Playa Langosta, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, 1150, Costa Rica
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
when to go
Best Time to Visit Occidental Tamarindo (Month-by-Month)
Trying to decide the best time to visit Occidental Tamarindo? This in-depth guide breaks down each month by weather, crowds, surf conditions, seasonal activities, and overall trip value—so you can match your dates to the kind of vacation you want. Whether you prefer dry-season sunshine, greener landscapes, beginner-friendly surf, or the chance to plan around turtle nesting season near Playa Langosta, this month-by-month breakdown shows when to book and what to expect.
Quick answer
For most travelers, the best time to visit Occidental Tamarindo is December through April, when Costa Rica's Guanacaste region enjoys its dry season— perfect for beach days, surfing, exploring nearby national parks, and family time at this all-ages resort on Tamarindo Beach.
Want better value? May through June and November often bring lower rates and more room availability, with the tradeoff of occasional afternoon showers and higher humidity—though mornings are often sunny and great for activities.
Best weather: Dec–Apr
Best deals: May–Jun, Nov
Best for families: Dec–Mar
Lightest crowds: May, Sep–Oct
Jump to a section
Explore the resort
Keep planning your stay at Occidental Tamarindo with these quick guides. Explore the four room categories—from Standard Run of House to Master Suite Duplex—discover La Tortuga restaurant, preview activities for all ages, and learn about the beach, pools, and nearby Tamarindo attractions—so you can book the best experience for your family vacation or group getaway.
Best Time to Visit Occidental Tamarindo by Your Priority
Match your trip style—sunshine, value, family fun, or fewer crowds—to the ideal season for your Costa Rica beach vacation.
Best for perfect weather
December – April delivers consistent sunshine, minimal rain, and ideal conditions for beach time, surfing, and exploring Guanacaste.
Ideal for: first-time visitors, families, outdoor activities, beach lovers
Best for deals & lower rates
May – June and November often offer the best value with lower occupancy and upgrade opportunities (tradeoff: green season showers).
Ideal for: budget-conscious families, flexible travelers, longer stays
Best for families with kids
December – March offers dry, sunny weather perfect for beach play, kids' activities, and family excursions during school breaks.
Ideal for: school vacations, multi-generational trips, beach activities
Best for fewer crowds
May and September – October typically have lighter occupancy—great for peaceful pool days and easier access to La Tortuga.
Ideal for: couples, relaxation seekers, quiet getaways
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Occidental Tamarindo
Use this breakdown to match your travel goals—sunshine, family activities, value pricing, or tranquil beach time—while staying at this all-ages beachfront resort in Tamarindo, with easy access to surfing, national parks, and Costa Rican adventure.
January
Excellent weather • Peak season- Beautiful dry season with warm, sunny days
- Perfect for beach activities and national park visits
- Higher occupancy with lively family atmosphere
Best for: families, first-time Costa Rica visitors, outdoor enthusiasts
February
Dry • Warm • Ideal- Consistently dry with comfortable temperatures
- Excellent for surfing and beach time
- Great for couples and family vacations
Best for: beach lovers, surfers, winter escapes
March
Warmest • Driest • Popular- Often the warmest and driest month of the year
- Spring break energy with families and groups
- Perfect for all outdoor activities and excursions
Best for: families with school-age kids, adventure seekers, beach activities
April
Hot • Still dry • End of peak- Hottest month with minimal rain still
- Last month of peak dry season
- Great for early morning beach and surf sessions
Best for: heat lovers, surfers, travelers seeking guaranteed sun
May
Green season begins • Good value- Green season starts with afternoon showers
- Mornings often sunny and perfect for activities
- Better pricing and fewer crowds
Best for: value seekers, flexible travelers, nature lovers
June
Shoulder season • Good deals- More frequent afternoon rain but mornings still nice
- Lush, green landscape throughout Guanacaste
- Strong value with lower rates
Best for: budget-conscious families, morning activity fans, photography
July
Mini summer • Family travel- Often drier than surrounding months (mini summer)
- Family occupancy increases with summer vacations
- Good balance of weather and value
Best for: families with summer schedules, all-ages resort atmosphere
August
Continued mini summer • Active- Mini summer continues with decent conditions
- Good time for surfing and beach activities
- Reasonable rates with upgrade potential
Best for: surfers, families, flexible summer travelers
September
Wettest • Quietest • Best value- Peak rainy season with more consistent rainfall
- Often the quietest month at the resort
- Best pricing and upgrade opportunities
Best for: deal hunters, couples seeking peace, rain-tolerant travelers
October
Still rainy • Very quiet • Deals- Green season continues with afternoon showers
- Very light crowds and strong value pricing
- Weather begins improving toward month's end
Best for: value trips, peaceful getaways, flexible schedules
November
Transition • Better weather • Value- Rainfall decreases as dry season approaches
- Still good pricing before peak season starts
- Nice balance of weather and crowds
Best for: shoulder-season travelers, families, balanced trips
December
Dry season begins • Peak pricing- Dry season returns with beautiful weather
- Holiday atmosphere at the resort
- Higher demand and pricing around holidays
Best for: holiday travelers, families, perfect-weather seekers
What to Pack for Occidental Tamarindo (Seasonal Tips)
- Dec–Apr: lightweight beach clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for excursions, and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces.
- May–Nov: rain jacket or travel umbrella, quick-dry clothing, water-resistant sandals, and waterproof bags for day trips.
- All year: multiple swimsuits, sunglasses, insect repellent, waterproof phone case, and cameras for Costa Rica's incredible wildlife and sunsets.
- For families: beach toys, water shoes for kids, sun-protective clothing, and snorkeling gear if you prefer your own.
FAQ: Best Time to Visit Occidental Tamarindo
Is December through April always the best time?
These months offer the most consistent dry weather, making them ideal for families and first-time visitors. However, it's peak season with higher rates, so booking early is recommended—especially for the Master Suite Duplex and Suite Duplex categories.
When are the cheapest months to visit?
May through June and September through October typically offer the lowest rates and best upgrade opportunities from Standard Run of House to Superior Room or suite categories. September is often the quietest and most affordable, with the tradeoff of more frequent rainfall.
What's the best time for families with kids?
December through March offers dry weather perfect for beach play, swimming, and exploring nearby attractions. This all-ages resort has facilities for children, making these months ideal for family vacations during school breaks.
Should I avoid the rainy season completely?
Not necessarily. May through November is Costa Rica's "green season," with afternoon showers but often sunny mornings—perfect for early beach time and excursions. You'll find better rates, fewer crowds, and lush, beautiful landscapes. July and August often experience a "mini summer" with drier conditions.
What's the quietest time at the resort?
September and October typically see the lightest occupancy, making these months perfect for travelers seeking peaceful pool and beach days, easier dining at La Tortuga, and a more relaxed atmosphere—though you should expect more frequent rain.
Is Tamarindo good for surfing year-round?
Yes, Tamarindo offers consistent surf conditions throughout the year, with the dry season (December–April) providing the most reliable waves and weather. The green season can also offer excellent surf, especially for intermediate surfers who don't mind occasional afternoon showers.
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW
Questions? Contact Us!
- Agents Available 24/7
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
- Complimentary Perks & Upgrades
- Agents Available 24/7
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
- Complimentary Perks & Upgrades
More Occidental Tamarindo Guides
Explore more helpful planning guides and insider articles for Occidental Tamarindo:
- Best Rooms at Occidental Tamarindo (Top Suites Ranked by View, Value & Perks)
- Occidental Tamarindo Restaurants Ranked (Best Food, Best Ambience, Best Value)
- Is Occidental Tamarindo Good for Weddings? (Packages, Venues, Costs & Real Pros/Cons)
- Occidental Tamarindo Nightlife Guide: Parties, Shows, Bars & What to Expect