Climate Zones of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's remarkable biodiversity is a direct product of its climatic diversity. Six distinct climate zones exist within a country smaller than West Virginia — each shaped by elevation, ocean exposure, and position relative to the mountain ranges that divide the country.
How many climate zones does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica has six major climate zones: Tropical Rainforest (Caribbean lowlands and Osa Peninsula), Tropical Dry Forest (Guanacaste), Cloud Forest (Monteverde and mid-elevation mountains), Highland / Páramo (Chirripó and Cerro de la Muerte above 3,000 m), Caribbean Coast (year-round rain, no dry season), and Central Valley (the mild "eternal spring" zone around San José). Each zone has distinct temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and ecosystems.
The Altitude Rule
The single most reliable rule for understanding Costa Rica's climate: temperatures drop approximately 6°C for every 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The coastal lowlands at 35°C become the Central Valley at 24°C at 1,200 m, the cloud forest at 17°C at 1,600 m, and approach freezing on Chirripó's summit at 3,821 m. Pack accordingly — Costa Rica is not just beach weather.
The Six Climate Zones
Tropical Rainforest
Hot, humid, and wet year-round with no true dry season. The most biodiverse climate zone in Costa Rica, covering the Caribbean lowlands and the southern Pacific Osa Peninsula. Rainfall is heavy and consistent throughout the year.
- •Year-round rainfall with no true dry season
- •Very high humidity (80–95%)
- •Lush, dense vegetation and exceptional biodiversity
- •Rivers and waterfalls active year-round
- •Home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and sea turtles
Tropical Dry Forest
Characterized by extreme seasonality — one of the longest and most intense dry seasons in Central America. Dominant in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula. This is one of the world's most threatened biomes, with less than 2% of original cover remaining globally.
- •Intense dry season from November to May
- •Trees lose leaves during dry season (deciduous)
- •Dramatic green transformation with rainy season onset
- •Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C March–April
- •One of the world's most threatened forest biomes
Cloud Forest
Permanently enveloped in mist and cloud at mid-to-high elevations. The cloud forest creates a unique microclimate of constant moisture, supporting incredible epiphyte diversity — mosses, ferns, and orchids coat every surface. Cooler and wetter than lowland forests.
- •Constant cloud cover and mist regardless of season
- •Very high humidity with lower temperatures than lowlands
- •Exceptional epiphyte diversity — mosses, orchids, bromeliads
- •Resplendent quetzal habitat
- •Wind is a significant factor, especially Nov–Jan
Highland / Páramo
The coldest and harshest climate zone in Costa Rica, found above 3,000 m. The páramo is a treeless, wind-swept ecosystem unique to high tropical mountains. Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight near the summit of Chirripó (3,821 m), Costa Rica's highest peak.
- •Frost possible year-round above 3,200 m
- •Treeless páramo vegetation — low shrubs, grasses, cushion plants
- •Strong UV radiation despite cold temperatures
- •Stunning crater lakes and glacial valleys
- •Summit views require early-morning starts to beat cloud buildup
Caribbean Coast
Unlike any other part of Costa Rica — the Caribbean has no true dry season and its wettest months are the opposite of the Pacific coast. Rain can fall any day of the year, but the coast has its own distinct rhythm. The Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine here are unique in the country.
- •No true dry season — rain possible any month
- •Wettest period: October–December (reversed from Pacific)
- •Relatively drier February–April and September–October
- •High year-round humidity
- •Distinct from Pacific weather patterns — two coasts can have opposite conditions
Central Valley / Meseta Central
Home to nearly 60% of Costa Rica's population, the Central Valley sits at 900–1,500 m elevation and enjoys one of the most comfortable climates in the world — often called 'eternal spring.' San José, Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago all sit here. Temperatures are mild year-round.
- •Mild, spring-like temperatures year-round
- •Rainy season brings afternoon showers but not all-day rain
- •Cool evenings year-round — light jacket useful
- •Morning mist common in December–February
- •Urban heat island effect makes city center warmer than surrounding areas
Zone Comparison at a Glance
| Zone | Elevation | Temp Range | Annual Rainfall | Dry Season? | Where to Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Rainforest | 0–500 m | 24–32°C | 4,000+ mm | None | Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero |
| Tropical Dry Forest | 0–500 m | 22–38°C | ~1,500 mm | Yes — Nov to May | Guanacaste, Nicoya |
| Cloud Forest | 1,000–2,500 m | 12–22°C | ~3,000 mm | Partial (drier Dec–Apr) | Monteverde, Braulio Carrillo |
| Highland / Páramo | 3,000–3,821 m | 0–15°C | ~2,500 mm | Drier Jan–Apr | Chirripó, Cerro de la Muerte |
| Caribbean Coast | 0–200 m | 24–30°C | ~3,500 mm | None (drier Feb–Apr) | Puerto Viejo, Limón, Cahuita |
| Central Valley | 900–1,500 m | 18–26°C | ~2,000 mm | Yes — Dec to Apr | San José, Heredia, Cartago |