Climate and monthly weather forecast
San Rafael, Costa Rica

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The climate of San Rafael

San Rafael annually displays features of a predominantly Tropical monsoon climate, as identified by the Köppen climatic classification (Am). The location envelops the area with high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. A distinct trait is a dry spell within this otherwise year-long humid and wet environment.

In terms of temperatures, the year is marked by warmth, with the highest average high temperature ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) and the average low fluctuating from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). It is important to note the minimal variation in these temperatures, showcasing a tropical climate characteristic. Humidity is a constant presence here, with relative humidity oscillating between 76% and 90%.

The commonality of rainfall, is linked with the tropical monsoon climate. Rainfall volumes variate between 33mm (1.3") and 444mm (17.48") each month, culminating in wet days spanning from 14.9 to 30.5 days. However, an interesting pattern is noticeable in this tropical setting. The period from November to April appears to be drier, with less rainfall compared to the balance year.

The best time to visit San Rafael

To ascertain the ideal time to visit San Rafael, several weather parameters must be considered. Assuming preferences for drier conditions and more sunlight, the span from November to April emerges to be the preferable timeframe. Although temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, San Rafael experiences lesser rainfall and higher sunshine hours during this time.

In April, rainfall averages at a modest 103mm (4.06"), making it a desirable time for visitors looking to partake in outdoor activities and sightseeing. The month also showcases long daylight periods of up to 12.4 hours and maximum sunshine hours recorded is 8.6 hours, allowing ample opportunity for exploration and enjoyment of natural beauty.

The worst time to visit San Rafael

It would be prudent to avoid planning a trip to San Rafael between May and October owing to the substantial rainfall during these months. The highest rainfall volume occurs in October, registering a staggering 444mm (17.48"), coupled with the maximum number of wet days, touching 30.5 days. Moreover, sunshine hours are at their lowest, from 6.5 hours to 7.3 hours during these months, implying a rather cloudy environment.

July, August and September specifically, record high rainfall totals, hovering around 300mm (11.81") and above, making it a disadvantaged period for tourists, especially those inclined towards outdoor pursuits.

Spring weather in San Rafael

Spring in San Rafael is witnessed from March to May, painted with warm temperatures consistently above 22°C (71.6°F). However, a significant shift in terms of rainfall is observed. March has an average rainfall amount of 39mm (1.54"), swiftly climbing to 103mm (4.06") by April, and inflating further to 367mm (14.45") in May.

Humidity levels accelerate alongside rainfall, as May witnesses an average relative humidity of 86%, posing a stark difference from the 77% in March. Considering all these factors, it would be advisable for potential visitors to plan their trips in the earlier part of the Spring season.

Summer weather in San Rafael

Summer months in San Rafael, namely June, July, and August, are characterized by substantial rainfall. Average amounts veer between 271mm (10.67") in July and 352mm (13.86") in June. Accordingly, the frequency of wet days reaches a yearly high with an average of approximately 29 days in each of these months.

Despite these wet conditions, the temperature remains fairly stable, the average high falls between 23°C (73.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) and the average low between 16°C (60.8°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F). High humidity levels, averaging at 88%, are also a defining feature of the San Rafael summer. These months are less preferable for visitation unless travelers specifically desire to experience tropical rainfall.

Autumn weather in San Rafael

The Autumn season in San Rafael spans September to November. Temperature averages at this time vary little from the values seen in summer, with high temperatures ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) and low temperatures from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F).

However, a shift in rainfall pattern is observed with rainfall of 320mm (12.6") in September, progressing to a high of 444mm (17.48") in October, but noticeably dipping to 174mm (6.85") by November. Reduction in rainfall in November might provide travelers an opportunity to visit, keeping in mind that the weather remains relatively warm and the days are still quite humid.

Winter weather in San Rafael

Winter ensues from December to February in San Rafael. Temperatures remain warm, with high temperatures averaging between 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Low temperatures range from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F), but these values are still relatively high for a winter season, owing to the tropical climate.

The months of December and January offer a reprieve from the intensive rainfall characteristic of the preceding months. Rainfall averages drop significantly to 45mm (1.77") and 33mm (1.3") respectively. The average number of wet days also sees a reduction, dropping to 17.8 days in December. This pattern of rainfall, coupled with an average of 9 hours of sunshine every day, makes winter an ideal time for visitation.

Weather in January

San Rafael sits under a predominantly cloudy weather in January but receives only 45mm (1.77") of precipitation. Humidity is high, making the air feel rather sticky. Moderate breezes blow over the region, alleviating the heat slightly. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, the weather in San Rafael remains very similar to that of January, registering almost identical temperature scales. There is a slight decrease in relative humidity and a palpable increase in sunshine hours when considering the previous month's conditions. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March weather in San Rafael retains the "rainy summer" vibe, with increased warmness and comparisons to February's conditions. The city dwells under an abundance of cloud cover, which hardly lets any significant amount of sun through. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Drastic changes get underway in San Rafael's weather by April as the rain intensifies remarkably into 103mm (4.06") from 39mm (1.54") in March. The city welcomes the blooming spring with frequent drizzles, higher humidity and more cloud cover. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Following the trend set by April, May introduces San Rafael to its wet season, evidenced by a rainfall of 367mm (14.45") and rainfall for 29.1 days throughout the month. As the city transitions into the rainy phases, chilly drafts of air pass through slowing down the winds. Weather in May »

Weather in June

San Rafael's weather carries over the rainy essence of May into June, featuring recurrent showers throughout the month. The temperatures do not fluctuate widely and stay fixed in the 23°C (73.4°F) high and the 16°C (60.8°F) low range. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Dominant characteristics defining San Rafael's weather in July include persistent bouts of rain, high relative humidity, and smaller sunshine windows. Despite the rainy conditions, temperatures remain constant, neither exceeding 23°C (73.4°F) nor dropping below 16°C (60.8°F) throughout the month. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Continuing July's weather pattern, August involves abundant rainfall accompanied by higher humidity in San Rafael. Though the city basks in daylight for nearly half the day, actual sunshine remains elusive, owing in large part to the lingering thick clouds. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September introduces itself with further variations in San Rafael's weather, heightening the rainfall to an impressive 320mm (12.6"). The clouds cling to the skies almost round the clock, rarely allowing a break for sunshine to slip through. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, San Rafael becomes immersed in an environment dominated by constant showers, with the rainfall reaching its pinnacle at 444mm (17.48"). The prolonged rains saturate the city's atmosphere, maintaining the highest relative humidity levels of the year at 90%. Weather in October »

Weather in November

San Rafael's weather in November shows indications of exiting the peak rains and moderating the weather scale. Though it remains much wetter than the starting months of the year, November sees a significant decline in the rainfall metrics, stacking up to 174mm (6.85") as opposed to October's 444mm (17.48"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December greets San Rafael with the year's coldest temperatures, as lows drop to 14.3°C (57.7°F). Despite being the winter season, it isn't entirely dry, with a respectable amount of rain falling across 23 days. The sun diversifies its appearance a little more compared to the previous month, pushing the limit to 8 hours of sunshine. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

How many days does it rain in San Rafael?

Throughout the year, there are 305 rainfall days, and 2534mm (99.76") of precipitation is accumulated.

When is the highest UV index in San Rafael?

The months with the highest UV index are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in San Rafael?

The months with the lowest UV index in San Rafael are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What is the least humid month in San Rafael?

With an average relative humidity of 76%, February is the least humid month in San Rafael.

What is the driest month in San Rafael?

The month with the least rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 14.9 days and typically collects 33mm (1.3") of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine in San Rafael?

With an average of 9.1h of sunshine, February has the most sunshine of the year.

What part of the year is the hottest in San Rafael?

April, recording an average high temperature of 25.3°C (77.5°F) and a low temperature of 15.8°C (60.4°F), is San Rafael's warmest month.

When are the longest days in San Rafael?

June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 12h and 42min of daylight.

What is the coldest month in San Rafael?

October is the coldest month in San Rafael, exhibiting average temperatures of 22.2°C (72°F) at the peak and 16.3°C (61.3°F) at the base.

What is the most humid month in San Rafael?

The most humid month is October, with an average relative humidity of 90%.

What is the wettest month in San Rafael?

October is the month with the most rainfall in San Rafael. Rain falls for 30.5 days and accumulates 444mm (17.48") of precipitation.

What is the month with the least sunshine in San Rafael?

October has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 6.5h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in San Rafael?

December has the shortest days of the year in San Rafael, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in San Rafael?

San Rafael, Costa Rica, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). CST timezone is used over the entire year.

Average temperature
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average temperature - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is April (25.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is October (22.2°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is May (16.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.7°C).

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Average pressure
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average pressure - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1012.4mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is October (1010.9mbar).

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Average wind speed
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average wind speed - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (8.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is September (3.7km/h).

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Average humidity
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average humidity - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The month with the highest relative humidity is October (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is February (76%).

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Average rainfall
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average rainfall - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (444mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (33mm).

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Average rainfall days
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average rainfall days - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (30.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (14.9 days).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average daylight / Average sunshine - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 9h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 6h and 30min).

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Average sunshine days
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average sunshine days - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The month with the most sunshine days is February (10.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is October (0.1 days).

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Average UV index
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average UV index - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 5).

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Average visibility
San Rafael, Costa Rica

Average visibility - San Rafael, Costa Rica

The months with the highest visibility are January, February and March (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are September and October (6km).

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San Rafael, Costa Rica

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