Guanacaste is the driest region of Costa Rica. With over 300 days of annual sunshine, you might not believe your Costa Rica weather app when it says thunderstorms every day. Rainy season in Guanacaste is between May and November, but most locals will tell you it’s really not that bad. On a typical “green season” day in Tamarindo, you’ll see mostly blue skies in the morning followed by intermittent downpours after lunchtime. Rain and clouds clear up around 5:00 pm for a sunset that illuminates the sky and reflects the light in spectacular fashion. In total, Tamarindo received between forty and eighty inches of rainfall per year and is considered tropical dry forest.
During the brunt of Tamarindo’s rainy season, (September & October) there are certainly days that feel like the rainforest. Monsoonal onshore flow brings unstable conditions along the coast and incoming rain bands can last for three days or so. Flooding is common is low areas and the rivers grow wider making roadways unsurpassable. If you’re traveling to Tamarindo this time of year, bring a rain jacket and back-up plans.
Another piece of sound advice: Don’t pre-schedule any tours before arrival and avoid a rigid weekly schedule. Stay flexible, let each day flow, and have a wishlist of activities instead. The rainy season is not too busy in Tamarindo so you can do many “a-la-carte” tours without the high season crowds. Set your alarm early, and take advantage of the blue sky mornings. If you wake up to grey skies and rain, consider visiting one of the following establishments in the Tamarindo area.
Volcano Brewing Company (VBC)
The first brewery in Tamarindo just opened a new location on the hill behind the Tamarindo gym. This large, covered warehouse has something for everyone: a full food menu (coming soon), artisanal beer made on site, a sixteen-foot wide mini-ramp for skating, ping pong tables, cornhole, large TV monitors with sports, playhouses for kids, adult tricycles, and spacious concrete floors to roll around on. VBC is open seven days a week and you can find helpful info on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Tamarindo Movies
Multicines Tamarindo is the area’s first authentic movie cinema. Until 2019, the nearest theater was one hour away in Liberia. The new Tamarindo theater is located in the popular Automercado commercial center along the main road leading to Tamarindo. Movies are shown in both English and Spanish so check their website or Facebook page for what’s playing and showtimes.
Ser Om Shanti Yoga
Costa Rica and yoga go hand-in-hand. With the explosion of yoga enthusiasts visiting the country, you’ll find many quality studios with experienced teachers and charming spaces. If you’re staying in Tamarindo, the recommended (and most central) Yoga studio is Ser Om Shanti located upstairs at the main intersection of Tamarindo across the street from Sharky’s. There are multiple classes daily including: Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Hatha, Yoga for athletes, and Pilates.
Casa Chameleon Yoga and Fine Dining
If the rain is moderate and you’re looking for an upscale adventure, take a thirty minute drive from Tamarindo to Las Catalinas where Casa Chameleon’s sky-high yoga and fine dining may be the most memorable part of your trip. Enjoy elevated peninsula ocean views that locals claim to be the best in the area. Whether you’re looking to continue your practice, or drop in for a class, Casa Chameleon provides a magnificent backdrop. Don’t miss their distinctive restaurant, Sentido Norte, on the way out.
Enjoy elevated peninsula ocean views that locals claim to be the best in the area.
Pico Bistro
A picnic at the water’s edge is still possible at Pico Bistro, raining or not. This cozy, glass-enclosed establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday in Tamarindo and is located practically on the sand. Imagine your favorite comfort foods made with healthy ingredients that are light, but satisfying. A rainy day is more enjoyable with warm coffee, aromas of freshly baked bread, and beachside seating. There’s excellent WiFi and comfortable work places as well.
Wise Training Studio
Catching a workout on a rainy day is the ultimate good use of time. Wise Training Studio is located in the back roads of Tamarindo close to Volcano Brewing Company’s new location. This warehouse style gym is an open space to train, learn, and transform yourself with functional classes and expert instructors. Whether you’re into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, circuit training, CrossFit, or yoga, Wise Training Center is a lively space to spend a rainy day.
Los Altos De Eros Spa
This world renowned hotel and spa is located just fifteen minutes outside of Tamarindo and sits within twenty-two acres of lush jungle. Los Altos de Eros translates to “the heights of love” in Spanish and you’ll understand why as you gaze over the rolling mountains from your Indian soaking tub. Since opening in 2005, Los Altos de Eros has offered an unparalleled spa experience facilitated by their eighteen employees. It’s worth knowing that Los Altos de Eros is an adult only establishment, and they offer cooking classes as well as a romantic couples spa experience with dinner included. Round trip transportation is included in the packages adding to overall convenience factor, especially if it’s raining.
Sage Brush Art Studio
Founded in August of 2016, Sage Brush Art Studio is located twenty minutes to the north of Tamarindo in Playa Brasilito. This living studio makes painting fun and exploratory with workshops, paint & wine nights, camps for kids, and much more. All the supplies are offered with the classes and it’s worth knowing that the studio is only open during these events and workshops. Sage Brush is a working art studio as opposed to an art store or gallery, although they do sell art. Why the name Sage Brush? The studio’s owners say because Sage is a medicinal herb that artists like to burn before beginning their craft to clear their energy and lift their spirits. Check out the full schedule and events here.
Cala Luna Spiritual / Shamanic Offerings
Located five minutes to the south of Tamarindo in Playa Langosta, Cala Luna Boutique Hotel hosts some of the most unique workshops in Costa Rica. Aside from the daily yoga classes and spa treatments, Cala Luna offers mind-expanding ceremonies that will fulfill your spirit and induce temporary transcendence. Many travelers love the transformational breathwork classes which enhance mindfulness and improve the functionality of the endocrine system. They even offer sound healing ceremonies where authentic Shamans dance with your consciousness by chanting sacred melodies and playing tribal instruments. If you wish to go deeper, you can even attend a past life interpretation where you’ll be hypnotized and your soul will meet one of its previous vessels. How’s that for a rainy afternoon?
Embrace the Rainy Season
If you’ve packed your rain boots and jacket, then you might enjoy the rainy season by simply embracing the idea you will get wet. As long as there’s no lightning or torrential downpours, an afternoon walking through the mud and glimmering flora will bring you closest to Costa Rica’s innate beauty. Many times, the rain will clear up instantaneously and you’ll be blessed with golden rays and blue skies. There are many walking trails or dirt roads around the area to explore.
I hope this list comes in handy next time it’s raining and looking for activities. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to add your input to the list, we’d love to hear from you. Shoot me an email at [email protected].