Weather in Nosara

Nosara is Costa Rica's yoga-and-surf town, a collection of dirt roads winding through jungle behind Playa Guiones' long, consistent beach break. It draws a wellness-minded crowd of surfers, yogis, and remote workers, with smoothie bowls and sunset surf sessions forming the daily rhythm. The Ostional wildlife refuge nearby protects nesting olive ridley turtles, adding a conservation thread to what is otherwise a famously laid-back beach town.

Best areas to stay in Nosara

Playa Guiones

The main beach and surf hub, with a long stretch of sand and most of the town's restaurants, surf schools, and yoga studios nearby.

Playa Pelada

A smaller, rockier cove near Guiones, popular for sunset watching and tide pools.

Nosara Village

The original inland settlement, more local in character with shops and services for residents.

Ostional

A village to the north adjoining the wildlife refuge, known for its turtle-nesting beaches.

Getting to Nosara

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Flights

Fly into Liberia (LIR) and drive roughly 2-2.5 hours, or take a short domestic flight to Nosara's airstrip.

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From London

~13-14 hours from London via a US connection to Liberia, plus the transfer.

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Getting around

A 4x4 is strongly recommended as many of Nosara's roads are unpaved and can flood in the wet season.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Nosara?

The dry season, December to April, offers the most consistent sunshine and surf, though the green season (May-November) brings lush scenery and quieter beaches with afternoon rain.

How do I get to Nosara?

Fly into Liberia (LIR) and drive around 2-2.5 hours, or take a short domestic flight directly to Nosara's small airstrip.

Is Nosara good for beginner surfers?

Playa Guiones has a beach break suitable for all levels, and the town has numerous surf schools catering specifically to beginners.

What is the Ostional Wildlife Refuge?

A protected nesting site nearby for olive ridley sea turtles, with mass nesting events ('arribadas') occurring at certain times of year.

Is Nosara expensive?

It's pricier than many Costa Rican beach towns due to its popularity with expats and wellness tourism, though budget accommodation and local sodas (cafes) still offer good value.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Spent two weeks doing yoga in the mornings and surfing Playa Guiones in the afternoons, the perfect routine. Roads are rough but everything about the town's pace was exactly what I needed.

Tamsin G. · February 2024

★★★★☆

Went in green season and while we got a couple of afternoon downpours, the surf was great and the jungle was incredibly lush. Pelada at sunset was beautiful.

Joel R. · November 2023

★★★★★

Visited Ostional during a turtle arribada and it was an extraordinary thing to witness. Nosara itself has a really friendly, health-conscious community feel.

Anneke V. · March 2024