Dry Season vs. Rainy Season in Atenas
What’s Your Favorite Time of Year in Paradise?

One of the biggest reasons people relocate to Costa Rica is its mild, tropical climate. Over the years, Gerardo and I have helped many clients find their own piece of paradise here in Atenas, and one of the first questions we’re almost always asked is simple:

What’s the weather like?

The answer begins with understanding Costa Rica’s two distinct seasons.

Verano (summer) typically begins in December and lasts through May. Known as the dry season, it’s marked by long stretches of sunshine and very little rain. It is also considered high season, when visitors from around the world come to enjoy Costa Rica’s beautiful weather.

Invierno (winter) arrives toward the end of May and continues through November. Often called the rainy season—or green season—this is when the landscape transforms into vibrant shades of green as regular afternoon rains nourish the hills, gardens, and forests.

Here in Atenas, people often ask us:

What’s the rainy season really like?
Is the dry season hotter?
What’s the biggest difference between the two seasons?
Do homes have moisture issues during the rainy season?
And of course… which season do you prefer?

Let’s take a closer look.

What’s the Rainy Season Like?

If I had to choose a favorite, I’d probably pick the rainy season.

In Atenas, mornings are usually bright and sunny, with clouds beginning to gather in the early afternoon. By around 2:00 p.m., the rains often arrive—sometimes a gentle shower, other times a dramatic tropical downpour that lasts anywhere from one to four hours.

The result is a landscape that becomes incredibly lush. Flowers bloom, gardens thrive, and birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds seem to appear everywhere.

Daily life adapts naturally to the season. Mornings are perfect for errands, property tours, or time in the garden. Afternoons invite a late lunch, a short siesta, or settling in with a strong cup of Costa Rican coffee while catching up on office work.

It’s a rhythm I’ve grown to appreciate deeply.

Is the Dry Season Hotter Than the Rainy Season?

The difference in temperature is not dramatic.

In fact, the dry season can sometimes feel slightly cooler because of the lower humidity, though the midday sun may feel stronger.

During the rainy season, once the afternoon showers arrive, temperatures often drop into the mid-60s to around 70°F in the evenings, creating wonderfully comfortable nights.

What’s the Biggest Difference Between the Two Seasons?

The obvious answer is rain.

But after nearly two decades of living here, I’ve come to notice other differences as well.

During the rainy season:

Fewer tourists visit the country
Gardens come back to life
Birds and butterflies seem to multiply overnight
Dust disappears and the air feels refreshed
The hills surrounding Atenas turn an incredible shade of green that is difficult to describe unless you’ve seen it yourself

Do Homes Have Moisture Issues During the Rainy Season?

Living in a tropical climate does mean moisture is part of everyday life.

Annual rainfall varies across Costa Rica, but in some areas it can reach 100 inches or more each year.

The key is simple: prevention.

Good ventilation, routine cleaning of closets and storage spaces, and in some homes the use of dehumidifiers in enclosed areas help keep things under control. With a little planning, moisture is rarely a serious problem.

Embracing the Rhythm of the Seasons

Costa Rica is, in many ways, a tropical playground where indoor-outdoor living becomes part of daily life.

Living here year-round teaches you to appreciate the rhythm of the seasons—from the sunny, dry days of verano to the dramatic green transformation that arrives with the rains.

As I write this, the sun is shining outside my window. Roses are blooming in the garden, and hummingbirds dart through the flowers searching for nectar.

Moments like these—rain or shine—are quiet reminders of why so many of us feel fortunate to call this place home.

Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.