Costa Rica Weather: What is the Weather Like in Each Area and Throughout the Year?

Costa Rica’s climate is characterized by tropical and subtropical conditions that vary greatly, especially in terms of rainfall, between the Pacific and Caribbean regions.

In the heart of the country, where the main cities are located, the climate also varies according to altitude. At about 500-600 meters, the climate is temperate all year round, with average temperatures ranging between 14°C and 27°C.

In the mountains above 2000 meters, temperatures drop significantly, varying between 5°C and 14°C, with significant temperature variations between day and night.

The Pacific region, especially the central part, has a distinct rainy season and a dry season. The dry season lasts from December to March, with April as the transition month. March is the driest and hottest month.

The rainy season lasts from May to October, with November as the transition month. Between July and August there is a relative decrease in rainfall due to the intensification of the trade winds. The wettest months are September and October, with precipitation concentrated in the late afternoon and at night.

The Caribbean region does not have a well-defined dry season, maintaining fairly high levels of precipitation throughout the year.

Along the coasts there are two relatively dry periods: one between February and March, and the other between September and October. Rainfall is mostly concentrated between November and January, with January being the wettest month.

The second wet period is from May to August, with a peak in July. Rainfall is mainly at night and in the morning.

In recent decades, natural cycles of temperature and precipitation have undergone significant variations, as occurs in many other parts of the world.

The combined effect of environmental transformations caused by man and contamination due to the greenhouse effect have led to marked climatic oscillations with often unpredictable effects.

The climate in January

January is one of the wettest months in the Caribbean region, with precipitation concentrated mainly during the night and in the morning. In the Pacific region, January is part of the dry season, with warm, sunny days. Temperatures vary by altitude, but generally remain between 14°C and 27°C in temperate areas.

Weather in February

In February, the Caribbean region experiences a relatively dry period, with a decrease in precipitation. In the Pacific, the climate continues to be dry and hot, with sunny days. Average temperatures remain stable, with cooler nighttime lows in mountainous areas.

Weather in March

March is the driest and hottest month in the Pacific region, with long, sunny days. In the Caribbean region, precipitation is also relatively low, making this month one of the best to visit both coasts. Temperatures vary between 14°C and 27°C in temperate areas.

Weather in April

April is a transitional month in the Pacific region, with the first rains starting towards the end of the month. Temperatures begin to rise, making the days even warmer. In the Caribbean region, precipitation increases slightly compared to previous months.

Weather in May

May marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Pacific region, with frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures remain high, with increasing humidity. In the Caribbean region, May is the start of the rainy season, with a significant increase in precipitation.

Weather in June

June continues with the rainy season in the Pacific region, with almost daily precipitation. Temperatures remain high, with high humidity. In the Caribbean region, rainfall persists, concentrated mainly during the night and morning.

Weather in July

July sees a slight decrease in rainfall in the Pacific region, due to the intensification of the trade winds. Temperatures remain high and humidity high. In the Caribbean region, rainfall continues, with a peak in July, but there are also periods of dry weather.

Weather in August

In August, the Pacific region still experiences a relative decrease in rainfall, with thunderstorms concentrated in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm and humidity is high. In the Caribbean region, August is a rainy month, with precipitation concentrated during the night and morning.

Weather in September

September is one of the rainiest months in the Pacific region, with frequent and intense thunderstorms. Temperatures remain high, but humidity is extremely high. In the Caribbean region, September is one of the relatively dry periods, with a decrease in precipitation.

Weather in October

October is the wettest month in the Pacific region, with heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. Temperatures are high and humidity is very high. In the Caribbean region, October is another relatively dry period, with less frequent rainfall than previous months.

Weather in November

November is a transitional month in the Pacific region, with rainfall decreasing towards the end of the month. Temperatures remain warm, but humidity begins to decrease. In the Caribbean region, rainfall increases, marking the start of the rainy season.

Weather in December

December marks the start of the dry season in the Pacific region, with sunny days and less rainfall. Temperatures are pleasant and humidity is lower. In the Caribbean region, December is a rainy month, with rainfall concentrated mainly during the night and morning.