Weather

Costa Rica lies close to the equator and has a tropical climate. The weather is hot year-round, though some more mountainous areas are cooler in the evenings and early mornings. The unique geography of the country creates various microclimates, meaning that the weather in one area can vary significantly from the weather in another nearby area! If you’re visiting Jaco, however, you can expect sunny days and hot (very hot!) temperatures.

There are two main seasons in Costa Rica, dry season and wet season. The dry season occurs between early December and lasts until mid-April. Temperatures range in the mid-80s, with sunny clear skies. The sun beats very strongly here as the country is much closer to the equator than North America. Make sure you pack your sunscreen! This time of the year is when Costa Rica receives its highest volume of tourism, so make sure you plan and book ahead if you are visiting during this season!

The wet, or rainy, season begins in late April and lasts until mid-November. Don’t think that means you can’t visit, however! While it begins to rain more in April, there are still plenty of sunny days. Most often the rains don’t come until the afternoon, so you have a whole day for activities if you are up early. The rainiest months are September and October, yet Costa Rica is still great to visit during this time if you are someone who doesn’t mind a few cozy days. The extra rains bring the rainforest to life in various shades of green. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of fewer crowds and discounted stays if you plan to travel during this time.

December through March
The weather in Jaco in December is hot, hot, hot! And dry; don’t expect to see even one cloud in the sky! Grab your sunscreen before you head to the beach and make sure you stay hydrated. You can expect much of the same for the weather in Jaco in January, February, and March. Due to the lower humidity, the evenings are a little bit cooler, so pack a light sweater if you are sensitive to cooler temperatures. As there are fewer storms during this time of the year, the dry season is a great time to come and learn how to surf. Waves are smaller and the water is cleaner. 

April through July
Though technically the rainy season starts in April, we really don’t see that much rain until August. The weather in Jaco in April, May, June, and July is still very nice. It’s hot and humid, more humid than the dry season. You will still get to enjoy sunny days, but expect dark clouds to roll in the late afternoon. Sometimes the rain will only last an hour or so, sometimes all night. There are still plenty of things to do outdoors during the early morning, however, so plan accordingly.

August through November
As August rolls around, the true rains begin. While it holds true that the rains most often occur in the afternoon, during the months of August, September, and October, you can expect more rain than not. And while it’s still hot and humid, the sky is more likely to be overcast than sunny. The weather in Jaco in November is an interesting mix of rain and sun as the seasons change from wet to dry.