Central America
Costa Rica Weather & Climate
Rainforests, volcanoes, sloths and two coasts of outstanding surf and marine life
28°C
Max sea
28°C
Max air
January
Best month
11mm
Driest month
Rainforests, volcanoes, sloths and two coasts of outstanding surf and marine life
Costa Rica has achieved something remarkable: a country the size of West Virginia that contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, zero army spending (abolished in 1948), and an eco-tourism model that others study and struggle to replicate. The Pacific coast draws surfers to Nosara, Tamarindo and the world-class breaks of the Osa Peninsula, while the Caribbean side offers a completely different experience — reggae culture, cacao plantations and the wilderness of Cahuita National Park. In between, an interior of cloud forests, hot springs, and active volcanoes — Arenal remains one of the world's most photogenic — completes a destination that has quietly become one of Latin America's finest.
When to go: December to April is dry season on the Pacific. The Caribbean coast has different patterns with May–September often sunny.
The best months to visit Costa Rica are January, February, March. Peak season is March with the best combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | UV | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 26°C | 19mm | 10 | 14 |
| Feb | 27°C | 27°C | 11mm | 11 | 14 |
| Mar | 28°C | 27°C | 15mm | 12 | 13 |
| Apr | 28°C | 28°C | 42mm | 12 | 13 |
| May | 28°C | 28°C | 205mm | 12 | 14 |
| Jun | 27°C | 28°C | 241mm | 11 | 14 |
| Jul | 27°C | 27°C | 181mm | 11 | 14 |
| Aug | 27°C | 27°C | 245mm | 11 | 14 |
| Sep | 27°C | 27°C | 332mm | 10 | 13 |
| Oct | 26°C | 27°C | 300mm | 10 | 13 |
| Nov | 26°C | 27°C | 145mm | 9 | 14 |
| Dec | 26°C | 26°C | 44mm | 9 | 14 |
The best time to visit Costa Rica is January, February, March. Peak season is March when temperatures reach 28°C with virtually no rain. December to April is dry season on the Pacific. The Caribbean coast has different patterns with May–September often sunny.
Sea temperatures in Costa Rica range from 26°C in January to 28°C in April. The sea is bath-warm at its warmest.
Winter temperatures in Costa Rica average 26°C with sea temperatures of 26°C. This makes it a great winter sun destination.
The driest month is February with 11mm. The wettest month sees 332mm. Costa Rica receives 1780mm annually.
Warm and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (19mm). UV 10. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (11mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Hot and very warm seas. Virtually no rain (15mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Very little rain (42mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Hot and bath-warm seas. Heavy rainfall (205mm). UV 12. Sun protection essential.
Warm and bath-warm seas. Heavy rainfall (241mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Heavy rainfall (181mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Heavy rainfall (245mm). UV 11. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Heavy rainfall (332mm). UV 10. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Heavy rainfall (300mm). UV 10. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Moderate rainfall (145mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Very little rain (44mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
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