Located just north of the equator, Costa Rica has a temperate tropical climate marked by two seasons: the dry (December- April) and the wet (May-November). When considering your vacation, or a potential move, location is a big part of the equation — choose from balmy beaches, cool mountains, or the Spring-like weather of the Central Valley.

The country's mountainous landscape provides a cooler climate in regions of higher elevation. The average temperature throughout the year in Costa Rica is between 71°F and 81°F. Elevation and orientation of the land also affect precipitation, with rainy, misty microclimates sitting adjacent to much drier regions.

Costa Rica is officially divided up into six climatic regions: the Northern Zone, Central Valley, North Pacific, Central Pacific, South Pacific and Caribbean – learn more about the country’s regional weather summaries and trade winds. Get up-to-date weather data with our 15-Day Forecasts; choose from more than 150 destinations in Costa Rica, both popular and off the beaten path.

Below is a satellite image of weather conditions in Costa Rica, updated hourly. The satellite detects the temperature of the clouds. Brighter clouds are colder, meaning higher and stronger.