Costa Rica Weather
by Region & City

Real-time conditions for Costa Rica’s top destinations — beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests. Updated every 10 minutes.

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🌎 Live Conditions

Current Weather Across Costa Rica

Click a region to filter destinations, or browse all cities below.

🗓 When to Go

Understanding Costa Rica’s Seasons

Costa Rica has two seasons, not four — and knowing the difference is essential for planning your trip.

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Dry Season (Dec – Apr)

Peak tourist season with sunny days, minimal rain, and open roads to all attractions. Ideal for beaches on the Pacific coast. Book accommodations early — this is high season.

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Rainy Season (May – Nov)

Afternoons bring showers, but mornings are often clear. Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and significantly lower prices. Wildlife is more active and rivers are full.

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Mid-Year Mini Dry (July)

Known as veranillo, a brief dry spell hits the Pacific coast in July — a fantastic time to visit if you want low prices with better weather.

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Caribbean Exception

The Caribbean coast flips the script — its drier periods fall in February–March and September–October, opposite to the Pacific. Plan accordingly if visiting Tortuguero or Puerto Viejo.

📊 Region Comparison

Best Time to Visit by Region

Average climate conditions and ideal travel windows for each part of Costa Rica.

Region	Avg High (°F)	Annual Rain	Best Months	Known For
Central Valley	75–80°F	78 in	Dec – Mar	Mild climate, city base, coffee tours
Pacific North (Guanacaste)	86–95°F	59–118 in	Dec – Apr	Driest region, beaches, surfing, resorts
Pacific Central (Jacó/Quepos)	85–92°F	142–263 in	Jan – Apr	Manuel Antonio, sport fishing, wildlife
Pacific South (Osa Peninsula)	84–91°F	157+ in	Dec – Apr	Corcovado, remote adventure, biodiversity
Caribbean Coast	82–86°F	139 in	Sep – Oct	Turtle nesting, Tortuguero, Cahuita reef
Northern Zone (Arenal)	81–86°F	103–157 in	Jan – Apr	Volcanoes, hot springs, hanging bridges

❓ Common Questions

Costa Rica Weather FAQs

Everything travelers need to know before planning their trip.

What is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?

December through April is Costa Rica’s dry season and the most popular time to visit. The weather is sunny with minimal rain across the Pacific coast. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, May–November offers lush green scenery and a brief dry spell (veranillo) in July.

When is Costa Rica’s rainy season?

The rainy season runs from May to November. Rain typically falls in the afternoons, while mornings are often clear. The south Pacific and northern zone see the heaviest rainfall, while the north Pacific (Guanacaste) receives relatively less rain. The Caribbean coast has its own pattern — drier in February–March and September–October.

What is the temperature in Costa Rica year-round?

Temperatures depend on elevation and region. Coastal areas average 85–95°F (29–35°C), while San José in the Central Valley stays comfortable at 70–80°F (21–27°C). Mountain areas like Monteverde can dip to 55°F (13°C) at night. Humidity is high year-round on all coasts.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in December?

December marks the start of the dry season. Pacific beaches are sunny with almost no rain — perfect for beach holidays. The Central Valley sees cooler nights. Caribbean areas can be rainier in December, with trade winds picking up.

Does Costa Rica have hurricanes?

Costa Rica is south of the main Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely hit directly. However, tropical storms can indirectly bring heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly on the Caribbean coast during rainy season (September–October). Always check weather advisories before traveling during this period.

Which part of Costa Rica has the best weather?

Guanacaste (North Pacific) is the driest and sunniest region year-round, making it ideal for beach-focused trips. The Central Valley offers the most comfortable temperatures overall. The south Pacific and northern zone (Arenal) are the wettest, though no region is ever truly dry during the rainy season.

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