The Costa Rica summer season is one of the most underrated times to visit – and for travelers in the know , that’s exactly what makes it magic.
Because, while many associate summer with Europe or the Caribbean –and while so many of the guidebooks steer you to Costa Rica’s peak season (December through April) – savvy jet-setters are discovering that Costa Rica’s green season (May through August) offers something truly special: privacy , verdant beauty , and the kind of personalized luxury that elevates a getaway into an experience.
So, is summer a good time to visit Costa Rica? The answer is a resounding yes. Because it’s quieter, more spectacular, and affords even more luxury than any other time of year.
Why It’s Called the Green Season (Hint: Think Emeralds)
Hanging bridge pepper Costa Rica’s landscapes and forest canopies, offering an unparalleled view into this incredible ecosystem
Because this when Costa Rica comes alive. Humming, splashing, warbling, thrumming – every kind of alive.
The Costa Rica summer season, also known as thegreen season, typically runs from May through August (sometimes into early November, depending on the region). While North American and European summer corresponds with Costa Rica’s so-called “rainy season,” don’t let a label fool you.
“Rainy” doesn’t mean constant downpours – it refers to a weather pattern most often defined by quick and dramatic afternoon showers that give way to cool evenings , brilliant sunsets , and vibrant green landscapes . Picture golden beaches framed by tropical jungle, the scent of rain-kissed flowers in the air, and monkeys rustling through the trees as you sip everything from fresh coffee to an evening drink on your private villa terrace.
The real story? Green means lush. Green means uncrowded. Green means a private slice of paradise. And let’s not forget the visual drama . Rain-washed foliage glows an even deeper emerald. Rivers and waterfalls surge with renewed life. Even the air smells richer – earthy, clean, and just humid enough to feel exotic.
It’s not just scenery. It’s a full-sensory experience .
Reason to Visit: Summer Skies Still Sun-Drenched
Mornings are almost always clear – and that’s when the magic happens.
Along the beach and throughout the country’s coastal towns, mornings during the Costa Rica summer season tend to be sunny and warm, ideal for snorkeling, surfing, hiking, or simply lounging by your infinity pool . Most days follow a reliable pattern: sunshine until mid-to-late afternoon, followed by a dramatic rain shower – stay tuned for the lightning show, sometimes included! – and a cool, peaceful evening.
This rhythm lends itself perfectly to the slow heartbeat that paces a Costa Rica luxury vacation. Start your day with yoga or a beach walk , explore waterfalls or catamaran tours , and then retreat to your villa for cocktails as the rain taps gently on the roof and the sky flames with chaotic orange, pink, and purple smears.
Many travelers even prefer this rhythm: full, sun-soaked mornings and cozy afternoons for massages, spa rituals, or private chef dinners. It’s the kind of vacation that naturally balances wellness, adventure, and indulgence . In other words? Visit because you’ll still get your tan – and a lot more privacy while you’re at it.
Reason to Visit: Summer Promises a Better Value
You’re getting peak experiences without peak-season pricing .
One of the best-kept secrets about the Costa Rica summer season is its incredible value for luxury travelers . Villas that are fully booked (and often double the price) in December are suddenly available. You get your pick of the finest chefs, tour guides, and private experiences – without the crowds, the premiums, or the planning panic .
A Costa Rica luxury vacation in summer still includes private sunset sails, chef-curated dinners, spa treatments, and white-glove concierge service. The difference? You’ll enjoy it all in serene seclusion, often at a more favorable rate. For extended families, wellness retreats, or destination celebrations, this value proposition becomes even more compelling: Not only are you reducing per-night rates , but you’re upgrading the entire experience : more villa options, more time with top-tier staff, and fewer logistical headaches.
Why does that matter? Because value is about more than money – it’s about experience, exclusivity, and ease.
Reason to Visit: The Wildlife is Happier in Summer
Nature may not take a vacation – but you should!
Costa Rica’s summer months are a spectacular time for wildlife viewing . With fewer people on the trails, more water in the rivers, and more foliage to snack on, summer grants you front-row seats to some of the region’s most iconic sightings: howler monkey s in the canopy, toucans and scarlet macaws in flight, sloths napping in the trees. (Of course, the wilds offer no guarantee… but your odds are better, at least!)
In the water, things are just as exciting. July marks the arrival of humpback whales off the Pacific coast, while green sea turtles begin their nesting seasons along both coasts. Rivers are full, waterfalls are flowing , and the rainforest is bursting with birdsong.sAnd with a private guide – arranged by your villa concierge, naturally – you can enjoy all of it without jockeying for space or waiting in line.
So, why visit during the Costa Rica summer season? Because you’ll witness the country at its most alive – and have it almost to yourself.
Reason to Visit: Villa Living Can Be Even Better in Summer
Luxury homes in Costa Rica promise the full vacation experience, from spectacular sunsets to infinity pools overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean
You’ve come for luxury – and nothing delivers it like your own private villa.
Imagine waking up in a primary suite that opens to ocean views. A private chef prepares your breakfast with local fruits and artisan coffee. Your concierge arranges a horseback ride on the beach, a helicopter tour over volcanoes, or an in-villa massage before dinner.
During the Costa Rica summer season, this level of personalized luxury becomes even more intimate . The rhythm is slower, the space more private, the options wider, and the attention to detail even sharper. Whether you’re a couple seeking romantic seclusion, a group of friends celebrating a milestone, or a family ready for reconnection, summer is when villa life shines. You’ll notice the difference in little things : how quickly everyone responds to requests, the extra touches from your chef, the tranquility of a secluded beach that’s now yours alone.
Why trade that for a crowded resort? Because exclusivity, privacy, and personalized service are the true hallmarks of a Costa Rica luxury vacation.
Reason to Visit: It’s Locals’ Favorite Season
Because we know something most travelers don’t.
Costa Ricans – both those born ticos and lucky transplants – tend to embrace the green season. The heat eases, the landscape flourishes, and life slows down just a bit more than usual. It’s the time for surf trips , mountain escapes , and long, laughter-filled dinners . In Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa, the atmosphere is laid-back yet sophisticated – a rare balance of barefoot luxury and elevated taste. You’ll find your favorite restaurants open but unhurried , your sunset views unobstructed , your villa’s pool beckoning lazy afternoons. This is when Costa Rica feels most authentic – when the energy is local, the vibe is relaxed, and the whole country feels like a well-kept secret.
So, why skip the peak-season crowds? Because real travelers follow the rhythm – and in summer, the rhythm here is pure magic.
Reason to Visit: Your Calendar is Open
Summer isn’t justagood time to visit – it might be the best time.
The Costa Rica summer season offers a unique window of opportunity: less competition for high-end accommodations, greater access to bespoke experiences, and the kind of natural beauty that defies filter or frame. It’s a time when Costa Rica slows down just enough for you to truly enjoy it – and when the best of the country becomes even more accessible. And for luxury travelers who crave rare finds and elevated experiences, summer is the secret season.
The ultimate why? Because luxury is not just about where you go – it’s aboutwhenyou go. And those who know, go in summer.
Where to Stay
Serenity Point
Tamarindo | 7 Beds | 9 Baths | 17 Guests
Serenity Point is more than a villa; it’s an architectural masterpiece brought to life by renowned architect Richard Muller . Nestled in a beachfront gated community , this exclusive retreat offers seven oceanfront bedrooms , each with private patios and captivating views of Langosta Beach and Tamarindo Bay.
The villa’s seamless integration of nature and design is evident in its indoor-outdoor showers , lush water gardens , and palm-lined entrance, creating a serene and inviting ambiance from the moment you arrive. Serenity Point’s private infinity pool , perfectly positioned to overlook the coastline, is the ultimate setting for relaxation or celebration, whether you’re soaking in the views by day or stargazing at night.
For those seeking activity, Serenity Point offers an array of luxurious amenities, including a private gym with ocean views, and an in-home mini golf course for playful moments. Every detail of the villa is designed to cater to both relaxation and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable stay for guests. Serenity Point also offers full villa staff , including VIP concierge services and daily breakfast .
Casa Galanga
Tamarindo | 8 Beds | 8 Baths | 19 Guests
A special home in a special place,Casa Galangasits high in Tamarindo’s breezy hills , unfolding across some of the region’s most spectacular ocean views . From your perch above it all, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of Tamarindo Beach , Playa Grande , and the lush estuary below – whether you’re lounging on the expansive pool deck , floating in the mirror-like infinity pool , or soaking in the bubbling jacuzzi .
Designed in a Balinese style and thoughtfully furnished with pieces imported from Indonesia, Casa Galanga offers 15,000 square feet of laid-back luxury . Clean architectural lines and open-concept living spaces keep your focus on the view, while touches like a chef-ready kitchen , oversized soaking tub , canopy beds, and an indoor-outdoor flow make everyday moments feel indulgent. The home also includes a media room , a dedicated yoga and fitness space , and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it hard to leave.
Guests enjoy thoughtful amenities throughout their stay, including daily breakfast prep (you provide the groceries), a purified still and sparkling water system , and a botanical MistAway insect control system for uninterrupted outdoor living. With a beach path just five minutes away and added touches like a night guard and home security system,Casa Galanga is one of Tamarindo’s most unforgettable escapes – a favorite for guests who return again and again.
Villa Carao 1
Reserva Conchal | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 12 Guests
Perfectly positioned on the 10th hole of the world-class Reserva Conchal golf course , Villa Carao 1 is a luxury retreat designed for families and groups who want both comfort and convenience. With five spacious suites spread across two stories, this elegant home offers the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living – complete with a private pool , shaded lounging areas , and sweeping fairway views .
Just a 10-minute walk from the beach and the exclusive Reserva Conchal Beach Club , you’ll enjoy access to a full suite of resort-style amenities, including oceanfront pools , restaurants , a spa , water sports , and more. As a guest of Villa Carao 1, you’ll also have special access to the private Carao Clubhouse , featuring an infinity pool , jacuzzi , outdoor lounge spaces , and a BBQ kitchen – an ideal setting for casual afternoons or relaxed evenings with your group.
Your stay includes our Elite Service Standard , with daily housekeeping , laundry , and personalized concierge support from Renzo, who’s ready to assist with anything from grocery pre-stocking to local restaurant reservations. Breakfast, snacks, and cocktails are prepared daily (groceries not included), so you can focus on beach days, golf rounds, or sunset walks.
Planning a Costa Rica Luxury Vacation This Summer?
When you reserve one of our rental villas in Costa Rica, you’re guaranteeing yourself both a spectacular vacation home and full (and FREE) travel concierge services .
So, what does that mean? After you make your reservation, your personal concierge will get in touch. She’ll send our welcome book, which includes plenty of details about the Tamarindo area, activities, tours, and other need-to-know information. Then, your concierge will follow up, in order to know you and your travel group as well as s/he knows Costa Rica.
After you’ve built your must-see, must-experience list , your concierge will help you build your trip around your wish list: tours, adventures, spa services, personal chefs – whatever you seek, your concierge will source. Then, s/he will book them all on your behalf, with zero markup .
And, while you’re here, your personal concierge is on call to attend any problems, questions, or other issues. You’re never without help , and that itself is its own amenity.
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