The climate of Puntarenas
Located along the Pacific coast of
Costa Rica,
Puntarenas experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, as determined by the Köppen climate classification, presenting unique weather patterns throughout the year. Throughout twelve months, this city exhibits an average high temperature ranging from 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
October to 34.6°C (94.3°F) in
April, and an average low temperature fluctuating from 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
January to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in
May. As a coastal city, Puntarenas enjoys significant sea influence, with average sea temperatures varying from 27.8°C (82°F) in
November to 29.4°C (84.9°F) in
March.
Observing rainfall patterns, Puntarenas undergoes a pronounced wet and dry season. The peak of the rainfall period occurs between
August and October, with the most significant rainfall, 296mm (11.65"), recorded in
September. Remarkably, the number of rainfall days also hits its peak, 24.5 days, in October. Contrastingly, the driest month is
February with a measly 4mm (0.16") of rainfall over 1.9 days.
The quantity of sunshine witnessed throughout the year also varies, from a daily average of 5.2 hours in
June to 9.1 hours in February and March. It is noteworthy that daylight hours remain relatively consistent all year, ranging from 11.5 hours in
December to 12.7 hours in June.
The best time to visit Puntarenas
When considering optimal times to visit
Puntarenas, both
February and
March stand out. Not only does the average high temperature remain pleasant within 34.4°C (93.9°F) and 34°C (93.2°F) respectively, but the rainfall drops to a minimal 4mm (0.16") and 5mm (0.2"), making these months the driest. Concurrently, these are the months when sunshine hours register 9.1 hours daily, presenting opportunities for uninterrupted outdoor activities. With the sea temperature also falling within the comfortable range of 28.7°C (83.7°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F), beach and water activities become enticing.
The worst time to visit Puntarenas
The period from
May to
October can attest to being the least attractive for visiting
Puntarenas. From May, the onset of the rainy season manifests with heavy rainfall and the number of rainy days elevating considerably.
September witnesses the most rainfall with an average of 296mm (11.65") over 24.3 days. Despite average high temperatures hovering around 33.1°C (91.6°F) to 32.2°C (90°F), the persistent rain could interrupt outdoor activities, thus diminishing the charm of the visit.
Spring weather in Puntarenas
Spring in
Puntarenas, typically from
March to
May, suggests a gradual increase in the average low temperature, rising from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). While March still offers low rainfall(5mm (0.2")) and maximum sunshine hours(9.1 hours), these soon give way to increase rainfall, hitting 204mm (8.03") in May. As the spring progresses, so does rainfall and number of rain days. Despite the changing conditions, the sea temperature remains constant at a comfortable 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Summer weather in Puntarenas
Summer months in
Puntarenas extend from
June to
August and tend to be the wettest. The temperatures exhibit a slight reduction with the average high temperatures cooling down to 32.2°C (90°F). Meanwhile, the average low temperature maintains around 23.2°C (73.8°F) in both
July and August. Although June records 5.2 hours of sunshine daily, the lowest in a year, it starts increasing gradually from July. Meanwhile, the average sea temperatures float around 28.8 to 29°C (84.2°F).
Autumn weather in Puntarenas
Autumn in
Puntarenas, stretching from
September to
November, presents a gradual fall in high temperatures from 31.9°C (89.4°F) in September to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in November. The average low temperature also witnesses a slight decrease from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) within these months. In terms of rainfall, while the figure remains high at 296mm (11.65") in September, it begins a descent heading into November that records 132mm (5.2").
Winter weather in Puntarenas
As
Puntarenas approaches the winter season from
December to
February, there is a drop in both rainfall figures and the frequency of rain days. The average high temperature during winter ranges from 33.5°C (92.3°F) in December to 32.2°C (90°F) in February, providing a warm winter experience. Correspondingly, the average low temperature reduces from 22.1°C (71.8°F) in December to a minimum yearly value of 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
January. As winter progresses, sunshine hours increase from 7.5 hours in December to reach a peak of 9.1 hours in February.
Weather in January
Puntarenas,
Costa Rica, dwells in the warm embrace of tropical climates, starting with
January. Days are predominantly sunny, averaging 8.5 hours of sunshine, creating an inviting setting for outdoor activities. The city enjoys a pleasant combination of warmth and relatively low precipitation.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February arrives,
Puntarenas transitions subtly from
January, maintaining its sun-kissed days and warmth. A slight increase in sea temperature invites beachgoers to savor the soothing waters. The month features marginally greater temperatures, with daytime temps peaking at an alluring 34.4°C (93.9°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Puntarenas delivers more sunny days and a marginal spike in rainfall, yet the weather remains largely dry. As spring unfolds, the city sees marginally longer daylight hours. The warmth persists, with the highest temperature recorded at 34°C (93.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Puntarenas,
April signals a transition toward more rainfall. Still, the climate retains its tropical warmth and abundant sunshine. Lengthier daylight hours allow for more exploration and activities. The month sees Puntarenas’ temperatures plateau at a high of 34.6°C (94.3°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings substantial changes in
Puntarenas' weather patterns, with a marked increase in rainfall and a subtle drop in temperature. The city's tropical climate becomes more pronounced, characterized by higher precipitation and mild temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is characterized by a further intensification of the rainy season in
Puntarenas. While the days maintain their warmth, evenings might warrant a light layer due to a slight decrease in minimum temperatures. Rainfall is at its peak in June, registering an average of 217mm (8.54").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather in
Puntarenas mirrors that of
June, with high rainfall and continued warmth. The temperature remains in comfortable ranges despite a slightly cooler ocean temperature. The value of rainfall drops to 176mm (6.93"), offering a mild reprieve from June's incessant showers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Puntarenas in
August continues to deliver consistent rainfall though it remains a pleasant tropical destination. The temperature holds steady while the length of daylight hours slides imperceptibly. August sees a slight uptick in rainfall, recording a high of 223mm (8.78").
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather in
September still revolves around rainfall, as the wet season persists in
Puntarenas. While there is a decrease in warmth, temperatures remain within comfy boundaries. Rainfall in September peaks at a notable 296mm (11.65").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Puntarenas remains under the purview of the monsoon, with abundant rainfall, albeit less than
September. Temperatures begin a slight, steady climb as the end of the rainy season nears. The average rainfall in October drops to 279mm (10.98").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Puntarenas sees a considerable reduction in precipitation, signaling the close of the rainy season. Concurrently, temperatures and daylight hours remain fairly steady. The rainfall decreases substantially, falling to a much more manageable average of 132mm (5.2").
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Puntarenas embraces drier weather, rounding off the year with warm days and comfortable nights. The rainy season officially concludes, bringing the city back to its characteristic low rainfall and longer sunny spells.
Weather in December » [Resources]