The coldest month of the year, with average temperatures of between 16.1°C (61°F) to 25.6°C (78.1°F) range. This is also the reason that Costa Rica offers such a variety in flora and fauna. Temperature variations are low because the country is located near the Equator, so the main difference between the seasons is found in the rains. Learn more about us. With nearly 800 miles of coastline, bordering both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers the best of tropical vacations. We want to help you travel! Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. The Climate on the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica. The central part of Costa Rica has the same kind of rain patterns as the Pacific Coast. Note that this is the peak tourist season. In some ways, Costa Rica is unlike almost all other countries in the world. In some ways, Costa Rica is different from almost all other countries in the world, this beautiful country is formed by many different climatic zones which also creates a lot of microclimates. The country's Free Trade Zones provide incentives for manufacturing and service industries to operate in Costa Rica. Stability studies of the pharmaceutical drug should be done according to the climatic conditions of the country. The average temperature in Costa Rica is 76°F. Costa Rica has an excellent climate all year round. Its flora and fauna are adapted to these conditions, meaning that they are tropical as well. It is the time of year where it rains a lot in Costa Rica, and in some areas, it could be extreme, which makes everything very green and lush. The tropical beaches of Costa Rica are probably the reason for your trip. The time of year combined with the destinations in the trip itinerary will indicate the season that the traveler(s) will be in Costa Rica. That is why it has a relatively large number of climatic zones that are distinct, each with their own unique weather patterns. The temperatures during the dry season remain pleasantly in the highs while during the wet season the mornings may be sunny and showers are expected in the afternoons. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries. WE ARE PLANNING TRIPS! The air temperatures do not define these two seasons; rather they are identified by the amount of rainfall that typically exists. *** LIMITED-TIME DISCOUNT! Costa Rica is located in this region, which gives its ecological surroundings – its forests, waters, soils and climate – certain tropical characteristics. What to do in Costa Rica: Attractions and Things to do (by region), Coronavirus in Costa Rica: Statistics & Travel Advice, Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Vacation in Costa Rica, The Best Places to See Sloths in Costa Rica, Where to Stay in Costa Rica: The Best Places, Cities & Areas (with Local Insights). The internal geog… This puts it deep inside the tropics – about half way between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. These variables also change with elevation. Generally, there are two weather seasons in Costa Rica. Costa Rica Escapes is a boutique Costa Rica vacation planner who, since 2006, uses extensive knowledge and local relationships to create one-of-a-kind Costa Rica vacations for travelers looking for a unique experience. It is very hot most of the time and a humidity that is difficult to withstand reigns most of the time, especially during the rainy season. They feel needed and want to contribute to a greater good. Despite its proximity to the equatorial sun, average daily temperatures range between 71 and 81 degrees. Costa Rica Climate Zones: Volcanoes, Rainforests & Jungles. December and January are colder because the country gets the influence of the winter in the northern hemisphere. Some mountainous areas can get as much as 25 feet of rainfall in a year. On the Pacific coast, during September and October, it rains a significant amount every single day. Please visit our Affordable Costa Rica Vacations page for more details. The sun will rise around 5:00 am and set around 6:00 pm each day. The area of Costa Rica is 51,100 km² of which 51,060 km² is land and 40 km² is water. From August to October, it rains a lot in the Pacific coast and the central region, but the Caribbean coast experiences drier weather, making it the perfect destination for enjoying very green and lush wildlife, warmer temperatures and sunny days. He has worked in a variety of capacities from Outdoor Educator & Principle Guide to Itinerary Design Manager & Business Owner for numerous organizations. There is not a true winter season, and it is classified as a tropical country because of how close it is to the equator. The highest temperatures you will experience in Guanacaste this time of year are close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In simple words, these life zones are defined by the variation of temperature and precipitation in a given area. The climate is different in all the countries in the world. Follow our article on Coronavirus in Costa Rica for updated information. Please contact us to discuss your options! The country is characterized by several large volcanoes and mountains forming part of the Andean-Sierra Madre chains. Costa Rica is located on the Central American Isthmus and it shares a border with Nicaragua to the north and with Panama to the south. The beautiful weather in Costa Rica is a large draw for visitors to Costa Rica who are on family vacations, honeymoons, remote adventures or even planning a destination wedding in Costa Rica. Located … Costa Rica Weather, climate and geography Weather and climate Best time to visit. Between November and May, the best regions to visit are the Pacific coast and the central region, but if you decide to go to the northern plains or the Caribbean coast just be aware that you will very likely experience some rain. When compared with winter, the summers have much more rainfall. Have a plan de vida. It is very important to note that global warming has affected the Costa Rica climate. When planning a Costa Rica Escape itinerary for clients and travelers, the first topic that needs to be addressed is the weather in Costa Rica coupled with the time of the year the travelers want to visit Costa Rica. Tropical sunshine, Pacific trade wind breezes and cool misty mountains are just a part of Costa Rica's temperate tropical climate. It is common to see Costa Ricans wearing winter hats and gloves on the street, but the real temperatures in the central valley will not be lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. December and january are perfect months for vacations in Costa Rica - you can avoid the cold in the Northern Hemisphere and are most likely to hit good weather here. tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands, Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama, coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes. During the rainy season, there is less visitation, but that doesn’t mean visiting Costa Rica is not as fun and adventurous as during the dry season. I have read from authoritative sources that CR has up to 12 CZs. Costa Rica sits very close to the equator and the hours of sunshine only slightly change throughout the year. This is due to a variety of factors including influence from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Research shows that people living in this area experience more intense sunshine and high levels of vitamin D. Food does not spoil quickly, and the weather helps contribute to a lower rate … The overall climate of Costa Rica can be described as mild. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Costa Rica has twelve of the life zones classified by L. Holdridge in 1971. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year, but some areas in Costa Rica’s mountains can get 25 feet of rainfall annually. Blue Zones Costa Rica. It is a small country, comparable in size to the state of West Virginia or the country of Denmark, and it borders (west and east) with two big bodies of water (the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea), which have a big impact in the climate of this small piece of land. The climate here is tropical. John Rabenau has been working in the eco-tourism & adventure travel industry in Costa Rica since 2002. The average rainfall in Costa Rica is about 95-100 inches. Situated at just ten degrees latitude north of the equator, this tropical nation receives sunlight from a nearly overhead angle almost year-round. Costa Rica has almost 30 weather patterns within the 12 climatic zones. Yes, Costa Rica can be broken down into more climate zones, CZs, which depend on altitude (sea level to mountain, 10,000ft) and what side of the country your on (pacific or golf) where factors such as ocean current/temperature create different weather and climatic zones. Located 8 to 12 degrees north of the Equator, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year round with an average high of 27°C (81°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F). Costa Rica’s microclimate zones are a big attraction for vacationers planning to do rainforest tours, and they encompass active volcanoes, high-elevation cloud forests, lush jungle rainforests, lowland, tropical dry … On the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica, the climate is humid and tropical. Costa Rica is located in Central America between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The colder months of the year are November, December, and January. The average temperature in Puntarenas is 27.2 °C | 80.9 °F. On average, it can rain only five days per month. The Green season relates to the color of the landscape. Costa Rica has 12 distinct climate zones and literally thousands of small microclimate pockets throughout the country. The weather seasons give a good idea of what to expect from the weather in Costa Rica. The exciting thing about the weather in Costa Rica is that you will always have sun and heat, no matter the time of the year you visit, as long as you choose the right destination. The sun shines throughout the year. Dry Climate: Costa Rica's northwest region is home to the country's driest climate. This climate is considered to be Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. There are thirteen distinct climatic zones, making it the best climate for anyone. We have obtained information from Nicoya, Costa Rica on ways to live longer and be happier. COVID-19 UPDATE: Costa Rica's borders are now open to select regions, including many states in the USA! Costa Rica´s size located between two oceans make it a highly vulnerable country to the adverse impacts of climate change. April and May are traditionally known as the driest and hottest months of the year, especially in the Pacific coast, where you can fully experience the meaning of dry forest! Nestled into Central America, Costa Rica's north of the equator with a climate marked by two seasons: the dry season (Dec.-April) and the wet season (May-Nov.). Despite being colder than the other months, the seawater is still quite warm at 27.8°C (82°F), which makes it a great time of year to head to the beach. Its 7 provinces all have different climate zones. There are two seasons. All of those months are very dry. By submitting this form, you agree to the. Picking the Best Place to Live in Costa Rica. The patterns of each zone are quite diverse and mostly defined by their geographical information and statistics mainly, the elevation at which they sit and their proximity to one of the two oceans that border the country. Consequently, there is a direct impact on lodging availability and pricing, turning it into the high season because of prices and amount of people. This information has been translated into lessons that can be implemented into your everyday life. Due to Costa Rica’s diverse terrain and proximity to the equator (8 °-11 ° N), its climate is famous for a variety of microclimates (variations in weather and temperature). While the Costa Rica climate is known to be like ‘eternal spring’ with the average temperature ranging between 21.7°C (71°F) and 28°C (81°F), the country’s climate will change drastically as you move throughout the regions, so take the time to experience as many as possible b… Climate. We are offering up to 35%-45% off our trips for a limited time. Warm waters along coasts. Costa Rica is located close to the equator and sits between 8°-11° North latitude, providing it with the ideal weather that attracts more expats each year. The sun typically rises around 5:45 am and sets around 5:45 pm. Costa Rica’s microclimate zones are a big attraction for vacationers planning to do rainforest tours, and they encompass active volcanoes, high-elevation cloud forests, lush jungle rainforests, lowland, tropical dry forests and golden beaches. During this period, the rain falls in the afternoon, while the mornings are rather sunny. If you are thinking of living in Costa Rica with your family, take into account that it is an excellent option. The average annual temperature throughout Costa Rica is about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Travel from one side of Costa Rica to another, or from the coast to the mountains, and you’ll be in an entirely different microclimate. Costa Rica, however, has a wide range of temperature and climate zones because of the different elevation and precipitation levels you find here. March through May are the warmer months when one can expect to receive a lot of sunshine. Portions of this site are based on the CIA World Fact Book, a public-domain work Costa Rica receives $54.1 million from Green Climate Fund for reducing emissions Authorities tell Ponderosa Adventure Park to stop animal reproduction, feeding tours, selfies Costa Rica to participate in UN General Assembly this week During June and July, you can expect more or less the same temperatures and rain patterns everywhere in Costa Rica, with warmer temperatures and afternoon showers. The tropical beaches of Costa Rica can include various microclimates, depending on which coast you choose to visit and where on the coast you stay. Regardl… But we also would like you to visit our What to do in Costa Rica: Attractions and Things to do (by region) page where we go a bit more in-depth on what you can include in your plans for your Costa Rica visit. The Rainy or “Green” season in Costa Rica goes from April/May through November/December while the Dry or “High” Season goes from December through April. The best part is that you can choose the Costa Rica climate that you adjust to best. ***  Costa Rica experiences a tropical climate year round. All original material copyright © 2020 climate-zone.com. Offset Time Zone Abbreviation & Name Example City Current Time; UTC -6: CST: Central Standard Time The variation in elevation makes Costa Rica’s climate separate from the tropical climate in other areas. COVID-19 has affected everyone. Rather than the spring, summer, fall, and winter pattern found in more temperate areas. Costa Rica is a tropical country located close to the equator. Much of Costa Rica fits this description perfectly. The northern plains of Costa Rica and the Caribbean Coast are areas that get more rain all year round. There are 12 hours of sunlight each day. Costa Rica has 12 climatic zones; you will be surprised about the changes. In many places, the Costa Rica climate is warm and damp for half the year. Although it is quite small, the country contains many distinct climatic zones due to differences in altitude and proximity to the ocean. The country is made up of many different climate zones, which also creates a lot of microclimates within the country. Mild is a great term to use to generally describe Costa Rica’s weather; however, in many cases the weather, especially the rain, can be rather extreme. The climate in Costa Rica is hot all year round in the plains and along the coasts, while it's milder in the plateau, that is, in the so-called tierras templadas. Costa Rica Climate By Month Costa Rica Weather In January . All Rights Reserved. There is no winter season. According to the ICH guidelines for stability studies, the climate of the world is divided into five different zones. And it can rain quite heavily in rainforest areas as well. Costa Rica temperatures range from tropical to temperate. Time Zone Currently Being Used in Costa Rica. Current temperature and time in San José, Costa Rica It would be difficult to find a more agreeable environment than the one provided by the climate of Costa Rica. Both seasons have great things to offer to visitors, depending on what you want to do and where you want to go. Whether you prefer a beach on the Pacific coast, a big city, or a remote mountainous region, there are tons of great places to live in Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s micro climates vary from the exotic volcanoes to the cool cloud forests, from the dense jungle to the tropical dry forests and golden beaches to the secluded waterfalls and rivers. Therefore, it is hard to say when is the best time to visit Costa Rica. Average temperature, rainfall and snowfall information is available for the following climate stations in Costa Rica. With its beautiful landscapes, tropical climate, and affordable cost of living, you can live any type of lifestyle you want. Official name: Republic of Costa Rica: Capital: San Jose: Area: total: 51,100 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco water: 440 sq km land: 50,660 sq km: Climate: Climate and weather are important factors to consider when visiting a country. The Caribbean coast has its own microclimate thanks to continual trade winds that keep the climate hot and moist, with rain year around. In general, higher areas are cooler and have more rain. The Dry season is also known as the High season because the lack of rain makes the country much more appealing to international visitors as well as national tourism. The variety in weather and geography provides for a unique set of weather circumstances that gives the country of Costa Rica the label of “One of the most biologically intense places on earth.” As described by National Geographic. Costa Rica considered to be sub-tropical haven due to close proximity to equator. Daylight is always at least twelve hours. 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