Climate and monthly weather forecastMonteverde, Costa Rica

The climate of Monteverde

Nestled in the mountainous northern part of Costa Rica, the climate of Monteverde is shaped by the predominating Köppen climate category - Aw, otherwise known as tropical wet and dry or savanna. This classification points toward the dual character of Monteverde's climate: months of lingering moisture interspersed with distinct dry periods.

Throughout the course of a calendar year, the average high temperatures in Monteverde range narrowly between 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), with the mercury hovering more towards the upper limit during the months of February to April. Concurrently, the average low temperatures across the year vary from 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), suggesting a meager distinction between night and day temperatures. This phenomenon creates a uniform thermal profile that sees both diurnal and seasonal fluctuations within a slim margin.

Aside from temperature, Monteverde experiences favourable sunshine with an average daylight duration varying from a comfortable 11.5 hours to a generous 12.7 hours per day. These numeric values widely correspond to the UV index that remains high at 10 to 12 throughout the seasons. While the sun shines copiously, around 6 to 8 hours of it constitute direct sunshine.

Despite seemingly stable temperature and sunlight patterns, the rainfall scenario presents stark contrasts. A distinct dry period from February to April is marked by rainfall under 67mm (2.64") which gives way to bountiful precipitation from May to November. Precipitation climbs steadily from 255mm (10.04") in May, peaking in October at a massive 423mm (16.65") before slackening off again. Correspondingly, the average number of rainfall days peaks at 24 days from June to September, coinciding with the wet months.

The best time to visit Monteverde

The optimal time to visit Monteverde centers on the months of November to April. With temperatures hovering between the pleasant range of 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), an extended daylight period straddling 11.7 to 12.7 hours, and markedly less rainfall with less than 130mm (5.12") precipitation reported, these months are idyllic for travelers in search of favorable weather conditions.

The worst time to visit Monteverde

The most challenging period to explore Monteverde is during the high-precipitation months that span from May to October. Torrential rain often exceeds 255mm (10.04"), peaking at 423mm (16.65") in October, and covers almost every day of each month. Additionally, the marginally shorter daylight hours and slightly cooler temperatures add to the discomfort, making outdoor activities and exploration quite daunting.

Spring weather in Monteverde

Spring descends on Monteverde from March to May, carrying moderately high daytime temperatures of 27°C (80.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and mild nighttime lows averaging between 18°C (64.4°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). Despite sunshine for approximately 7 hours a day, the onset of the rainy season in May brings an average of 255mm (10.04") rainfall, a drastic escalation from the 46mm (1.81") reported in March.

Summer weather in Monteverde

Sharing the tropical savanna climate, the typical concept of summer is absent in Monteverde. Technically, during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months from June to August, Monteverde undergoes its wettest phase with rainfall exceeding 302mm (11.89"). The temperatures show negligible deviation from the annual average, staying between 26°C (78.8°F) during the day and 19°C (66.2°F) at night.

Autumn weather in Monteverde

As autumn unfurls from September to November, Monteverde continues to reel under its wet phase. Although temperatures remain static around 26°C (78.8°F) in the daytime and 19°C (66.2°F) in nighttimes, the region receives torrential rain. The quantities range from 383mm (15.08") in September, scaling up to the annual apex of 423mm (16.65") in October, before subsiding to 262mm (10.31") in November.

Winter weather in Monteverde

Winter in Monteverde from December to February is synonymous with the dry season. Daytime high temperatures stabilize at 26°C (78.8°F) and the Mercury seldom drops below 18°C (64.4°F) even at night. Rainfall is the lowest for the year, with 130mm (5.12") reported in December and plummeting to just 46mm (1.81") by February. With the least rainy days and UV index dropping to 10, winter provides Monteverde's residents with a much-needed respite from the otherwise relentless rainfall.

Weather in January

January ushers in the year with a typically tropical climate in Monteverde, Costa Rica, characterized by warm temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall. The rain comes with a UV index of 11, indicating a need for daily sun protection. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, the weather is slightly drier when compared with January. The UV index rises to 12, signifying an increased need for sun protective measures. The rains recede to a considerable 67mm (2.64"), maintaining the lush vegetation that defines Monteverde. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Monteverde transitions into March, the weather remains comparably consistent with the previous month. Along with the month’s stable temperatures, the UV index continues at its high point, hinting at the sunny and mildly hot conditions typical of the region. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Monteverde strikes a balance between the dry laughs of the sunny days and the occasional weeping of the skies. As seen in the UV index of 12, the need for sun protection remains unchanged. The rainfall swells slightly to 53mm (2.09"), yet mornings generally begin with clear skies. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signals the actual onset of the wet season in Monteverde. The most notable increase is in the rainfall, jumping significantly to 255mm (10.04") over 19 days. The city continues to be bathed in an average of 7 sunshine hours, although heavier rainfall is beginning to be more apparent. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Despite the moniker of June being "the rainy month", Monteverde remains a compelling draw for nature and adventure lovers. The wet season is at its peak, with rainfall reaching 342mm (13.46"). The days are noticeably shorter, leaving adventurers fewer hours under the Costa Rican sun but providing a unique atmosphere shrouded in mist and light rain. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, Monteverde's weather retains the prevalent trend of the wet season, sophisticatedly referred to as the "green season". The rainfall hovers close to the peak at 302mm (11.89"), producing a magical ambiance as the drizzle occasionally brushes against the rich greenery. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August ushers in more of the established weather trends in Monteverde. Rainfall goes back up to 340mm (13.39"), maintaining the allure of the area's green season. While sunshine hours see no substantial change, the overall weather creates an enticing harmony of tropical warmth, recurring showers, and a lush, green landscape. Weather in August »

Weather in September

By the time September rolls around, Monteverde embraces rainfall at its zenith with the record 383mm (15.08") over 24 days. Considered the rainiest month, it transforms the city into a refreshing panorama of wet, vibrant foliage. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, Monteverde begins the gradual transition from the wet to dry season. The precipitations reduce slightly to 423mm (16.65"), a sign of the weather starting to dry out. Despite this, October retains the charm of the green season with its high levels of rain and mist giving the region its unique character. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is the beginning of the end for the wet season in Monteverde. The UV index drops slightly to 11, signaling the onset of drier days. With a marked decrease in rainfall to 262mm (10.31"), the dry and sunny days start to reclaim their territory. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December means the arrival of the dry season in Monteverde. Rainfall drops further to 184mm (7.24"), offering an invitation to the peak travel season, luring holidaymakers to Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. The climate plays a warm symphony with the sun gracing the tropical paradise for a significant part of the day. Weather in December »