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TEFL Training In Costa Rica | Updated: 02/08/2023

Climate in Costa Rica

Written by International TEFL Academy Costa Rica

Perfection is a strong term and is a relative term as well.  Also admittedly being from Northern Canada, I probably have lower standards for perfection than people from less idiotic climates. That being said, I still think Costa Rica comes as close to perfection as you can get. Even after ten plus years in here, I still am amazed by the beauty and pleasure that this climate provides. Climate remains a major reason that so many tourists flock here and so many expats stay to live.

Seasons

There are technically two seasons in Costa Rica. Personally, I think there are three:

Summer ("Dry" Season): December-mid April

Perfect, perfect, perfect. Bright sunny days, normally with not a drop of rain for months. Don't know what else to say.

"Kind of" rainy season:  May-October

This is my favourite. Mornings perfect bright and sunny from 5am until 12 pm. Then around 12 the clouds start rolling in to cool things down a bit. Followed by showers/ insane downpours from 3pm till 5-6pm. The rain is very refreshing, as long as you don't get caught in it. It also cleans everything, cools things down a bit, plus most importantly brings the countries flora into an amazing spectacle of bright green and amazing flowers. The rain can be a pain, but at least you know exactly what time it is coming so you can plan your day accordingly.

Rainy season:  October-November

The good news is it’s only two months. The bad news is that it rains a lot, and the wonderful predictability of the above season is lost in the rainy season. Rain can come at any time and that means you might/will get caught in it. Have an umbrella at all times and just remember that it is only two months and the perfect dry season is just round the corner. Also remember that without the rainy season, the beautiful plants and flowers that brought you to Costa Rica would die and you would be in a desert. It's still nice and warm so you can still wear your shorts and flip flops, however they might get a tad wet.

Can I generalize the climate in Costa Rica?

 No. 

Trying to generalize what the climate is like in Costa Rica is like trying to say what the people are like in the States. It depends on where you are talking about. Try to make a general statement about Americans when you are comparing people from Alabama with people from Portland, from LA with New York, Texas with… anyone. The same can be said about the climate in CR. It is a tiny country composed of multiple mini-climates. Unlike in Canada where you have to drive thousands of kilometers to notice a different climate, here a quick fifteen minute drive can have you peeling off or putting on layers of clothing. I will try to simplify the different micro climates into 3 categories.

 Central Valley Climate

This is where our school is located and also where most of the jobs are. There is a reason that 90% of the population lives in the Central Valley. The reason is that the best climate is found here. A comfortable 25 degrees Celsius ( 77 degrees Fahrenheit) makes temperature a non-issue in your life. 25 degrees and sunny is what your body and psyche wants. That is why the Central Valley is such a great place to live.

Beach Climate

The beach is awesome, no doubt about it. The downside of living at the beach is that it is over 30 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) every day. That sounds great, and it is when you are on vacation and can jump in the pool or ocean whenever you want, but if you are working and going through your daily life routine, it can suck the energy out of you and leave you cranky. That being said, lots of people love living at the beach, and I can't blame them, although I couldn't do it.

 Top Beaches in Costa Rica

Mountain Climate

This can get downright chilly, and rainier and cloudier than is comfortable. Most foreigners come to Costa Rica to escape this kind of weather, so therefore most stay away from living in this climate.

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