The Truth About High Season vs. Low Season: How Each Affects Real Estate in Guanacaste

If you’ve spent any time in Costa Rica — especially Guanacaste — you’ve probably felt the energetic shift between seasons. High season brings vibrant beaches, packed restaurants, steady sunshine, and constant movement. Low season arrives with warm rains, green hills, quieter towns, and a slower, softer rhythm.

For homeowners and investors, understanding the difference between the two seasons is incredibly valuable. Both play a big role in real estate appreciation, rental demand, ROI, lifestyle, and the long-term performance of your home or investment.

Here’s a clear look at how each season shapes the real estate market — and why both high and low season matter more than ever in Guanacaste.

1. High Season: December – April

Where Sunshine Meets High Demand

High season is Costa Rica’s golden window. The weather is dry, sunny, and picture-perfect. Tourism peaks. Flights fill up. Restaurants and hotels run at capacity. And real estate activity surges.

What High Season Means for Homeowners & Investors:

✔ Strongest Rental Income of the Year

Occupancy rates soar — especially during Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter (Semana Santa).Luxury homes can book months in advance at premium nightly rates.

✔ Higher Buyer Traffic

This is when serious buyers arrive in full force.Private tours, open houses, and investment consultations hit peak volume.

✔ The Best Time to Sell

More buyers = stronger demand = better offers.Homes show beautifully during sunny months.

✔ Tourism + Real Estate Momentum

The buzz of high season drives interest in newly listed homes, condos, villas, and development properties.

Lifestyle Snapshot:

Sunset cocktails, dry sandy roads, international energy, and nonstop activity.It’s the season where Guanacaste truly shines.

2. Low Season: May – November

The Green Season That Investors Are Learning to Love

For years, low season felt overlooked — but not anymore. Thanks to digital nomads, long-term visitors, and flexible remote work lifestyles, the low season is quickly becoming one of Guanacaste’s strongest hidden assets.

What Low Season Offers:

✔ Lower Competition for Buyers

Less foot traffic = more negotiating power.Buyers take their time, explore more deeply, and often secure great opportunities.

✔ Steady Long-Term Rental Demand

Remote workers and families prefer the quieter green months.Monthly stays have surged, providing consistent income.

✔ Lower Operating Costs

AC runs less, pools stay cooler, and utilities drop.Homes “rest” between peak periods.

✔ The Most Beautiful Time of Year

Rain brings green hills, cooler temps, and lush landscapes.Waterfalls are flowing, wildlife is active, and sunsets are dramatic.

✔ Incredible Lifestyle Value

For people living here part-time or full-time, the low season is a dream: slower roads, easier reservations, cooler evenings, and a deeper connection to nature.

3. How High & Low Season Impact Investment Performance

Here’s what investors want to know:

High Season = Income Months

This is where most annual revenue is earned.Luxury villas can generate 60–70% of their total yearly income in just 4–5 months.

Low Season = Occupancy Months

Long-term stays keep properties full.Lower nightly rates balance with longer, more stable bookings.

Combined = Strong Year-Round ROI

This blend allows investors to achieve:

• excellent cash flow

• strong annual income

• year-round occupancy

• repeat guests

Many investors now build strategies that intentionally blend both seasons to maximize returns.

4. How Seasons Influence Market Trends

During High Season:

• New listings perform well

• Luxury buyers fly in

• Families tour schools and communities

• Sellers feel confident

• Investors run ROI analyses on rentals

• Developers launch new projects

The market becomes fast-paced and competitive.

During Low Season:

• Buyers explore off-market opportunities

• Developers offer incentives

• Sellers may be more flexible

• Inventory is easier to tour

• Savvy investors make moves before prices climb in December

Seasonal cycles help balance the market, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

5. The Lifestyle Difference: Who Loves What Season?

High Season Attracts:

• vacation travelers

• holiday renters

• luxury second-home buyers

• high-spending tourists

• short-term visitors

Low Season Attracts:

• digital nomads

• remote workers

• families relocating

• wellness travelers

• surfers (AMAZING swells)

• long-term renters

Both seasons bring a completely different type of energy — and both are valuable in different ways.

6. Should You Buy in High Season or Low Season?

Honestly?Whenever you’re ready.But there are seasonal benefits depending on your strategy.

Best Time for Investors:

Low season

• more inventory choices

• slower pace

• negotiating power

• easier inspections

• flexible closing timelines

Best Time for Lifestyle Buyers:

High season

• better feel for the community

• easier to test restaurants, schools, beaches

• you experience the full coastal lifestyle

There is no wrong answer — only your timing and your goals.

Final Thoughts: Both Seasons Are Part of the Magic

High season is electric, sunny, and full of momentum.Low season is relaxed, lush, and deeply connected to nature.

For homeowners and investors, the beauty of Guanacaste is that both seasons work together to create a stable, growing, thriving real estate market. Whether you’re buying, renting, investing, or relocating, understanding the seasonal rhythm helps you make better decisions — and enjoy every moment of life here.

If you’d like help analyzing rental potential, comparing seasonal ROI, or exploring homes that thrive in both markets, I’m here to guide you through it with clarity and local insight.