Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit Sámara
Sámara has a dry season and a wet one, but it's never unbearably hot or cold. The best time depends on whether you want perfect beach weather or quieter trails.
✦ Go in January for guaranteed sun and a lively atmosphere, or in April for similar weather with fewer tourists.
✅ Best months
January to March: consistently sunny, low humidity, calm seas. The town is busy but not jammed, and everything is open.
🔥 Peak season
Late December through February: Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa push hotel rates 50-100% above low-season prices. Many Ticos also holiday here, so beaches and restaurants are lively.
💷 Shoulder (best value)
April and November: April still has mostly dry weather but thinner crowds. November sees the tail end of rain, with lower room rates and greener surroundings.
🌙 Quietest & cheapest
September and October: cheapest rates, but expect heavy afternoon downpours and rougher seas. Some restaurants close for the month.
Sámara season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Weather: Hot and increasingly humid; rain starts in May. Temps 28-33°C.
Crowds: Medium
Good for surfing (small swells) and cheap flights.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Weather: Rainy season proper: mornings sunny, afternoons torrential. 26-31°C.
Crowds: Low
Best for wildlife (howlers, toucans) and discounts on accommodation.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Weather: Wettest period; storms frequent. High humidity.
Crowds: Very low
Quietest time. Many businesses close – call ahead. Good for serious surfers during big swells.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Weather: Dry and hot: 28-32°C, low humidity, steady breeze.
Crowds: High
Peak tourism. Book months ahead. Perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling.
🎭 Events worth timing a trip around
Fiesta de la Yegüita (January): a local parade with music, bull-riding, and food stalls. The Sámara Surf Festival (usually July) draws pro surfers and has live music.
🧳 What to pack
Pack a light rain jacket even in dry season: coastal clouds can deliver surprise showers for 20 minutes and then clear.
Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.
Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Sámara hotel.
Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.