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Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Costa Rica for your holiday.
Climate Overview
18 °C to 31 °C
26 °C to 29 °C
0.24 – 16.06 in (1 – 23 Days of Rain)Average Annual Temperature is between 23.6 °C (San José) and 25.2 °C (Puerto Limón)
Show temperatures in degree
Geographical location
Table of Contents
Costa Rica is a Central American state that forms the land bridge between South America and North America. Its immediate neighbours are Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south of the country.
The modern country is characterised by its spectacular natural diversity and is considered one of the most species-rich countries in the world. Besides its 4.8 million inhabitants, Costa Rica is also home to a fascinating fauna with rare species such as the sloth, toucans and colourful frogs.
From active volcanoes and lush rainforests to fantastic Caribbean beaches, the politically very stable Costa Rica is a country of contrasts and also bears the nickname of “Green Paradise” in Central America.
The capital is San José in Valle Central, the volcanic mountain ranges of the Cordilleras and the long one on the Caribbean coast are particularly characteristic of the landscape. The highest elevation of the country is Chirripó Grande at 3820 meters.
Costa Rica land area is almost 30% protected.
Climate in Costa Rica
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In general, a typical tropical climate prevails in Costa Rica, with the high mountain ranges and many volcanoes creating a climate divide that leads to regional differences. While the Caribbean coast is raining all year round due to damp winds, a clear rainy season can be heard on the Pacific coast.
In Valle Central and the northwest of Costa Rica the rainy season starts around the beginning of May and lasts until the end of November, in the more humid south and in the area of the central coast at the Pacific the rainy season usually ends in the course of January. A reliable dry season can be found especially between February and April.
The Caribbean coast has its driest months mostly between February and April as well as September and October. The other parts of the country are mainly transitional regions with a climate similar to that of the Pacific coast, but without extremes. This means: The dry season remains slightly wetter, the rainy season does not get quite as wet.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Overview
JanuaryJan Best time to traveltime Main Season und Ferien in Costa Rica | FebruaryFeb Best time to traveltime Main Season und Ferien in Costa Rica | MarchMar Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Costa Rica | AprilApr Best time to traveltime PerfectPerf. climate in Costa Rica | MayMay Suitable time to traveltime up to 11.06 in of rainof rain | JuneJun Suitable time to traveltime up to 11.06 in of rainof rain |
JulyJul Rainy Season | AugustAug Rainy Season | SeptemberSep Rainy Season | OctoberOct Rainy Season | NovemberNov Rainy Season | DecemberDec Good time to traveltime mostly Perfectmostly perfect climate in Costa Rica |
When to go to Costa Rica?
In general, both the dry season and the rainy season in Costa Rica have their special attractions. As humidity decreases between Christmas and Easter in most regions of the country and in the neighbouring countries of Panama and Nicaragua, this is also the most popular high season for Costa Rica.
One should not stick too rigidly to the distinction between dry and rainy season, since it comes not least also by the climatic change again and again to surprises. However, we recommend the months of February to April as the statistically best travel season for Costa Rica, with some restrictions also December and January.
If you are a backpacker in the country and therefore have a little more time than a normal holidaymaker, you will of course find much cheaper prices in the rainy season. Rainfall usually starts in the midday period and lasts up to four hours, which can lead to adverse effects on unpaved roads.
Best Time to Visit the Regions
Find the best time to visit the regions (Costa Rica) in the following overview.| Location | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|
| Puerto Limón | February, March, and April |
| San José | January, February, March, April, and December |
Climate Charts Costa Rica
In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.
Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.
Show Climate Chart for
Puerto Limón
Show temperatures in degree
Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia
Climate Tables Costa Rica
In the following, you will find some climate tables for Costa Rica, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.Show climate table for
Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Puerto Limón (Costa Rica)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Temperature | 30° | 30° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 30° | 31° | 30° | 30° |
| Night Temperature | 20° | 20° | 21° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 21° |
| Water Temperature | 27° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 27° |
| Precipitation (inch) | 10.67 | 7.91 | 7.6 | 7.36 | 11.06 | 10.87 | 16.06 | 11.38 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 14.45 | 11.89 |
| Rainy days | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 18 |
| Hours of Sunshine | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Puerto Limón is 25.2 °C.For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C
Warmest month: May (26.1 °C)
Coldest month: January (24 °C)
The maximum water temperature in Puerto Limón is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.
Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 124.25 inch on 189 rainy daysFor comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in
Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): all months
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 124.25 in
You cannot expect snow in any month in Puerto Limón.
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, April is the sunniest month with an average of 5.8 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 5.1 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in San José (Costa Rica)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Temperature | 28° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 28° |
| Night Temperature | 19° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 19° | 18° | 19° | 18° | 18° |
| Precipitation (inch) | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.54 | 3.15 | 10.54 | 11.03 | 7.15 | 10.9 | 13.98 | 13.02 | 5.33 | 1.32 |
| Rainy days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 19 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 22 | 14 | 4 |
| Hours of Sunshine | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in San José is 23.6 °C.Warmest month: April (24.7 °C)
Coldest month: October (22.8 °C)
Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 77.6 inch on 144 rainy daysRainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): May, June, July, August, September, and October
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 66.61 in
You cannot expect snow in any month in San José.
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.Highlights in Costa Rica
The biggest highlights in Costa Rica are of course the breathtaking natural beauty and diversity of the country. The perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano is one of the unforgettable highlights of a Costa Rica trip for many visitors. Also the surrounding national park inspires with mystical waterfalls and cloud forests.
The Monteverde rainforest to the south is a retreat for rare animal species, from wild cats and tapirs to the Quetzal. Our favourite waterfalls are La Fortuna, La Paz, Rio Celeste and Montezuma Falls.
Our other favorites in breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica are Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, the turbid San José, the surfing village Santa Teresa, the turtles in Tortuguero National Park, the geysers in Rincón de la Vieja and the Manuel Antonio National Park.
Popular Activities
San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals
Tours
from 169 $ »
Witness the natural beauty of Costa Rica on a sightseeing trip to Arenal. See the volcano and delight in zip lining, rappelling, indigenous culture, hot springs, and local food around La Fortuna.
San Jose: Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees
Tours
from 28 $ »
Guided by passionate biologists, discover a hidden ecosystem in the middle of the city. See native sloths, birds, butterflies, and variety of plants and insects living wild and free. Join a small group tour on the grounds of the University of Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose
Tours
from 145 $ »
Explore the Manuel Antonio National Park and its white-sand beaches on this day trip from San Jose. Enjoy the included breakfast and lunch, and stop to look for crocodiles and scarlet macaws.
More attractions
San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Tour | San Jose: Irazú Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour | Poás Volcano, Coffee Plantation & La Paz Waterfall Gardens | San José: Night Food and Culture Tour with Dinner | From San José: Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip | San Jose: Discover Sights and Delights with a Local | San José: Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls, Coffee and Hot Springs |Current Weather and Forecast
Current Weather in Puerto Limón
broken clouds, 25.9 °CClouds: 75 % Wind: 0 mph
Air Pressure: 1015 hPa Humidity: 89 %
Air Pressure: 1015 hPa Humidity: 89 %
Last updated: 7th Feb 2023, 06:06 pm
The next days …
| 8th Feb 2023 | 9th Feb 2023 | 10th Feb 2023 | 11th Feb 2023 | 12th Feb 2023 | 13th Feb 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 23 °C to 28 °C | 23 °C to 26 °C | 22 °C to 26 °C | 22 °C to 26 °C | 24 °C to 26 °C | 24 °C to 28 °C |
| 23 °C to 28 °C | 23 °C to 26 °C | 22 °C to 26 °C | 22 °C to 26 °C | 24 °C to 26 °C | 24 °C to 28 °C |
| Clouds: 84 % | Clouds: 68 % | Clouds: 55 % | Clouds: 25 % | Clouds: 58 % | Clouds: 64 % |
| 0.23 in of rain | 0.66 in of rain | 0.67 in of rain | 0.74 in of rain | 1.7 in of rain | 0.86 in of rain |
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree
Hottest Month
May: 31 °C
Day Temperature in Puerto Limón
May: 31 °CDay Temperature in Puerto Limón
Coldest Month
September: 18 °C
Night Temperature in San José
September: 18 °CNight Temperature in San José
Rainiest Month
July: 16.06 in
Rain in Puerto Limón
July: 16.06 inRain in Puerto Limón
Driest Month
January: 0.25 in
Rain in San José
January: 0.25 inRain in San José
Maximum Water Temperature
September: 29 °C
Water Temperature in Puerto Limón
September: 29 °CWater Temperature in Puerto Limón
Sunniest Month
February: 9.5 hours/day
Sunshine in San José
February: 9.5 hours/daySunshine in San José
Activities and Attractions
San Jose: Tortuguero Park Day Tour with Breakfast & Lunch
Tours
from 195 $ »
San José: Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes with Guayabo Tour
Tours
from 140 $ »
San Jose: Monteverde Sky Tram & Hanging Bridges Day Tour
Tours
from 195 $ »
Distances to Costa Rica
| London | New York | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Limón | 5380 mi | 2200 mi | 2790 mi |
| San José | 5430 mi | 2220 mi | 2740 mi |
Where’s Costa Rica?
Show Puerto Limón on MapShow San José on Map
Continent: North America
All Holiday Destinations in North AmericaShare your Experience and Win
We want to know: how was the weather during your Costa Rica holiday? You can win a travel coupon of 1000 $. The price will be raffled among all submissions.
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Costa Rica: Experiences of our Visitors
it rained almost daily and it was clearly too cold for the season
Weather Rating: 2 stars – Tricky
In the east mostly rain and humid. In the Central Highlands fog and cool (up to 7 degrees on 3’000 MüM. San Gerardo de Dota)
In the northwest (Tamarindos) dry and warm.
Weather Rating: 1 stars – Mostly bad
Always good teaming and a few raindrops on the round trip (good for flora and fauna) did not disturb us.
Weather Rating: 5 stars – Excellent