Exciting news happening now: Veranillo 2025 has arrived! This delightful weather phenomenon, also known as Costa Rica’s “little summer,” typically occurs during the rainy season when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northward, temporarily reducing rainfall and bringing drier, sunnier conditions to much of the country.
This creates a welcome break in the typical rainy season pattern that we have been seeing. Today (Thursday) and tomorrow humidity will be lower and rainfall much more scattered.
Veranillo usually lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks and is often around the religious holiday on June 23rd for San Juan (St. John the Baptist). This year, it looks to be a short one (more below) but rumors have it that it may return in July.
Thursday and Friday will see perfect Veranillo conditions with little rainfall and warm temperatures.
However, starting Saturday, rains will return to Costa Rica as the ITCZ shifts back to its position over the country. This return will be reinforced by the passage of Tropical Wave #7 on Sunday, bringing widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms during afternoons and evenings. That pattern essentially will mark the end of this short Veranillo period.
Going into next week, we’ll resume the typical rainy season pattern of nice mornings and afternoon storms and showers. Don’t forget, that doesn’t mean every day will be a washout. So get out and enjoy!
Partly cloudy conditions will dominate across the country – ideal for early morning activities and adventures. The coast of Limón might see possible showers during the first hours, but the rest of the country should enjoy clear, pleasant morning conditions.
Thursday and Friday represent the heart of Veranillo, with only scattered rains concentrated near mountainous areas. This is prime time for beach activities, hiking, and outdoor exploration. From Saturday onwards, the Pacific, Central Valley, and Northern Zone regions will see the return of showers with thunderstorms, while the Caribbean mountains experience isolated showers.
The early part of the week should remain relatively dry during evening hours. Starting Saturday, expect the probability of showers to return along the Pacific coast and plains of the Northern Zone during the early evening hours.
Note the remarkably cool overnight temperature in the South Pacific (6°C/42.8°F) – perfect sleeping weather and a sign of the clearer, drier conditions associated with Veranillo.
High: 31° (87.8°) | Low: 14° (57.2°)
High: 36° (96.8°) | Low: 18° (64.4°)
High: 33° (91.4°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 33° (91.4°) | Low: 16° (60.8°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 19° (66.2°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 17° (62.6°)
Want to learn more? Check out our detailed article about the Intertropical Convergence Zone to understand how this fascinating weather system creates Costa Rica’s seasonal patterns, including the Veranillo phenomenon.
This forecast is based on the weekly outlook shared by Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).