Costa Rica's Central Valley Weather Overview

San Jose Province experiences every feasible weather pattern except frost and snow. You can easily go through a change of clothing 2 to 3 times a day. Pretty well every day is sunny in downtown San Jose and temperature can reach up to high 70s, but can fluctuate 10 degrees in minutes up the mountain because of the higher altitude. Plan to pack layers of clothing so you can adjust accordingly.

In San Jose, from December to May there is little humidity, but the rest of the year, don’t leave without an umbrella! The days start off sunny but mid afternoon the clouds roll in, and a downpour can take you off guard quickly.

If you plan to visit different areas of Costa Rica, plan to pack your cloth accordingly. Areas such as Dominical, Ojochal in the Southern Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio/Quepos area in Puntarenas, Central Pacific and Cahuita and Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean are dramatically warmer. I’d say more like hot and humid, in the high 80s and mid 90s.

The rain forests such as Monterverde, one of Costa Rica's National Parks are wet and cooler and the temperature drops dramatically when the sun goes down. The mountain areas are similarly, with temperatures in the 60s, and that’s when the sun’s out!

Being situated close to the equator, don’t forget the sunscreen. You can burn so much quicker here, even on a cloudy day. Make it part of your daily ritual while visiting any part of Costa Rica. 

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