Seasons on the Trails: What to Expect Year-Round in Guanacaste
We get a lot of questions from riders planning a visit about how the seasons in Costa Rica affect mountain biking—especially here in Guanacaste.
The simple answer? We really only have two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. But what makes this place unique is that we’re riding through a tropical dry forest—a landscape shaped by resilience and change throughout the year.
Tropical dry forests experience long periods without rain—often six months or more—and are home to unique species found nowhere else. They’re also some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, especially in coastal regions like ours. Riding here isn’t just about the trails—it’s about experiencing a landscape that is constantly adapting.
Dry Season (November–April)
Dry Season (November–April)
As the dry season sets in, the forest begins to shed its leaves to conserve water. The landscape opens up, the sun is strong, and the trails dry out.
This is a shot of Las Catalinas during February. You can still see some leaves on the trees.
November and December are some of the best months to ride. The trails still hold moisture from the rainy season, making them tacky and fast, with just enough foliage left for a vibrant backdrop and some shade.
This is a shot of the white faced monkeys in April.
Rainy Season (May–November)
When the rains return, everything changes—and quickly. The forest turns green almost overnight, the canopy fills in, and the trails transform.
May and June often bring the first consistent rains, and with them, some of the best riding conditions of the year. The trails firm up, gaining that perfect “tacky” feel riders love. And while you might get caught in the rain, it’s part of the experience—the rain is warm, refreshing, and our trails are designed to handle it well, with good drainage and soil that absorbs or sheds water efficiently with out getting overly muddy..
In October, beside a stream on the trails.
Trails in May when the leaves are just coming back!
It’s also worth noting: it doesn’t rain all day, every day. There are plenty of sunny windows to get out and ride.
July and August offer a bit of a break, often with lighter rains and predictable afternoon showers.
September and October are the wettest months, but they bring a different kind of magic. Expect lush greenery, flowing streams, and even the chance to ride past small waterfalls, the experience is unforgettable.
October and the trees have all their leaves!
Why It’s Always a Good Time to Ride
No matter the season, the trails at Las Catalinas offer something different—and something worth experiencing. From dry, dusty singletrack with wide-open views to grippy, jungle-lined trails alive with sound and color, the riding here evolves with the forest.
If you’re looking for perfect conditions, you’ll find them at different times throughout the year. But if you’re open to the full experience—the heat, the rain, the wildlife, and the changing landscape—you’ll discover that there’s no “off-season” here. Just different ways to ride.
So come ride with us. Whether it’s your first time on the trails or your hundredth, there’s always something new waiting out there.
In August, enjoying the leaves for shade and the tacky trails.