This week continues the typical March pattern with moderate trade winds at the start of the week generating occasional gusts in the central and northern parts of the country, gradually decreasing in intensity toward the weekend. Warm temperatures and a low probability of rain persist across most of Costa Rica, with humidity levels remaining low throughout the region.
Light mountain showers are possible in isolated areas: the Central and South Pacific mountains may see brief afternoon sprinkles, while the Caribbean and Northern Zone mountainous areas could experience light rain and drizzle, especially during the first three days of the week in the early morning hours.
High Fire Risk: With the lack of rain and high temperatures, the forest floor has a lot of dry leaves creating a high risk of forest fires. We’ve seen many “controlled” agricultural burns get out of hand quickly, but simple beach bonfires and backyard burn piles are just as dangerous. Please be careful!
The week opens with moderate trade winds and the period’s best chance for light precipitation in mountain areas.
Mornings: Mostly clear skies across most of the country. Variable cloudiness from partly to mostly cloudy in the Caribbean and Northern Zone with a chance of light rain and drizzle.
Afternoons: Cloud cover concentrates in mountains with a chance of light rain in the Northern Zone and Caribbean mountains. Isolated showers possible in the Central and South Pacific mountains.
Nights: Variable cloudiness from scarce to partial across most of the country.
Trade winds gradually decrease as the week progresses, creating increasingly calm and dry conditions.
Mornings: Mostly clear skies nationwide. Caribbean and Northern Zone cloudiness diminishes compared to early week.
Afternoons: Mountain cloud cover persists with minimal shower activity. Central and South Pacific mountains may see very isolated brief showers.
Nights: Variable cloudiness from scarce to partial across the country with generally calm conditions.
Pacific Regions: Warm, dry, and mostly clear all week. Brief isolated showers possible in Central and South Pacific mountains during afternoons – minimal accumulation expected.
Central Valley: Mostly clear and warm throughout the week. Breezy early week with winds moderating by the weekend. Overnight lows reach 10°C (50°F), creating noticeable temperature swings between warm days and cool nights.
North Pacific/Guanacaste: Very hot with highs reaching 38°C (100.4°F). Moderate winds early week easing toward the weekend. Very dry with low humidity – excellent beach weather but high fire risk. Avoid any burning activities.
Caribbean & Northern Zone: Mountain areas see light rain and drizzle during early morning hours Monday and Tuesday. Conditions become drier mid-week onward as trade winds ease.
Peak dry season heat dominates, especially in Guanacaste:
| Region | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | 31° (87.8°) | 10° (50°) |
| North Pacific | 38° (100.4°) | 19° (66.2°) |
| Central Pacific | 33° (91.4°) | 14° (57.2°) |
| South Pacific | 34° (93.2°) | 10° (50°) |
| Caribbean | 30° (86°) | 11° (51.8°) |
| Northern Zone | 32° (89.6°) | 12° (53.6°) |
The North Pacific’s 38°C (100.4°F) represents the extremely hot conditions in Guanacaste. Low humidity throughout the week makes temperatures feel even warmer. Despite scorching days, overnight temperatures remain cool with several regions dropping to 10-12°C (50-54°F) in the high mountains, creating dramatic day-night temperature differences typical of peak dry season.
This week shows off our classic mid-March dry season weather in Costa Rica. Most of the country has warm to hot temperatures, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. The low humidity and decreasing winds toward the weekend create stable, predictable conditions ideal for outdoor activities and beach time.
Even the limited mountain shower activity expected this week represents only brief sprinkles rather than meaningful rainfall. The country is in the driest period of the year, with the rainy season transition still weeks away (but we are eagerly waiting).
This forecast is based on outlooks from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
