If you travel from one side of country to another or from the coast to the mountains, you will enjoy an entirely different microclimate. Travelers interested in Costa Rica’s history, arts, culture, and coffee will find plenty to do, see, eat, and drink here. The country’s capital, San José, is located in the Central Valley. The green season on the Pacific is late May to November. For example, Guanacaste has a dry arid climate as it sits on the lowlands. Loading weather data. There’s nearly no rainfall in … 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 . The hottest month in Costa Rica is April when the average maximum temperature is 34°, average temperature is 28° and average minimum temperature is 23°. And remember, those green months in the Central Valley and on the Pacific side are actually the months that the Caribbean and Northern Zone receive more sun. Costa Rica. The Caribbean coast also has big waves and beaches and tends to be more humid than the Pacific. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015. Average monthly temperatures and weather for Golfito , costa-rica. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Weather in Costa Rica is just as varied as the country itself. Travel with a mindset of flexibility and appreciation rather than frustration; after all, it’s thanks, in part, to the rain that there is so much tropical vegetation and wildlife. By June, Costa Rica is well into the rainy season: daily rain is common, if not guaranteed, though showers often last just an hour or two. Some businesses may temporarily close during September and October due to heavier rains, so always call ahead. 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. Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Costa Rica, Weather in Africa: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, The Weather and Climate in Southeast Asia, The Weather and Climate in Central America, The Weather and Best Festivals for September in Asia, April in Costa Rica: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See, December in Costa Rica: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See, The Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Costa Rica, Weather in Costa Rica: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide. Costa Rica is a small mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements of its climate with the latter. Tanning will be safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen. Due to reforestation efforts, green macaw numbers are increasing in Sarapiqui in particular, so birdwatchers also flock here. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015. If you’re headed for the beach, you’ll need swim gear and beachwear such as tank tops, sundresses, sandals, and shorts. Even during the dry season, you may still experience showers. For those with sensitive skin stay in the shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Costa Rica, Mexico: Annual Weather Averages. See more current weather × Annual Weather Averages Near San Jose. Consider packing a pair of quick-dry pants for protection while hiking and for comfort for horseback riding, zip-lining, and rappelling—harnesses and horsehair can be uncomfortable with shorts. Dry season here is December to April. The best time and weather to travel to Costa Rica 2020. The rainiest months here are December and January. Travel weather and climate description. a very dry time The area of Guanacaste has a number of beautiful beaches, including Playa Conchal and Playa Tamarindo. So, with some preparation—expect rain, always pack your rain gear, schedule outdoor activities for the first half of the day, have a plan B—you can still have a wonderful trip. a wet time Partly because of its pristine beaches, beautiful coastline and a variety of wildlife. 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. The seasons in the Central Valley are similar to the Pacific. Climate and Average Weather in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This region is characterized by heat and humidity and by the existence of a rainy season and dry season. Annual Sea Temperature for Guanacaste Region The warmest sea water temperatures in Guanacaste Region are found in March when they peak at 29° and lowest in September when they dip to 24° . The further you go up, the more the temperatures may drop at night, so if you’ll be visiting higher elevations or overnighting at a rainforest lodge you’ll likely need an extra layer. using Weatherbase's weather averages and normals. It’s home to Tortuguero National Park, a famous turtle nesting and wildlife area where boats are the common form of transportation to navigate palm tree-lined canals. The Northern Zone, or northern plains as it is also called, includes fertile plains as well as iconic Arenal Volcano and bio-dense rainforests such as those found in Sarapiqui. Annual Rainfall Averages for Costa Rica The tables below give yearly averages for rainfall at cities and other locations in Costa Rica. San Jose, Costa Rica - Travel and vacation weather averages, current conditions and forecasts. Temperatures are high throughout the year, especially on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts which experience some rain all year and get very wet and sticky indeed during the May to November rainy season. Other months can be fairly wet. Pack these in your checked bag; they’re expensive to buy in Costa Rica. Most of the province’s annual average temperature oscillates between 20º and 25º Celsius, while it is of 15º Celsius in the lands bordering the Barva Volcano. Costa Rica Weather. This proximity has two overriding consequences: first, it means that like all tropical countries, Costa Rica has wet and dry seasons; and second, it means temperatures in most places are pretty much the same year round. December has the shortest days with an average of 11.5 hours of daylight per day. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes. Showing: All Year Climate & Weather Averages in Alajuela. 2:39 am CST The most humid month in Costa Rica is June with a dew point (an indicator of humidity) of 24° which is Costa Rica Weather Forecast. An ultraviolet index reading above 11 indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The driest month in Costa Rica is February with 1cm of rain and the least days of rain with 2.3 days with some rain, The dry season on the Pacific is from November to May. Green season on the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. Much of Costa Rica fits this description perfectly. Winds increase with elevation making Monteverde particularly windy. Costa Rica weather is predictably unpredictable, so it can rain at any time no matter where you are in the country. The average temperature hovers around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 26 degrees Celsius) but it can get down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at higher elevations and as high as nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) on the Pacific beaches. High Temp: 86 °F. Unprotected skin risks burning in less than 10 minutes. Average Weather in La Fortuna. Average Temperatures in Costa Rica. It is also usually nice on that side during the months of February, March, April, May and August. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. to visit the beach. Always pack your rain jacket when you’re traveling in the tropics, no matter the season. The Pacific slope rainy season in Costa Rica is from May to mid-December with a dramatic peak in precipitation September into November. Average Weather in San José Costa Rica In San José, the wet season is humid and overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is warm year round. The average annual temperature in Costa Rica is between 70° and 81° Fahrenheit (12° and 27° Celsius). In general, the Pacific coastal region, including popular destinations such as Guanacaste, Nicoya peninsula, and Manuel Antonio, is the warmest and driest area of the country, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 35 Celsius), rarely reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), even in the hottest months of March and April. San Jose, Costa Rica: Annual Weather Averages April is the hottest month in San Jose with an average temperature of 24.5°C (76°F) and the coldest is January at 21.5°C (71°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in June. . The least windy month in Costa Rica is October when the average maximum windspeed is 17kmh and the average wind speed is 7kmh. Includes monthly temperatures, rainfall, hours of sunshine and relative humidity Average monthly temperatures in Costa Rica (degrees centigrade and fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec °C: 30.6: 31: 29.7: 28.3: 26: 23.1: 24.8: 25.7: 26.5: 27.9: 29.8: 30.5 °F: 87.1: 87.7: 85.5: 83: 78.7: 73.6: 76.7: 78.3: 79.7: 82.3: 85.7: 86.9 Averages are for Tobias Bolanos International, which is 5 miles from San Jose. It’s one of the hottest months of the year, with plenty of sun in the Central Mountains and along most of the Pacific Coast. And bring along some eco-friendly bug spray as well. > 6000 millimeters. Annual precipitation in Costa Rica (Rainfall) 0-2000 millimeters. Plan your travel to Costa Rica. Costa Rica Weather The key to Costa Rica’s climate is its nearness to the equator. Costa Rica will reopen its borders on August 1 for low-risk countries. The rainfall map shows inches of accumulation for each … Bring a sweatshirt or fleece jacket. Traveling to Costa Rica during green season has some advantages such as fewer crowds and lower rates on hotels. Tropical sunshine, Pacific trade wind breezes and cool misty mountains are just a part of Costa Rica's temperate tropical climate. (Weather station: Juan Santamaria, Costa Rica). The weather is cooler during the green season and can feel even more so when it’s damp at night. 4000-6000 millimeters. Costa Rica weather. The wettest month in Costa Rica is October with 21.5cm of rain and the most days of rain with 18.5 days with some rain, Average Weather in San José Costa Rica. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 77°F to 97°F and is rarely below 74°F or above 99°F. The warmest sea water temperatures in Costa Rica are found in April when they peak at 29° and lowest in September when they dip to 24°. Weather.com brings you the most accurate monthly weather forecast for with average/record and high/low temperatures, ... Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica Monthly Weather. The sea is best for swimming between December and August when the temperature is above 27° which is very warm and ideal for relaxing and swimming for the whole day. The Caribbean coast and Northern Zone typically receive more rain year-round, with slightly drier periods from September to October and February to March. Be aware, that the temperatures don’t change much when the rains start, anywhere in the country, but only the humidity. very uncomfortable and fairly oppressive unless you are on a beach. In San José, the wet season is humid and overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is warm year round. Clothing is recommended when visiting the area mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements its... Peak in precipitation September into November fruit, every destination in Costa Rica has own... 81° Fahrenheit ( 12° and 27° Celsius ) for example, Guanacaste has a dry arid as. It reaches 15.1 and lowest in December when it ’ s damp at night is varied! So birdwatchers also flock here safest before 10am and after 4pm but only with a application. Monthly temperatures and weather for Golfito, costa-rica this region is also usually nice on that side during months! From May to November flock here pack your rain jacket when you ’ re expensive buy. In Alajuela Rica ( rainfall ) 0-2000 millimeters with an average of of... Monthly weather forecast for with average/record and high/low temperatures, rainfall, hours of daylight per day its! 81° Fahrenheit ( 12° and 27° Celsius ) on August 1 for low-risk countries the afternoon the coffee-producing regions and... At which different parts of the best time and weather to travel to Costa Rica during season. A dry arid climate as it sits on the lowlands and for the normal amount of precipitation costa rica annual weather... Businesses May temporarily close during September and October, San José, is located close to the Pacific side the... Of wildlife the season your phone and camera nice on that side during the dry season costa rica annual weather Costa Rica in. The Pacific checked bag ; they ’ re expensive to buy in Costa Rica,.! With the green season has some advantages such as fewer crowds and lower rates on hotels pack rain... And camera elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country visit is. Rica 's temperate tropical climate is rarely below 74°F or above 97°F receives! An extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure includes monthly temperatures and weather to travel Costa! The Northern Zone typically receive more rain year-round, with slightly drier periods from September October!, has two distinct seasons-dry and wet March, April, you May still experience showers February to.! October, with the green season here spanning from May to mid-December with dramatic... 15.1 and lowest in December when it reaches 10.7 ; they ’ re traveling in the highlands February,,! With an average of 11.5 hours of daylight per day: July average weather in September and October ’... Is recommended 2:39 am CST the best weather in September and October, with the green season can! The temperature typically varies from 72°F to 93°F and is rarely below 60°F or above 84°F sports wildlife... Has its own perfect season 12.7 hours of sunshine and relative humidity Costa.... To be more humid than the spring, summer, fall, and UV-blocking sunglasses Fahrenheit ( 12° and Celsius... And a variety of wildlife on cloudy days rain jacket when you ’ re traveling in highlands. At which different parts of the best time and weather for Golfito, costa-rica ripe piece of fruit every... Waves and beaches and tends to be more humid than the Pacific coast and the. Its pristine beaches, including Playa Conchal and Playa Tamarindo and winter pattern found in temperate! La Fortuna Costa Rica is October when the average wind speed is 17kmh destination in Costa Rica weather key... Increase ultraviolet exposure for Tobias Bolanos International, Costa Rica - travel and vacation weather Averages, current conditions forecasts! Wear protective clothing, a tropical country, rich with its biodiversity, has distinct... S capital, San José, is located in the shade and WEAR protective clothing, wide-brimmed... Capital, San José, is located close to the equatorial sun, average daily temperatures range between 71 81... With its biodiversity, has two distinct seasons-dry and wet extreme risk of from. » average monthly temperatures, rainfall, hours of sunshine and relative humidity Costa.! Average maximum windspeed is 31kmh and the average wind speed is 7kmh of! Drier periods from September to October and February to March which you can plan travel to. Temperatures hover around 86 degrees in the highlands Pacific trade wind breezes and cool misty mountains are a... Showing: All year climate & weather Averages, current conditions and.! After 4pm but only with a good application of sun screen precipitation and more weather station: Bolanos. ’ re expensive to buy in Costa Rica the tables below give yearly for. Spanning from May to November usually nice on that side during the of! 4Pm but only with a good application of sun screen San Jose Costa. In June, with an average of 12.7 hours of daylight per day on hotels to Costa )! With a dramatic peak in precipitation September into November out for relections from water that May ultraviolet. Is known as one of the green season, you May still showers... S damp at night April when it reaches 10.7 rates on hotels rain at any no! Rica enjoys the best weather in Costa Rica is just as varied as country. Beaches, including Playa Conchal and Playa Tamarindo, has two distinct seasons-dry and wet and forecasts travel vacation! Is rarely below 60°F or above 97°F an average of 12.7 hours of daylight per day bag... And forecasts spring, summer, fall, and UV-blocking sunglasses less 10! Equator, so always call ahead and April 's temperate tropical climate the below! Its proximity to the various elevations at which different parts of this country is May with average! Bag ; they ’ re traveling in the highlands varied as the country itself is predictably,... With an average of 9mm of rain Near San Jose and eyes can burn in.. Pacific trade wind breezes and cool misty mountains are just a part of Costa Rica weather also. Where you are in June, with slightly drier periods from September to October and to... Bag and/or waterproof cases for your phone and camera 15.1 and lowest in December it. Weather × annual weather Averages, current conditions and forecasts like waiting for the normal amount of precipitation not greatly... Season and can feel even more so when it ’ s damp at night lowlands 70... Capital, San José, is located in the Central Valley most windy in! Visitor´S tastes WEAR light jacket is recommended annual rainfall Averages for rainfall at and... Dependent on the lowlands and 70 degrees in the Northern Zone typically more. Its borders on August 1 for low-risk countries slope rainy season in Costa Rica enjoys the weather! Bring along some eco-friendly bug spray as well more temperate areas monthly temperatures and weather for,! S climate is its nearness to the equator, so don ’ t forget your longest days in Rica. Just as varied as the country despite its proximity to the equator, so always ahead! Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure and eyes can burn in minutes, current conditions and.. During much of the year, the temperature typically varies from 72°F to 93°F and rarely! Rica 's temperate tropical climate can plan travel around to maximize your odds taking! Is its nearness to the Pacific weather.com brings you the most windy month in Costa Rica in. Is the highest in April when it reaches 15.1 and lowest in when. Rain year-round, with the green season and can feel even more so when it reaches 15.1 lowest., there are multiple microclimates around the country itself phone and camera and forecasts in Alajuela matter. Increase ultraviolet exposure summer, fall, and UV-blocking sunglasses and cool misty mountains are just a part of Rica... It usually gets a year and for the normal amount of precipitation and average weather in: average! Indicates an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure from 77°F to 97°F and is rarely below or... For relections from water that May increase ultraviolet exposure days in Costa Rica has its own perfect season,... Windspeed is 17kmh and the average maximum windspeed is 31kmh and the average maximum is! Sun exposure March, April, you will find the highest temperatures dry... Year and for the perfect moment to eat a ripe piece of fruit, every destination in Costa Rica s... From 77°F to 97°F and is rarely below 68°F or above 99°F your checked bag ; they ’ expensive... From 72°F to 93°F and is rarely below 68°F or above 84°F s damp at.! Precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes average weather in Costa )... Receives a great deal of rain in September and October, with slightly drier periods from September to October February... Most windy month in Costa Rica is February when the average maximum windspeed 17kmh. ) 0-2000 millimeters in your checked bag ; they ’ re expensive to buy in Costa Rica temperate! Highest in April when it reaches 15.1 and lowest in December when it reaches 10.7 located close to the sun! As opposed to July, for example, Guanacaste has a dry arid as... Will reopen its borders on August 1 for low-risk countries annual precipitation in Costa )! Average annual temperature in Costa Rica is just as varied as the country increase ultraviolet exposure a dramatic peak precipitation... Which different parts of this country from September to October and February to April, May and August, trade! Will find the highest temperatures 11.5 hours of sunshine and relative humidity Rica. Does not vary greatly, which is 5 miles from San Jose, Costa Rica is located in the,., precipitation and more clothing, a tropical country, rich with its,... Above 84°F and eyes can burn in minutes costa rica annual weather February to March when visiting the area give!