No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica Braces for Rain and Thunderstorms as Tropical Wave Moves Through

Costa Rica Braces for Rain and Thunderstorms as Tropical Wave Moves Through

Costa Rica will see unstable weather from today through June 3, with warm mornings followed by afternoon and early-evening rain across much of pur country. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) expects Tropical Wave No. 5 and the Intertropical Convergence Zone near Costa Rica to keep moisture and instability over the country during the forecast period. The pattern is typical of the rainy season’s early stretch: mornings with fewer clouds and higher temperatures, followed by growing cloud cover, downpours and thunderstorms later in the day.

The Central Valley and the Pacific regions are expected to see the most frequent rainfall, especially during the afternoon and the first hours of the night. San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago could see clearer starts to the day before conditions turn cloudy, with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing later.

The Pacific coast should also prepare for repeated afternoon rain. The Central and South Pacific are likely to see heavier downpours and electrical storms, while the North Pacific will remain one of the hottest areas of the country. Parts of Guanacaste could reach 37°C to 38°C, especially around lower-elevation areas such as Nicoya and nearby communities.

The Caribbean and Northern Zone will also remain under unstable conditions, though rainfall there is expected to be more variable. Mountain areas in those regions could see isolated downpours and thunderstorms, especially as humidity builds through the day.

Nighttime conditions will remain partly cloudy in many areas, with rain possible during the early evening. Some of the coolest overnight temperatures could dip near 12°C in parts of the Central Valley and higher-elevation areas of the Pacific.

Fo hose who are planning outdoor activities, start early, expect slower travel later in the day, and keep an eye on road conditions after heavy rain. Afternoon storms can quickly reduce visibility, cause pooling on roads and raise the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Beachgoers in the Pacific should also be ready for sudden weather changes after midday. The mornings may still offer good windows for tours, hiking, surfing and travel between destinations, but the second half of the day is likely to be wetter and more unpredictable.

The rainy season is now settling in across much of Costa Rica, and this week’s forecast reflects that shift. Warm starts, humid afternoons and scattered thunderstorms will likely shape the country’s weather through at least June 3.

For more information you can look at our Costa Rica Weather Forecast for additional information.

Trending Now

Argentina’s Ugo Carabelli Joins Cerúndolo, Navone at Roland Garros

Camilo Ugo Carabelli outlasted American qualifier Emilio Nava 7-6(12-10), 6-3, 6-3 at Roland Garros on Monday, surviving a marathon opening tiebreak to advance to...

Costa Rica Expands Airport With New VIP Lounge

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Airport in Liberia is moving ahead with a major modernization program aimed at improving passenger service, expanding capacity, and strengthening the...

Guatemala Agrees to Joint U.S. Military Strikes Against Drug Traffickers

It is a significant moment in the long and complicated relationship between the United States and Central America. Guatemala has agreed to allow American...

Costa Rica Braces for Heavy Rain as Tropical Wave No. 5 Arrives

Costa Rica will see a steady increase in rainfall through the final week of May, with Tropical Wave No. 5 expected to deliver the...

Costa Rica Court Keeps Papagayo Hotel Development Restrictions in Place

Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber has confirmed that the moratorium on tree-felling permits in the Gulf of Papagayo Tourism Pole remains fully in force, keeping...

Costa Rica Electricity Market Reform Faces Collapse After PLN Reversal

The National Liberation Party has announced it will vote against Costa Rica’s proposed electricity market harmonization bill, a decision that effectively blocks one of...

Ed Sheeran Brings LOOP Tour to Costa Rica This Saturday

San José is gearing up for one of the biggest concert events the country has seen in years. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, British...

Peru’s Ignacio Buse Stuns Tommy Paul in Hamburg, Ends 19-Year ATP Title Drought

Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse outlasted American sixth seed Tommy Paul 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-3 on Saturday to win the Bitpanda Hamburg Open, capturing his first...

New Species Found Buried in the Sand at Costa Rica’s Playa Naranjo

A newly identified marine worm species with coloring similar to a jaguar’s coat has been found on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, adding another species...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador

Live prediction market odds via Kalshi. Updates every 60 seconds.
Kalshi is available to US residents 18+. The Tico Times may earn a commission from new signups.

Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel