Though reasonably predictable, Costa Rica weather varies quite a bit from region to region. The tropical nation is home to a handful of distinct regional climate zones, thanks to varied elevations and its susceptibility to both Pacific and Caribbean weather patterns and the Trade Winds. The average rainfall in the country is about 100 inches, but certain areas like the Caribbean Coast can see double that in the year. Average temperature ranges from 60 F to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
While most visitors choose to come during the Costa Rican "summer" (December to March), there are plenty of benefits to visiting Costa Rica in the wetter "winter" months of May through November.
central valley weather
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Averaging 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather of the Central Valley is closer to 55 degrees on average at higher altitudes, and 80 degrees in the lowlands. The region sees very little rain from December through April, with the rainiest months being September and October.
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guanacaste weather
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Known for its dry, arid climate, Guanacaste’s low lying plains get especially warm in March through May. June through November sees frequent thunder showers in the afternoons, cooling down the hot afternoons.
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southern pacific weather
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This humid region receives more rain than the north Pacific, though December through March remain quite sunny. Many hotels in the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula actually close down in September and October due to non-stop pelting rain showers that make driving on dirt roads quite precarious.
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monteverde weather
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A truly unique climate zone that sits upon the Continental Divide, Monteverde’s dry season runs January through May, but expect drizzle and misty cloud cover year round due to its high elevation.
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caribbean weather
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Boasting its own micro-climate, Caribbean rain showers are more prevalent in the months of April through August and November through January, though showers are present year round. The humidity is much more notable on this side of the country thanks to the trade winds.
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arenal weather
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Similar to the Caribbean, Arenal's dry and rainy season are opposite those of the rest of the country. Expect drier weather (though there is no escaping the humidity) from May through November, with September and October the best months for seeing the volcano's peak.
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dry season reality
Dry season (aka high season, referring to tourism levels), runs from December through April, and is characterized by dry hot weather, with an exception in December when the “Christmas winds” cool things off. Most tourists decide to visit during the dry season to escape the North American winter, and to avoid any wet surprises on their vacation. The down side to this is that you will find high season prices and high season crowds, and come March it can get extremely hot and certain areas like Guanacaste see deep green forests turn brown. If you plan on traveling to Costa Rica during the Dry Season, it is worth it to spend a little extra time planning your itinerary to visit off the beaten path destinations.
rainy season reality
Rainy season (aka green season), sees varying quantities of rain from May through November, with September and October being the wettest. The rest of rainy season is characterized by heavy showers in the afternoon that last from 30 minutes to three hours.
The perks of visiting Costa Rica in the green season are that you will find better prices, fewer crowds, lush green scenery, better white water rafting, and more active wildlife habitats.