Costa Rica: Extraordinary year-round climate from tropical to temperate

Costa Rica's Extraordinary year-round climate

Tropical to Temperate

Due to its close proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is considered to be a sub-tropical haven. This country's extraordinary climate offers mild tropic-like conditions that prevail year-round. You will rarely experience discomforting temperature extremes or prolonged periods of gray.

There are twelve distinct climatic zones with temperatures that vary according to elevation. San Jose and the Central Valley is thought by some to have the best climate in the country, due to its temperate year-round average of 22°C (72° F ). Country-wide, the average temperature is 21-27°C (70-81° F). Temperatures on the Atlantic coast have a mean of about 28°C (82°F) and 32°C (89°F) on the Pacific. Temperatures in the mountains can drop into the 10°C range (50's in Fahrenheit). The warm waters along the coastal areas are usually around 23°C (74°F).

The area that has the highest humidity and receives the most rainfall is the Caribbean Costal region, with an annual reading of over 5,000mm (197"). This region has no well-defined dry season. The driest and hottest climate can be found in the Northern Pacific.

In Costa Rica the sun shines throughout the year, with daylight lasting for over twelve hours, and there is no real winter season. The three coolest months are November through January, and the three hottest months tend to be March through May.

Click below to find the current weather in Costa Rica:

http://www.worldweather.org/171/m171.htm

Costa Rica has two recognized seasons: the “dry season” usually starts in December and goes through April, the "wet season" - when there are daily afternoon rains throughout the country - typically lasts from May through November. Some people refer to call this season with heavier precipitation "the green season" -- since the plants and foliage explode into their full bloom, similar to spring in more northern climates.

The months of September, October, and November are the heart of the green season in Costa Rica. While many visitors and vacation home owners shy away from spending time in the country during this period, there are some who are still able to enjoy the best natural beauty that Costa Rica has to offer.

What is the main reason that so many people stay away during the green season?

It is because most North Americans and Europeans associate rain with being cold and uncomfortable. In Costa Rica, rain merely means that you could get wet... not cold and uncomfortable, just wet.

The rain in the tropical lowlands is always warm. Rarely is it accompanied by high

winds or cold temps. It also rarely lasts more than an hour, as do the clouds that

it comes from.

The oceans experience subtle but purposeful changes as well. Humpback whales

migrate thousands of miles to calve and rear their young in the tranquil waters

near Caño Island.

The ocean water temperatures also cool a bit this time of year ushering in a

whole new variety of migratory game fish.

In the midst of unpredictable, extreme global weather patterns as of late, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. Sunshine is plentiful throughout both dry and rainy seasons, with an average year-found temperature of 72ºF in the Central Valley. These weather conditions are budget friendly with utility bills, as air conditioning is rarely used and heaters are not necessary. The months that North America considers “winter” are actually Costa Rica’s “summer” and the warmest and driest months of the year.

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