Dry season in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula: calendar and cattle feeding plan
Published: 02 sept 2026 · Agrícola LG Calderón
When the dry season starts and ends in the North Pacific, how it affects pasture, and a month-by-month plan so your herd keeps condition and production.
Short answer: in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula the dry season runs roughly from December to April, with the toughest months in February, March and April. Grass stops growing and loses quality, and cattle lose weight and production unless feeding is planned from October.
Indicative North Pacific calendar
| Month | Weather | Pasture | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct–Nov | Last rains | Plentiful | Reserve and order silage, check troughs and water |
| Dec–Jan | Dry season begins, wind | Starts running short | Introduce silage gradually as a supplement |
| Feb–Mar | Full dry season, heat | Scarce and dry | Silage as the base of the diet, plus fiber and minerals |
| Apr | End of the dry season | Minimal | Keep the full ration, monitor body condition |
| May | First rains | Regrowth | Reduce silage gradually; don't turn cattle onto tender grass all at once |
Dates vary each year; in El Niño years the dry season starts earlier and lasts longer.
Feeding plan in 4 steps
- Calculate the need before the dry season: animals × kg of silage per day × dry days. Use the bag calculation guide.
- Secure supply in October–November: silage is made in the rainy season and demand rises in January.
- Adapt the herd over 5–7 days, starting with small rations.
- Watch water, shade and minerals. Water intake rises in the dry season, and lack of shade reduces feed intake.
Warning signs
- Cows losing body condition (visible ribs and hips).
- Milk production dropping more than 10–15 %.
- Calves growing slowly or cows not coming into heat.
If you see these signs, increase the silage ration and consult your technician. Agrícola LG Calderón produces corn silage in the Nicoya Peninsula and delivers in Guanacaste and Puntarenas; request a quote early to secure your dry-season reserve.
The figures in this guide are general management references; for a precise ration consult your veterinarian or animal nutritionist.
Frequently asked questions
When is the dry season in Guanacaste?
Roughly from December to April, with the toughest months in February, March and April. Dates vary from year to year.
When should I buy silage for the dry season?
Ideally reserve it in October or November, before demand rises in January, and calculate the amount based on your number of animals.
How do I switch cattle from pasture to silage?
Gradually, over 5–7 days, starting with small rations so the rumen adapts.
What else do cattle need in the dry season besides feed?
Plenty of clean water, shade and free-choice mineral salt; without them feed intake drops.