Costa Rica climate and temperatures

Climate type
Mediterranean
Best time to visit
September – November
Avg. temperature
14°C – 30°C
Annual rainfall
600 mm
Warmest month
August (35°C)
Coldest month
January (11°C)
Driest month
July (22 mm)
Wettest month
October (84 mm)

The climate of Costa Rica is a tropical savanna climate (Köppen: Aw), characterized by consistently warm temperatures and a dry winter season. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 27°C in January to a maximum of 29°C in April. The average annual temperature is around 28°C.

During the colder months, nighttime temperatures average around 19°C, while in the warmer months they average about 20°C.

Popular destinations in Costa Rica

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Climate table of Costa Rica

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in Costa Rica by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp. max (°C) 14 16 17 19 23 27 30 30 27 23 18 16
Temp. min (°C) 6 7 9 11 15 19 22 22 19 15 10 7
Rainfall
Droplet
Droplet
Droplet
DropletDroplet
Droplet
Droplet
Droplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
DropletDroplet
Droplet
Rainfall (mm) 46 34 46 64 43 23 22 75 77 84 61 25
UV index 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 8 6 5 4 4

Best time to visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is January en February. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between January and February, average high temperatures range roughly from 27°C to 27°C, while rainfall remains limited. For a sun or beach holiday, January en February are the most suitable months. It is often warm to hot and relatively dry during this time. For a city trip, round trip, or active holiday, January, February, March en December are often more comfortable, as it is warm without the heat becoming too intense. The warmest month is April, with an average daytime temperature of around 29°C. The driest month is February, with about 2 mm of rainfall, while October is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 287 mm. Snow plays virtually no role in the climate here.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in Costa Rica. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in Costa Rica. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in Costa Rica. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in Costa Rica based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in Costa Rica over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in Costa Rica

The weather in Costa Rica is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to Costa Rica? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in Costa Rica is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.