Located in the tropics, Costa Rica has twelve climatic zones varying from hot and humid to cold and frosty. The temperatures are mostly determined by the elevation and other geographical factors.
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What are the 12 climate zones in Costa Rica?
The regions are Guanacaste, Alajuela, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, Cartago and San Jose. Each region is made up unique climate zones and an abundance of wildlife and rainforests. The country can also be split up into different zones.
What are the climate zones of Costa Rica?
Central Valley (San José, Grecia, Santa Ana) – these highlands have a mild climate and are cool at night. South Central (San Gerado de Dota, La Amistad International Park) – this area has a mild climate. Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo de Limón, Tortuguero) – these lowlands are hot, humid, and have rainforests.
Does Costa Rica have 4 seasons?
Countries in northern latitudes often enjoy four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. In tropical Costa Rica, however, there are just two seasons: summer (“verano“) and winter (“invierno“). Summer is the dry season (December – April) and winter is the rainy season (May – November).
How many micro climates does Costa Rica have?
Although 32 is the oft-quoted number of so-called “microclimates” Costa Rica boasts, that terminology is technically incorrect. In fact, a microclimate can be much smaller in area, even as small as the space surrounding a tall city building.
Where is the coolest climate in Costa Rica?
On the other hand, residents of Atenas, Costa Rica believe their town has the best temperatures during the whole year. Actually, they are convinced, theirs is the world’s best climate.
Is the water cold in Costa Rica?
Sea water temperature throughout Costa Rica warms above 20°C and it is enough for a comfortable bath. The warmest sea temperature in Costa Rica today is 28.8°C (in Nandayure), and the coldest water temperature is 26.6°C (Cocos Island).
What is the geography and climate of Costa Rica?
Climate. The climate is tropical and subtropical. Dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands. Because Costa Rica is located between 8 and 12 degrees north of the Equator, the climate is tropical year round.
Is there a lot of humidity in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica receives annual sunshine between 1650 hours to 2700 hours annually. The average humidity is high and ranges between 74% and 90%. The highest recorded temperature in Costa Rica is 42.8°C (109°F), set in February 1964 in Puntarenas.
What is the environment like in Costa Rica?
The climate in Costa Rica is hot all year round in the plains and along the coasts, while it’s milder in the plateau, that is, in the so-called tierras templadas. Temperature variations are low because the country is located near the Equator, so the main difference between the seasons is found in the rains.
Is it always hot in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is beautifully warm all year, with an average annual temperature of 80°-90° Fahrenheit on the coasts and 75°-80° in the countryside and on the mountainsides. The most stable weather is between December and April. These months have little to no rain in most of the country.
What is the hottest month in Costa Rica?
April
During the months of February to April, you will find the highest temperatures. Similarly, months like September through November are generally the coldest months that the country sees, however this does vary region to region.
Does it ever snow in Costa Rica?
Temperatures throughout the year vary slightly. The country has two seasons, the dry season from December to April and the wet season from May to November. It does not snow due to the proximity to the equator.
Is there a desert in Costa Rica?
There are acres of primary and secondary rainforests, dry forests, mangroves and cloud forests, swamps, wetlands, raging rivers, lakes and thunderous waterfalls. In fact, there are only three climates on Earth that are not in Costa Rica: tundra, snow and desert (the three least hospitable climates for humans).
Where is the driest climate in Costa Rica?
Guanacaste Province
Guanacaste Province, which is located in Costa Rica’s north Pacific, is the country’s driest region. Humidity levels range from 61-87%, and this region receives less annual rainfall than the rest of the country.
What two seasons does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica’s two seasons are the dry “summer” (verano) – January through April and rainy “winter” (invierno) – May through December.
How hot is Costa Rica in summer?
August Temperatures in Costa Rica
The average temperature in Costa Rica in August is 69 – 89 degrees Fahrenheit (21 – 32 degrees Celcius) on the Pacific Coast. On the Caribbean coast the average temperature in August is 71 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit (22 – 30 degrees Celcius).
What is summer like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 70 F to 81 F. Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. It does however have a rainy season from May to November.
Does Costa Rica have air conditioning?
Rooms here can be quite nice if you pay up, but they do not come with central heat and air. It is cool enough at night that AC is not needed, but if you want airflow you will likely have your windows, and perhaps some of the doors, open.
Can you swim in the ocean in Costa Rica?
4. Safest Beaches in Costa Rica: Where Can You Swim? With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea pounding the other side, Costa Rica’s beaches are famous for having big waves and fast currents. These are perfect for surfing, but not so much for gentle, safe swimming.
Is it always raining in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy or “green” season. During the months of December to April, the dry season, much of the country experiences little if any rain.Each line represents a different area of the country and its corresponding days of rainfall per month.
