10 tips about the weather in Costa Rica

Talking about the Costa Rican weather is always complicated, as it depends in so many factors, our weather men end up with chronical headaches and the worst reputations. (Joke!) Actually the weather changes radically from one point to the next, and it might change along the day several times. So, read this 10 tips about the weather in Costa Rica! And see if you can predict a bit!

 

When I was a tour guide I used to joke about this. When people asked me “How is the weather in Costa Rica?” , I would answer: “Well, there are two seasons; the rainy and the rainiest. No wonder we have rainforest everywhere!”. A funny fact is that, actually is not like that, even though we have only two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, there are multiple places to visit with completely different elements.

1. The heat.

There are places, like the coasts, where you will find the hottest temperatures of the country. Imagine a trip: you get in a bus in San Jose, you marvel by impeccable landscapes while traveling; valleys, mountains, impressive scenes that the forests around will give you, and you are immersed in this fantastic human invention: air conditioning.

So, as you finish the journey and it is time to step out of the bus, get in a swimsuit and directly go to the beach, you get out and Bam! An intense wave of heat hits you all over. This, my friends, is the best blanket that you will ever have, is like being completely covered by the most embracing fur cloak of all times and yet you are happy, feel flexible… maybe a bit sweaty, yes but, you have the greatness of the ocean in front of you.

Read here: Costa Rica Weather Calendar

2. The chill and the cold.

Costa Rica is known by having an extreme amount of volcanoes, one of the most visited ones is the Irazu Volcano, 11.260 ft over the ocean level. You may get temperatures from -6° Celsius (21° Fahrenheit) to 17° Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) in one day. Once you get to the top, you better get a sweater, because Costa Rica is a contrasts place. You usually get 20° Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) in San Jose and that is where the excursion begins Again, you will be al comfy on the bus for an hour and then, bum! The cold starts taking your body like a refrigerator.

3. The wind.

The “Lake Arenal”, is currently the largest one in the country and the secret to it is that there is a town lying at the bottom as it was flooded as a hydroelectric project on 1979 and now it produces around 17% of the electricity in Costa Rica. Depending on the time of year, but mostly December through February, as you get in a boat, kayak or any sort of aquatic transportation you will fight against the ruff winds that will try to stop you while crossing from one side to the other one. So if you are planning on some kayaking, remember this; strong arms will give you a big help if you go on the same direction that they go.

If you are into wind surfing… This is the place to be!

Read here: 7 things to know about the Arenal Volcano area

4. The Rain.

As I said before, believe or not, in Costa Rica it pours. The rainy season is not the coldest of the year, but is time to use big umbrellas, boots and poncho. Because our friend the wind, does not make up his mind while pointing a direction, so you get water everywhere, but in this you get to see one of the best attractions in the nation in its full capacity: The rainforest. If you are on a forest trail through the jungle and rain comes as a companion, get ready for a unique show: you will hear the animals starting to look for shelter and a concert given to you as the rain hits the huge leaves in a great performance that never repeats itself.

5. The breeze

Before, I talked about the heat, now, Costa Rica has a response to it: the breeze. While getting under the shade of palm trees to enjoy the nice view of the ocean and some cool coconut water, there will be a natural and permanent current of air hitting and energizing you to enjoy your vacations even more.

6. The sky

If you are looking for blue sky, birds singing and relaxation, the dry season is great choice. In San Jose downtown we have pigeons, as every city has, but there’s something else everywhere: red fronted parakeet, amazing and beautiful birds that give you a couple of green winds in the vast sapphire like sky. And in the lowlands, hundreds of migratory birds will be flying around giving an unforgettable magic to the landscape.

Read here: About the Central Pacific Area

7. The Snow

There is none. Really, there’s none.

8. Time zones.

Costa Rica is near the middle of the world, a few degrees from the Equator line. That being said, there something amazing about it. Sunrise and the sunset happen almost all year round at the same time. This means that the productivity and efficiency, landscapes everywhere, the rainforest loses some leafs but they are back pretty quickly,  and the green shades are always a star of all the astonishing panoramas in the country.

9. The refreshing yet warm weather.

Let’s say you are in Costa Rica and feel like want to get out at night, you go out with your family or friends and decide to go to the nearest restaurant, so you grab your coat and set out of your place, you see up to the sky and all of it is decorated with dozens and dozens of stars that welcome you. You start walking and feel a little bit warm, not too much but enough for you to enjoy the night, you feel the breeze and there is not a single cloud, instantly you start thinking about  a walk, forgetting of any transportation besides your feet to enjoy the night out.

10. The fauna.

There is something to appreciate about the weather here…  never mind the weather you will find some animals,  If it is raining you will see toucans singing up on the trees, if it stops, all animals go out to get dry. All of that is possible because of the lovely climate that this country has.

Read here: Eight common mistakes about the weather of Costa Rica