important aspects of the Costa Rican climate
In geography, the region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn is called the tropics. Costa Rica is located in this region, which gives its ecological surroundings – its forests, waters, soils and climate – certain tropical characteristics. Its flora and fauna are adapted to these conditions, meaning that they are tropical as well.
This tropical climate is modified by various factors, including relief (mountains, plains and plateaus), its position on the Central American isthmus, the influence of the oceans (winds and sea breezes and the temperature of ocean currents) and the general atmospheric circulation. The interaction of all of these local geographic, atmospheric and oceanic factors are the main causes of the country’s regional climate.
The northwest-southeast orientation of the mountain range divides Costa Rica into two sides: the Pacific and the Caribbean. Each one of these has its own precipitation and temperature regimen with particular spatial and temporal distribution.
Time it just right
From sunshine and surf to whales and sea turtles, find the season that matches the trip you want most.
Costa Rica climates
Caribbean
The climate regime of this side of the country does not have a well-defined dry season, since the rains remain steady between 100 and 200 mm in the driest months, which is a considerable amount. Two relatively dry periods exist in the coastal zones. The first dry period is between February and March and the second between September and October.
The first dry period is in sync with the Pacific dry season, while the second period occurs during the rainiest months on the west coast. In addition, there are two rainy periods between the dry ones. The first one goes from November to January and is the strongest rainy period. The second one stretches from May to August and is characterized by a maximum in July that coincides with the “little summer” in the Pacific. The rainiest month is December, which is influenced by the effects of cold fronts coming from the Northern Hemisphere, which are present between November and May, though their greatest effect is felt between November and March. Rain falls mostly during the night and morning.
Pacific
The Pacific region is characterized by a well-defined dry and rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to March. April is a transition month. The driest and hottest month is March. The Pacific region begins in the northwest and ends in the southeast, meaning that the dividing line changes from north to south. The rainy season goes from May to October, with November being a month of transition. There is a relative decrease in the amount of rain during the months of July and August, which are termed veranillo, or “little summer.” These months are marked by an intensification of the trade winds. The rainiest month are September and October, mainly due to the influence of the cyclone systems, the monsoon winds from the equatorial Pacific Ocean and the sea breezes. The rains mainly occur during the afternoon and early evening.
main climatic regions in Costa Rica
The two precipitation regimes mentioned above, along with the height and orientation of the mountains and the prevailing winds and the influence of the oceans, allow the identification of seven main climatic regions in Costa Rica.
Choose activities by season and region
Any time is a good time for pura vida
Use the regional sections below to compare top activities in dry season (December to April) and green season (May to November). Then check the regional forecast before you schedule outdoor plans.
Read more about wildlife timing, events and broader trip ideas.
Guanacaste
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Beach time at Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, and Nosara.
- Fishing and diving at the Catalinas Islands.
- Volcanic and hot springs trails in Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
- Turtle observation in the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visits to hot springs in Guayabo de Bagaces.
- Visit heritage buildings such as the Casona de Santa Rosa and the White City of Liberia.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Kayaking through the mangroves of the Gulf of Papagayo.
- Turtle watching at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
- Birdwatching in Palo Verde National Park.
- Hiking and zip lining through Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park.
- Rural Tourism.
Visiting National Parks is recommended in the mornings at this time.
Puntarenas
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Zip lining through Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Sport fishing for marlin and tuna.
- Bird watching at Negritos, Pajaros, Cabo Blanco, Carara and Curu.
- Beach time at Montezuma, Santa Teresa, Playa Jaco and Playa Hermosa.
- Visit the San Lucas Island National Park.
- Rural tourism.
- Bioluminescence tour, which can be observed on some beaches in the Gulf of Nicoya.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Hiking in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
- Turtle watching at Tortuga Island.
- Pacific Marine Park, aquarium and marine conservation center.
- Learn about the maritime history of Puntarenas by visiting the Marine History Museum.
- Take a walk along the tourist promenade to the lighthouse.
- Rural tourism.
Central Pacific
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Beach time at Herradura Beach.
- Boat tours to see reptiles at Herradura Beach.
- Birdwatching in Carara National Park.
- Sport fishing in Quepos: Sailfish, Marlin and Roosterfish.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- White-water rafting on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers.
- Fly fishing in Trout Valley.
- Wildlife tours in La Amistad Pacífico Conservation Area.
- Hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Exploration of tropical forests.
South Pacific
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Beach time and aquatic sports at Dominical Beach and Uvita Beach: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Surfing and Fishing.
- Sport fishing for marlin and dorado.
- ATV tours around Dominical.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Hiking through Corcovado National Park.
- Kayaking in Ballena National Marine Park.
- Turtle watching on Osa Peninsula.
- Birdwatching in Carate and Puerto Jiménez.
- Whale and dolphin watching at Ballena National Marine Park.
Caribbean
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Beach time and aquatic sports at Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, and Punta Uva: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, Surfing and Fishing.
- Wildlife tours at Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
- Sport fishing off the coast.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Turtle watching at Tortuguero National Park.
- White-water rafting on the Pacuare River.
- Hiking at Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
- Tour chocolate farms.
Northern Plains
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Wildlife tours in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and Arenal Volcano National Park.
- ATV tours around Arenal Volcano.
- Hot springs at Arenal Volcano National Park.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Wildlife tours at La Selva Biological Station and Trimbina Biological Reserve.
- Birdwatching around Arenal Volcano.
- White-water rafting on the Sarapiquí River.
- Enjoy the hot springs all year round.
- Take walks on hanging bridges in Sarapiquí and La Fortuna.
Central Valley
Top activities in dry season (Dec to Apr)
- Visit San José: Museums, Theaters and Central Market.
- Volcano excursions at Poás Volcano and Irazú Volcano.
Top activities in green season (May to Nov)
- Tour chocolate farms.
- Wildlife tours in Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Hiking around in the mountainous areas.