Climate and monthly weather forecastRivas, Costa Rica

The climate of Rivas

Rivas, Costa Rica, falls under the Tropical rainforest or Af Köppen climate classification. This geographical hotspot exhibits a hot, humid and precipitation-rich climate throughout the like, line with its tropical position. The virtually year-round high temperatures vary slightly, consistently staying between 22.2°C (72°F) and 26.2°C (79.2°F). The colder times still maintain a toasty warmth, with the temperatures steadily hovering around from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F).

Precipitation defines Rivas’s climate, with a minimum monthly average of 20mm (0.79") in the drier times reaching an impressive peak of 479mm (18.86") in the rainiest periods. Humidity also stays relatively high, with average values floating between 75% and 91% during the year. Such constant high humidity contributes to a distinctive feel of the tropical climate.

The sunlight exposure in Rivas displays a more constant pattern, with the daylight hours slightly fluctuating from 11.6 hours to 12.7 hours. There's an appreciable reduction in the sunshine duration from 9.6 hours to 6.4 hours over the course of the year. As for the cloud cover, it increases during certain periods, with an increase in cloud percentage from 22% to 59%.

Rivas also boasts quiet winds, with wind speeds not exceeding 5.6km/h (3.5mph), making it an ideal getaway for those seeking respite from strong wind conditions.

The best time to visit Rivas

Given the combination of weather parameters, tourists might find the period between December through March as the most suitable for visiting Rivas. During these months, rainfall is moderately lower, ranging between 20mm (0.79") and 65mm (2.56") while the daily average temperature hovers around a pleasant 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F). These conditions, coupled with longer sunshine hours nearing 9.4 hours to 8.9 hours and lower cloud cover from 24% to 34%, promise fulfilling exploration and outdoor activity opportunities.

The worst time to visit Rivas

Conversely, the months from May through October aren't ideal for tourist visits. These months record the heaviest rainfall with amounts ballooning from 342mm (13.46") to a peak of 479mm (18.86"). The skyrocketing cloud percentage (from 52% to 59%), coupled with the lowest sunshine durations (from 7.3 hours to 6.4 hours), create a general dampness and limitations for outdoor pursuits.

Spring weather in Rivas

Spring in Rivas, occurring in March through May, ushers in a significant surge in rainfall. March begins with modest rainfall of 31mm (1.22"), which rapidly soars to 441mm (17.36") by May. Both temperature and humidity rise slightly, with peak temperatures reaching from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F) and humidity creeping from 80% to 88%. As the season progresses, daylight hours remain plentiful, ranging from 12.3 hours to 12.6 hours, while the sunshine duration decrease slightly from 8.7 hours to 7.3 hours.

Summer weather in Rivas

June ushers in the summer season with tropical flair. The rainfall remains quite high, with amounts ranging from 405mm (15.94") to 359mm (14.13") from June through August. Despite the high rainfall, the temperatures remain stable, providing warmth from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Humidity levels increase to a higher bracket of 90% to 89%. On the positive side, sunshine hours remain relatively stable regardless of cloud cover increase, with sunshine hours spanning from 6.9 hours to 7.4 hours.

Autumn weather in Rivas

September through November, the autumn season in Rivas, is characterized by the highest rainfall levels. Precipitation appreciation ranges from 341mm (13.43") in September to a whopping 479mm (18.86") in October before tapering to 189mm (7.44") in November. However, temperatures remain characteristically stable, varying just slightly from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). Daylight dwindles slightly from 12.2 hours in September to 11.7 hours in November.

Winter weather in Rivas

Winter descends on Rivas from December through February. The season is marked by a significant reduction in rainfall, standing at 65mm (2.56") in December and gradually rising to 37mm (1.46") by February. Despite being the coldest time in Rivas, the temperatures still remain warm, fluctuating from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F). Sunshine duration enjoys an increase, with figures staying within the range of 7.4 hours to 9.6 hours. The winter season in Rivas shows why Costa Rica is truly a tropical paradise.

Weather in January

Surrounded by pleasant weather, Rivas, Costa Rica greets the new year with slightly cooler temperatures. The daylight stretches for 11.6 hours, allowing enough time for outdoor activities. Comparatively, this month experiences lower rainfall, recording only 37mm (1.46"), making it a dry start to the year compared to the following months. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February continues the trend of cool weather and relatively dry conditions from January in Rivas. With daylight slightly increasing to 11.8 hours, outdoor explorations extend a little longer. Notably, the rainfall significantly decreases, showing a drop from 37mm (1.46") in January to 20mm (0.79"). Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning from the cool February, March experiences a slight rise in temperature setting the stage for the oncoming summer season. Again, the daylight hours increase to 12.1, providing ample sunlight. There is a noticeable increase in rainfall, rising to 31mm (1.22"), giving a hint towards the forthcoming wet season. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Rivas becomes significantly wetter as it marks the beginning of the rainy season. Consequently, the precipitation soars steeply, from 31mm (1.22") in March to 133mm (5.24"), signaling a shift to wetter conditions. The temperatures remain stable without much fluctuation, ensuring continued comfort. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Experiencing the highest rainfall, May in Rivas is marked by wet and humid conditions. The ample moisture coupled with the warm temperature makes this month feel a bit sultry. Due to the heavy precipitation, outdoor activities might require planning in accordance with the weather. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Rivas is characterized by cloud-covered skies and frequent rain. Despite this, temperatures remain stable ensuring comfort irrespective of rain or shine. Even though the precipitation decreases marginally from 441mm (17.36") in May to 405mm (15.94"), this doesn't significantly impact the overall moist conditions. Weather in June »

Weather in July

As the rainy season continues, July follows the weather pattern established by June. The rainfall lessens slightly to 342mm (13.46"), yet it remains a wet month. With the relative humidity being consistently high, the clamminess in the air prevails. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Rivas in August experiences a trend of decreasing rainfall, although the amount is still substantial. The town remains under the umbrella of the rainy season, which clearly impacts the outdoor activities. Despite the reduction in rainfall to 359mm (14.13"), it doesn't have much of a significant effect on the overall weather scenario. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The trend of lowering rainfall continues in September, offering a slight break in the rain-soaked August. Though the rainfall decreases to 341mm (13.43"), it remains a month characteristic of the wet season. A few degrees drop in the temperature creates cooler evenings, giving residents and tourists a pleasant respite. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Receiving the highest level of humidity, October is the most humid month in Rivas, Costa Rica. The month is marked by a relatively high 479mm (18.86") of rainfall heightening the humid conditions. This weather coupled with warm temperatures contributes to a steamy climate. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November brings a dramatic shift in the weather of Rivas with a decrease in rainfall, signaling the approaching end of the rainy season. The drop in rainfall to 189mm (7.44") brings about prominently drier conditions compared to the wetter October. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the end of the rainy season in Rivas, Costa Rica, with a substantial decline in rainfall to just 65mm (2.56"). While temperatures show a downward trend, the weather remains agreeable for outdoor activities. The arrival of the dry season ensures the daylight hours remain adequate for the lengthy exploration of the town. Weather in December »