Planning a trip to Guanacaste, Costa Rica? Whether you're chasing sunshine or craving fresh green mornings, there’s no wrong time to visit Las Catalinas. Perched right in the heart of it all is Santarena Hotel, a stunning beachside stay that balances relaxed elegance with easy access to sand and surf, the tropical forest, and the cultural charm of Town. No matter the season, it’s the perfect home base to discover this quintessential Costa Rican paradise.
Discover the Seasons in Las Catalinas
Las Catalinas is a place of shifting beauty, shaped by its two distinct seasons: the Dry Season (December–April) and the Green Season (May–November). Both offer their own unique charm and signature experiences, making Santarena Hotel one of the most versatile beach hotels in Guanacaste.
Sun & Fun in the Dry Season (December – April)
This is the classic postcard-perfect Costa Rica! Expect clear skies, golden sunshine, and warm breeze nearly every day. The Dry Season is ideal for:
- Beach lovers: Sunbathe, swim, or sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand just steps from Santarena Hotel.
- Outdoor adventurers: Take advantage of dry trails for mountain biking or sunrise hikes with panoramic ocean views.
- Families and groups: With plenty of activities like tennis or pickleball and events happening around Town, there’s a buzz in the air that keeps everyone engaged.
The energy in Town is lively. Music, open-air dining, and vibrant events bring the community to life, making it a perfect time to explore Town and beyond with the help of our team of experts, the go-to for concierge services, experiences and insider tips.
Green Season Magic (May – November)
As April draws to a close, the Green Season arrives with a shift in rhythm. Clouds and rain slow Town’s pace and the landscape bursts into life. The hills around Santarena Hotel turn emerald green, flowers bloom along Town’s cobble pathways, and the air smells like earth and salt. The pattern usually entails sunny mornings with afternoon showers, perfect to enjoy a laidback pace.
- Romantic getaways: Town is secluded and tranquil, a perfect hideaway for couples looking to reconnect over sunset walks and candlelit dinners.
- Wellness travelers: Morning yoga on the terrace, sound healing at Center of Joy, and massages to the soundtrack of soft rain.
- Nature lovers: Spot wildlife, wander misty trails, or just watch the waves roll in with a cup of select Costa Rican coffee.
Green Season afternoons often bring brief showers that freshen the air and clear the skies for unforgettable sunsets. And with fewer travelers, you get the luxury of space—whether that’s in your boutique room at Santarena Hotel or at a quiet table at Ponciana Restaurant or other dining venues at Plaza Mercado.
So What Season Fits Your Style?
Let’s break it down by travel vibe:
Families: You’ll love the Dry Season for its sunny skies and event-filled days. Las Catalinas is safe, walkable, and full of kid-friendly adventures. Bonus: Our concierge team can arrange eco-adventures and day expeditions for your shared enjoyment.
Adventure Seekers: Both seasons deliver with gusto! Go for the Dry Season if you want reliable conditions for biking and water sports. Opt for the Green Season if you’re after lush trail views, dramatic weather, or the fun of mud-filled mountain biking.
Romantic Escapes: It’s a tie! Green Season entices with intimacy and atmosphere. Think candlelight, ocean mist, and the sound of rain while you sip wine under a covered veranda. Dry Season offers a hot date with sun and sand!
Wellness Travelers: Green Season offers solitude and calm, perfect for spa sessions and slow mornings. Dry Season offers perfection for group retreats, outdoor fitness, and vibrant wellness events.
Why Stay at Santarena Hotel?
As one of the top-rated beach hotels in Guanacaste, Santarena Hotel offers charm, comfort, and coastal charm year-round. Breezy rooms, a rooftop pool, and ocean-view terraces make it easy to fall into rhythm with the seasons. Check out our Ocean View Premium rooms to get your travel-planning gears in motion!
The hotel’s central location in Las Catalinas means everything is within reach—from shops and restaurants to forest trails and beach clubs. And no matter the month, the concierge team is ready to tailor your trip with excursions, spa treatments, and private chef dinners. Tempted? Explore the many unique experiences you will find at Santarena Hotel.
Bottom Line: No Wrong Time to Visit
Thanks to Las Catalinas’ unique microclimate, the weather is inviting year-round. Even in the off-season months, the days are warm, Town is alive, and nature always has something to show off. Add to that Las Catalinas’ pedestrian-friendly design, breathtaking coastal scenery, and the welcoming energy of the community, and you’ll see why guests find reason to return in every season.
From action-packed holidays to slow, reflective escapes, every season has its charm—and Santarena Hotel is ready to welcome you through it all.
Plan Your Stay
No matter when you visit, let us help you book your dream vacation. From selecting the perfect room at Santarena Hotel to planning family adventures, wellness retreats, or romantic dinners, their team is your key to unlocking the best of Las Catalinas.
The only question left is: what season will you fall in love with first?
