Weather in Costa Rica

climate and weather in costa ricaCosta Rica is a vibrant country in Central America, with a tropical climate and no well-defined winter season. The Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea play a major role in influencing weather in the region and the country has a variety of different climactic conditions. With dry forests near the Pacific Ocean and wet humid jungles by the Caribbean Sea, an alpine spine divides Costa Rica, which makes the west warmer and drier than the east. Famed for its food, cultural diversity, pristine beaches and wild adventure trails, both the rainy and dry seasons offer good reasons to go to Costa Rica.

The locals call the rainy season invierno (winter), which runs from May to November. Western cities are hotter than eastern ones, with temperatures in the mid 20’s (70°F) and as low as 4°C (40°F) in elevated areas.  There are daily showers in almost all areas, usually in the mid-afternoon, with between 200mm (7.9in) and 300mm (11.8in) rainfall each winter month.   

The dry season in Costa Rica (verano) runs from late November to April and most days are in the high 20’s (over 72°F), while hot days often hit low 30’s (90°F). The alpine areas will be crisp and cool, from 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F) and the summer sun will warm the peaks up come noon. Rainfall varies drastically in the summer, from an average of 15mm (0.6in) in Puntarenas to well over 200mm (7.9in) in neighbouring Limon

 

When is the best time to go to Costa Rica?

There are two busy times of the year in Costa Rica. July and August are busy as European and American travellers visit the tropics for a summer holiday in Costa Rica. The dry season in Costa Rica (November to April) is another popular holiday period during the year, as tourists from Europe and America escape the cold winters in the Northern Hemisphere.

The dry season is the perfect time to explore the rainforests or to relax on one of the pristine beach resorts. Accommodation and airfare are cheaper in the rainy season in Costa Rica and the verdant environment has made locals dub this the ‘green season’. Some trips require 4x4 vehicles and expect heavy showers in some places. However, Costa Rica always has a perfect summer holiday spot somewhere in the country at any time of year.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it perfect for T-shirts, shorts and sandals in most places throughout the year. Other items to pack include one or two long sleeved shirts, skirts and light dresses, synthetic trousers and pair of jeans, as well as a jersey and warm coat for elevated places. Use long sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection, especially for hiking and adventure activities. Take along a pair of amphibian walking shoes or hiking boots because it will be wet on many trails and, finally, pack something smart in order to enjoy the glitzy nightlife or some fine dining.   

 

Weather in Costa Rica in January

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in January: 15°C to 36°C (59°F to 97°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in January: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in January: 6mm to 300mm (0.2in to 11.8in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; elevated areas are also cooler. 
Events: There will be dancing, food, music and grand fireworks displays to celebrate New Year’s in Costa Rican style. The Palmares Fiestas is an exciting event filled with concerts, stand-up comedy, food, drink and bullfighting. Alajuelita Fiestas is a cultural celebration in Alajuela and the Santa Cruz Fiestas is a similar festival, complete with bullfighting, music and other festivities. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in February

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in February: 15°C to 36°C (59°F to 97°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in February: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in February: 6mm to 210mm (0.2in to 8.3in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; elevated areas are also cooler. 
Events: Mardis Gras in Esterillos is a family friendly carnival event with street food, music, dancing and family friendly fun. The Los Diablitos Games emulates the battle between the Spaniards and the Boruca tribe, some edutainment at this history festival in Costa Rica. The Puntarenas Carnival and Liberia Fiestas are grand party events, while the Sun Festival celebrates the Mayan New Year with a fire festival dedicated to the sun. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in March

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in March: 15°C to 36°C (59°F to 97°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in March: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in March: 5mm to 230mm (0.2in to 9in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; elevated areas are also cooler.
Events: Escazu hosts a colourful cultural traditional celebration at the Dia de los Boyeros festival. The International Arts Festival and the International Food Fair mix traditional arts and foods with modern trends for everyone’s enjoyment and there is more street food available, as well as bullfighting, across the country on San Jose Day.

 

Weather in Costa Rica in April

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in April: 15°C to 36°C (59°F to 97°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in April: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in April: 30mm to 280mm (1.2in to 11in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder. Accommodation will be full during the Holy Week, so be sure to book well in advance. 
Events: Devout Catholics observe Holy Week with large-scale worship and street parades, while other enjoy a week away and Juan Santamaria Day celebrates their national Hero with parades and festivities nationally. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in May

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in May: 14°C to 34°C (57°F to 93°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in May: 28°C (82°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in May: 162mm to 480mm (6.4in to 18.9in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: Labour Day is a countrywide holiday, complete with processions and a presidential address in honour of the country’s work force and many people take the day off for Corpus Christi Day in order to celebrate with family. San Juan Day is a 22.5km run (14mi) run from Cartago to San Jose, a good stop for active travellers

 

Weather in Costa Rica in June

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in June: 14°C to °C (°F to °F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in June: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in June: 202mm to 450mm (8in to 17.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: Religious celebrations honouring St Peter and Paul will take place at the end of the month on St Peter and Paul Day. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in July

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in July: 14°C to 33°C (57°F to 92°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in July: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in July: 130mm to 500mm (5.1in to 19.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: The Virgin of the Sea Fiestas is a religious celebration accompanied by food, music and parades, in order to celebrate the patron saint of Puntarenas. The Mango Fiestas in Alajuela, the City of Mangoes, will have crafts, entertainment and many mango refreshments to celebrate the towns heritage. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in August

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in August: 14°C to 33°C (57°F to 92°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in August: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in August: 150mm to 550mm (5.9in to 21.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: The Virgin of Los Angelos Day is Costa Rica’s largest religious celebration, celebrating La Negrita, the Black Virgin of Costa Rica and the San Ramon Day Parades is a great event celebrating religious traditions with music and dancing. Costa Rica is a multicultural country and the Semena Afri-Costarricense celebrates Afro-Costa Rican arts and culture, while the Liberia Blanca Culture Week honours cowboy culture in the country. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in September

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in September: 14°C to 32°C (57°F to 90°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in September: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in September: 145mm to 550mm (5.7in to 21.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: Independence Day is a countrywide celebration of independence from Spain, and International Beach Clean-Up Day is a chance for locals and visitors to keep the beautiful Costa Rican beaches clean and pristine. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in October

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in October: 14°C to 32°C (57°F to 90°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in October: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in October: 165mm to 700mm (6.5in to 27.6in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: Big festivals in October include the Puerto Viejo Carnival, the Limon Carnival and the Corn Fiesta. The Dia de la Raza celebrates Columbus’s influence on Latin American culture and the Virgin of Pillar Day is a religious celebration of the patron saint of Cartago.

 

Weather in Costa Rica in November

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in November: 14°C to 32°C (57°F to 90°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in November: 26°C (79°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in November: 100mm to 550mm (3.9in to 21.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: The parades on the Dia de los Inocentes is reminiscent of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. The Coffee Picking Contest is a vibrant event of music and dancing in the Central Valley. 

 

Weather in Costa Rica in December

Average temperatures in Costa Rica in December: 14°C to 33°C (57°F to 91°F)
Average sea temperatures in Costa Rica in December: 27°C (81°F)
Average rainfall in Costa Rica in December: 15mm to 400mm (0.6in to 15.7in)
Notes: Temperatures and rainfall in Costa Rica vary widely from region to region, but the east will generally be wetter and cooler than the rest of the country; certain elevated areas are significantly colder.
Events: December events and festivals in Costa Rico include the New Year’s celebrations at the end of the year and festive Christmas celebrations nationwide. The Zapote Fiestas, San Jose Carnival and the Festival de las Luces are big parties filled with fireworks, fairs, dancing and music. Other festivals include the cultural and religious celebrations at the Los Diablitos Festival (which runs into January), La Yeguit Fiesta, Christmas Day, the Fireworks Day celebrations and the Los Negritos Fiestas.