P. · August 2023
Ready to visit Guanacaste?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
