Arriving in the paradise of Costa Rica, first-time visitors are often curious what weather to expect during their vacation. With diverse microclimates ranging from lush rainforests to stunning beaches, the weather in Costa Rica varies by region and season.
On both the Caribbean and Pacific coastal regions, expect hot and humid weather year-round, averaging highs of 80-90°F. The dry season from December to April sees sunny, rain-free days perfect for enjoying the beaches and wildlife.
From May to November rainfall increases, with brief afternoon tropical downpours refreshing the countryside. In the mountains around San José, cooler weather prevails, with averages in the comfortable 70s. Up in the cloud forests, high elevations lead to cooler, misty conditions.
Pack layers and light rain gear for the mountains and rainy season, but plan for warm sunny weather perfect for nature adventures during the peak dry months.
Now lets take a closer look at the weather in Costa Rica for each area that you may visit.
Costa Rica Weather
Central Valley
As someone who has spent a lot of time in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, I can say that the weather there is generally very pleasant. The area has a moderate climate, with temperatures averaging around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Central Valley is located in the highlands of the country, so it tends to be cooler and less humid than other parts of Costa Rica.
The rainy season in the Central Valley typically runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. The rest of the year is considered the dry season, with very little rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Even during the rainy season, the rain tends to come in short bursts and it can be a great time to explore the region.
The weather in the Central Valley is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the many coffee and flower farms in the area. Overall, it’s a great place to visit all year round, but keep in mind that during the dry season, the Central Valley can get quite dry and dusty, so it might not be the best option for those who are sensitive to dry weather.
Jaco
I can say that the weather in Jaco is generally very warm and tropical. The area has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures averaging around 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Jaco beach is located on the central pacific coast, which means it has a typical tropical weather, with two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from December to April, during this time you can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies and very little rainfall.
The rainy season runs from May to November, during this time you can expect some scattered rain showers, but also plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Even during the rainy season, Jaco beach is a great place to enjoy the sun and the ocean. The weather in Jaco beach is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Jaco beach is a great place to visit all year round, but keep in mind that during the dry season it can get quite hot.
Quepos/Manuel Antonio
Weather in Quepos/ Manuel Antonio is generally warm and tropical, with a mix of sun and occasional rain. The area has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures averaging around 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel Antonio is located on the central pacific coast, which means it has a typical tropical weather, with two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season runs from December to April, during this time you can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies and very little rainfall. The rainy season runs from May to November, during this time you can expect some scattered rain showers, but also plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Even during the rainy season,
Manuel Antonio is a great place to enjoy the sun and the ocean. The weather in Manuel Antonio is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and exploring the national park. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the park and the beaches can get crowded during the high season months and during the weekends.
Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests and incredible biodiversity. The weather in the Osa Peninsula is typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
The area has a tropical climate, with two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from December to April, during this time you can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies and very little rainfall. The rainy season runs from May to November, during this time you can expect some scattered rain showers, but also plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
Even during the rainy season, the Osa Peninsula is a great place to explore the rainforests, visit the waterfalls and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in the Osa Peninsula is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and visiting the many wildlife reserves in the area. It’s important to keep in mind that the Osa Peninsula can be quite humid, so it might not be the best option for those who are sensitive to humidity.
During the rainy season, some roads and trails may be impassable, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste, located in the northwest of Costa Rica, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and stunning sunsets. The weather in Guanacaste is typically hot and dry, with temperatures averaging around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit during the dry season.
The area has a tropical dry climate, with a long dry season that runs from November to May and a short rainy season that runs from June to October. During the dry season, you can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies and very little rainfall, making it the perfect time to visit the beaches, go hiking, and enjoy outdoor activities.
The rainy season is still warm, but it can be more humid and you can expect some scattered rain showers, but also plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Even during the rainy season, Guanacaste is a great place to explore the national parks, like Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Arenal
Arenal, located in the northern part of Costa Rica, is known for its beautiful volcano, lush rainforests, and hot springs.The weather in Arenal is typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Arenal is a great place to explore the Arenal volcano, visit the hot springs and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It’s worth mentioning here that Arenal volcano is not active anymore so you can’t see lava or ash coming out of it, but is still perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and visiting the many wildlife reserves in the area.
Monteverde
Monteverde, located in the northern part of Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, stunning views, and abundance of wildlife. The weather in Monteverde is typically cool and misty, with temperatures averaging around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The area has a unique climate known as cloud forest climate, characterized by high humidity and persistent cloud cover, which is why it’s called Monteverde which means “Green Mountain” in Spanish
Even though the cloud cover can make the weather cooler and more humid, it also creates the perfect conditions for the growth of the lush cloud forest. The cloud forest is home to many different species of plants, birds, and other wildlife, making it a popular destination for bird watching, hiking, and nature
The weather in Monteverde is perfect for outdoor activities such as visiting the butterfly and hummingbird gardens, the orchid exhibition, and the serpentarium.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, with the principal city of Limon, has a tropical rainforest climate and is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and unique Afro-Caribbean culture. The weather in this region is typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of marine life. This is a perfect place to enjoy beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The Caribbean coast is also home to several national parks, such as the Tortuguero National Park, which is a famous nesting site for sea turtles and Cahuita National Park that is known for its coral reefs and marine life. The weather in this region is perfect for outdoor activities such as visiting the national parks, beaches, and experiencing the unique Afro-Caribbean culture.
If you would like to know what the daily weather forecast will be for Costa Rica, check out this page on what to expect.
Costa Rica Dry Season Vs Wet Season
How is the Wet Season?
I have to say, the rainy season in Costa Rica is one of my favorite times to visit. Even though it does rain more frequently, the weather is still warm and humid, making it the perfect time for activities such as white-water rafting and rainforest exploration. The rain also brings out the most beautiful green landscapes, the waterfalls are more powerful and the rivers are full of life. Furthermore, this season is also a great time to see the country’s wildlife, as many animals are more active during the rainy season.
The monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds are more visible and easier to spot. The downside is that some of the roads and trails can be muddy and it may affect the accessibility to some places but overall it’s a great time to experience the country’s natural beauty.
How is the Dry Season?
For me, The dry season in Costa Rica, which runs from December to April, is the perfect time to visit if you’re looking for clear, sunny weather and plenty of outdoor activities. The temperatures are warm, the skies are clear, and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time for activities such as hiking, surfing, and sunbathing. The beaches are also at their best during this time of year, with calm, clear waters and plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Additionally, this is the perfect time to see the country’s wildlife, as many animals are more active during the dry season. You can spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds more easily. However, it’s important to note that this is also the peak tourist season and can be crowded in some places.
What is the best month to Visit to Costa Rica?
In my opinion, the best month to visit Costa Rica is April. This is the tail end of the dry season, which means that the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The sun is shining, the skies are clear, and the temperature is just right.
The beaches are also at their best during this time of year, with calm, clear waters and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, this is the perfect time to see the country’s wildlife, as many animals are more active during the dry season. Whether you’re looking to surf, hike, or simply relax on the beach, April is the perfect month to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer.
