As of this morning, stormy conditions are affecting the Caribbean and Northern Zone, with the system also reaching Cartago province. Light drizzle has extended into the northern and southern Central Valley and higher mountain areas on the Pacific side, generating noticeably cooler conditions throughout the day. It has been a particularly chilly stretch of weather for Costa Rica this week, with downtown San José temperatures sitting in the mid-teens (Celsius) and dipping as low as 12°C (53.6°F) last week—the coolest in 30 years!
Looking ahead, trade winds gradually weaken as the week progresses. The strongest conditions continue today with gusts reaching 35 to 70 km/h (22 to 43 mph) in the Central Valley, North Pacific, and mountainous areas, and up to 95 km/h (59 mph) in La Cruz. Mid-week brings moderate to strong trade winds with gusts of 30 to 60 km/h (19 to 37 mph) in those same areas, with maximums of 80 to 85 km/h (50 to 53 mph) north of Guanacaste. By the weekend, winds ease to weak to moderate intensity.
A new cold surge (#15) enters the Caribbean Sea this coming Thursday, though it is a very weak system that will not meaningfully impact the country.
The week’s most active period with strong to very strong winds and ongoing rainfall in Caribbean regions.
Mornings: Windy in the Central Valley, North Pacific, and mountain ranges. Mostly clear in Pacific regions. Partly to mostly cloudy with rain chance on the Caribbean slope.
Afternoons: Mostly clear to partly cloudy in Pacific and Central Valley. Partly cloudy on the Caribbean slope with occasional showers.
Nights: Windy in the Central Valley, North Pacific, and mountain ranges. Mostly clear in Pacific regions. Partly to mostly cloudy with rain chance on the Caribbean slope.
Trade winds ease to moderate to strong intensity while Caribbean and Northern Zone maintain shower potential.
Mornings: Moderate to strong winds in Central Valley, North Pacific, and mountains. Mostly clear in Pacific regions. Partly to mostly cloudy with possible showers on Caribbean slope.
Afternoons: Mostly clear to partly cloudy in Pacific and Central Valley. Caribbean slope partly cloudy with occasional showers possible.
Nights: Moderate winds in Central Valley and mountains. Mostly clear Pacific regions. Caribbean slope partly to mostly cloudy with shower potential.
Trade winds weaken to mild intensity, bringing more settled conditions across most of the country.
Mornings: Mostly clear to partly cloudy nationwide. Caribbean and Northern Zone maintain some cloudiness.
Afternoons: Clear to partly cloudy in Pacific and Central Valley. Mostly calm conditions developing.
Nights: Mostly clear in Pacific and Central Valley. Caribbean slope stays partly cloudy.
Caribbean & Northern Zone: Stormy conditions Monday-Tuesday easing to occasional showers Wednesday-Friday. Weekend brings gradual improvement. The most active weather region this week.
Central Valley: Windy and cool Monday-Tuesday with drizzle possible near mountain ranges and in Cartago. Conditions improve from Wednesday as winds ease. Noticeably chilly mornings and evenings throughout the week.
North Pacific/Guanacaste: Strong winds Monday-Tuesday with gusts up to 95 km/h (59 mph) in La Cruz. Winds moderate through the week. Dry conditions throughout.
Pacific Regions: Dry and mostly clear all week. Windy early in the week, becoming increasingly calm toward the weekend.
Cool temperatures persist throughout the week, particularly in the Central Valley:
| Region | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | 29° (84.2°) | 9° (48.2°)* |
| North Pacific | 33° (91.4°) | 17° (62.6°) |
| Central Pacific | 32° (89.6°) | 11° (51.8°) |
| South Pacific | 33° (91.4°) | 11° (51.8°) |
| Caribbean | 30° (86°) | 11° (51.8°) |
| Northern Zone | 32° (89.6°) | 10° (50°) |
*The 9°C (48.2°F) overnight low applies to higher elevation areas surrounding the Central Valley. Downtown San José and lower valley areas are seeing overnight lows closer to 12°C (53.6°F), which is still notably chilly for the capital.
This forecast is based on outlooks from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
