Costa Rica Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Because Costa Rica is located between nine and ten degrees north of the Equator, the climate is tropical year-round. This means the average maximum temperature remains around 32°C (90°F) throughout the year, while the average annual minimum nighttime temperature is 23°C (73°F). However, the country has many microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, topography, and the geography of each region.

Seasons in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's seasons are defined by rainfall rather than the four distinct seasons experienced in the Northern Hemisphere. The year is divided into two periods: the dry season, known locally as "summer," and the rainy season, referred to as "winter."

The dry season ("summer") lasts from December to April, while the rainy season ("winter") begins in May. The central and western parts of Costa Rica experience significant rainfall during this period. Depending on the region, this monsoon period lasts until late October or early December.

Hurricane Risk in Costa Rica

Thanks to its relatively southern location in Central America, Costa Rica has almost no direct risk of hurricanes. The typical hurricane path in the Caribbean runs just north of the country. However, because neighboring Nicaragua is occasionally in the path of hurricanes, northeastern Costa Rica may experience indirect effects such as heavy rain and strong winds.