Weather & Climate

Costa Rica 's microclimates vary from the barren cold volcanic tundra to the exotic cloud forest, from the deep dense jungle of Talamanca to the tropical dry forests of Guanacaste, from quiet gold-hued beaches where the Baulas Tortoises build their nests to the winding Tortuguero Canals where the crocodile is king. Even so, Costa Rica 's overall climate can be best described as mild. Being located within the tropics, seasonal changes in Costa Rica are not as dramatic as they are in countries on other latitudes. There is a 'dry" season (equivalent to summer and spring) during which temperatures hover pleasantly in the high 60's to low 70's (20 –23 degrees C), which goes from December to May, and a "wet" season from June to November during which mornings are usually sunny and showers might be expected in the afternoon. On areas near the coasts, temperatures may be as much as ten degrees higher, where as at Chirripó Peak, the highest mountain in Costa Rica ( 3800 meters ), temperatures may drop down to the freezing point. Tourists should bring light clothes: a jacket and a raincoat is all the protection you'll need unless you plan to go hiking in the higher mountains.

Central Valley
The Central Valley includes parts of the provinces of San José , Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela. Like Costa Rica itself, climate in the Central Valley varies from warm and dry to humid and chilly depending on which side of the valley you are located on. To take two extremes, the western San José suburb of Pavas is located at an elevation of 3,280 ft (1,000 mts) and averages a year around temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit ( 22 Celsius ) with the lowest temperatures recorded in December and January ( 64 F , 18 C ) and the highest in March and April ( 80 F , 27 C ). On the other side of the valley, on the foothills of the Poás Volcano and at an elevation of 6,070 ft ( 1850 meters ), Fraijanes averages a year around temperature of 62 F (17.4 Centigrade) with the lowest temperatures recorded in December and January ( 53 F , 12 C ) and the highest in March and April ( 73 F , 22.9 C ). Rainfall also varies considerably. Pavas receives an annual rainfall amount averaging 77 inches ( 1,960 mm ) with September and October recording the highest amounts and January and February the lowest. Fraijanes, on the other hand, receives 127 inches ( 3,230 mm ) a year with September and October recording the highest amounts and February and March the lowest. Even during the rainy season however, long rainy days are rare in the Central Valley .

North Pacific
This region includes the province of Guanacaste , the western section of the province of Alajuela and the northern section of the Puntarenas Province . This is one of Costa Rica 's most visited regions as it includes some of the country's most dazzling beaches (Tambor, Sámara and Flamingo among others). Liberia , Its main city, has an average annual temperature of 82 F ( 28 C ) with high temperatures above 90 F ( 32 C ) from February through April. Although this is Costa Rica 's sunniest region, you can expect regular afternoon showers from June through October – excluding a traditional dry spell in July called “veranillo” or little summer. The North Pacific has an average annual rainfall of 55 inches ( 1400 mm ) and boasts its sunniest months from January through April.

Central Pacific
This coastal region includes parts of the provinces of Puntarenas and San José starting from the Tárcoles River down to the the Barú River. This area includes the well-visited beach communities of Jacó, Dominical, Uvita, Quepos (near Manuel Antonio National Park ) and Puntarenas to the north. In Puntarenas, daytime temperatures may reach the low nineties (above 32 degrees Centigrade) throughout the year. March through May are usually considered the hottest months, although at the beaches, refreshing breezes moderate the heat. The dry season in this area lasts from about January through March, which means rain showers will occur most afternoons at other times of year.

South Pacific
Part of the province of Puntarenas, this region boasts some of Costa Rica's most varied topography including high mountains and vast tracks of pristine rainforest located in the Osa Peninsula. This area has a very distinct dry (January to mid April) and rainy season (May through December). Temperatures near the coast do not vary much and average from the low 80's through low 90's (upper 20's to low 30's Centigrade) throughout the year. In the Valle del General (General Valley) expect more moderate temperatures (high 70's to low 80's) and morning temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the higher elevations. Precipitation varies widely from 120 inches ( 3000 mm ) in the Valle del General to 200 inches ( 5000 mm ) in the Osa Peninsula . The rainiest month in this area tends to be October, while the driest month is usually February.

Caribbean
This region includes the province of Limón and is the most humid and rainiest area of Costa Rica . Attractions here include Tortuguero National Park , Cahuita and scenic white water rivers. Due to the constant humidity blown in from the Caribbean Sea , downpours occasionally last for days. Temperatures in the coastal areas and southern Talamanca Mountains average in the low 80's (upper 20's Centigrade), with May, June and October being the hottest months. Slightly lower temperatures may be experienced from December through February. Although it rains throughout the year, you can usually count on clearer conditions during September and October (the rainiest months in the Central Valley ).

Northern Zone
The rural and relatively less populated northern region includes parts of the provinces of Guanacaste, Alajuela and Limón. Temperatures encountered vary depending on altitude. In the higher elevations, temperatures average in the low to mid 60's (mid to upper teens Centigrade) while in the lowlands, such as in San Carlos, expect temperatures in the upper 70's to low 80's (mid to upper 20's Centigrade) year around. Like the Central Valley , the months of April and May are considered to be the hottest while December and January the coolest. Lowland rainfall averages about 100 inches ( 2,500 mm ) a year while in the mountains expect to receive 140 inches ( 3,500 mm ) or more. Attractions in the area include the active Arenal Volcano and world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.