Climate of Costa Rica — Month by Month
Country-wide average for Costa Rica. Part of Central America, America.
Located in Central America, America, Costa Rica has a tropical climate. Country-wide average temperatures range from 25.6°C / 78.1°F in December to 28.3°C / 82.9°F in April, with annual rainfall totalling around 1971.0999999999997 mm / 77.6 in — driest in January (7.6 mm / 0.3 in), wettest in September (355.6 mm / 14 in). These are national averages; regional variation can be substantial, especially in geographically diverse countries. For city-level detail see the cities section below, and for state or province breakdowns follow the subdivisions link if available.
Best time to visit Costa Rica →
See all 7 subdivisions side by side →
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.1°C79°F | 7.6 mm0.3″ | Sunny & Hot |
| February | 26.7°C80.1°F | 10.2 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Hot |
| March | 27.8°C82°F | 12.7 mm0.5″ | Sunny & Hot |
| April | 28.3°C82.9°F | 81.3 mm3.2″ | Tropical |
| May | 27.8°C82°F | 266.7 mm10.5″ | Tropical |
| June | 27.2°C81°F | 279.4 mm11″ | Tropical |
| July | 26.7°C80.1°F | 182.9 mm7.2″ | Tropical |
| August | 27.2°C81°F | 276.9 mm10.9″ | Tropical |
| September | 26.7°C80.1°F | 355.6 mm14″ | Tropical |
| October | 26.7°C80.1°F | 330.2 mm13″ | Tropical |
| November | 26.1°C79°F | 134.6 mm5.3″ | Tropical |
| December | 25.6°C78.1°F | 33 mm1.3″ | Sunny & Hot, Sunny & Warm |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best months to visit Costa Rica for sunny, dry weather are January, February, March, December. The warmest month is April (28.3°C / 82.9°F average), and the driest is January (~7.6 mm / 0.3 in rainfall).
What is the climate of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has country-wide monthly average temperatures ranging from 25.6°C / 78.1°F in December to 28.3°C / 82.9°F in April. Annual rainfall averages about 1971 mm / 77.6 in, with the wettest month being September (355.6 mm / 14 in) and the driest January (7.6 mm / 0.3 in). Regional variation within Costa Rica can be significant — see subdivision or city pages for detail.
What is the hottest month in Costa Rica?
The hottest month in Costa Rica is April, with a country-wide average temperature of 28.3°C / 82.9°F.
What is the coldest month in Costa Rica?
The coldest month in Costa Rica is December, with a country-wide average temperature of 25.6°C / 78.1°F.
When does it rain most in Costa Rica?
The wettest month in Costa Rica is September, averaging about 355.6 mm / 14 in of rain. The driest is January with about 7.6 mm / 0.3 in.