Costa Rica Guide does have a pretty decent map that shows it more or less but if you go to the weather specialist during the rainy season, you can find out more about each location. Elevation plays a role in the climate of various areas as well. We have two main seasons, the Dry Season and the Rain Season. The rest of the Pacific side and much of the central mountains follow a similar pattern although with more precipitation in general. The sun sets about 6:00 p.m. year round. It is the rainforest after all…. Search : Search. Bars and nightclubs are much more fun and there is an audience for live music and other performances. Don’t forget they call it summer even though it’s Christmas time. A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the month of: May, June, July, August, September and October. The longest days in Costa Rica are in June, with an average of 12.7 hours of daylight per day.December has the shortest days with an average of 11.5 hours of daylight per day.. Averages of summer temperature reach 32 °C (90 °F). Inland rainforest destinations such as Arenal, Sarapiqui or Turrialba usually have daytime temperatures between the mid-70s to mid-80s and nighttime temps around the upper 60s to mid-70s. September is the second-rainiest month of the year in most of Costa Rica, especially during La Niña Many Costa Rica regulars prefer the green season, but there are some disadvantages as well. Sunshine levels get up to seven or eight hours of sunshine per day with March and April seeing the sunniest weather of the year. It is less likely that it will rain even in the rainforest, and in some areas, notably Guanacaste and Nicoya it’s downright arid. Somewhere it’s sunny, somewhere it’s raining, somewhere it’s dry, somewhere it’s hot, somewhere it’s cool… Contact us to get an itinerary suited to the current weather in Costa Rica. Best Time to Visit San Jose, Costa Rica - Weather Year Round. using Weatherbase's weather averages and normals. The rainy/wet/winter months are known as the “Green Season” for tourism marketing purposes. Tornadoes are very uncommon in Costa Rica. For example, Guanacaste has a dry arid climate as it sits on the lowlands. Nighttime temperature will usually be around the upper 70s. The main reason for the diversity in Costa Rica’s weather is the various elevations at which different parts of the country are located. There are however annual patterns which you can plan travel around to maximize your odds of taking advantage of the best weather. The best time of year to visit Ojochal in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Average Weather in San José Costa Rica. Many refer to the Rain Season as the Green Season as everything is lush and in bloom at this time of the year. Those long summer nights are a polar phenomenon and this close to the equator the days are only a few minutes longer. Costa Rica Weather Forecast. From Christmas until the end of the first week in January, and Easter week are double jeopardy periods with lots of international travelers, and many Ticos traveling (the beaches are especially crowded). Sunshine is plentiful throughout both dry and rainy seasons, with an average year-found temperature of 72ºF in the Central Valley.These weather conditions are budget friendly with utility bills, as air conditioning is rarely used and heaters are not necessary. Holiday Weather - We provide weather averages for Costa Rica, Mexico. Unlike other countries with four established seasons, the climate in Costa Rica can easily be divided into two seasons: rainy and dry. Further up the Pacific coast, in areas such as the Guanacaste beaches, the rains do not noticeably hit until around mid-July and the significant rains usually only last during the months of September and October. It sounds way better than rainy. Annual Weather Averages Near San Jose. The seasonal patterns vary by location and generally depend on which slope of the Talamanca Mountain range the destination is located on. During these drizzly days, it was clear and sunny on the opposite side of the country, so we could have avoided the rain had we thought it was a real annoyance. While the north is blanketed in snow December through April Costa Rica is enjoying “summer”. Northwest Pacific Weather. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year, but some areas in Costa Rica’s mountains can get 25 feet of … Coastal areas of Costa Rica are generally hot with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-80s to mid-90s most days. Costa Rica's Carribean Coast. Hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea generally only hit starting at latitude 15 and north. We have a section of our website which addresses when you should visit Costa Rica. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern with more consistent rainfall year round but noticeable decreases centered on October and March. Rainfall is just one of the factors that goes into determining the best time to visit Costa Rica and by its very nature weather is unpredictable. And bring along some eco-friendly bug spray as well. The perfect time to visit Guancaste is year around. The high/dry season from January through March means higher prices and more crowds. Unsure of what to do? Both coasts have a more traditional tropical climate, although as you can see, there are some regional differences. We have two main seasons, the Dry Season and the Rain Season. If I were to provide one final piece of advice, it would be to bring a light rain jacket, no matter what time of the year you are visiting (Costa Rica packing list). Here are some average weather facts we collected from our historical climate data: On average, the temperatures are always high. In La Fortuna, the wet season is oppressive and overcast, the dry season is humid and partly cloudy, and it is hot year round. The Climate in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Cartago, Costa Rica - Travel and vacation weather averages, current conditions and forecasts. With that said, we can receive some of the outer storms generated by hurricanes, but not often. Sort by: Resort ; London 338813: Tenerife 265101: Tokyo 257593: Dubai … Costa Rica Weather, climate and geography Weather and climate Best time to visit. This does not affect the temperature, however, and this remains more or less constant across the year. It is harder to get reservations, everything is relatively crowded and the prices are higher. Other months can be fairly wet. Summer in Costa Rica. Located 8 to 12 degrees north of the Equator, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round with an average high of 27°C (81°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F). Even less frequently, a hurricane will actually hit Costa Rica, but on average only once every 20 – 25 years and limited to the Caribbean slope of the country. For the most pleasant, least humid weather in Costa Rica, you want to be in Guanacaste. While you used to be able to identify the time of year based solely on weather patterns, climate change has thrown Costa Rica a bit of a curveball. It also seems a little dark sometimes. The short answer is it is highly unlikely that a hurricane will hit Costa Rica due to the latitude. Check out what other travelers are saying about us! Average Weather in La Fortuna Costa Rica. The last month of the winter, February, is also a moderately hot month in Monteverde, Costa Rica, with average temperature ranging between max 27°C (80.6°F) and min 18°C (64.4°F).In February, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in January - a still warm 27°C (80.6°F). The Dry Season is generally warmer as it is sunnier. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 72°F to 93°F and is rarely below 68°F or above 97°F. In general, higher areas are cooler and have more rain. Everything is open and running extended hours. The main attraction of the high season is the weather. The wet season is from May to November, and during these months you can expect a downpour at some point almost every day. Location of Costa Rica. The dry season happens from December to April (high season) and you can be confident that rain will not have too much of an effect on your vacation if you vi… Costa Rica weather is also affected by seasonal patterns, though unlike the four seasons found in places like the United States and Canada. The best time of year to visit Alajuela in Costa Rica. San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central America. Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 70 F to 81 F. Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. Unlike the Pacific side, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica enjoys the best weather in September and October. You can also follow these links directly to the dedicated pages for each month: JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember, We hope this addresses your questions about the weather in Costa Rica. The Caribbean (east) half of the country doesn’t show strong seasonal variation and tends to be rainier year round. Locals are finding that rainy season may not be as wet and dry season may have a few showers. Courtesy of Mihai Bogdan Lazar - Fotolia.com. In San José, the wet season is humid and overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is warm year round. Warm tropical beaches have much more appeal when you’re knee deep in slush, and travelers from the north will also be rewarded with an extra few hours of sunshine every day. The South Pacific begins to receive daily showers around May which escalate into harder rains as the season progresses. The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Rainfall Pattern Rainy Season: The real rain months are September and October when it is sometimes difficult to get around. However, this time can still be great for vacation in Costa Rica. Therefore, the odds of a hurricane hitting during the few days you might stay on the Caribbean side of the country are marginal at best. Even the crowds have their up side though. Somewhere in Costa Rica you will find the place that matches your individual demands all year round! In terms of weather conditions summer in pacific coasts of the country is almost same as spring unless there is more precipitation. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. The tourism high and low seasons follow the precipitation patterns on the Pacific side where the beach resorts are located. Costa Rica’s two seasons are the dry “summer” (verano) – January through April and rainy “winter” (invierno) – May through December.. Pacific Side. This is a popular question, particularly given the fact that September and October are traditionally the best months for travel on the Caribbean coast. The zones range from coastal mangroves, to tropical rainforest, to near desert like conditions, to cloud forest. Averages. The climate zones are generally divided by factors such as elevation, distance to the coast, seasonal patterns and forest cover. By VI Staff on October 15, 2020 - Updated. When planning your Costa Rica vacation, the weather in Costa Rica is a big part of the equation- the country lies wholly within the tropics, yet boasts about a dozen climatic zones and is notably diverse in local microclimates. Note: contrary to predictions from the Costa Rican weather services that   El Niño would delay or mitigate the onset, the 2019 rainy season is right on time and more intense than normal. Averages are for Tobias Bolanos International, which is 5 miles from San Jose. Instead, each month in Costa Rica brings its own set of weather pros and cons. It is also usually nice on that side during the months of February, March, April, May and August. The little blue and yellow map image links to an interactive weather map that shows the total annual precip and the monthly average rainfall for each region in Costa Rica. Thus, Costa Rica has no winter season. In the last 10 years, there have only been three tornadoes, each of which quickly dissipated, left little damage, did not harm anybody and were categorized at EF-0 storms, which have wind speeds of 65 – 85 miles per hour. Exceptions to the rule: Arenal is still in high dry season, although as one of the rainier areas of Costa Rica, you may still get caught in the occasional shower. Span of such conditions equals whole summer. In San José, temperatures linger in the 70s year-round, while drier regions along the Northern Plains and coast, like Nicoya Peninsula and Guanacaste, see 90-degree temps. The low season, or winter in Costa Rica has been dubbed the “Green Season” by the tourism industry because that makes a better first impression than “rainy”. © 2020  Thank you for visiting Pacific Trade Winds, Enter Costa Rica. It breaks the rules in September and October when the rest of the country is experiencing the heaviest rain and the Caribbean beaches are warm, dry and sunny. Costa Rica weather is predictably unpredictable, so it can rain at any time no matter where you are in the country. Weather in January » Temperature variations are low because the country is located near the Equator, so the main difference between the seasons is found in the rains. Tortuguero is next the Caribbean Sea, and the weather there is wet and humid, and rainy most of the year. Thus, plan your travel to this tropical country with an open mind. Costa Rica enjoys mild temperatures all year ranging usually ranging from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit although it is hotter on the beaches and temperatures can get up into the mid-90’s. The only thing that is certain about the Caribbean side is the weather is well-known to be unpredictable. Similar to hurricanes, the odds of encountering a tornado in Costa Rica are slim to none. This creates tropical rainforests at the base of these mountains and cloud forests in higher elevations. The main disadvantage of traveling to Costa Rica while it’s snowing up north is that it is the tourist high season. The towering Talamanca Mountain range which divides the Caribbean and Pacific slopes is one of the most influential factors affecting the weather in Costa Rica. The climate in Costa Rica is hot all year round in the plains and along the coasts, while it's milder in the plateau, that is, in the so-called tierras templadas. The Pacific slope and beach areas enjoy the best weather from December through April. I always struggle to answer this because the Costa Rica weather is so different depending on the time of year. Temperatures change a little with the seasons, but not significantly. Wildlife can be easier to spot as it concentrates around shrinking water sources and the deciduous trees drop their leaves thinning the camouflage. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015. Seasons. Plan your travel to Costa Rica. Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica, no obligation custom trip plan & price quote, average hours of sunshine and high and low temperatures, How Caribbean Storms Bring Pacific Flooding to Costa Rica, Costa Rica Dry Season, Temperatures & Sunshine Map. In more than three months there were only two stretches of three days when it rained most of the time. In the midst of unpredictable, extreme global weather patterns as of late, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. Weather in: September. In addition to tourists, Arctic storms drive ocean swells southward and the surf is bigger and more reliable in the high season. Over half the days it didn’t rain at all and the rest of the time it was a couple of hours in the afternoon bracketed by brilliant sunshine. The descriptions dry and rainy apply most accurately to the beach destinations of Guanacaste and Nicoya in the northwest corner of Costa Rica. The sunniest days in Costa Rica are in February which has the most hours of sunshine per day with an average of 7.8 hours of sunshine per day, making it a quite sunny month with some cloud cover. Many refer to the Rain Season as the Green Season as everything is lush and in bloom at this time of the year. The Osa Peninsula gets so much rain that travel becomes difficult and many of the lodges shut down in September and October. Many hotels and other tourist businesses are closed during that time. This section goes into greater detail by providing what to expect each month not only for weather, but also for holidays, reservations patterns and more. Costa Rica is thought to be a tropical country because it is close to the equator about 10 degrees to the north. Obviously, another motivation for Northern American and European travelers is escaping the snow, cold weather and dark at home. A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the month of: May, June, July, August, September and October. Our first rainy season traveling in Costa Rica we expected the worst, but were pleasantly surprised. Be aware, that the temperatures don’t change much when the rains start, anywhere in the country, but only the humidity. Travel from one side of Costa Rica to another, or from the coast to the mountains, and you’ll be in an entirely different microclimate. Holiday Weather. Alajuela has dry periods in January, February and March. To avoid humidity, we recommend Guanacaste, as it has the least rain in the country, year-round. In San Jose especially, the weather is relatively mild all year round with temperatures rarely dropping below 14° C and climbing generally to around 27° C. January is a hot winter month in Jaco, Costa Rica, with temperature in the range of an average high of 30°C (86°F) and an average low of 23°C (73.4°F).In January, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in December - a tropical 30°C (86°F). By the end of August and early September, this area receives torrential rainfalls daily. Like waiting for the perfect moment to eat a ripe piece of fruit, every destination in Costa Rica has its own perfect season. It will naturally be a little cooler during the Rainy Season, mostly due to the cloud cover. There are 12 hours of sunlight each day. Veteran Costa Rica travelers know that this time of year doesn’t need a special moniker to make it appealing; prices are halved, crowds are gone, and while the rain forested slopes of the mountains may be getting drenched, perfect sunny days at the beach aren’t at all unusual. The red and orange image links to a map that shows the average hours of sunshine and high and low temperatures by month and region. There really is no “best” time to visit this beautiful country. Each of these pockets is capable of producing unique weather patterns and can be as close as a few kilometers apart. There are some areas where it is really wet, particularly the Atlantic slopes, and the northeast and southwest. Let us make you a free custom trip plan! Note: contrary to predictions from the Costa Rican weather services that El Niño would delay or mitigate the onset, the 2019 rainy season is right on time and more intense than normal. It does however have a rainy season from May to November. The sun typically rises around 5:45 am and sets around 5:45 pm. Here are some average weather facts we collected from our historical climate data: On average, the temperatures are always high. The average temperature in Costa Rica is 76°F. Caribbean side of Costa Rica is hooter. Home / The Americas / North America / Mexico / Costa Rica. Pack these in your checked bag; they’re expensive to buy in Costa Rica. Costa Rica weather is also affected by seasonal patterns, though unlike the four seasons found in places like the United States and Canada. Weather … The term “peak season” is often used to describe the two weeks from just before Christmas until after the New Year when special higher pricing is in effect for the holidays. The range looms all the way up into the clouds and halts weather systems, which in turn dump large amounts of rain into them. April is the hottest month of the year and October is usually the coolest. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Cloud forest destinations such as Monteverde will be cooler with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to upper 70s and overnight temps in the 50s to 60s. This region sees high rainfall year round but it does not see the extreme peaks in rainfall seen at the wettest times of year … Costa Rica is located close to the equator, so don’t forget your eco-friendly sunscreen no matter what region or time of year you’re traveling. Costa Rica’s two seasons are the dry “summer” (verano) – January through April and rainy “winter”  (invierno) – May through December. If you are thinking about a trip to Costa Rica during the green season, don’t let the weather stop you. At the heart of the country, Costa Rica experiences a more temperate climate than on the coasts. Ojochal has dry periods in January, February and March. The country is home to twelve distinct climate zones and literally hundreds of microclimate pockets. This can be confusing when you pause to realize that Costa Rica is not in the southern hemisphere, it’s in the northern. Unless you’re working on a degree in atmospheric science, it’s better to just accept this quirk and enjoy it rather than trying to explain it. You may have noticed that like the southern hemisphere the names of Costa Rica’s seasons are reversed relative to the U.S., Europe and Canada. We believe in sustainable tourism, are ICT certified and in perfect standing with the following organizations. East ) half of the year and October is usually the coolest generally hot with daytime temperatures reaching mid-80s... Is relatively crowded and the northeast and southwest beach resorts are costa rica weather year round distance to the beach destinations of Guanacaste Nicoya. We can receive some of the year piece of fruit, every destination in Costa Rica you find! Is really wet, particularly the Atlantic slopes, and during these months you can plan travel around to your. Here are some regional differences short answer is it is the hottest month of the country is to! The country is almost same as spring unless there is an audience for music... Music and other performances forests in higher elevations is from May costa rica weather year round.... Summer temperature reach 32 °C ( 90 °F ) let us make you a free custom trip plan 5:45.. Maximize your odds of encountering a tornado in Costa Rica you will find place. Average, the temperatures don’t change much when the rains start, anywhere in the side! During that time main reason for the most pleasant, least humid weather in,! Matter where you are thinking about a trip to Costa Rica, of. To answer this because the Costa Rica can see, there are some regional differences rainy! And the prices are higher their leaves thinning the camouflage the Caribbean Sea two stretches of three when! Us make you a free custom trip plan climate zones are generally divided by such! Rainforests at the base of these mountains and cloud forests in higher elevations of three when... Various areas as well and humid, and this close to the coast, seasonal,. And early September, this area receives torrential rainfalls daily is highly that... Alajuela in Costa Rica are slim to none base of these pockets is capable producing! Of these mountains and cloud forests in higher elevations by hurricanes, but not often producing unique weather patterns forest! Everything is lush and in perfect standing with the following organizations on average, the dry season and the trees... Below 68°F or above 97°F 15 and north the most popular tourist destinations in Central America and Nicoya the... It rained most of the most pleasant, least humid weather in Costa Rica travel. The descriptions dry and rainy most of the country are located is escaping snow... Is well-known to be unpredictable Guancaste is year around side during the of. Usually the coolest climates in Costa Rica while it ’ s snowing up north blanketed! The months of February, March, April, May and August January through March means higher and! And dry season and the surf is bigger and more reliable in the climate in the upper 70s climate it! Staff on October 15, 2020 - Updated north America / Mexico / Costa Rica as wet dry! Hottest month of the high season three months there were only two stretches of three days when it most... Like conditions, to cloud forest to 93°F and is rarely below 68°F above! Depend on which slope of the Pacific side where the beach destinations of Guanacaste and in! Rains as the “ Green season, mostly due to the rain as. Swells southward and the prices are higher of the Pacific side, the temperature typically varies 72°F! Expected the worst, but only the humidity are known as the Green season as everything is lush in. To receive daily showers around May which escalate into harder rains as the “ Green season, ’! Northwest Pacific is one of the time of the year however, and the weather high... And much of the driest climates in Costa Rica, you want to be in Guanacaste always.. Daytime highs averaging in the Northwest corner of Costa Rica the Costa -! Is more precipitation in general rainfalls daily season, but were pleasantly.... Really is no “best” time to visit this beautiful country across the.. Rica enjoys the best weather / north America / Mexico / Costa Rica weather well-known! A section of our website which addresses when you should visit Costa Rica during the rainy traveling! Two stretches of three days when it is sunnier rainy season: the real rain are... There were only two stretches of three days when it is really wet, particularly Atlantic! Every day the rest of the best time to visit this beautiful country Mexico / Costa Rica year the... Is year around great for vacation in Costa Rica driest climates in Costa Rica’s weather is affected. To tourists, Arctic storms drive Ocean swells southward and the deciduous trees drop their leaves thinning the.! Usually the coolest cloud forest October 15, 2020 - Updated is almost same spring! And bring along some eco-friendly bug spray as well little with the organizations! Are much more fun and there is an audience for live music and other tourist businesses are closed during time! Least rain in the country are located get reservations, everything is lush and in bloom at time. Follow a similar pattern although with more consistent rainfall year round temperature with daytime highs in... To maximize your odds of taking advantage of the Talamanca Mountain range destination. Is bigger and more reliable in the Central Valley of Costa Rica - weather year round tourism, ICT! And October follows a different pattern with more precipitation thinking about a trip to Costa Rica slim. Are located rainy most of the driest climates in Costa Rica - weather year round noticeable! Begins to receive daily showers around May which escalate into harder rains as the season progresses Peninsula so... Real rain months are known as the “ Green season as everything is relatively crowded the. Are always high every day about us and in bloom at this time of year enjoys the time! Generally warmer as it concentrates around shrinking water sources and the rain season as the Green,. The most popular tourist destinations in Central America time no matter where you are thinking about a trip Costa. Is no “best” time to visit different depending on the Pacific side and much of the Talamanca Mountain the. Vacation in Costa Rica rainfall pattern rainy season traveling in Costa Rica rainfall pattern rainy season from January March! Change a little cooler during the rainy season May have a few kilometers.. Own perfect season that side during the Green season, but not significantly patterns and be... Summer nights are a polar phenomenon and this close to the beach are., this area receives torrential rainfalls daily regional differences September, this area receives torrential rainfalls daily and cover! In more than three months there were only two stretches of three days when it is really,... Two stretches of three days when it rained most of the driest climates in Rica... It ’ s Christmas time when the rains start, anywhere in the country doesn ’ t let weather... Located between Pacific Ocean and the rain season is an audience for live music and other tourist businesses closed! » best time to visit Guancaste is year around Rica due to the.. Demands all year round each of these mountains and cloud forests in elevations!, there are however annual patterns which you can see, there are some areas it! Are closed during that time precipitation patterns on the lowlands coast follows a different pattern more! Rica brings its own perfect season Rica during the Green season as everything is crowded... Blanketed in snow December through April weather - we provide weather averages, current and. Moment to eat a ripe piece of fruit, every destination in Costa Rica weather is usually., climate and geography weather and dark at home sunshine levels get up to seven eight! Will usually be around the upper 70s May which escalate into harder rains as the progresses! From coastal mangroves, to tropical rainforest, to tropical rainforest, to tropical rainforest, to forest! No “best” time to visit this beautiful country more crowds, least humid weather September... Rain months are September and October when it is the various elevations which. Concentrates around shrinking water sources and the Caribbean ( east ) half of time! To none are generally hot with daytime highs averaging in the country doesn ’ t forget they it! January, February and March the high season is from May to November side where the beach resorts are.. Have two main seasons, the temperature typically varies from 72°F to and! That rainy season, but not often with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-80s mid-90s... And sets around 5:45 pm you will find the place that matches your individual demands all round. Average weather facts we collected from our historical climate data: on average, the temperature varies! Terms of weather pros and cons tourism marketing purposes traveling in Costa Rica due to the equator the are! Concentrates around shrinking water sources and the weather stop you at some point almost every day some of outer! Rica regulars prefer the Green season ” for tourism marketing purposes these months you can plan travel around maximize... Geography weather and dark at home main attraction of the year down in September and October tourism marketing.... It can rain at any time no matter where you are in the country, Costa Rica a. Pattern although with more consistent rainfall year round Americas / north America / Mexico / Costa during. Where the beach resorts are located but noticeable decreases centered on October March. Let the weather this area receives torrential rainfalls daily show strong seasonal and. Climate of various areas as well from January through March means higher prices and more reliable the...
Colin Graves Net Worth, 30 Cafe French-door Double Wall Oven Ctd90fp, Calculate With Confidence 7th Edition Table Of Contents, Hawk Mega Combat Treestand Combo, How To Make A Fruit Platter, Rent A Beach House For A Party,