High Season vs Low Season in Guanacaste: What Buyers & Investors Should Know

If you’ve spent any time watching the real estate or rental market in Guanacaste, you’ve probably heard the same question over and over again:

“Is it better to buy during high season or wait until low season?”

The truth is, both seasons offer different advantages — and smart buyers understand how to take advantage of each one. Guanacaste is a year-round market with strong demand, consistent tourism, and steady investment activity, but the dynamics do shift depending on the time of year.

Here’s a practical breakdown of how high season and low season work in Costa Rica, and how they impact buyers, sellers, investors, and anyone looking to understand this beautiful region’s real estate rhythm.

Understanding the Seasons in Guanacaste

Guanacaste has two primary seasons:

High Season (December–April)

Dry, sunny, and packed with visitors.Perfect beach weather, constant activities, and strong rental demand.

Low Season / Green Season (May–November)

Lush, green, quieter, and tropical.More local life, lower prices, and longer stays from digital nomads.

Both seasons are valuable — just for different reasons.

High Season: When the Market Feels the Most Active

High season in Guanacaste is electric. Buyers arrive from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, escaping winter and exploring their dream of owning property in Costa Rica.

Why High Season Drives More Real Estate Activity:

• More foot traffic

• More property tours

• More open houses

• More impulse interest from travelers

• Strong demand for vacation rentals

• Higher revenue for investment properties

If you’re selling, high season is a powerful time to list.If you’re buying, the market moves fast, and desirable properties can go under contract quickly.

Advantages for Buyers in High Season

1. You can experience properties at full lifestyle value

You’ll see:

• the energy of the town

• peak beach conditions

• real rental demand

• traffic patterns

• community vibe

It’s the perfect time to assess what life will actually feel like in the “high-energy” months.

2. You’ll understand true rental potential

Seeing occupancy firsthand helps buyers evaluate:

• nightly rates

• guest volume

• seasonal ROI

• management needs

3. More inventory comes online

Sellers purposely list in high season for visibility — which means buyers have more options.

Disadvantages for Buyers in High Season

• More competition

• Less negotiating power

• Faster sales cycles

• Higher list-to-sale ratios

Desirable homes and condos move quickly, especially in Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, Playa Grande, and Las Catalinas.

Low Season: The Secret Advantage for Strategic Buyers

Low season — also called green season — is one of the best times to make smart investment decisions in Guanacaste.

The weather is tropical, the landscape is greener and more beautiful, and the beaches are quieter. The real estate market also becomes more approachable.

Why Low Season Benefits Buyers:

• Less competition

• More negotiating power

• Sellers more open to discussion

• Fewer bidding wars

• Longer time to explore options

• Strong discounts on certain listings

Low season is ideal for buyers who want a calmer environment and more flexible conversations around offers.

Advantages for Investors in Low Season

1. Better Negotiation Window

Sellers who listed in high season but didn’t secure an offer may become more flexible in low season.

2. Ideal Time to Renovate or Furnish

If you plan:

• upgrades

• furnishing

• improvements

• professional photography

…the green season is the perfect time to prepare before high season rental demand returns.

3. Strong Long-Stay Rental Demand

Digital nomads often stay 1–3 months during green season, which helps stabilize occupancy between peak seasons.

Disadvantages for Buyers in Low Season

• Certain developments reduce showing availability

• Roads in some areas may be more impacted by rain

• Harder to judge rental performance without peak-season context

This is where local market guidance helps you understand the full picture.

How Investors Use Both Seasons Strategically

Smart investors don’t choose between high and low season — they use each one intentionally:

Buy in Low Season → Rent in High Season → Profit All Year

This strategy works extremely well in Guanacaste and allows investors to:

• secure better purchase terms

• renovate before peak demand

• maximize holiday-season rental rates

• stabilize income during green season

Most of the highest-performing investment properties follow this exact model.

What Sellers Should Know

High Season = Maximum Visibility

If you want:

• more tours

• more eyes

• faster offers

• premium pricing

…high season is the time to list.

Low Season = Motivated Buyers

Low season attracts more serious buyers who aren’t impulse-shopping — they’ve made the trip because they’re ready to invest.

This means quality leads, longer conversations, and stronger long-term deals.

What Buyers Should Ask Themselves

1. Do I want the full lifestyle experience?→ Shop in high season.

2. Do I want more negotiating power and fewer crowds?→ Shop in low season.

3. Do I want rental income immediately?→ Buy right before high season begins.

4. Do I want to renovate before renting?→ Buy in low season.

Final Thoughts: Both Seasons Have a Purpose

The beauty of the Guanacaste market is that there’s no “bad” season.Just different advantages depending on your goals.

High season is ideal for:

• lifestyle-focused buyers

• investors evaluating rental performance

• sellers seeking top visibility

• competitive properties in prime locations

Low season is ideal for:

• negotiation

• strategic investors

• buyers who want time and space

• renovation and preparation

• long-term planning

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding these seasonal rhythms helps you make smart, informed decisions that align with both your lifestyle and financial goals.

If you want help timing the market or exploring properties in either season, I’m here to guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.