There’s a version of Santa Teresa in May that not everyone sees.
May is the shoulder season, when the dry season crowds thin out, the hills turn deep green overnight, and the town settles into a quieter, more relaxed version of itself. If you’ve only heard about rainy season in Costa Rica and wondered whether it’s worth the trip, it is. And here is why.
The Landscape Shifts, in the Best Way
May marks the start of rainy season on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, and the transformation is striking. The dusty roads and golden hills of dry season give way to something lusher: vivid greens, heavier air, and a quiet stillness. Rain typically arrives in the afternoons, often in short, dramatic bursts that clear quickly and leave everything cooler and refreshed. Mornings are usually bright and calm, with plenty of time to be outside before the skies shift.
At Fermata, the property takes on a different character this time of year. The gardens deepen. The air smells like rain and earth. It’s the kind of setting that makes it easy to slow down and settle in.
The Surf Doesn’t Stop
One of the better-kept secrets about May in Santa Teresa is that the surf stays consistent. Swells are still reliable, and with fewer people in the water, sessions feel more relaxed. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, conditions are worth showing up for. Plus, there is a surf spot for every level.
Fermata’s in-house surf school, Chorotegas, runs lessons and board rentals year-round. La Lora beach break is right out front, so you can be in the water within minutes of waking up.
A Slower, More Intentional Pace
May is quieter than peak dry season, and that’s a big part of the appeal. Restaurants are easier to get into. Beaches have more breathing room. The town feels more at ease.
That slower energy pairs naturally with travelers seeking some much-needed relaxation time. At Fermata Wellness Center, the schedule runs year-round: yoga, movement classes, massage, and holistic treatments. When the afternoon rain rolls in, it’s a natural prompt to book a treatment, settle into a hammock, or linger over a meal at Fermata Kitchen. The French-Mediterranean menu is built for exactly that.
What to Keep in Mind
Pack a light rain jacket, but don’t let the forecast drive your plans. Rainy season in Santa Teresa isn’t grey or cold. It’s warm, lush, and alive. Most days offer long stretches of sunshine, and even a rainy afternoon has its own rhythm worth leaning into.
May in Santa Teresa
Guests who visit Fermata in May often say it ends up being their favorite time. Not in spite of the rain, but partly because of it. The landscape is lush, the pace is gentler, and the whole experience feels more immersive. We’re open year-round, come see what May in Santa Teresa is really like.
If Fermata in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica sounds like your kind of stay, you can learn more about rooms and availability here.
