Costa Rica Weather

If you are on a vacation travel to Costa Rica, planning to visit different places, it comes handy to know about the weather in Costa Rica. Although there aren’t dramatic station changes as in countries in other continents, the weather may vary within a few kilometers. Weather is varied across the country, and even when it is considered as a tropical country, you will find anything from the hot, humid Caribbean to almost freezing temperatures in the mountains, or dry, hot weather in the North Pacific.

There’s sun light for about 12 hours across the year, usually between 5am and 6pm. This is somewhat stable, even during the rainy season, when it’s usually clouded and foggy on most of the country, but you still have to take some precautions to avoid surprises.

The two main seasons are the dry season, usually from December to April, and a rainy season from May to November. It may vary in the Caribbean, region with its own micro-climate due to the influence of the Caribbean Sea, having barely dry season. Some areas in the North Pacific have a typical long dry season. The coldest months are December, January and February, and the low temperatures may extend until the first days of March. The hottest months are March and April, with high temperatures also in May, June and July but with rains.

The climate also changes according to the altitude. Guanacaste is located in lower grounds, with a dry weather and almost no rain. The volcano areas north of Liberia have lower temperatures as you rise to the top of the volcanic peaks, and heading to the Northeast, there are plains with influence from the Caribbean.

The weather in Costa Rica metro area is the typical mountain weather, with cool and cold temperatures that vary in a matter of kilometers: From hot during the day and cold at nights in the North of Alajuela, to a colder weather in Cartago. The high areas near the volcanoes and Cerro de la Muerte may have temperatures between 30 and 54 Celsius.

So, if you are in your adventure travel in Costa Rica, be prepared and bring clothes according to the region that you visit. A light sweater is usually enough, and for the rainy season, a cape and an umbrella are a must. If you go to trip of the Costa Rica volcanoes, bring a heavier coat with you.