Many refer to the Rain Season as the Green Season as everything is … Basically, November is a surprise month. However, within these seasons and in different parts of the country there is lots of variation. In Guanacaste, for example, the dry season may last several weeks longer than in other parts of the country. The rainy season—also called the green season—lasts from May to early December. Get current weather conditions and regional weather summaries. Always pack your rain jacket when you’re traveling in the tropics, no matter the season. Rainfall is just one of the factors that goes into determining the best time to visit Costa Rica and by its very nature weather is unpredictable. Travel from one side of Costa Rica to another, or from the coast to the mountains, and you’ll be in an entirely different microclimate. using Weatherbase's weather averages and normals. The Caribbean coast and Northern Zone typically receive more rain year-round, with slightly drier periods from September to October and February to March. However, the country has many micro-climates depending on elevation, rainfall, topography, and by the geography of each particular region. Humidity tends to be higher on the Caribbean side. In some places, surf breaks are consistent year-round. Referred to as verano (summer) by locals, this season is marked by days that are typically rain-free. The green season on the Pacific is late May to November. Its flora and fauna are adapted to these conditions, meaning that they are tropical as well. Gaining entry into the country is typically neither a long nor invovled process—provided that you are prepared to meet all entry requirements. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. 75. However, this time can still be great for vacation in Costa Rica. Weather in: July November is kind of completely up in the air. Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 70 F to 81 F. Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. The Caribbean coast has unpredictable (and usually wetter) weather, and the Pacific coast can be hot year-round. Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Costa Rica, The Weather and Climate in Central America, The Weather and Climate in Southeast 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, The Weather and Best Festivals for September in Asia, Weather in Costa Rica: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide. The Caribbean coast has the best surfing from November through May. The high season for green turtles is in August and September; for leatherbacks, it is in April and May. Arenal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica - Monthly weather averages including average high and low Temperature, Precipitation, Pressure, Wind Charts to assist you in planning your travel, holiday or an outdoor activity at Arenal, Costa Rica. The seasons in the Central Valley are similar to the Pacific. 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. There are fewer travelers (aside from June and July, which correspond to North American and European summers), but most activities are still offered. Green season on the Caribbean coast and in the Northern Zone. The Guanacaste region is the driest, while the highlands are generally colder and misty. The Central Valley receives a great deal of rain in September and October, with the green season here spanning from May to November. For example, Guanacaste has a dry arid climate as it sits on the lowlands. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Costa Ricans refer to this period of the year as invierno, or winter. The wettest month is September with an average of 359mm of rain. March is the hottest month in Tamarindo with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F) and the coldest is September at 26°C (79°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in April. 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. • Central Highlands (Monteverde, San Ramón, Tilarán) – these highlands have moderate temperatures and are cool at night. Average Weather in Atenas Costa Rica. If you’ll be doing some adventure sports, be sure to bring closed-toe shoes for hiking and zip-lining as well as water shoes for white water rafting and waterfall swimming, rappelling, and jumping. Did you bring everything you need? The Climate in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. So no matter what time of year you travel to Costa Rica, you can likely find some sun if you know where to go and plan accordingly. The weather is cooler during the green season and can feel even more so when it’s damp at night. This region attracts travelers looking for adventure sports and wildlife. December and january are perfect months for vacations in Costa Rica - you can avoid the cold in the Northern Hemisphere and are most likely to hit good weather here. • Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Jacó, Puntarenas) – these lowlands are hot, humid, and have rainforests. Costa Rica is located close to the equator, so the number of daylight hours don’t fluctuate dramatically; in general, the sun rises around 5 a.m. and sets around 6 p.m. Location of Costa Rica. Average Temperature (°F) 74.1. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern with more consistent rainfall year round but noticeable decreases centered on October and March. It really only has two seasons, Wet and Dry. • Guanacaste (Liberia, Tamarindo, Playa del Coco) – these lowlands are hot and have dry forests. 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. The dry season on the Pacific is from November to May. December and January, however, are two of the nicest months—the countryside is still green from the rain, the rivers have a moderate to high flow (which is good for rafting), and the weather is usually sunny. • South Central (San Gerado de Dota, La Amistad International Park) – this area has a mild climate. As already mentioned, most activities can be enjoyed year-round. The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 68°F to 89°F and is rarely below 65°F or above 92°F.. Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Atenas for warm-weather activities is from early December to late February. Unlike other countries with four established seasons, the climate in Costa Rica can easily be divided into two seasons: rainy and dry. Weather in January » The diversity in Costa Rica’s weather is primarily due to the various elevations at which different parts of the country are located. The average temperature in Costa Rica is 76°F. The length of the dry season varies by region. Dry season here is December to April. Juan Santamaría International Airport Guide. Costa Rica is located close to the equator, so don’t forget your. • South Pacific (Osa Peninsula, Dominical, Corcovado) – these lowlands are hot, humid, and have rainforests. It is well within the tropics, but the many controlling factors mean there is a great deal of seasonal and regional variation in the weather experienced year round. Exceptions to the rule: Arenal is now in high dry season, although as one of the rainier areas of Costa Rica, you may still get caught in the occasional shower. Migratory birds can be spotted during the spring and fall. Even during the dry season, you may still experience showers. Northwest Pacific Weather. Bring a sweatshirt or fleece jacket. Weather in February » Traveling to Costa Rica during green season has some advantages such as fewer crowds and lower rates on hotels. It does however have a rainy season from May to November. • Northern Lowlands (Arenal, Sarapiquí Valley) – these lowlands are hot but cool at night, and have rainforests. Due to varying elevations and environments, there are multiple microclimates around the country. Sunshine is plentiful throughout both dry and rainy seasons, with an average year-found temperature of 72ºF in the Central Valley.These weather conditions are budget friendly with utility bills, as air conditioning is rarely used and heaters are not necessary. The Caribbean coast also has big waves and beaches and tends to be more humid than the Pacific. Seasons. Costa Rica Weather, climate and geography Weather and climate Best time to visit. Travel from one side of Costa Rica to another, or from the coast to the mountains, and you’ll be in an entirely different microclimate. 77.2. The best time of year to visit Costa Rica depends in part on what you would like to do. Vacation days are hard to come by. Green season on the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. Costa Rica 15-day weather forecasts for more than 60 destinations. Tortuguero is next the Caribbean Sea, and the weather there is wet and humid, and rainy most of the year. Note that this is the peak tourist season. Costa Rica is part of the Pacific Rim of Fire, a chain of volcanoes, some of which are still active. The Caribbean coast and Northern Zone are wetter in general and receive rain year-round, with slightly drier periods from September to October and February to March. Turtles arrive along the Caribbean coast from February to October. In the midst of unpredictable, extreme global weather patterns as of late, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. This region is known for its sun, sand, surf, and wellness activities, so it’s a favorite amongst beachgoers, surfers, and yogis. Adventureres will want to read this article, while those seeking a relaxing experience will find their packing tips here. 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. This region is also one of the coffee-producing regions. The climate in Costa Rica is hot all year round in the plains and along the coasts, while it's milder in the plateau, that is, in the so-called tierras templadas. 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.