What to Expect: Weather in Costa Rica

[Bekah Battone]

I wanted to post an update on the weather.
I see many people on Facebook asking about the weather, as it looks like it will rain every day in the forecast for Costa Rica, which freaks people out. How can they spend thousands of dollars on a vacation and be in the rain all day?
Well, I have good news—rain all day is not the norm. We only experience rain all day when hurricanes and tropical storms are passing through, and this only happens a few times a year, which I can count on one hand.
Storms are commonly more severe in September and October, yet in 2024, October was sunny and dry, while November was stormy, full of flooding and landslides, washing out bridges and roads. So, with our crazy world, who knows when it will rain anymore?
For those living here, when we have three to six days of nonstop rain, it is depressing. We feel unmotivated, sad, and lack energy. It reminds us that those who live in cold climates don’t go to the beach year-round, which is different from what we are used to. Therefore, rainy weather helps us appreciate the beautiful place we call home.
For those coming to Costa Rica, expect lots of sunshine and possible rain in the winter months (May to Nov). During the green season, it is usually sunny in the morning, so make plans early. It is more common to rain in the afternoons, at sunset, or even at night. However, not usually all three. You never really know, like so many things in life. So when the sun is out… make the most of it!
One positive aspect is that when it does rain on the beaches, it is never a cold rain, so it is enjoyable. The rain cools down the environment, which is refreshing and a nice change from the constant heat. I wear a sweatshirt or jeans on the beach only two or three times a year. I do have a friend who’s always cold, often wearing jeans and a sweatshirt here on the beach. Honestly, every time I see her, I start sweating!
One important thing to consider before moving to Costa Rica is to spend time in the region you want to move to. Experience the dry season and the rainy season. I am super grateful for the community I live in. When it rains, the water flows right down the road—there is never any flooding. This is important because right outside my community, the road is always covered in water after a heavy rain.
I used to live in Florida, where I attended college and taught high school. I compare our rainy season to summer in Florida. It’s hot and humid, and then suddenly, intense storms come through. The wind picks up, the temperature drops, the sky brightens with flashes of lightning, and you feel the thunder shaking your body. There are times when we joke that the ocean in Costa Rica looks like chocolate milk. When it’s like that, I stay out of it, as all that runoff is dirty.
I am grateful that most of the time, it’s sunny and the ocean is clear, meaning I can see my feet on the bottom. However, the rainy season does make everything incredibly lush, which is gorgeous and far superior to dried-out, dead vegetation. And the sunsets during the rainy season? Absolutely spectacular, with skies filled with incredible bursts of color.
Personally, July is my favorite month because the vegetation is green, vibrant, and alive. Yet there is also plenty of sunshine. I’ve found the perfect spot in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, on the Gold Coast.
What’s your preferred weather?

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