Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - August 2025

During August, visits to this blog were received from the following 22 countries:

Each country is followed in brackets by the total number of visits received since records first started to be kept in November 2012.

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received has risen to 138. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions - for example the U.S. Virgin Islands - an unincorporated territory of the United States from which 1 visit has been received.

The latest country is Mongolia, a country in East Asia bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south:

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The following is a summary of the weather for August in the area where we live in Costa Rica:

The average daytime high and overnight low temperatures were close to those measured in August last year. But, the amount of rainfall was significantly higher (about 40% higher).

The rainy or green season carries on. But, it appears that the "little or mini summer" (veranito in Spanish) interruption which began prematurely in early July ended in July and that we should now expect significantly more rainfall in September (all of which may be subject to worldwide climate change issues).

ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) has recently published the 2025 September-October issue of its EL RESIDENTE magazine. The headline article in this issue is focused on the rainy season in Costa Rica:

From that article, it may be discerned that the timing and nature of the rainy season in the Central Valley of Costa Rica (where Lance and I live) differs from that on the Caribbean side of the country.

The ARCR magazine contains many other articles and references which may be of general interest or to those planning a visit or move to Costa Rica.

Information on current and recent weather conditions, climate change and more in various parts of Costa Rica can be obtained from the website of IMN: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional de Costa Rica (Spanish) or National Institute of Meteorology (English). IMN also has a Facebook page which may be of interest.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - June 2025

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During June, visits to this blog were received from the following 6 countries and unidentified locations:

Each country is followed in brackets by the total number of visits received since records first started to be kept in November 2012.

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 137. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions; for example Martinique - an Overseas Department and Region of France from which 1 visit has been received.

** Any single one of the Unidentified Locations could be a device that uses an IP address that is not registered to any country, region, or place or that is hidden by a proxy or VPN service. It could also be a device that is not connected to the internet directly, but through a satellite or cellular network that does not provide location information. It is also possible that a ship or aircraft, or even the ISS, could use such a device and appear as an unknown location.

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The following is a summary of the weather for June in the area where we live:

The rainy (or "green") season continued during June with at least some rain on all but 3 days. During one period of 4 days and nights, the rain was an almost continuous light drizzle (reminiscent of our wintertimes in Vancouver, Canada when it was snowing everywhere else). Otherwise, on most days, rainfall did not begin until the early or late afternoons.

Overall, the amount of rainfall was almost the same as that in June 2024. As well, the average daytime high temperature and average overnight low temperature were almost the same as June 2024.

As a point of clarity for perfectionists, I should note that when I record an "overnight" low temperature it is not necessarily a nighttime temperature - it can be an early morning daytime temperature. Our experience in Costa Rica has been that the temperature can actually drop as the sun rises.

With the advent of AI and chatGPT, I now have the following explanation:

"The air temperature often drops after sunrise due to a phenomenon called radiational cooling and the angle of the sun's rays. While it might seem counterintuitive, the coldest part of the day is typically shortly after sunrise, not just before." 

That was part of chatGPT's response to the question: "Why does the air temperature drop as the sun rises".

Information on current and recent weather conditions, climate change and more in various parts of Costa Rica can be obtained from the website of IMN: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional de Costa Rica (Spanish) or National Institute of Meteorology (English). IMN also has a Facebook page which may be of interest.

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Off topic

ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) has recently published the 2025 July-August issue of its EL RESIDENTE magazine. Lance and I are members of ARCR.

The magazine contains many articles and references which may be of general interest or to those planning a visit or move to Costa Rica.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - October 2023

(Click on images to enlarge).

During October, visits to this blog were received from the following 11 countries:

Each country is followed in brackets by the total number of visits received since records first started to be kept in November 2012.

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions - e.g. Martinique, an Overseas Department and Region of France from which one visit has been received.

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The following is a summary of weather for October in the area where we live:

Except for the fact that the rainfall in October was a bit more than last year (contrary to previous months this year), the weather in October was not particularly remarkable. We got at least some rain every day except one. When it did rain, it most often occurred in the afternoons, evenings and overnight. Upper and lower temperatures were completely comfortable and, unlike some regions in Costa Rica, did not invite any need for heating or air conditioning.

The rainy season in Costa Rica will likely continue for at least another month. Typically, the time to get shopping or other business done during this period while avoiding the rain will be before noon.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - August 2023

(Click on images to enlarge).

During August, visits to this blog were received from the following 11 countries and one unidentified location:

Each country is followed in brackets by the total number of visits received since records first started to be kept in November 2012. The same is true for Unidentified Locations.

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions - e.g. Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency from which one visit has been received.

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The following is a summary of weather for August in the area where we live:

The average daytime high temperature was about 2°F (1°C) cooler than for the same period last year, whereas the average overnight low temperature was about 2°F (1°C) warmer.

With regard to rainfall, there was at least some rainfall on many days but the total amount for the month was only about 1/2 that received during the same period last year. Most mornings were marked by broken clouds followed by rain in the afternoons.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - June 2023

(Click on images to enlarge.)

During June, visits to this blog were received from the following 9 countries:

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions - e.g. Guadeloupe - an Overseas Department and Region of France (not included above) from which two visits have been received.

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The following is a summary of weather for June in the area where we live:

The "green season" with at least some rain on most days was in full swing. Most mornings had little or no rain. Most afternoons had at least some rain - on occasion very heavy rain for short periods of time. Temperatures were moderate and generally comfortable. On the hottest day (84°F/28.9°C) the corresponding relative humidity was 64%. This leads to a heat index or "feels like" temperature of 86°F/30°C.

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Off topic

ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) recently published the 2023 July-August issue of its EL RESIDENTE magazine. Lance and I are members of ARCR.

A PDF version of the magazine can be viewed and/or downloaded HERE. It contains many articles and references which may be of general interest or to those planning a visit or move to Costa Rica.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - January 2023

 During January, visits to this blog were received from the following 11 countries:

From the time I started to keep track, the total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent (e.g. Isle of Man).

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The following is a summary of weather for the month in the area where we live:

Winter in Costa Rica is referred to as the "dry season" because, as the name implies, there is generally very little rain. January this year was no exception. However, in the Central Valley away from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the dry season is also marked by frequent cold early morning temperatures. At least, they "feel" cold by Costa Rican standards.

We have now spent several years and accompanying "dry seasons" living in the Central Valley (originally the Atenas region and now the Grecia region). Gradually, we have become fully acclimatized. Now, anything less than 60°F (15.6°C) "feels" cold. When we lived in Canada, such a temperature in January would have been considered absolutely balmy. No jacket or sweater needed.

The 55.0°F (12.8°C) temperature that we encountered this January was, with one exception, the coldest low temperature that we have experienced during all our time in Costa Rica - it felt very cold. The exception was on a day trip to the Irazú volcano. At the summit over 11,000 feet (3300+ meters), the morning temperature was in the mid 40's (6-9°C).

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Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - November 2022 / Covid-19 Update

I apologize for the lateness of this report but I have been involved with an art and music festival in Atenas during the last week. This ended yesterday so I am now back home and on our normal routine.

During November, visits to this blog were received from the following 9 countries:

The total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, etc.

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The following is a summary of the weather during November and from April 11, 2022 to November 30, 2022 in the area where we live:

The coldest daytime high temperature, 68ºF (20ºC), occurred on two successive days with almost continuous drizzling rain. It was the second coldest daytime high that we have experienced during all our time in Costa Rica.

In contrast, there was a 5 day period during the month with moderately high temperatures, no rain and relatively low humidity - a sign of the upcoming “dry season” in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

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Covid-19 Update

The following table updates information which appeared in my blog entry posted on November 6, 2022:

With regard to the Death Rate Trend, the rate has risen by 0.01% in Canada but remains unchanged in Canada and the United States.

If you want to see how some other country is doing in comparison to Costa Rica, then visit the website of Worldometer. Numbers for populations, reported cases and reported deaths can be obtained from that site. All that is then needed is some simple math to calculate the percentage death rate for the other country and the death rate in that country compared to Costa Rica.

Click on images to enlarge.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - October 2022 / Covid-19 Update

During October, visits to this blog were received from the following 17 countries:

The total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 135. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, etc.

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The following is a summary of the weather for October in the area where we live:

We were mildly sideswiped by hurricane Julia as it crossed Nicaragua late night on October 8 continuing well into the day on October 9. With a few short breaks, we had a steady and persistent drizzle of rain totalling about 2 3/4 inches (~ 70 mm). But, the winds were relatively light. Overall, the situation was not nearly as torrential as in some areas of Nicaragua. 

With the rain from Julia, there was also a lot of fog. The result was a record low daytime high temperature for us during all our time in Costa Rica - a mere 64ºF (17.8°C).

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Covid-19 Update

The following table updates information which appeared in my blog entry posted on October 9, 2022:

With regard to the Death Rate Trend, the rate has fallen by 0.04% in Costa Rica but has risen by 0.01% in Canada. As indicated, the United States remains unchanged.

If you want to see how some other country is doing in comparison to Costa Rica, then visit the website of Worldometer. Numbers for populations, reported cases and reported deaths can be obtained from that site. All that is then needed is some simple math to calculate the percentage death rate for the other country and the death rate in that country compared to Costa Rica.

After a hiatus, Worldometer is again reporting U.S. population numbers, cases per million and deaths per million on the same web page as other Covid data. Thus, unlike the last while, it was not necessary to obtain population data from an unrelated Worldometer web page to determine cases per million and deaths per million for the U.S.

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Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - July 2022 / Covid-19 Update

During July, visits to this blog were received from the following 10 countries and Hong Kong:

The total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 134. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, etc.

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The following is a summary of weather for July in the area where we live:

At the beginning of July, tropical storm warnings from the Caribbean had been issued for much of Costa Rica. However, while it ended up tracking across northern Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua to the Pacific, the only effect on us was a dreary 24 hours or so of drizzling rain with minimal winds.

There was at least some rain almost every day in July. However, on many of these days the amount was rather trivial. Most days were marked by sunny or partly sunny mornings - then some rain - then lingering cloud. On 6 days there were downpours contributing to over 60% of the total rainfall for the month.

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Covid-19 Update

The following table updates information which appeared in my blog entry posted on July 6, 2022:

The column headed "Death Rate Trend" is new. For each country, it will indicate whether the Covid situation appears to be improving (death rate "Falling"), getting worse (death rate "Rising") or is unchanged ("No Change") since the last time a report was made on this blog. Thankfully, the death rate has fallen in all three countries since my last post on the topic. More specifically, it fell by 0.08% in Costa Rica, 0.01% in Canada, and 0.02% in the United States. So, survivability is improving.

If you want to see how some other country is doing in comparison to Costa Rica, then visit the website of Worldometer. Numbers for populations, reported cases and reported deaths can be obtained from that site. All that is then needed is some simple math to calculate the percentage death rate for the other country and the death rate in that country compared to Costa Rica.

**This time around, the foregoing is not completely accurate for the United States. At least between August 1 and August 8 Worldometer was inexplicably not reporting on its Covid web page the numbers for U.S. population, cases per million, or deaths per million. But it did report total cases (93,910,150) and total deaths (1,058,738). Also, on a web page unrelated to Covid, it reported the U.S. population as of August 8 (335,122,642). With these numbers in hand, it was trivial to calculate cases per million and deaths per million for purposes of the above table.

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Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - June 2022 / Covid-19 Update

During June, visits to this blog were received from the following 9 countries:

The total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 134. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, etc. Seven countries are less than average.

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The following is a summary of weather for the month in the area where we live:

The green season continues. June was the second month in a row where we received at least some rain on 28 days of the month. However, most days began with relatively sunny mornings and did not become overcast until late morning or early afternoon.

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Covid-19 Update

The following table updates information which appeared in my blog entry posted on June 9, 2022:

Since my last post, the death rate in the United States is down 0.03%. That in Canada and Costa Rica remains unchanged.

If you want to see how some other country is doing in comparison to Costa Rica, then visit the website of Worldometer. Numbers for populations, reported cases and reported deaths can be obtained from that site. All that is then needed is some simple math to calculate the percentage death rate for the other country and the death rate in that country compared to Costa Rica.

Click on images to enlarge.

Eyes on Costa Rica and Weather Records - May 2022 / Covid-19 Update

 During May, visits to this blog were received from the following 7 countries:

The total number of countries and non-independent jurisdictions from which visits have been received remains at 134. Of this number, 13 are non-independent jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, etc. Seven countries are less than average.

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May is the first full month that we were settled in San Roque de Grecia. Here is a summary of the weather for the month and a summary from the day we arrived until month end:

Compared to May 2021 when we lived in Hacienda El Paseo (a short distance southwest of Grecia), the average overnight low temperature in San Roque was about 1.5°F (0.83°C) lower. Somewhat surprisingly and despite being at a significantly higher altitude the average daytime high in San Roque was virtually the same as last year in Hacienda El Paseo.

Rainfall comparisons are a different matter. For us, 25.51 inches (648 mm) in a single month is a record for any month of any year in any place where we have lived and kept records in Costa Rica (firstly Vista Atenas; secondly Hacienda El Paseo; and now San Roque). Also, we have never before encountered 28 days of rain in a single month.

The nice thing about the rain is that on any given day it is often preceded by mornings with light or broken clouds and usually does not begin until early afternoon. Often, it only lasts for 2 or 3 hours or less. This serves to keep everything green and fresh. Thus, we have the so-called green season in Costa Rica.

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Covid-19 Update

The following table updates information which appeared in my blog entry posted on May 6, 2022:

Overall, the death rate in Costa Rica is down 0.05% since my last post. That in the United States is down 0.03% and that in Canada is up 0.01%

If you want to see how some other country is doing in comparison to Costa Rica, then visit the website of Worldometer. Numbers for populations, reported cases and reported deaths can be obtained from that site. All that is then needed is some simple math to calculate the percentage death rate for the other country and the death rate in that country compared to Costa Rica.

If you want more up to date information and statistics on the situation in Costa Rica, including various locales in Costa Rica, then the web site of the Costa Rican Ministry of Health ("Ministerio de Salud") is a good source. If you do not understand Spanish, then you should enable translation features on your web browser if they are available.

Click on images to enlarge.