If you plan a trip to Costa Rica, the weather shapes your experience. This country sits in the tropics, so expect warm days year-round, but rain and sun change with the seasons and spots you visit. Tourists often come for beaches, volcanoes, or rainforests, and knowing the patterns helps you pick the right time and pack smart. Costa Rica splits into dry and rainy periods instead of traditional seasons, and regions differ a lot due to mountains and coasts. I’ll break it down to help you prepare.
The Two Main Seasons
Costa Rica has a dry season from December to April. Days stay sunny with little rain, making it popular for outdoor plans. Temperatures hold steady, but mornings and evenings cool off in higher areas. This time draws crowds to beaches and parks since paths stay dry and skies clear.
The rainy season runs from May to November. Showers come often, especially afternoons, but mornings can start bright. A short dry spell hits in July in some places. Rain keeps things green, and fewer people visit, so you find quieter spots and lower prices. Heavy downpours can flood roads or close trails, so check updates if you travel then.
Overall, temperatures average 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit on coasts and lower in mountains. Humidity stays high, around 80 percent, so light clothes work best. The equator keeps things consistent—no big swings like up north.
Weather by Region
Costa Rica’s layout creates microclimates. Mountains block winds, so Pacific and Caribbean sides feel different. Here’s how it plays out for visitors.
Central Valley (San José and Nearby)
This area, home to the capital, sits at higher elevation, so it feels milder. You get comfortable days without extreme heat. Average highs reach 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows around 59 to 62 degrees. Nights cool down, so bring a light jacket.
In the dry season, rain falls on just a few days a month, perfect for city walks or day trips to volcanoes. The rainy period brings more showers, up to 19 days in October, but they often pass quick. Total yearly rain hits about 78 inches, spread unevenly.
Tourists use this as a base—fly into San José and head out. Mornings work for coffee tours or markets before afternoon clouds roll in.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the Central Valley:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 75 | 59 | 0.3 | 4 |
| Feb | 77 | 59 | 0.4 | 3 |
| Mar | 79 | 60 | 0.7 | 3 |
| Apr | 80 | 62 | 3.1 | 6 |
| May | 78 | 62 | 10.2 | 16 |
| Jun | 76 | 62 | 10.9 | 18 |
| Jul | 76 | 62 | 9.5 | 18 |
| Aug | 76 | 62 | 11.0 | 18 |
| Sep | 75 | 62 | 13.0 | 19 |
| Oct | 74 | 62 | 13.0 | 19 |
| Nov | 74 | 61 | 5.3 | 12 |
| Dec | 74 | 60 | 1.3 | 5 |
This table shows how rain peaks in fall months, but dry times offer more sun.
North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste and Liberia)
The north Pacific draws beach lovers with its dry feel. Highs average 86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, lows 73 to 75 degrees. It gets less rain than other areas, around 59 to 118 inches yearly.
Dry season means almost no showers—great for surfing or hiking in national parks like Rincón de la Vieja. Rainy months see downpours in afternoons, but the July dry spell helps. September and October bring the most water, up to 12 inches each.
Visitors flock here for resorts and wildlife. Time your trip for December to April to avoid mud on roads to spots like Tamarindo.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the North Pacific Coast:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 91 | 73 | 0.1 | 1 |
| Feb | 93 | 73 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Mar | 94 | 74 | 0.1 | 0 |
| Apr | 95 | 75 | 0.9 | 2 |
| May | 91 | 75 | 7.5 | 10 |
| Jun | 88 | 74 | 8.5 | 13 |
| Jul | 88 | 74 | 6.5 | 12 |
| Aug | 88 | 74 | 8.9 | 14 |
| Sep | 87 | 73 | 11.5 | 17 |
| Oct | 86 | 73 | 12.2 | 17 |
| Nov | 87 | 73 | 3.9 | 7 |
| Dec | 89 | 73 | 0.5 | 2 |
Central Pacific Coast (Jacó and Puntarenas)
Moving south, this coast turns wetter. Temperatures match the north, highs 85 to 92 degrees, lows 73 to 76 degrees. Yearly rain reaches 142 to 263 inches in some parts.
The dry stretch from December to April suits boat tours or zip-lining. Rain comes heavy from May to November, with quick storms. The area stays accessible, but check for landslides near Manuel Antonio National Park.
Tourists hit this for easy access from San José—beaches and rainforests close by. Mornings stay best for activities year-round.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the Central Pacific Coast:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 90 | 74 | 1.1 | 3 |
| Feb | 91 | 74 | 0.6 | 2 |
| Mar | 92 | 75 | 1.0 | 2 |
| Apr | 92 | 76 | 3.3 | 5 |
| May | 89 | 75 | 11.8 | 15 |
| Jun | 87 | 74 | 13.1 | 18 |
| Jul | 87 | 73 | 12.7 | 18 |
| Aug | 86 | 73 | 14.3 | 20 |
| Sep | 85 | 73 | 15.7 | 21 |
| Oct | 85 | 73 | 16.5 | 22 |
| Nov | 86 | 73 | 9.6 | 14 |
| Dec | 88 | 73 | 2.9 | 5 |
Quepos (Central Pacific Coast)
Quepos sits on the central Pacific coast, close to Manuel Antonio National Park, and draws people for its beaches, wildlife, and fishing. The town experiences warm tropical weather all year, with highs that stay between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Lows range from 73 to 76 degrees at night. Humidity runs high, often above 80 percent, so you feel the heat more during the day.
The dry season here lasts from December to April, when rain drops off and days turn sunny. This period suits beach time and park hikes, as paths stay firm and you avoid afternoon storms. Expect just a few rainy days each month—around two in February and March. Rainfall totals stay low, under an inch in the driest months.
From May to November, the rainy season takes over, with showers that build in the afternoons. October sees the most rain, up to 16.5 inches spread over about 22 days. Mornings often start clear, giving you time for activities like boat tours or spotting monkeys in the park. Roads can get muddy, and some trails close if flooding hits, so plan flexible days.
Year-round, ocean water hovers around 82 to 84 degrees, good for swimming or sportfishing. If you fish, dry months offer calmer seas. For park visits, go early to beat the heat and potential rain. Pack light clothes, sunscreen, and a rain jacket. The area stays green thanks to the rain, which keeps the forests full of life.
Here’s a monthly weather breakdown for Quepos:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 90 | 74 | 1.1 | 3 |
| Feb | 91 | 74 | 0.6 | 2 |
| Mar | 92 | 75 | 1.0 | 2 |
| Apr | 92 | 76 | 3.3 | 5 |
| May | 89 | 75 | 11.8 | 15 |
| Jun | 87 | 74 | 13.1 | 18 |
| Jul | 87 | 73 | 12.7 | 18 |
| Aug | 86 | 73 | 14.3 | 20 |
| Sep | 85 | 73 | 15.7 | 21 |
| Oct | 85 | 73 | 16.5 | 22 |
| Nov | 86 | 73 | 9.6 | 14 |
| Dec | 88 | 73 | 2.9 | 5 |
This table helps you see how rain picks up mid-year. If you travel in the wet season, you get lower costs and fewer crowds, but dry times make exploring easier.
South Pacific Coast (Osa Peninsula and Golfito)
The south Pacific ranks as the rainiest. Highs sit at 84 to 91 degrees, lows 73 to 74 degrees. Annual rain tops 157 inches, often more in lowlands.
Dry season shortens here, just late December to April, with some showers still. The rainy period dumps water, especially October, making trails slick in Corcovado National Park. No strong dry spell in July.
Adventurers come for remote spots and biodiversity. Go in dry months for better hiking, but pack rain boots anytime.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the South Pacific Coast:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 89 | 73 | 5.5 | 6 |
| Feb | 90 | 73 | 3.7 | 3 |
| Mar | 91 | 74 | 4.6 | 4 |
| Apr | 90 | 74 | 8.5 | 8 |
| May | 87 | 74 | 20.1 | 19 |
| Jun | 86 | 74 | 18.6 | 19 |
| Jul | 85 | 73 | 20.5 | 21 |
| Aug | 85 | 73 | 21.3 | 22 |
| Sep | 85 | 73 | 21.5 | 21 |
| Oct | 84 | 73 | 25.7 | 23 |
| Nov | 84 | 73 | 19.3 | 19 |
| Dec | 86 | 73 | 9.3 | 10 |
Caribbean Coast (Limón and Puerto Viejo)
The Caribbean side flips the script—rain falls year-round, but less defined seasons. Highs average 82 to 86 degrees, lows 71 to 74 degrees. Total rain around 139 inches, spread out.
It dries a touch in February to March and September to October, ideal for Cahuita or Tortuguero. July and December see peaks from trade winds. Humidity hovers at 87 to 90 percent.
Visitors love the laid-back feel and turtle nesting. Roads flood less than Pacific, but always watch for swells if you surf.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the Caribbean Coast:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82 | 71 | 12.7 | 17 |
| Feb | 82 | 71 | 9.3 | 14 |
| Mar | 84 | 72 | 8.1 | 13 |
| Apr | 84 | 73 | 10.3 | 13 |
| May | 85 | 74 | 11.3 | 15 |
| Jun | 85 | 74 | 10.3 | 15 |
| Jul | 84 | 73 | 16.5 | 20 |
| Aug | 84 | 73 | 11.8 | 17 |
| Sep | 86 | 73 | 6.3 | 11 |
| Oct | 85 | 73 | 7.9 | 13 |
| Nov | 83 | 73 | 15.3 | 17 |
| Dec | 82 | 72 | 15.7 | 18 |
Northern Zone (Arenal and La Fortuna)
Up north, near volcanoes, it warms like coasts but rains more. Highs 81 to 86 degrees, lows 70 to 72 degrees in lowlands; cooler in mountains. Yearly precip hits 103 to 157 inches.
Dry season clears skies for volcano views and hot springs. Rainy times bring mist, but activities like hanging bridges go on. September to October soaks the most.
Tourists base here for adventure—canyoning or birdwatching. The area stays green always, drawing nature fans.
Here’s a monthly breakdown for the Northern Zone:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82 | 70 | 7.2 | 13 |
| Feb | 83 | 70 | 5.5 | 10 |
| Mar | 85 | 70 | 4.0 | 7 |
| Apr | 86 | 71 | 6.3 | 9 |
| May | 85 | 72 | 12.9 | 17 |
| Jun | 84 | 72 | 14.4 | 20 |
| Jul | 83 | 72 | 15.5 | 22 |
| Aug | 83 | 71 | 14.5 | 21 |
| Sep | 83 | 71 | 14.3 | 20 |
| Oct | 82 | 71 | 16.5 | 22 |
| Nov | 81 | 71 | 13.3 | 19 |
| Dec | 81 | 70 | 10.0 | 16 |
Here’s a comparison of yearly averages across regions:
| Region | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Annual Rain (inches) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | 77 | 61 | 78 | 135 |
| North Pacific | 90 | 74 | 60 | 95 |
| Central Pacific | 89 | 74 | 110 | 165 |
| South Pacific | 87 | 73 | 182 | 200 |
| Caribbean Coast | 84 | 73 | 135 | 180 |
| Northern Zone | 83 | 71 | 134 | 196 |
This shows how south Pacific soaks while north dries.
Best Times to Visit
For sun and crowds, hit December to April. Beaches pack, but everything opens. If you want savings and space, try May to November—rain comes, but you catch green landscapes and wildlife active.
Caribbean works in September to October for drier days. Avoid peaks like Christmas or Easter unless you book early. Check your interests: surfing better in rainy swells, birding in dry clarity.
Tips for Tourists
Pack layers—shorts and tees for day, long sleeves for nights or mountains. Rain ponchos beat umbrellas in wind. Quick-dry shoes help on wet paths. Drive careful in rain; four-wheel drive rentals suit rural roads. Apps track storms, but locals give real tips. Mornings start most tours to beat showers.
Mosquito repellent matters in humid spots. Sunblock too, even cloudy days burn. Hydrate—heat sneaks up. Costa Rica’s weather keeps it diverse. Plan around it, and your trip flows smooth. Whether you chase waves or trails, the patterns let you adapt.