This week brings a shift in our weather patterns as trade winds over the Caribbean Sea remain slightly accelerated, creating some interesting regional differences. The Caribbean and Northern regions will see more morning rainfall activity, while the Pacific regions maintain their afternoon storm patterns, though with some variations in intensity depending on where you are.
The Caribbean trade winds will be transporting moisture inland this week, creating morning rainfall, especially in the Caribbean and Northern regions.
Some of this morning cloud cover might even drift into the Central Valley, bringing cooler-than-average temperatures and occasional drizzle to the eastern and northern parts of the valley.
This accelerated wind pattern also means afternoon showers will be more scattered and less intense than we’ve seen recently in the Central Valley and Guanacaste. Wednesday might be the exception with increased activity expected.
Meanwhile, the Central and South Pacific regions will keep their usual afternoon downpour and thunderstorm routine.
We’re tracking two tropical waves this week:
Tropical Wave #12 moves in Tuesday night, keeping the atmosphere unstable through Wednesday. It looks like Wednesday could be our most active weather day.
Tropical Wave #13 is forecast to arrive over the weekend, potentially enhancing rainfall across several regions. So, weekend plans might need some flexibility!
Also by the weekend, trade wind intensity should decrease, though it could ramp up again early next week.
Partly to mostly cloudy skies across the country. The Caribbean and Northern regions will see scattered rainfall, a departure from the typically clearer morning pattern.
The eastern and northern areas of the Central Valley might experience some drizzle with cooler-than-average temperatures.
Partly to mostly cloudy conditions nationwide. Guanacaste and the Central Valley will see scattered showers (less intense than recent weeks).
The Central and South Pacific regions continue their heavy afternoon shower and thunderstorm pattern, along with mountainous areas of the Caribbean and Northern regions.
Partly to mostly cloudy skies throughout the country. The Caribbean may see occasional showers extending into the evening hours.
Here’s what to expect temperature-wise across Costa Rica’s different regions. Notice the slightly cooler temperatures in the Central Valley, Caribbean, and Northern Zone – a result of the increased cloud cover and trade wind effects.
High: 30° (86°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 35° (95°) | Low: 18° (64.4°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 32° (89.6°) | Low: 15° (59°)
High: 31° (87.8°) | Low: 16° (60.8°)
High: 31° (87.8°) | Low: 15° (59°)
This week requires different planning strategies for different regions, as the trade wind pattern creates distinct weather personalities across the country.
Caribbean & Northern Zone: These regions get a unique morning rain pattern this week instead of the typical clear starts. Plan activities for late morning through early afternoon when conditions are most stable.
Central Valley: Expect cooler, more comfortable temperatures with occasional morning drizzle in eastern and northern areas. Afternoon showers will be more scattered and manageable.
Guanacaste: Benefits from more scattered, less intense afternoon showers than recent weeks. Great for beach activities and outdoor adventures, especially in the mornings and early afternoons.
Central & South Pacific: Maintains the classic afternoon thunderstorm pattern. Stick to morning beach time and afternoon indoor activities or covered venues.
Wednesday: Most active weather day due to Tropical Wave #12’s influence.
Weekend: Tropical Wave #13 arrives, so keep weekend plans flexible with indoor backup options.
*This forecast is based on the weekly outlook shared by Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
