Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Costa Rica is geologically and meteorologically active. The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, has five active volcanoes, and experiences a pronounced rainy season that brings flooding and landslides every year. Understanding these hazards is part of living or traveling here safely.
Is Costa Rica prone to natural disasters?
Yes — Costa Rica has real natural hazards. Earthquakes occur regularly (minor tremors are normal); flooding and landslides during the rainy season (May–November) are the most common cause of storm-related deaths; rip currents on Pacific beaches are a leading cause of drowning for visitors; and active volcanoes (Poás, Turrialba) periodically restrict access and affect air quality. Direct hurricane strikes are rare, but tropical storm remnants bring heavy flooding. Most hazards are manageable with awareness and preparation.
Earthquake Safety — Drop, Cover, Hold On
If an earthquake strikes: Drop to hands and knees. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table, desk, or against an interior wall away from windows. Hold On until shaking stops. Do not run outside during shaking — falling debris in doorways and outside buildings is more dangerous than staying inside. After shaking stops, check for hazards before moving. Expect aftershocks.
Natural Hazard Guide
Earthquakes
Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate. The country experiences frequent seismic activity — minor tremors are a normal part of daily life. Major earthquakes do occur; the 2009 Cinchona quake (6.2 Mw) and 1991 Limón quake (7.6 Mw) caused significant damage and casualties.
Affected Areas
Entire country · Highest risk along Pacific coast · Central Valley fault zones · Caribbean coast (1991 Limón quake epicenter)
Preparedness Steps
- • Learn Drop, Cover, and Hold On procedure — get under a sturdy table or against an interior wall
- • Identify safe spots in every room before an earthquake strikes
- • Avoid standing near windows, heavy furniture, or exterior walls during shaking
- • After shaking stops, check for gas leaks, electrical hazards, and structural damage before re-entering buildings
- • Expect aftershocks following any significant earthquake
- • Have a go-bag with documents, water, medications, and emergency contacts ready
Emergency Contacts
Volcanic Activity
Costa Rica has five active volcanoes: Poás, Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja, Arenal, and Irazú. Poás and Turrialba have seen significant activity in recent years — Turrialba forced evacuations and airport closures due to ash fall in 2016–2018. OVSICORI (the national volcanology observatory) monitors all volcanoes continuously. Access restrictions are common during eruption periods.
Affected Areas
Poás Volcano National Park · Turrialba Volcano (Cartago, Alajuela ash fall zones) · Rincón de la Vieja (Guanacaste) · Arenal (Alajuela) · Irazú (Cartago)
Preparedness Steps
- • Check OVSICORI (ovsicori.una.ac.cr) or SINAC for current alert levels before visiting any volcano
- • Always comply with exclusion zones — they exist for your safety
- • If caught in ash fall: cover nose and mouth with a damp cloth or N95 mask, protect eyes with goggles
- • Remove ash from vehicles and rooftops promptly — it is heavy and corrosive
- • Persons with respiratory conditions should avoid areas downwind of active volcanoes
- • Acid rain near Poás (sulfur dioxide emissions) can irritate skin and damage vehicles
Emergency Contacts
Tropical Storms & Hurricanes
Costa Rica sits south of the main hurricane belt and is rarely struck directly. However, tropical storms and their remnants do bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides — particularly to the Caribbean coast. Hurricane Otto made rare direct landfall in northern Costa Rica in 2016, causing deaths and widespread damage. The Caribbean side is more exposed than the Pacific.
Affected Areas
Caribbean coast (primary exposure) · Northern border zone (Caribbean side) · Atlantic-facing slopes of central mountains
Preparedness Steps
- • Monitor NOAA and Costa Rica's IMN (Instituto Meteorológico Nacional) forecasts during hurricane season
- • Prepare a 3–7 day supply of food, water, and medications if a storm is approaching
- • Avoid rivers, streams, and coastal areas during and after heavy rain
- • Follow CNE evacuation orders immediately — do not delay
- • Keep vehicles fueled and documents accessible if evacuation becomes necessary
- • Secure outdoor furniture and objects that could become projectiles in high winds
Emergency Contacts
Flooding & Landslides
Flooding and landslides are the most common and deadly natural hazards in Costa Rica. Heavy rainfall during the rainy season (May–November) saturates steep hillsides and causes rapid river flooding. The 2010 La Conchita-style events and numerous annual incidents block highways, isolate communities, and cause fatalities. The Caribbean coast and South Pacific are particularly vulnerable. Urban areas in San José are also susceptible to flash flooding.
Affected Areas
Caribbean coast (October–November highest risk) · South Pacific / Osa Peninsula · Central Valley hillside communities · Mountain roads throughout the country · River crossings (vados) nationwide
Preparedness Steps
- • Never cross flooded roads or rivers on foot — water depth is impossible to gauge and currents are powerful
- • In a vehicle: if water is rising on the road, turn back immediately — do not wait
- • Avoid camping near rivers or on hillsides during heavy rain
- • Check road conditions at transitables.mopt.go.cr (Costa Rica road authority) before long trips
- • If a landslide occurs uphill, move laterally — not downhill
- • Know the evacuation route from any lodging in low-lying or hillside areas
Emergency Contacts
Rip Currents
Rip currents are the leading cause of beach deaths in Costa Rica. The Pacific coast has powerful, unpredictable surf and strong rip currents year-round. Many beaches lack lifeguards. The same beaches that are stunning for surfing can be extremely dangerous for casual swimmers. Dozens of drownings occur each year, including many foreign visitors unfamiliar with ocean conditions.
Affected Areas
Pacific coast beaches (entire length) · Osa Peninsula beaches · Nicoya Peninsula beaches · Some Caribbean beaches (Playa Bonita, etc.)
Preparedness Steps
- • Only swim at beaches with lifeguards (flags indicate safety: green = safe, yellow = caution, red = dangerous)
- • If caught in a rip current: do NOT swim against it — swim parallel to the shore until you exit the current, then swim back diagonally
- • Never swim alone, especially at unguarded beaches
- • Observe the water for 10 minutes before entering — look for discolored, choppy, or foamy water channels moving out to sea
- • Ask locals or hotel staff about specific beach conditions before swimming
- • Children should never enter Pacific waves without close adult supervision
Emergency Contacts
CNE — Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission
The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE) coordinates disaster response across Costa Rica. During any declared emergency — earthquake, flood, volcanic event, tropical storm — follow CNE instructions and evacuations orders. The national emergency number for all services (police, fire, ambulance, rescue) is 911. For non-emergency CNE inquiries: 2210-2828.