The Central Valley – home to the capital, San Jose – has unique weather. The hills and valleys trapped everything from clouds to heat and combined with the range of altitudes result in an array of microclimates. Unlike the Pacific side, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica enjoys the best weather in September and October. The remaining months are characterized by mixed weather, during which each day could bring rain or shine. Temperatures in the majority of Costa Rica do not vary significantly, but the Costa Rica is at its coldest between November and January. Some expats here actually don’t use much air conditioning if their home was built to take advantage of these breezes. Temperature variations are low because the country is located near the Equator, so the main difference between the seasons is found in the rains. Climate change is drastically changing the rain patterns in many areas of the country, which affects the way that farmers go … Other months can be fairly wet. The climate on the southern half of the Pacific coast is somewhat similar to that of the Caribbean. Be aware, that the temperatures don’t change much when the rains start, anywhere in … The central mountains cut Costa Rica in half. As a result, early May is often indistinguishable from the dry season. The longest days in Costa Rica are in June, with an average of 12.7 hours of daylight per day.December has the shortest days with an average of 11.5 hours of daylight per day.. Each month in International Living magazine, we share the actionable, on-the-ground guidance you need to match the retirement dream you see in your mind with a real-world spot where you could make it your reality. Known as the Gold Coast, this area receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in the country. The dry season happens from December to April (high season) and you can be confident that rain will not have too much of an effect on your vacation if you visit between these months. In many places, the Costa Rica climate is warm and damp for half the year. When you’re planning a Costa Rica vacation, it’s a good idea to understand the ra… In recent years (between 2001 and 2008) floods and storms have had the highest human and economic impact in Costa Rica.Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate and is part of the Neotropic ecozone. August to December are wet, and from December through to April, you can rely on the sunshine. The highlands which surround the central valley are the most climactically diverse in the country. Hot and humid tropical weather are prominent. Like waiting for the perfect moment to eat a ripe piece of fruit, every destination in Costa Rica has its own perfect season. Costa Rica is located in this region, which gives its ecological surroundings – its forests, waters, soils and climate – certain tropical characteristics. The overall climate of Costa Rica can be described as mild. When compared with winter, the summers have much more rainfall. Costa Rica’s dry season lagged a bit and the first few weeks of 2020 saw some lingering rain even in the drier regions of the Pacific. These can reach heights of almost 4000 meters, and this creates dramatic changes in climate. Based on weather reports collected during 1985–2015. Only by the end of May … Strategic frameworks support for Argentina, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay through UNEP UNEP: Approved readiness proposal : 08 Nov 2019: Climate-Informed Watershed Management in the Northern Pacific Region of Costa Rica UNDP: Concept note : 26 Oct 2019 When you think of Costa Rica, you probably think of hot steamy weather and endless sunshine. Important aspects of the Costa Rican climate In geography, the region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn is called the tropics. The Caribbean coast has its own microclimate thanks to continual trade winds that keep the climate hot and moist, with rain year around. Whenever you visit you can count on it being hot, but showers are common, even in the dry season. It is also usually nice on that side during the months of February, March, April, May and August. Learn more about Costa Rica and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. But many expats live in homes set on the hillsides overlooking the vast green jungles and glittering ocean. As warm air comes in from the Caribbean, the mountains force it to rise – a process which cools it and results in rainfall over the lowlands. Annual Weather Averages in Alajuela. Costa Rica has a varied topography (see Chapter Geography) and generalisations about weather are diffucult. Costa Rica Guide does have a pretty decent map that shows it more or less but if you go to the weather specialist during the rainy season, you can find out more about each location. Don’t let the rainy season scare you off, though. But Costa Rica’s rainy season starts soft and gradually builds over time. The best example of this is the central mountain range. Due to varying elevations and environments, there … The internal geography of the country, however, means that whole provinces of Costa Rica do not follow these rules. The climate here is tropical. The rainforests of the southern Pacific coast are warm and humid, with heavy rains in the rainy season. From cold, misty mountains to hot, humid rainforest. It does however have a rainy season from May to November. On the other side of Costa Rica, the mountains have the opposite effect. It is worth noting that the Osa Peninsula is significantly wetter than the rest of the coast, and reaches levels of rainfall similar to those of the Caribbean coast. Costa Rica , officially the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish: República de Costa Rica), is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island. This perception is certainly true in many parts of the country. The coldest months are January, June through December, with an average high-temperature of 26°C (78.8°F). Costa Rica Weather in May. Home » Costa Rica Facts » Costa Rica Climate. Dry Season. But we’ll be there to keep you current and show you the best-value escapes—the safe, warm, welcoming, low-cost havens where you can live large for less than it would cost you to stay home. The province of Guanacaste is also the area most hit by the phenomenon of El Nino, resulting in extreme drought across the area. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a FREE REPORT - Costa Rica: The Land of Pura Vida. Get the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for Costa Rica with current travel advice, statistics and online resources.. Below are average maximum temperatures at popular destinations in Costa Rica for next month - December. Thanks to its moderate altitude and the protection afforded by the surrounding mountains, it has a what many believe is the perfect climate. From cold, misty mountains to hot, humid rainforest. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is 100 inches, but the more mountainous rain forest regions can get up to 25 feet of rainfall annually. This perception is certainly true in many parts of the country. Nestled into Central America, Costa Rica's north of the equator with a climate marked by two seasons: the dry season (Dec.-April) and the wet season (May-Nov.). It has a population of around 5 million in a land area of 51,060 square kilometers (19,714 square miles). Much of Costa Rica fits this description perfectly. Annual Weather Averages Near San Jose. July, like June, in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a moderately hot summer month, with average temperature varying between 19°C (66.2°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). Many people think that the  capital of San José and the Central Valley boast the best weather in the country. Costa Rica climate guide. The world is going to look different as this crisis plays out. The average temperatures sit comfortably between 15 and 30 degrees (Celsius) all year round, leading some to claim it is a land of eternal spring. Temperatures are high throughout the year, especially on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts which experience some rain all year and get very wet and sticky indeed during the May to November rainy season. Costa Rica is located in Central America between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Lowlands: The North, Guanacaste, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and the Osa Peninsula. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. At elevation, the weather is cooler than at sea level and benefits from cooling ocean and mountain breezes. The Caribbean has had typical “tropical” weather patterns with more rain that the west coast which will continue as usual until September. The driest month is January while the wettest are September and October. Select a destination to see the climate guide for all months of the year. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a FREE REPORT – Costa Rica: The Land of Pura Vida. Both coasts have a more traditional tropical climate, although as you can see, there are some regional differences. Located … Skip down to today’s detailed weather and forecasts for each region of Costa Rica.. General Costa Rica Weather Trends. An estimated 333,980 people live in the capital and largest city, San José, with around 2 million people in the surroun… With 2.2in over 9 days, rain may occur throughout your stay. In fact, if you are looking for a warm climate, head to Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. This climate is considered to be Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Today’s and tonight’s San José, San José, Costa Rica weather forecast, weather conditions and Doppler radar from The Weather Channel and Weather.com Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Yellow – not green – is the dominant color, and the plant life looks closer to that found in an African savannah than a tropical island. Climate data and weather averages in Alajuela. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 35%. This region is characterized by heat and humidity and by the existence of a rainy season and dry season. The average temperature in Puntarenas is 27.2 °C | 80.9 °F. May officially marks the end of the dry season in Costa Rica. 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. Location of Costa Rica. The weather in one valley can be completely different to that in the next one over. The higher in elevation you go, the cooler the average temperatures. To the east of the mountains, the Caribbean coast is stereotypically tropical. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. Costa Rica’s lowlands and coastal areas have an average temperature of 79 F, if you like warm weather. Costa Rica’s lowlands and coastal areas have an average temperature of 79 F, if you like warm weather. At altitudes that vary from 2,000 feet to 5,000 feet above sea level, it is temperate year-round, with temperatures ranging from highs in the mid-80s F to lows at night in the mid-60s. Hurricanes do occasionally affect the climate of the Pacific coast between May and November. You can expect high temperatures ranging between 30 and 40 degrees celsius. Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season and rainy (or, “green,” as locals may call it) season. The wet and dry seasons are clearly defined meaning that there is very little rain between December and March, and even during the wet (“green”) season, it tends to rain only in the afternoon/evening. Read all about how you can travel GREEN and reduce your carbon footprint! When you’re planning a Costa Rica vacation, it’s a good idea to understand the rainy and dry seasons as well as look at an updated weather forecast! Learn more about Costa Rica and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Though just the size of West Virginia, this country boasts a wide range of different climates, so there really is something for everyone. Read more about it! The only thing that is certain about the Caribbean side is the weather is well-known to be unpredictable. This region sees much less rainfall and you can see it in the landscape. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season). Known as the Gold Coast, this area receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in … And it can rain quite heavily in rainforest areas as well. Costa Rica can be roughly divided into five climatic regions, although there are plenty of micro climates within each of these. The climate quite good in that area in january. Average monthly temperatures in Costa Rica (degrees centigrade and fahrenheit) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec °C: 30.6: 31: 29.7: 28.3: 26: 23.1: 24.8 This puts it deep inside the tropics – about half way between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. The province of Guanacaste is the epicenter of this phenomenon. Go to the highland town of Monteverde for example and you’ll be surrounded by a cool mist and fog at least part of the day for most of the year. When you think of Costa Rica, you probably think of hot steamy weather and endless sunshine. In some places, the temperature can drop dramatically – even reaching a freezing point on rare occasions. Thanks to its diverse geography, the Costa Rica climate is quite varied. For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. Costa Rica is never really hit directly by these events, but when a hurricane strikes nearby areas, it can bring storms to the country’s coastline. As a general rule the higher you are, the colder and damper it gets. January, the same as December, in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is another tropical winter month, with average temperature varying between 32°C (89.6°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). This does not affect the temperature, however, and this remains more or less constant across the year. In the month of january, the mean temperature in San Jose is 68°F (maximum temperature is 77°F and minimum temperature is 58°F). Costa Rica’s reputation as a tropical paradise precedes it and with sun, sea, and surf, its notoriety is well deserved. To put it more simply, weather in Costa Rica is usually defined as having two seasons: a dry season and a green season. Now for the monthly breakdown… January. There are too many local variations to list. The influence of the mountains on the Costa Rica climate extends further than their boundaries, however. Costa Rica is located between Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica’s micro climates vary from the exotic volcanoes to the cool cloud forests, from the dense jungle to the tropical dry forests and golden beaches to the secluded waterfalls and rivers. Costa Rica Weather, climate and geography Weather and climate Best time to visit. Costa Rica is a small mountainous country between Nicaragua and Panama and shares many elements of its climate with the latter. To the north, however, things are very different. Elevation plays a role in the climate of various areas as well. To change your weather in Costa Rica you must change your elevation, which in turn will change the amount of rain fall. Costa Rica's dry season in most places is from December to April, while the rainy season is from May to November. Despite its proximity to the equatorial sun, average daily temperatures range between 71 and 81 degrees. The wet season is from May to November, and during these months you can expect a downpour at some point almost every day. In January, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in December - a still hot 32°C (89.6°F). Read all about how you can travel GREEN and reduce your carbon footprint. Costa Rica is known as a tropical region with a humid and rainy climate that is prime for growing countless types of produce and crops. Rather than the spring, summer, fall, and winter pattern found in more temperate areas. The annual rainfall is 1686 mm | 66.4 inch. 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. Averages are for Tobias Bolanos International, which is 5 miles from San Jose. In fact, short of snow, you can find almost any weather in Costa Rica. Climate in Costa Rica in january Climate in San Jose in january. See the latest Costa Rica RealVue™ weather satellite map, showing a realistic view of Costa Rica from space, as taken from weather satellites. Daytime temperatures range between 15 ° and 45 ° C. The sea always has "good" temperatures between 23 and 30 ° C. The rainy season here starts later as well. Thanks to its diverse geography, the Costa Rica climate is quite varied. The ocean air is pushed up the coast, and its moisture is trapped by the peaks. Weather in January » While the wet and dry seasons do exist here, humidity is ever present, and mist is common in parts of the region all year round. The Pacific coast around Guanacaste, on the other hand is hot and dry, perfect for the many world-class beaches. It receives less than half the annual rainfall of the Caribbean coast. With its long coasts of Caribbean and Pacific beaches as well as mountainous highlands, thick rainforests, and abundant valleys there are many different climates to choose from. How to Move Out of the U.S. (and Where to Go): Subscribe to IL at a discount, and get a Blueprint for Your Escape, FREE... about subscribing to International Living Magazine, Real Estate in The Orosi Valley, Costa Rica. The closer to the coast the more likely it is that you will experience rain, but for much of the year, the downpours are short – if hard – meaning that most of the days are bathed in sunlight. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year, but some areas in Costa Rica’s mountains can get 25 feet of rainfall annually. Do you want to have a positive impact and combat climate change with us? In fact, if you are looking for a warm climate, head to Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Located 8 to 12 degrees north of the Equator, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round with an average high of 27°C (81°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F). In fact, short of snow, you can find almost any weather in Costa Rica. Tortuguero is next the Caribbean Sea, and the weather there is wet and humid, and rainy most of the year. The coolest months are November-January March through May are the hottest and most tropical. © Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. The sunniest days in Costa Rica are in February which has the most hours of sunshine per day with an average of 7.8 hours of sunshine per day, making it a quite sunny month with some cloud cover. By the time it reaches the northern half of the country, it is entirely dry, and as a result, Guanacaste is the driest part of Costa Rica. Most mornings are very clear and there are usually short, heavy rains in the afternoon. 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