ERA5 · Tamarindo
Pacific dry-season start through the year.
Daytime highNighttime low°C
ERA5 via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · ERA5 grid near Tamarindo · 2015–2024.
North Pacific · Costa Rica
Guanacaste in February
Costa Rica in February: dry-season Pacific beaches, with regional differences.
February falls within the dry season on Costa Rica’s Pacific side, including Guanacaste. The Caribbean has a different rainfall pattern, and mountain areas can be cooler. Expect popular routes and parks to draw seasonal demand; reserve key stays and activities early.
- Daytime high
- 33°ERA5 grid · Tamarindo
- Nighttime
- 24°ERA5 grid · Tamarindo
- Wet days
- 1days with ≥1 mm/day
- Relative budget
- Moderate
- February timing
- Pacific dry seasonHigh-demand travel period
Weather: ERA5 via Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · ERA5 grid near Tamarindo · 2015–2024. Not a forecast. See the annual view
February in context
The weather & the season
See where February sits, then plan for your exact week.
33°February high
Travel seasons
February in the year
Seasonal travel guidance, not measured visitor counts.
JanPacific dry-season start
FebDry season
MarDry season
AprDry season
MayGreen season
JunGreen season
JulGreen season
AugGreen season
SepGreen season
OctGreen season
NovTransition
DecTransition
Qualitative season labels based on the cited official destination guidance. They are not visitor counts, occupancy, a crowd score or a forecast.
Plan Pacific days in the morning
The Pacific dry season runs from December to March. Carry water and sun protection, and check local forecasts for each region.
Visit Costa Rica · climate by regionReserve park visits and transfers
February is within the main travel season. Check official park capacity and transport before building a tight itinerary.
SINAC · protected areasMonthly figures & what they measure
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33° | 24° | 0.7 |
| Feb | 33° | 24° | 0.5 |
| Mar | 34° | 25° | 1.3 |
| Apr | 34° | 26° | 10.7 |
| May | 32° | 26° | 24.6 |
| Jun | 31° | 25° | 26.1 |
| Jul | 31° | 25° | 22.4 |
| Aug | 31° | 25° | 25.4 |
| Sep | 31° | 25° | 28.7 |
| Oct | 30° | 25° | 28.4 |
| Nov | 30° | 24° | 18 |
| Dec | 32° | 24° | 4 |
Monthly means calculated from daily ERA5 reanalysis at the cited grid point for 2015–2024. Highs and lows are monthly means of daily maximum and minimum temperature. Wet days count daily precipitation totals of at least 1 mm; monthly counts were averaged across ten complete years. These are planning averages, not a forecast. Qualitative season labels based on the cited official destination guidance. They are not visitor counts, occupancy, a crowd score or a forecast.
Towns, neighbourhoods & resort areas
Guanacaste area guide
Choose an area first, then compare its hotels.
Tamarindo has surf and services; Playa Hermosa is quieter and near Liberia airport; Papagayo is a resort peninsula with longer transfers.
Guanacaste at a glanceChoose a numbered place
Representative area centres, not hotel entrances. Coastlines are generalized and do not show streets or routes.
Natural Earth · public-domain coastline
A social beach base with easy meals and lessons.
A lively surf town with restaurants and tour operators.- Beach & water
- Surf breaks vary by tide and swell; use local instruction.
- Day to day
- Walk the town; use shuttles or a rental car for farther beaches.
- February trade-off
- Tamarindo has restaurants, surf schools and a walkable beach town, with more activity and evening noise.
A quieter beach stay with nearby day trips.
A smaller beach settlement near the Gulf of Papagayo.- Beach & water
- Calmer bay conditions than exposed beaches are possible, not guaranteed.
- Day to day
- Taxi or car for restaurants and excursions; check airport transfer.
- February trade-off
- Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is quieter and more swimming-oriented; confirm the exact province because this name is used in several regions.
A resort-led trip with organised excursions.
Resorts and coves sit across a broad peninsula.- Beach & water
- Beach access and activities depend on the property and cove.
- Day to day
- Plan transfers between resorts, Liberia and other towns.
- February trade-off
- Papagayo is a resort peninsula with a secluded feel and fewer independent services outside hotel grounds.
Stay options for the season
Hotels for a February stay
Compare the pools, setting and seasonal details that matter.
Area view · TamarindoTown-centre hotel beside Tamarindo Beach.1 Tamarindo · Surf town
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Several pools and direct Tamarindo Beach access make it easy to pair surf lessons, town meals and a swim break during Guanacaste’s dry season.
- Multiple outdoor pools listed; ask whether any pool is heated.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
Lively central position; compare room location and festive supplements.
February details & sources
The beachfront address is active into the evening; room position affects noise. Pool heating is unlisted, so do not book on an assumed warm-water promise.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
Tamarindo Diria Beach ResortArea view · Playa HermosaForested beachfront2 Playa Hermosa · Beach village
Hotel Bosque del Mar
A forested beachfront setting suits a slower February stay in Guanacaste, with a smaller bay and local swimming breaks between day trips.
- Pool and beach setting listed; confirm seasonal conditions.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
Quieter location; dining and transport choices are limited nearby.
February details & sources
Playa Hermosa is a common place name; verify this is the Guanacaste property, then weigh its quieter services and transfer needs against Tamarindo.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
Hotel Bosque del MarArea view · Papagayo PeninsulaPapagayo peninsula resort3 Papagayo Peninsula · Resort peninsula
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
A secluded peninsula base for the Pacific dry season, with resort coves and selected villas or the Plunge Pool Suite offering private plunge pools.
- Pools and beach access listed; room package and facilities vary.
- Travellers choosing this area for its setting and facilities
Resort pricing and transfer time; check holiday meal terms.
February details & sources
Private plunge pools are limited to named villa and suite categories, not standard rooms; compare the exact room’s price, inclusions and transfer plan.
The checked official page does not state a December water temperature. Confirm access and temperature with the hotel if swimming is central to the trip.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula PapagayoEditorial hotel positioning, not live rates. Compare dates, room category, taxes, meal plans, transfers and holiday supplements. Facilities checked 2026-10-30. Research from official hotel pages, not personal reviews.
Before you travel
A few checks before Guanacaste
Entry rules, health advice and cover depend on your passport, route and planned activities. Check primary sources close to departure.
Passport & visa
Depends on nationality
Entry permission depends on nationality, onward travel and current rules. Check Costa Rica immigration and consular guidance for the passport you will use.
Health preparation
Route and personal health matter
Yellow-fever proof applies to some arrival routes from risk countries. Review current health advice and routine vaccines with a clinician.
Travel advice & insurance
Check your itinerary
Read travel advice for road safety, weather and local conditions. Insure medical care, evacuation and any adventure activities.
Check your passport, route and entry permission
Rules can differ by nationality, travel purpose and transit history. Confirm the requirements for your passport before booking and again before departure.
Checked 29 October 2026. Recheck the linked authorities before departure. Health guidance is general; individual advice comes from a qualified health professional.
Before you book
A few February questions
February is a strong Pacific-coast month, while the country’s regional climates still differ.
Is February dry across Costa Rica?
The Pacific is in its dry season, but the Caribbean does not have a sharply defined dry season and highlands differ.
Will beaches and parks be busy?
February is within the main travel period. Reserve popular lodging and activities, especially on the Pacific coast.
Which base suits a quieter stay?
Playa Hermosa and Papagayo are calmer than Tamarindo, though Papagayo is more resort-dependent.
Can I swim anywhere on the coast?
No. Surf, currents and beach conditions vary. Follow local safety guidance and check conditions at the specific beach.
Sources & checks
Weather, areas & hotels
- Guanacaste · official destination information
- Visit Costa Rica · climate by region
- Costa Rica Tourism Board · when to visit
- ERA5 climate data · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API
- Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort · official hotel
- Hotel Bosque del Mar · official hotel
- Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo · official hotel
- Costa Rica Immigration · entry requirements
- CDC · Costa Rica health
- UK FCDO · Costa Rica advice
- SINAC · protected areas
- Guanacaste · official destination information
- Guanacaste · official destination information
Keep exploring
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