Weather in Costa Rica

Costa Rica may be a small country in size but it has a lot of different weather things going on all of the time!  Because of its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is considered a tropical country, but because of its vast variations in altitude and distinct climate zones, many different weather patterns exist in this beautiful country. 

Magnificent weather is one of the big draws to this paradise and you will find it here almost all of the time.  Costa Rica has no real winter season and the sun shines here nearly every day with an average annual temperature of between 71 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.  There is a green season where daily showers can be expected in the afternoons and evening, but the mornings are most often beautiful. October and November are usually the rainiest months- the average rainfall in Costa Rica is close to a 100 inches per year, though some mountain areas, like Monteverde, boast over 25 feet of precipitation annually!  Trade winds keep Costa Rica hot and humid most of the time, so there is never really a dry season, so being prepared for the occasional shower is a smart plan.

Each region of Costa Rica has its own little microclimate. The northern province of Guanacaste boasts almost no rainfall from December thru May and has become known as a sun worshipper’s paradise.  The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has its own distinct weather patterns-  almost always hot and humid; this area has some of the highest rainfall in the country.  The higher altitude areas surrounding Monteverde are often cooler and foggy and require visitors to dress accordingly.  The capital, San Jose, enjoys nearly perfect weather because of its position in the central valley region and its cool coastal breezes. 

The average annual temperature in Costa Rica is a pleasant 72, whereas some of the lower beach areas have average temperatures nearer 80 degrees and the moun-tain areas are significantly cooler.  Whatever temperature range you are looking for on your visit- Costa Rica has it!  This amazing diversity in climate is one of the reasons for the plethora of plant and wildlife species that can be found here.  No where else on earth can you go and see such a display of natural riches contained in such a small area.