Planning home tours or a move in Escazú during Costa Rica’s dry season can be a smart play. Clear skies, bright light and steady schedules make everything from showings to moving days more predictable. If you are trying to sell, you want your home to look its best. If you are buying, you want clean inspections and seamless logistics. In this guide, you will learn how to time showings, photos, inspections and moves around the dry season, plus get a month-by-month checklist to keep you on track. Let’s dive in.
Dry season basics in Escazú
Escazú sits in the Central Valley at roughly 1,000 to 1,200 meters of elevation. The climate is milder than the coasts, with warm, sunny days and cooler nights in the dry season. The dry season typically runs from December through April, with a transition in November and the rains returning around May.
These months bring more daylight and fewer weather surprises. That is ideal for exterior photos, buyer showings, roof and paint work, and move-in logistics. The dry season also overlaps with peak tourist travel, which can increase international buyer visits and tighten schedules for movers and rental cars.
Showings and open houses
Best windows and scheduling tips
- Early December is excellent for exterior photos and kickoff showings before many residents leave for holiday travel.
- January and February offer stable weather, strong light and reliable schedules.
- March remains productive, but plan around Semana Santa if it falls in March or early April.
- Confirm all appointments early during holiday weeks. Build flexibility into weekend and evening slots.
Buyer traffic patterns to expect
- International buyer activity often rises in the dry season because more visitors are in-country.
- Local buyers may be less available in late December and during Semana Santa due to travel.
- If your target buyer is local, cluster showings outside peak holiday windows. If you are targeting international buyers, keep weekends open and have a clear plan for quick follow-ups.
Photography and marketing visuals
Light and timing for best results
Bright sun and clear skies show off city and mountain views. To avoid harsh shadows and glare, schedule exterior and drone shoots in the early morning or late afternoon. Golden-hour light helps exteriors and terraces look even and inviting.
Gardens, hardscape and pools
By late dry season, lawns and some ornamentals can look stressed without irrigation. Keep curb appeal fresh with these quick touches:
- Test and set irrigation timers before you list.
- Add potted plants and cut flowers for color.
- Edge and mow, refresh mulch, and pressure clean hardscape.
- Service and balance pools a day before photos and showings.
Check for any local water conservation advisories before scheduling heavier outdoor watering. In some late-season weeks, utilities may recommend temporary conservation.
Aerials and permissions
Dry season delivers excellent airborne visuals. If you plan drone shots, verify building or HOA rules and follow aviation authority guidance, especially given the proximity to Juan Santamaría Airport. Always secure permissions before the shoot date.
Inspections and property condition
What to prioritize in dry season
Dry conditions are ideal for roof checks, exterior paint and stucco evaluations, structural walkarounds and wood rot inspections. These jobs are faster and more accurate when everything is dry. Pest inspections can run year-round, but clear weather helps with access and visibility.
What dry weather can hide
Drainage and moisture problems often show up only under sustained rain. During the dry season, ask for records of any wet-season leaks, gutter overflows or grading corrections. If stormwater is a concern, consider a contract contingency or plan a limited follow-up check once the rains return.
Testing systems and documentation
Septic or sewer flow issues may not be as obvious when it is dry. Verify municipal sewer connections where relevant and review maintenance records. Keep all past repair invoices, photos and timelines organized so buyers can see what has been addressed.
Moving logistics in Escazú
Lead times and booking windows
Demand for movers, rental trucks and international shipping peaks during the dry season. Plan ahead:
- Domestic moves: book reputable movers 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Book earlier around late December and Semana Santa.
- International moves: secure shipping and customs handling 8 to 12 or more weeks ahead to lock vessel space.
- High-demand months: December, January and March often book out first.
Buildings, HOAs and permits
Many condominiums in Escazú require advance reservations for service elevators, move permits, liability deposits and set hours. Confirm rules and secure a time slot early. If your street is narrow or parking is tight, check municipal requirements for temporary no-parking signs or truck permits and notify neighbors and building management.
Traffic, airport and timing
Weekday commuter traffic toward San José can slow trucks. Whenever possible, plan mid-day moves within building hours. If airport pickups are part of your plan, expect busier terminals and higher rental car demand in high season. Book transport in advance and build buffer time into your day.
Utilities and final-mile tasks
Aim to schedule electricity, water and internet transfers 2 to 4 weeks before your move. Line up trash and bulky-item disposal according to municipal or HOA calendars. In late dry season, keep an eye on any local water conservation notices and avoid heavy outdoor cleaning during advisories.
Safety, health and comfort
Escazú is milder than the coast, but sun exposure still adds up. Keep water, shade and sunscreen on hand for moving crews and family members. If a property has been closed up, arrange a quick pest check before you move in.
Month-by-month checklist
November: prep for the season
- Sellers: service irrigation systems, trim gardens and plan fresh plantings to peak in December.
- Buyers: line up lender pre-approvals and inspection partners for December listings.
- Movers: start collecting quotes and comparing schedules for December through April.
December: start strong
- Sellers: schedule exterior photos in early December on clear days. Create a holiday-aware showing plan with flexible hours.
- Buyers: if you are visiting, book showings well in advance. Some owners will be away mid to late month.
- Movers: avoid moving on major holiday dates and confirm availability early.
January: high season momentum
- Sellers: host weekend open houses and keep irrigation steady so lawns hold color.
- Buyers: prioritize inspections that benefit from dry conditions, such as roofs and exteriors.
- Movers: demand is strong. Confirm bookings and any needed parking permits.
February: smooth and stable
- Sellers: schedule exterior repairs or painting that need dry weather.
- Buyers: finalize offers and inspections to close before the rains.
- Movers: plan 4 to 6 weeks ahead for preferred dates.
March: plan around holidays
- Sellers: coordinate showings around Semana Santa travel. Prepare for possible water restrictions as April approaches.
- Buyers: request disclosures about any wet-season issues from the prior year.
- Movers: avoid scheduling during Semana Santa when vendors and building staff may be limited.
April: transition month
- Sellers: wrap exterior photos and showings early in April. Highlight any dry-season improvements like fresh paint or roof work.
- Buyers: remember that upcoming rains can reveal drainage or roof leaks that were not visible earlier.
- Movers: if moving later in April, plan for wet-weather protection for boxes and furniture.
May: wet-season follow-up
- Sellers and buyers: consider a limited wet-season follow-up inspection if drainage or leak risk is a concern.
- Buyers: if you closed during the dry season, request a wet-season walk-through where possible.
- Movers: add waterproofing steps to your packing plan.
For sellers: dry season game plan
- Refresh curb appeal. Service irrigation, add potted color, and clean hardscape and windows before photos.
- Sequence your visuals. Capture exteriors early in the day, interiors after. Time pool service for the day before showings.
- Prep for inspections. Handle any obvious roof, gutter or paint maintenance while weather is dry.
- Manage the calendar. Offer flexible showing windows around holiday periods and confirm all appointments early.
- Organize records. Keep receipts and photos of maintenance and any wet-season fixes to build buyer confidence.
For buyers: dry season strategy
- Book early. Set viewing tours and inspections ahead of travel. Vendors and agents are busier in peak months.
- Focus your inspections. Use the dry weather for roof, exterior and structural checks. Ask for wet-season disclosures.
- Plan contingencies. If stormwater is a concern, consider a follow-up inspection once rains start or negotiate credits based on documented risks.
- Line up logistics. Reserve movers, storage and airport transport as soon as you have a target closing date.
Why dry season timing adds value
Clear weather reduces uncertainty. Your photographer delivers better visuals. Your contractor can paint, patch and seal without delays. Your moving truck arrives on time. In a market where first impressions matter, these small advantages add up to faster timelines and stronger outcomes.
Ready to plan your dry season move or sale in Escazú with a single, design-forward partner? Connect with Bryana Conway for integrated brokerage, staging, and construction oversight that brings your plan together with one accountable team.
FAQs
Is the dry season the best time to list in Escazú?
- Dry season offers reliable light, clear views and steady showing conditions, which is favorable for listing, especially if you are targeting international buyers. Plan around late December and Semana Santa when local availability dips.
Will a dry-season inspection miss rainy-season problems in Escazú?
- It can. Drainage, roof leaks and grading issues may be less visible. Ask for wet-season disclosures and consider a contingency or a follow-up inspection once rains begin.
How far in advance should I book movers for January to March in Escazú?
- Book domestic moves 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For international shipping or containers, plan 8 to 12 or more weeks in advance due to high-season demand.
Are drones allowed for real estate photos in Escazú’s dry season?
- Drone flights are regulated and may be restricted near the airport or by HOAs. Get the required permissions and confirm building rules before scheduling aerial photography.
What quick fixes make gardens look good in dry season showings?
- Use temporary supplemental watering if allowed, add potted flowering plants, trim and mulch, clean hardscape, and ensure the pool is clean and balanced before photos and visits.
