Weather
Costa Rica is located in the tropics of Central America between the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. The country shares its northern border with Nicaragua and its southern border with Panama. Several mountain ranges cross the country offering 12 different climate zones and thousands of micro-climates. This magnificent country is home to 4% of the world’s fauna, and it protects many fragile ecosystems.
Seasons
The two slopes, Caribbean and Pacific, have distinct seasons.
A rainy season (also called the green season) which is interrupted only by a few weeks of full sun and a summer season. Just the Guanacaste region in the North Pacific can claim a dry season.
Temperatures
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The Central Valley is much cooler due to the altitude of its valleys and peaks. You can visit cloud forests, lakes, and volcanoes.
Arenal volcano, Braulio Carillo National Park, Irazu volcano, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Poas volcano…
What clothes to bring in the Central Valley?
T-shirt, pants, sweater, and light rainwear.
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The Caribbean Coast and the Southern part of the Pacific Coast are very humid. Here you can visit mangroves and tropical forests, go rafting or dive near the coral reefs. You will meet indigenous tribes to discover their customs and crafts: Borucas, Bribris…
Cahuita, Corcovado, Puerto Viejo, Uvita…
What clothes to bring to the Caribbean and the South Pacific?
Beach clothes, light rainwear but also light pants and closed shoes for a walk in the jungle.
Take into account that with high humidity clothes will quickly smell moldy, so do not bring too much, wash them as you go rather than having to wash clothes that you have not yet worn.
Do not forget to bring a natural mosquito repellent for infested areas (you do not have to poison yourself with DEET for it to be effective).
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The North Pacific Coast has a dry season. You can rest at the beach, surf, go down to caves, observe the stars and visit the dry tropical forest.
Nosara, Playa Hermosa, Samara, Tamarindo …
What clothes to bring to the North Pacific?
Beach clothes, but also light pants, and closed shoes for a walk in the jungle.
Sunrise and Sunset
Stargazing
Guanacaste: Papagayo Peninsula, La Cruz, Rincon de la Vieja,
From February to March there’s no light pollution and no clouds.
You may observe the sky of both hemispheres.
There is an article about this on the Astrobackyard website.
You may find more information here: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional and Visit Costa Rica.
