There is no bad month to be in Sayulita, but each part of the year feels different. Here is how the seasons generally play out, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
November to December: the season opens
The rains have usually finished by November, the jungle is still green and the days are warm and bright. Humpback whales begin arriving along the coast late in the year. Crowds build steadily towards the Christmas and New Year holidays, which are among the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year, so book early if you want those dates.
January to March: peak winter
This is classic high season: dry, sunny and comfortable, with cooler evenings. Humpback whale sightings are at their best in these months, and north swells bring more consistent surf, better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Expect the town to be lively and plan restaurant and tour bookings ahead.
April and May: warm and settling
Days warm up and the pace starts to ease after Semana Santa (Easter week), another very busy holiday period. May is typically hot and dry, with smaller waves that suit beginners.
June to August: green season begins
The rainy season generally starts in June. Rain tends to arrive as short, heavy storms in the afternoon or overnight rather than all-day drizzle, and the ocean is at its warmest. Gentler summer surf makes this a good time to learn, and prices and crowds usually drop.
September and October: the quietest months
These are typically the wettest months and fall within the peak of hurricane season on this coast, so flexibility and good travel insurance make sense. In return you get the calmest town of the year and the lowest rates. Sea turtle nesting and hatching season also runs through these months along parts of the coast.
Quick summary
- Driest, sunniest weather: roughly November to May.
- Whale watching: roughly late November to March, best in mid-winter.
- Beginner-friendly surf: generally late spring and summer.
- Busiest weeks: Christmas–New Year and Semana Santa.
- Quietest and best value: September and October.
Whenever you come, a private rooftop with a heated plunge pool makes a good place to spend the hottest part of the afternoon. See the Casa Tigre rooftop.