This week brings variable precipitation patterns across Costa Rica as humidity levels and wind patterns shift throughout the days. Tropical Wave #15 passed through earlier today, triggering isolated rain events, particularly in the Caribbean, Northern Zone, and Central and South Pacific regions.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll see a return to more typical canicular conditions as moderate trade winds develop in the North Pacific and Central Valley. This will facilitate the incursion of fresh Saharan dust (yes, reaching us all the way from Africa!), leading to reduced rainfall in the Pacific and Central Valley regions, though morning rains in the Northern Zone and Limón province are still possible.
Understanding the pattern: These fluctuations between wetter and drier periods are typical during the canicular period. Learn more about how this all works in our guide to Costa Rica’s Canicular Period.
For the latter part of the week, trade winds will continue moderately in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) and Guanacaste, accompanied by a gradual increase in humidity. This creates ideal conditions for increased cloudiness and rain across the country. Tropical Wave #16 is anticipated to arrive between Friday and Saturday, which could strengthen precipitation patterns, mostly in the afternoons.
Tuesday-Wednesday is the sweet spot: Saharan dust influence reduces rainfall in the Pacific and Central Valley regions, with moderate trade winds creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Thursday-Sunday more active: As humidity increases and Tropical Wave #16 approaches Friday-Saturday, expect more widespread rainfall activity, particularly in the afternoons in the Central and South Pacific regions.
Partial cloud cover across the country provides generally pleasant conditions for early activities. The Caribbean coastal areas may experience rain during the early hours. That morning rain could possibly extend toward the Northern Zone some days.
The North Pacific and Central Valley will see fewer showers, especially Tuesday and Wednesday during the drier canicular influence.
The Central and South Pacific regions will experience cloudiness and rain with thunderstorms, with higher frequency between Thursday and Sunday as humidity increases.
The Caribbean and Northern Zone will maintain partly cloudy skies with rain and showers primarily in mountain areas.
Cloud cover and possible rains will affect the Caribbean and Northern Zone.
The Central Valley and North Pacific will experience moderate winds with partial cloudiness, particularly pleasant during mid-week.
The Central and South Pacific can expect scattered rains during the early part of the nights.
Temperature patterns remain comfortable across regions, with the characteristic cool overnight conditions in the Central Valley and Pacific areas.
High: 31° (87.8°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 34° (93.2°) | Low: 20° (68°)
High: 33° (91.4°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 33° (91.4°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 20° (68°)
High: 34° (93.2°) | Low: 17° (62.6°)
This forecast is based on the weekly outlook shared by Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
