Tropical Wave #13 passed through early this morning, bringing some instability and isolated showers with it. Now, we expect wind patterns and humidity levels to shift as we enter a fascinating meteorological phenomenon called the canicular period. This could dramatically change our weather patterns over the coming days and weeks.
Common for this time of year, Costa Rica is entering the canicular period (período canicular), which is a distinctive dry spell that occurs during July and sometimes extends into August. This natural phenomenon happens when the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts northward, combined with increased trade wind intensity and the arrival of Saharan dust particles that help suppress cloud formation and rainfall.
During this period, the normally wet Central Valley and North Pacific regions experience significantly reduced rainfall.
Want to learn more? Read our complete guide to Costa Rica’s Canicular Period to understand this fascinating weather phenomenon and how it affects different regions of the country.
A Facebook post by Meteorología CR notes that while this first week won’t show the full strength of the canícula, we’re already seeing the characteristic pattern with accelerated trade winds and Saharan dust arrival.
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional de Costa Rica (IMN) added during this week’s forecast that the Central Valley and North Pacific will experience this characteristic dry period, while maritime clouds will still bring occasional rains to the Northern Zone and Caribbean. The Central and South Pacific will see occasional afternoon downpours, intensifying from Thursday onward.
Three tropical waves are being monitored in the Atlantic. The closest, Tropical Wave #14, is expected to arrive Saturday and could temporarily interrupt the canicular pattern with increased rainfall for the weekend.
Recent analyses don’t show very strong rain activity from this wave, but it’s worth monitoring. The other two waves are forecast to arrive next week, with projections showing even stronger trade winds leading to further rainfall reductions across the region. In summary, a few blips on the radar but the overall weather pattern is looking drier!
The Northern Zone and Caribbean may see occasional showers in the early morning hours, while the Central Valley and Pacific regions enjoy partly cloudy skies.
Variable cloudiness across the country with occasional showers near the Pacific coast from the Nicoya Peninsula to the Southern Zone, and near mountains of the Northern Zone and Northern Caribbean. The Central Valley and northern Guanacaste will see little to no significant rainfall—typical canicular conditions.
Both Pacific and Caribbean coasts may experience occasional showers during evening hours. The Central Valley and Northern Zone should remain relatively dry this week.
Here’s what to expect for temperatures across Costa Rica’s different regions.
High: 31° (87.8°) | Low: 14° (57.2°)
High: 35° (95°) | Low: 20° (68°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 34° (93.2°) | Low: 16° (60.8°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 16° (60.8°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 16° (60.8°)
The canicular period affects different parts of Costa Rica in different ways.
Central Valley & North Pacific regions: These areas benefit most from canicular conditions with significantly reduced rainfall and clearer skies. Expect more consistent weather patterns with less disruption from afternoon storms.
Caribbean & Northern Zone: Continue to see some morning shower activity due to maritime cloud influences, but overall drier than typical rainy season conditions.
Central & South Pacific: Still experience occasional afternoon downpours, with intensity increasing from Thursday onward, but generally less frequent than normal rainy season patterns.
Weekend considerations: Tropical Wave #14 arrives Saturday, potentially bringing increased rainfall and temporarily interrupting the dry pattern.
With two additional tropical waves expected next week, the duration and intensity of this canicular period may be influenced by these systems. The interplay between the natural dry period and incoming tropical waves will determine how pronounced this year’s canícula becomes. Stay tuned!
