Costa Rica Weather

Costa Rica’s topical variations, tropical location hovering over Latitude 10, and the Caribbean trade winds give way to its unique variety of climates. Despite being north of the equator, Costa Rica’s two seasons are actually opposite to those in the United States. The dry season, also considered the Costa Rican summer, generally falls around late-November to early May. The Costa Rican winter, also the rainy season, is therefore from mid-May to mid-November in most parts of the country.

Wet or dry?

Despite having a lengthy rainy season, Costa Rica’s tropical location ensures a good amount of sun throughout the year. In fact, during rainy season, it is common for heavy rainfalls to occur between 2pm and 6pm, which often serves to be a refreshing cool down after hot, sunny mornings. During this time, Ticos know not to step foot outside and most outdoor activity comes to a stand still. Even taxis are nearly impossible to find as they are occupied escorting callers door to door. The best plan is to sit back and wait for the worst to pass with patience and enjoy the cool air that comes with it.

The Costa Rica dry season is much more literal as virtually no rain will fall during this time. Guanacaste and the North and Central regions of the country generally feel this drought the most, where as the more tropical regions of the Caribbean Coast and Southern Costa Rica still maintain a small but healthy level of rainfall. This characteristic is very convenient for vacation or even wedding plans on the beach, as the sun rarely fails to show its face. Do keep in mind that the dry Northern Pacific coast is also very hot.

Temperature Variation

The Central Valley, including Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose, has a year-round temperate climate, averaging at about 75 degrees F, with cooler evenings and hot afternoons. The higher into the mountains you get, the cooler and rainier it will be. This includes regions such as San Ramon, Monteverde, Chirripó and Cartago.

Where altitude differences don’t come into play, basically every other region in the country can be categorized as having a tropical climate. This means year-round heat, usually accompanied by a high level of humidity, except for in the northwest where it is much drier.