The climate of Poás
Perched in the mountains of
Costa Rica at a considerable altitude,
Poás has a predominantly Tropical Monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Throughout the year, the climate sees variations in distinct parameters, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and daylight.
A consistent temperature range can be observed from month to month, with highs shifting between 25.4°C (77.7°F) and 29.7°C (85.5°F), and lows changing between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 19.8°C (67.6°F). The hottest temperatures usually occur in
March and
April, whilst the coldest are in
January and
December. Relative humidity values range from 70% to 89%, with the drier months being
February and March, and the most humid being
September and
October.
Poás enters its rainiest phase from
May to October, with a staggering 249mm (9.8") to 396mm (15.59") of monthly average rainfall, contrasting sharply with drier periods from January to April, where rainfall averages between 17mm (0.67") and 86mm (3.39"). The region witnesses the maximum number of rainy days in October, peaking at 30.2 days. The presence of clouds varies, reaching their maximum coverage in October at 54% and their minimum in February at 19%.
The best time to visit Poás
The optimal period to visit
Poás falls between
January and
April. The region experiences milder temperatures, generous sunshine hours from 9.1 hours to 9.4 hours, relatively lower humidity and minimal rain during these periods. With fewer rainy days and maximum sunshine,
February proves to be especially enjoyable. Furthermore, visibility peaks at 10km (6.2mi), enabling unhindered views of the stunning mountainous landscape.
The worst time to visit Poás
Travel to
Poás might prove challenging between
May and
October, when dramatic weather changes usher in the monsoon season. Increasing humidity, coupled with frequent and abundant rainfall, may hamper outdoor activities. Especially in
September and October, visitors will face up to 30 rainy days and monthly average rainfall reaching 396mm (15.59"), with cloud cover obscuring the view and dampening the brightness of the surroundings.
Spring weather in Poás
In
Poás, the spring months of
March,
April, and
May introduce minor weather fluctuations. Temperatures peak in March and April at 29.7°C (85.5°F), and decrease to 27.7°C (81.9°F) in May. Spring sees a rise in rainfall from 21mm (0.83") in March to a heavy 339mm (13.35") in May, a period where humidity begins to climb, reaching 82% by the month's end.
Summer weather in Poás
June marks the commencement of summer. The temperature declines slightly, hovering between 26.3°C (79.3°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F) over the summer which lasts till
August. The humidity peaks during this period at 87%. Rainfall is copious at this time, exceeding 323mm (12.72"), and the number of rainy days piles up to a maximum of 28.3 days in
July.
Autumn weather in Poás
Autumn, which extends from
September to
November, is characterized by further drop in temperature to 25.4°C (77.7°F) in
October, while humidity nudges higher. The rainfall volume soars, reaching its peak at 396mm (15.59") in October, and the number of rainy days increases to a high of 30.2 days. This season sees minimal sunshine with a low of 0.5 sunshine days in September.
Winter weather in Poás
Winter, from
December to
February, sees a reversal of the harsh conditions experienced earlier. Pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), accompanies a significant drop in rainfall, reducing to as low as 17mm (0.67") in February. The number of rainy days decreases to an annual low of 10.3 in February, with a reviving sunshine duration of 8.7 hours. The conditions make the winter weather in
Poás a welcome reprieve from the intense monsoon season.
Weather in January
In
January, the weather in
Poás,
Costa Rica begins to show signs of the dry season. Warm daytime temperatures are complemented by cooler evenings, but rainfall is comparatively low. The notable factor in January is the relatively low humidity of 75% coupled with a moderate wind speed of 10.5km/h (6.5mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February in
Poás,
Costa Rica is marked by a consistent continuation of the dry season. The weather pattern is rightly proportioned between a balance of sunlight, wind, and rainfall. The most notable observance during this period is the longest daylight hours of 11.8h, which makes February the month with one of the most daylight hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March weather in
Poás,
Costa Rica presents as the transition phase from the dry to the wet season. The increase in temperature is then accompanied by heightened rainfall and relative humidity. Among the climatic parameters of March, the high temperature of 29.7°C (85.5°F) distinctly stands out as a noticeable characteristic.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Poás,
Costa Rica is characterized by a fully-fledged wet season. Marked by higher night temperatures and rainfall, the month experiences a dip in wind speed. The highly distinguishing feature of April is the maximum precipitation of 86mm (3.39"), indicating the month as the beginning of the peak rainy season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
Poás,
Costa Rica during
May inherits the characteristics of the wet season from
April but with more intensity. The month experiences the first instance of extreme rainfall amounts reaching 339mm (13.35"). Overall, the combination of humidity, precipitation and cloud cover form a notable feature of May's climatic conditions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is not much different in terms of the general weather pattern in
Poás,
Costa Rica. Notwithstanding the persistent rain, outdoor activities remain possible, largely due to stable temperatures. Only a slight reduction in temperatures makes the weather of June stand out as compared to
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, much like
June, continues the trend of the wet season in
Poás,
Costa Rica. The rainfall is sustained, relative humidity is high, and temperatures relatively stable. The defining feature of July's weather is the minimal daylight hours of 12.7h.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Bearing the brunt of the wet season,
August in
Poás,
Costa Rica presents the continued trend of high rainfall alongside reduced temperatures. The humidity and wind speeds remain constant from
July, further strengthening the consistency of the wet season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As the final third of the year begins,
September in
Poás,
Costa Rica holds the record for the highest rainfall of 288mm (11.34"), marking the peak of the rainy season. The humidity, temperature, and wind speed sustain the same values as those in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October holds the title for the wettest month in
Poás,
Costa Rica, as the rainfall reaches its absolute peak. The consistent temperatures and high humidity from
September continue through this month. The longest living testament to Costa Rica's wet season is the 396mm (15.59") of rainfall during October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Poás, is also a moderately hot month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 25.9°C (78.6°F) and an average low of 18.2°C (64.8°F). November's average high-temperature is a still moderately hot 25.9°C (78.6°F), maintaining a close comparison with
October's 25.4°C (77.7°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year draws to a close,
December in
Poás,
Costa Rica marks the transition from the wet season back to the dry season. The decrease in rainfall, the drop in humidity, and moderate temperatures indicate this change. The remarkable shift in December's conditions is clearly evident in the drastic reduction in rainfall to 46mm (1.81").
Weather in December » [Resources]