From mid-December to Easter, Tamarindo is at its sunniest and busiest. Dry, warm days, golden sunsets and a lively town make high season the most popular time to visit Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, and the best homes book up early. This guide from our local team explains what high season is like, how Christmas, New Year’s and Easter week change the town, and how to plan and book so you get the stay you want.
What “high season” means in Tamarindo
Guanacaste has two seasons. The dry season, roughly December through April, brings very little rain, blue skies and hot afternoons. The green season, from May to November, brings afternoon showers and fewer visitors (read our guide to the green season in Guanacaste). High season lines up with the dry season and with winter holidays in North America, so demand for vacation rentals peaks.
Weather and what to pack
- Sun, every day: expect hot, dry days and warm evenings. Pack reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and light, breathable clothes.
- Breezy afternoons: steady winds are common in Guanacaste in the early months of the year, which keeps evenings comfortable.
- Early sunsets: close to the equator, the sun sets at around 5:30 pm in December and January, so plan beach time and sunset drinks accordingly.
Christmas and New Year’s in Tamarindo
The two weeks between Christmas and New Year’s are the busiest of the entire year. Visitors from abroad arrive for the holidays, and many Costa Rican families also head to the beach: school is out for the long summer break that runs from December to early February, and the traditional year-end bonus (the aguinaldo) is paid in December. December 25 and January 1 are national holidays.
- Book your home first. The most sought-after villas and beachfront condos for holiday weeks are often reserved many months ahead, and holiday dates may carry minimum-stay requirements.
- Reserve key dinners. Restaurants fill up on December 24 and December 31. Ask our concierge team to make restaurant reservations, or celebrate at home with a private chef.
- Try local traditions. Tamales wrapped in banana leaves are the classic Costa Rican Christmas dish, and in January the nearby town of Santa Cruz celebrates its traditional fiestas with folk music and bull riding.
- Plan your arrival. Flights into Liberia and airport transfers are in high demand around the holidays. Here is how to get from Liberia to Tamarindo.
January to March: the sweet spot of high season
After the first week of January the holiday rush eases, but the weather stays perfect. These months are ideal for families on winter break, couples and snowbirds escaping the cold. It is a great time to explore beyond town: hike Rincón de la Vieja, swim at Llanos de Cortés waterfall or take a sunset catamaran cruise (see our favorite day trips from Tamarindo). Nesting season for leatherback turtles at nearby Playa Grande also falls in these months; our sea turtle nesting guide explains how to see them responsibly.
Easter week (Semana Santa)
Easter week is the second big peak of the year, when Costa Ricans travel to the coast in large numbers. In 2027, Easter Sunday falls on March 28, so Semana Santa runs from March 21 to 28. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays. Expect full beaches and busy roads, and book early. Our guide to Semana Santa in Costa Rica has more tips.
How to book high season the smart way
- Decide your must-haves. Private pool, beachfront, walkable to town or room for a big group? Knowing this narrows your search fast.
- Book directly. Booking with a local manager means you deal with the same team before, during and after your stay.
- Traveling with a group? Large villas are the first to go for holiday weeks. See our vacation homes for large groups and luxury villas in Tamarindo.
- Be flexible. Arriving midweek or shifting your trip by a few days around the holidays can open up more options.
- Arrange extras early. Airport transfers, rental cars, surf lessons and tours are easier to secure when you book them with your stay.
Where to stay in high season
Central Tamarindo puts restaurants, surf and nightlife at your door. Playa Langosta, just south of town, is quieter and ideal for sunsets. Gated communities in the hills offer views, breezes and more space. Compare them in our guide to the best areas to stay in Tamarindo.
Reserve your high season stay
Dates from Christmas to Easter are filling now. Check availability and book your Tamarindo vacation rental, browse all our rentals or contact our local team and we will help you find the right home for your dates.
