The
weather in Costa Rica is everyone's favorite topic of conversation and
the traveler's number one concern. Costa Rica enjoys incredible
weather almost year round, with temperatures averaging between 75f - 85f
, and water temperatures averaging 80f. Weather conditions do vary
by location, San Jose tends to be cooler and more mild, the Nicoya Peninsula
and Guanacaste drier and hotter, the Caribbean coast is usually wetter
and more humid.
There are two weather seasons in Costa Rica - green and dry.
The dry season runs between mid-December and April and the green between
May and November. The dry season is warm and sunny, and, corresponds
with the Northern Hemisphere's winter, making Costa Rica the perfect
vacation get-away during the cold winter months.
It is during the green season that Costa Rica receives the majority
of it's rainfall. With October and November being the wettest
months.
Travelers
are worried about coming to Costa Rica during the green season, when
actually it is the best time to visit. Hotel prices are lower,
restaurants aren't packed, buses and planes are easy to catch, sites
are less crowded.
The
weather pattern in Manuel Antonio, during the green season, is fairly
consistent. Sunny and warm in the morning, clouds begin to appear
around 2:00 in the afternoon, rain starts around 4:00 pm, it can be
light or heavy and last from an hour to three. You can plan your
day. You will get sun almost everyday.
Fortunately, Costa Rica is not plagued by hurricanes. A light
jacket and sweater may be required for San Jose and if you are visiting
the volcanoes or mountains.