Costa Rica Weather in February

What's the weather like in Costa Rica in February? During this month, Costa Rica reveals its true charm, offering a symphony of delightful weather patterns that promise unforgettable experiences. From sunny beaches and lush rainforests to misty mountains and rejuvenating hot springs, this is the month when Costa Rica truly shines as a celestial destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in February?

February weather in Costa Rica is generally similar to January, with warm and humid conditions prevailing throughout the country. The dry season continues in most parts of the country, although some areas may experience occasional rain showers.

Falling during the dry season (December to April), the coastal areas such as Guanacaste have temperatures that range from 80°F (27°C) during the day to 70°F (21°C) at night. Travellers should also expect low humidity and a refreshing breeze.

In San Jose and other central regions, temperatures can range from 70°F (21°C) during the day to 60°F (15°C) at night. Overall, though, February is the best time to visit Costa Rica for those who enjoy the warm and tropical weather.

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Is Costa Rica warm in February?

Costa Rica is warm in February. In the coastal regions, average temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F), offering ideal conditions for beach activities like surfing, snorkeling, or diving around Tamarindo.

In the more mountainous areas, temperatures drop to 18-22°C (64-72°F), creating the perfect conditions to hikes to Arenal Volcano or Poas Volcano.

The warm, sunshine also gives travellers the excuse to head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for some shade or go white-water rafting on the Pacuare River.

Is February a good time to visit Costa Rica?

February is considered one of the best months to visit Costa Rica as it offers great weather conditions for enjoying outdoor activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and turtle watching

Surfing is one of Costa Rica’s biggest draws and is very good on both coasts. The best year-round beaches are at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Punta Uva, further down the coast and the season runs roughly between October and late February. There are also numerous camps and schools where you can learn to surf in Tamarindo, Santa Teresa/Mal País, and Jacó.

Costa Rica is small enough that if things are quiet on one coast, it’s fairly easy to pack up your kit and hit the other (buses will take your board for a small additional fee while shuttle buses charge a bit more).

Thanks to its unusually consistent conditions, Laguna de Arenal is the best place in Costa Rica for windsurfing and kitesurfing – the strong winds that buffet the surface of the lake from December to April normally average around a force 6–7, drawing experienced riders from around the world. The wind peaks between mid-December and February, so aim for the late-season months if you’re looking to learn.

Five species of marine turtle visit Costa Rica’s shores: greens, hawksbills, leatherbacks and olive ridleys, and the strange blunt-nosed loggerhead. The loggerhead seems not to nest in Costa Rica, but can sometimes be seen in Caribbean coastal waters.

Turtle nesting takes place mostly at night when hundreds of turtles come ashore at a certain time of year. The turtles tend to visit the same beach each time and lay hundreds of thousands of eggs.

The best time to visit Costa Rica for turtle spotting varies, depending on the species. Loggerhead turtles come ashore at Parque Nacionale Marino Las Baulas on the western Nicoya Peninsula from October to February.

Average rainfall in Costa Rica in February?

In February, the amount of rainfall can vary depending on the region and altitude. In coastal areas such as Guanacaste, February typically experiences very little rainfall, with an average of less than 25 mm (1 inch) throughout the month. In San Jose and other central regions, February can experience slightly more rainfall, with an average of around 50-75 mm (2-3 inches) spread out over the month.

Festivals and events in Costa Rica in February

There are several festivals and events that take place in Costa Rica during the month of February. Here are some of them:

• Fiesta de los Diablitos: An indigenous celebration reenacting the battle between Boruca Indians and Spanish troops that takes place in Rey Curre. Participants wear hand-carved masks and traditional costumes.
• Nicoya Rodeo and Fiesta Patronal: Taking place in early February, this is considered one of the best rodeos in Guanacaste, it features tope, toro a la Tica (bloodless bullfights), street fairs, food stalls, fireworks, and music.
• Carnival and Festival del Mar: This week-long celebration in Puntarenas features fiestas, dancing, parades and live music.

Ready for your dream trip to Costa Rica in February?

Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. All of our planned itineraries are created by local travel experts and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

• Tropical Costa Rice (7 days): Experience the wonders of Costa Rica's diverse ecosystem. Explore volcanoes, indulge in hot springs, leisurely drift along tranquil waterways, and encounter wildlife in lush tropical lowland forests.

• Discover Northern Costa Rica (10 days): Unveil the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica on this self-drive adventure. Witness the might of Arenal, the active volcano, wander through the enchanting cloud forest of Monteverde, and relish the surf and yoga on the pristine beaches of Guanacaste.

• Or discover more Costa Rica itineraries.

Visit Costa Rica in other months

• January
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December