Puntarenas Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

The overall climate of Costa Rica is tropical, with variations in temperature and rainfall according to the varied topography of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, as well as the mountainous central regions - including the Central Valley. Average hours of daily sunshine in Puntarenas are ten, with sunset always falling around 18:00 due to the country's proximity to the equator, which also keeps temperatures stable over the year. Average temperatures sit around 27°C / 81°F, with the hottest periods from March to May and overall high humidity year round. The rainy season runs from May to November, with December to April seeing very little rain.

In comparison to the rest of the country, the Pacific coast's climate is invariably hot and dry, supporting its vast tracts of dry forests backing the beaches. Temperatures on the Pacific coast are, on average, a few degrees hotter than the rest of Costa Rica, but the region has lower humidity, except in its far south. Precipitation in October is the highest in quantity and duration, and for the rest of the wet season, rainy weather is mostly in the late afternoon and evening.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

Costa Rica's year-round tropical climate draws visitors to the country at any time of the year. Those seeking sun, sand and sea tend to arrive in the winter months from colder climes, with prices at this time higher than in other seasons, and the accommodation and beaches of Puntarenas being more crowded. Eco-tourists arrive during the off-peak 'green season', which is reliably less crowded, cheaper and with bright emerald foliage all around due to the rains. Because of the drier micro climate of the Pacific coast, visitors have a broader choice of time to visit, as the rainy season is not as intrusive here as on, say, the Caribbean coast.

Those seeking water sports will have a great time throughout the year, with surfing and diving being popular around Puntarenas. Visitors heading for the mountains to explore and hike should remember that the higher the peaks, the cooler the temperatures. A warm sweater or coat may be necessary, especially at night. Self-drivers touring the region in a hire car should avoid the wettest months of October and November, as roads can become even more treacherous or even impassable.

Puntarenas Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	31°C / 88°F	21°C / 70°F
February	33°C / 91°F	22°C / 72°F
March	34°C / 93°F	22°C / 72°F
April	33°C / 91°F	23°C / 73°F
May	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
June	31°C / 88°F	23°C / 73°F
July	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F
August	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F
September	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F
October	30°C / 86°F	22°C / 72°F
November	30°C / 86°F	22°C / 72°F
December	31°C / 88°F	22°C / 72°F