We’re back after a short hiatus! So, what’s happening weatherwise in Costa Rica?
Well, two back-to-back cold surges dominate the week but don’t worry, chilly nighttime temperatures will quickly warm to hot, sunny days. The first cold system is already in place (arrived Sunday) with steady winds that will gradually ease mid-week. The second and stronger system arrives Saturday, delivering the most intense conditions with powerful winds sweeping across the Central Valley, Guanacaste, and Talamanca mountains and nighttime temperature chills.
Weekend wind speeds will range from 70 to 90 km/h (43 to 56 mph), with northern Guanacaste potentially seeing gusts surpass 100 km/h (62 mph). Central and northern regions will also experience cooler daytime temperatures during the weekend cold surge.
The country’s prevailing dry conditions mean these systems won’t bring precipitation to most areas, though the Caribbean and Northern Zone may see scattered showers Saturday and Sunday.
The week opens with the first system bringing consistent winds that taper off as we approach mid-week.
Mornings: Partly cloudy to mostly clear in the Pacific and Central Valley, windy. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Afternoons: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley, windy in Guanacaste and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley, windy. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Winds ease to moderate levels during the middle of the week, providing a brief respite before the weekend’s stronger system.
Mornings: Partly cloudy to mostly clear in the Pacific and Central Valley. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Afternoons: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley, moderate winds in Guanacaste and GAM. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone.
The weekend brings the week’s strongest winds as the second system moves through, creating the most intense conditions of the seven-day period.
Mornings: Partly cloudy to mostly clear in the Pacific and Central Valley, very windy. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone with possible showers on Sunday.
Afternoons: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley, very windy in Guanacaste and GAM. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone with possible showers on Sunday.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley, very windy. Partly to mostly cloudy in Caribbean and Northern Zone with possible showers on Saturday and Sunday.
Pacific Regions: Dry and clear throughout the week. Very windy conditions return over the weekend with cold surge #13.
Central Valley: Clear skies all week with breezy to windy conditions, intensifying significantly over the weekend. Daytime highs drop noticeably Saturday and Sunday. Overnight lows reach 9°C (48.2°F), with wind chill making it feel even colder.
Guanacaste: Strong winds throughout the week, becoming very strong over the weekend with speeds 70-90 km/h (43-56 mph) and possible gusts exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph) in northern areas. Secure all loose items, outdoor furniture, and decorations.
Talamanca Mountains: Very strong winds over the weekend with speeds 70-90 km/h (43-56 mph).
Caribbean & Northern Zone: Partly to mostly cloudy throughout the week. Possible showers Saturday and Sunday, the only rainfall expected during this period.
| Region | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | 32° (89.6°) | 9° (48.2°) |
| North Pacific | 35° (95°) | 18° (64.4°) |
| Central Pacific | 32° (89.6°) | 15° (59°) |
| South Pacific | 33° (91.4°) | 14° (57.2°) |
| Caribbean | 31° (87.8°) | 15° (59°) |
| Northern Zone | 31° (87.8°) | 14° (57.2°) |
Weekend daytime temperatures will drop noticeably in the Central Valley and northern regions as cold surge #13 arrives. Combined with strong winds, conditions will feel significantly cooler, especially during mornings and evenings. The 9°C (48.2°F) overnight low in the higher mountains around the Central Valley will create chilly conditions, enhanced by the wind chill.
Saturday and Sunday bring this week’s most significant weather impact with very strong winds from cold surge #13. Residents in Guanacaste, the Central Valley, and mountain areas should:
Northern Guanacaste faces the strongest conditions with potential gusts over 100 km/h (62 mph).
This forecast is based on outlooks from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
