In January, Samara wakes early. Fishermen push their boats off the sand, surf instructors line boards up along the beach, and the first light turns the curve of the bay a pale gold while pelicans skim the water.
By midmorning the town is flip-flops and sunscreen, with smoothie stands open and families spread out under the almond trees. It is the heart of the dry season on the Nicoya Peninsula, a month for sun, easy waves and long days outdoors.
What is the weather like in Samara in January?
January in Samara is hot, sunny and almost completely dry, the kind of weather that makes plans simple. Rain is a rare event, and when a shower does pass it is brief.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 85.6 | 74.9 | 5.5 | 84.4 |
| January | 88.7 | 75.3 | 1.3 | 85.1 |
| February | 90.8 | 75.9 | 1.0 | 85.6 |
Mornings are the best hours for anything active. The air is warm but still soft, the sand is not yet scorching, and the light is clear for walks along the bay or a first surf lesson. By early afternoon the sun is strong, so shade, a hat and a cold drink become part of the routine, and many people retreat to a hammock or a pool until the heat eases.
You can dine outdoors in a T-shirt during the evening, since the warmth makes a jacket unnecessary. Nights hold their warmth, so a fan or air conditioning matters more than a blanket. Sunsets over the Pacific are a daily habit here, and the town drifts toward the beach as the sky turns orange.
The little rain there is tends to arrive as a short passing shower rather than a gray day, and the countryside around town is drier and browner than in the green months. Light, breathable clothes, sunscreen and plenty of water suit this weather far better than rain gear.
Can you swim in Samara in January?
Yes, the sea is warm enough for long, lazy swims, and Samara’s bay is one of the friendlier places on this coast to get in the water. The sea feels like a warm bath at midday and only slightly cooler at dawn.
A wide curved bay holds this beach, where the water stays shallow and a reef plus an island offshore break up the waves near the shore. That is why families and first-time surfers favor it, and why you see beginners standing up on small, rolling waves all morning. Kayaking and paddling are also popular on the sheltered water.
Even so, conditions change with the tide and the swell, so treat any day as variable. Along this coast, rip currents pose a serious hazard and are to blame for the deaths by drowning of a number of American visitors every year, while lifeguards are absent at most beaches, as are any alerts about dangerous conditions.
Check with people who live there or with a surf school about how the day looks, obey whatever flags are posted, and stay close enough to grab your kids. Bring a rash guard, a hat and sunscreen, since the sun on the water is intense.
What to do in Samara in January
January brings the long summer school break, so the town feels festive, with beach picnics, volleyball on the sand and restaurants setting out extra tables. New Year’s Day is a national holiday, and the first days of the month carry a relaxed, leftover-celebration mood. Nearby in Guanacaste, the Fiestas Civicas of Santa Cruz fill that town in mid-January with bull-riding, parades and street food, and it is a lively outing for anyone who wants a taste of local tradition beyond the beach.
Food in Samara runs to fresh fish, ceviche and the classic casado, a plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and your choice of fish, chicken or beef. Mornings start with gallo pinto, the rice-and-beans mix served with eggs, and afternoons call for a cold coconut or a fruit smoothie. Small seaside restaurants and beach bars light up at dusk.
Surfing and the calm bay
Samara is a natural place to try surfing for the first time. The waves are gentle and rolling, and schools line the beach offering lessons, with boards you can also rent for a casual session. Dry-season mornings can feel pleasant before the day’s strongest heat, but the tide and swell still determine the conditions.
If surfing is not your thing, the bay is made for wading, floating and walking the long sand at low tide. Kayaking toward Isla Chora is another favorite, often paired with snorkeling and chances to spot pelicans, frigatebirds, rays or fish near the reef. Late afternoon is lovely for a paddle, when the heat softens.
It suits beginners, families and anyone who wants the ocean without big drama. Strong swimmers and experienced surfers may want to look beyond the sheltered stretch for more power, but there is plenty to do in the bay itself. Always check with the school or locals on the day.
Horse riding and day trips
Horse riding is a Samara tradition, and January’s dry trails make it a good month for it. Rides wander along the beach and into the hills behind town, with views over the bay and farmland. Mornings and late afternoons are the comfortable hours, when the sun is lower.
A popular day trip heads to Playa Carrillo, a nearby beach with a long, palm-lined curve of sand that feels more open and quiet than the main town beach. It is a nice change for a picnic, a walk or a swim, and you can pair it with lunch at a simple seaside spot. Bring water and shade, as there is little cover on some stretches.
Wildfires commonly occur between January and the end of May in Guanacaste and the northern region, so the landscape inland can look dry and smoky at times. Plan outings with some flexibility and keep an eye on local conditions when heading into the countryside.
A two-day itinerary for Samara in January
Day 1 is about the bay. Start at first light, when the beach is cool and quiet and the sun rises into a clear sky. Take a walk along the sand, then take a surf lesson or a kayak outing after checking the day’s tide and swell. Breakfast at a café in town, with gallo pinto and fresh fruit, fits perfectly after.
Spend the hottest hours in the shade, with a long lunch of ceviche or a casado at a small restaurant and perhaps a siesta. In the late afternoon, return to the beach for a swim and a stroll toward the island end of the bay. Daylight lasts nearly twelve hours, so sunset arrives in the early evening, a good moment for a drink at a beach bar.
Day 2 takes you out of town. Go early to Playa Carrillo, with a picnic or a simple beachside breakfast, and enjoy the wide, calm stretch before the day heats up. Come back for lunch in town and an afternoon horse ride into the hills, when the light is softer and the air cooler.
Finish with dinner at a seafood spot and a stroll along the main street. If a rare shower or smoky haze changes things, switch to a cooking class, a long café afternoon or a quiet hour browsing local shops.
Is Samara busy in January?
Yes, January is one of the busier months, because Costa Rican schools are on their long summer break from December into early February, which keeps the beaches full.
Costa Rican families, North American travelers escaping winter and surf-trip groups all share the same stretch of sand. The bay is wide, but the holiday period feels busier both in town and on the beach. New Year’s Day and the days around it are the most crowded.
Expect the holiday weeks to be busy. Weekdays and mornings are quieter, and the beach before nine is often nearly empty.
What to pack for Samara in January
Pack for sun, heat and the water, and keep it light.
- Lightweight, breathable clothes, since days are hot and nights stay warm.
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, because the sun on the beach is strong.
- A rash guard, which protects shoulders during surf lessons and long swims.
- Sandals and water shoes for the beach and for walking across hot sand.
- A refillable water bottle, as hydration matters on active, sunny days.
- A light layer for air-conditioned rooms and breezy evenings.
Good to know before you go
The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica Level 2, ‘Exercise increased caution,’ due to crime; it says petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica and that violent crime also affects tourists, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.
January falls in the dry season, so the main practical concerns are crowds and heat rather than storms. Book rooms and surf lessons early, and plan to do active things in the morning. Rip currents are a real risk on many Pacific beaches, so stay alert to conditions.
A valid passport for the length of your stay is required, and you need a return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country. Authorities may allow stays of up to 180 days without a visa, though this is not guaranteed.
Samara in January vs December and February
Moving a month earlier brings a bit more rain, with showers more likely, a greener landscape and a slightly cooler feel. December also has the Christmas and New Year crowds, which can be intense, so rooms are tight in the holiday weeks. The sea is a touch cooler but still very comfortable.
February is hotter and just as dry, with the sea at its warmest of the three months. The school break ends in early February, so the town gets a little calmer as the month goes on. Nature and landscape are drier and browner, and the heat of the afternoons is more noticeable.
Travelers who like a greener countryside and don’t mind a shower should look at December. Those who want the driest, sunniest beach days with a bit more room should consider late February. January sits in the middle, with reliable sun and a lively atmosphere, and suits anyone who wants festive energy and a full calendar of outings.
Is January a good time to visit Samara?
Yes, January is a very good time to visit, especially for beach lovers, families and first-time surfers who want sun and a gentle sea.
It suits travelers who like a social, lively atmosphere, who plan their days around the morning and the late afternoon, and who book ahead. Those who prefer quiet, empty beaches or a green, lush countryside may be happier in another month. On arrival, the best first move is a walk along the bay at sunset, to get a feel for the water and the town’s rhythm, then a surf lesson or kayak outing booked for the next morning.
What makes January special in Samara is the combination of warm, sheltered water, clear skies and a town in holiday mood, with the Fiestas Civicas of Santa Cruz not far away. Mornings of pelicans and glassy waves, afternoons in the shade and evenings by the sea make a simple, happy rhythm.
Sources
- Open-Meteo / ECMWF ERA5, normals 1991-2020 computed for the grid cell at 9.8814N 85.5262W, checked October 8, 2026
- Open-Meteo Marine API, average 2015-2024, checked October 8, 2026
- sunrise-sunset.org, sunrise and sunset calculated for the 15th of the month, checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Information, Safety and security (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html), checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Advisory, issued April 1, 2026 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/costa-rica-travel-advisory.html), read via the State Department open data API on October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Information, Entry and exit requirements (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html), checked October 8, 2026