This week brings typical March conditions to Costa Rica with a mostly dry environment and high temperatures nationwide. High atmospheric pressure persists over the Caribbean Sea, driving strong trade winds in the Pacific and Central Valley early in the week, with speeds reaching 40 to 80 km/h (25 to 50 mph) in the North Pacific and 40 to 60 km/h (25 to 37 mph) in the Central Valley, with occasional stronger gusts. Maximum speeds could reach up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in the far north during the first days of the week.
By Wednesday and more noticeably Thursday, winds lose strength, giving way to dry and hot days at least until the weekend. Starting Friday, light afternoon shower development increases in the Pacific and Central Valley, while the Caribbean and Northern Zone could see more substantial rainfall as moisture builds in those regions.
The week opens with the strongest winds and driest conditions, typical of March’s peak dry season pattern.
Mornings: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Windy in Guanacaste and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). Mountains of the Caribbean and Northern Zone see limited precipitation with some cloudiness.
Afternoons: Partly cloudy skies in the Central Valley and Pacific with scattered showers possible in the south. Partly cloudy in the Caribbean and Northern Zone with scattered showers in mountain ranges.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Windy in Guanacaste and GAM. Limited rain in Caribbean mountains and Northern Zone.
Trade winds weaken as mid-week arrives, creating a noticeably hotter feel across most of the country.
Mornings: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Winds moderating. Increased cloud cover developing in mountains of Limón and Northern Zone.
Afternoons: The weakening afternoon trade winds increase the possibility of light showers in the Central and South Pacific and even some points in the Central Valley, as well as more accumulating rain in the Caribbean mountains. Afternoon heating becomes more pronounced.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley with lighter winds. Caribbean mountains may see some rain development.
Moisture increases slightly as the weekend approaches, bringing light afternoon showers or a pop-up thunderstorm to Pacific regions and more substantial rainfall to Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Mornings: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Occasional showers possible in the mountains of the Caribbean and Northern Zone.
Afternoons: Rainfall increases over the Caribbean and Northern Zone. Light afternoon showers possible in the Central and South Pacific and portions of the Central Valley.
Nights: Clear to partly cloudy in the Pacific and Central Valley. Occasional showers in the Caribbean mountains and Northern Zone.
North Pacific/Guanacaste: Very windy Sunday through Tuesday with speeds 40-80 km/h (25-50 mph), potentially reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in far northern areas. Winds moderate Wednesday onward. Hot and dry throughout, with low humidity increasing fire risk. Avoid burning that could get out of control due to wind conditions.
Central Valley: Strong winds 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) with occasional stronger gusts early in the week. Winds ease mid-week. Possible afternoon showers Thursday and more likely Friday through the weekend. Bundle up during windy, cooler evenings early in the week.
Pacific Regions: Mostly dry and hot, especially mid-week when winds ease. South Pacific sees scattered light afternoon showers throughout the week, with slightly increased activity Friday through Sunday. These are brief March showers, not heavy rainy season downpours with substantial accumulation.
Caribbean & Northern Zone: Mountain areas see limited rain early week with cloudiness accumulation. Rainfall increases noticeably from Friday through the weekend as moisture builds – these regions can receive more substantial precipitation even during dry season.
High temperatures dominate, especially mid-week when winds ease. The North Pacific’s 35°C (95°F) reflects peak dry season heat in Guanacaste. Low humidity throughout the week will make temperatures feel even warmer, particularly Wednesday through Friday when winds ease. Despite warm days, overnight temperatures remain cool with the Central Valley dropping to 13°C (55.4°F), creating significant day-night temperature swings typical of March.
| Region | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | 32° (89.6°) | 13° (55.4°) |
| North Pacific | 35° (95°) | 18° (64.4°) |
| Central Pacific | 32° (89.6°) | 14° (57.2°) |
| South Pacific | 33° (91.4°) | 20° (68°) |
| Caribbean | 30° (86°) | 15° (59°) |
| Northern Zone | 30° (86°) | 14° (57.2°) |
This forecast is based on outlooks from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN) and other meteorological analysis.
