Costa Rica’s week opens wet, with Tropical Wave No. 11 crossing the country today, before forecasters expect a drier, warmer pattern to settle over the Pacific and Central Valley as the week goes on, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
As far as today goes, the IMN says two systems are combining to make for an unstable day and raise the chance of rain and storms across much of the country: Tropical Wave No. 11, and a band of tropical storm activity that sits near the equator and is currently parked over Costa Rica, feeding it moisture and rain.
The Caribbean and northern areas can expect variable cloud with rain and drizzle in the morning, followed by afternoon downpours and thunderstorms in the Central Valley, the Pacific and the northern zone that linger into the early evening, especially near the coasts.
Beyond the wave, the bigger trend points the other way. There should be less rainfall across the Pacific and Central Valley for this week, with drier conditions expected once the wave moves on. The Caribbean, Northern as well as the Northwestern parts of our country should stay close to normal for the season. Forecasters put the chance of an extreme rain event this week at a low of about 25%.
Temperatures should also rebound as the air dries out midweek. The North Pacific area is going to be the hottest, with Liberia near 36°C (97°F) and Nicoya around 36°C (96°F).
The Central Pacific around Quepos reached about 32°C (90°F). The Central Valley stayed comfortable, with San José near 28°C (83°F) by day and cool nights around 19°C (66°F), and Cartago cooler at about 24°C (76°F) and 16°C (60°F) overnight.
On the Caribbean, Limón and Tortuguero will hover near 29–30°C (85–86°F) with more humidity.
For anyone headed to the beach, Guanacaste and the North Pacific remain the best bet for the week. Places such as Tamarindo, along with Liberia and the Nicoya Peninsula, should see the hottest, sunniest conditions once today’s instability clears, though isolated showers are possible early on. Pack strong sun protection, hydrate and plan strenuous activity for the morning.
On the Central Pacific, Jacó and Manuel Antonio (Quepos) face a stormier start today, then sunnier mornings and a lower chance of afternoon storms as the week progresses — good for beach time and early park visits, with a light rain layer worth carrying the first day or two.
In the Central Valley, including here in San José and both international airports, expect afternoon downpours and thunderstorms today, then a drier, partly cloudy trend with only scattered late-day showers. Evenings stay cool, especially around Cartago.
On the Caribbean, Tortuguero and the Puerto Viejo–Limón area keep their usual wetter pattern, with morning showers and afternoon breaks. Those heading to Tortuguero’s canals or wildlife tours should aim for morning windows and pack rain gear. The South Pacific, including the Osa Peninsula and Golfito, is drying but can still bring warm, humid afternoons with occasional storms.
The wet open follows a weekend already unsettled by Tropical Wave No. 10, and fits the broader picture for this year, which the IMN expects to run hotter and drier than usual as an El Niño pattern develops in the second half of the year.
For daily updates and the latest regional breakdown before you head out, check our Costa Rica Weather Forecast page.
