Climate and monthly weather forecast
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

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The climate of Tortuguero

Lying within the Af, or tropical rainforest, Köppen climate classification, Tortuguero, Costa Rica, displays a prominent characteristic of high temperatures and high rainfall all year round. Heat and humidity envelop its geographical position, hovering close to the equator, ushering in consistent weather patterns throughout the year.

To understand the annual weather shift, the variance in climatological parameters must be analyzed. Monthly average high temperatures stay within a narrow range, from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), while lows fall between 22°C (71.6°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). In terms of rainfall, there’s a wide variance from 177mm (6.97") at the low end to a high of 624mm (24.57"). The number of rainfall days also fluctuates, from 7 days at the minimum to a high of 22 days. Sunshine hours do not deviate greatly, ranging from 5 to 6 hours daily, while daylight hours are between 11.5 to 12.7 each day.

A unique aspect of Tortuguero's climate is the persistent high rainfall throughout the year, with notable spikes between May to December. Months marked by elevated rainfall, such as November with 600mm (23.62") or December with 619mm (24.37") are interlinked with increased rainfall days, 18 and 17 respectively, signaling prevalent wet conditions.

The best time to visit Tortuguero

While reputation precedes Tortuguero as a year-round destination, the most favorable period to visit occurs from March to May. During these months, rainfall measures at lower averages between 177mm (6.97") to 251mm (9.88"), which corresponds to fewer rainy days of 7 to 9 on average. Temperatures remain high, but sea temperatures are especially inviting, staying consistent at 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). The average daily sunshine remains steady at 6 hours, adding alluring warmth and visible vibrancy to the tropical surroundings.

The worst time to visit Tortuguero

Contrary to the preferable visitation period, the less recommended period for visiting Tortuguero is from June to December. These months are marked by significant climatic shift with above-average rainfall levels, from 431mm (16.97") to 624mm (24.57"). Rainfall days increase to a blustery 22 days for most of this period, limiting outdoor activity opportunities.

Spring weather in Tortuguero

Spring in Tortuguero, from March to May, offers comfortable weather conditions with the least rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall averages between 177mm (6.97") in March and 338mm (13.31") in May, with rainfall days on the decline from 7 to 17 through the season. During this time temperatures remain comfortably high, with low temperatures of 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and high temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). This period witnesses an increase in daylight, from 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 hours in May.

Summer weather in Tortuguero

Tortuguero's summer unfolds from June to August, characterized by high rainfall, with a formidable monthly average of 624mm (24.57") in July. The daily hours of sunshine hold steady at 6 hours, although rainfall days escalate dramatically to 22 days. Despite the increase in rain, temperatures maintain a high range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). June to August also provides the longest daylight hours at 12.7 in June and 12.5 by August end.

Autumn weather in Tortuguero

Autumn, from September to November, sees a continuation of summer’s high rainfall, with rainfall averages ranging from 303mm (11.93") to 600mm (23.62") and the number of rainfall days stable at 22. High temperatures stay consistent at 29°C (84.2°F), whereas lows range between 23°C (73.4°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Daylight hours begin to diminish from 12.2 hours in September to 11.6 hours by November.

Winter weather in Tortuguero

Winter months in Tortuguero, December to February, are characterized by significant rainfall, peaking at a hefty 619mm (24.37") in December, along with the corresponding 17 to 12 rainfall days during these months. Temperature highs hover from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), while lows stay between 22°C (71.6°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). Daylight hours see a slight decrease with 11.5 hours in December gradually increasing to 11.8 by February. Despite the high rainfall during this period, it is counteracted by a consistent hours of sunshine, with an average of 5 to 6 per day.

Weather in January

January in Tortuguero, Costa Rica is distinguished by consistently tropical conditions. This is the period where rainfall starts to diminish and the UV index drops to 11. The high and low temperatures hover at around 29°C (84.2°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) respectively and Tortuguero receives 412mm (16.22") of rainfall distributed over 12 days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following the trend set by January, February experiences a slight decrease in rainfall operating as a transitional period between the wet and dry seasons. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant, favoring outdoor activities like bird watching. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The rainfall pattern in March continues to decline, bringing Tortuguero into the heart of the dry season. In comparison to February, the weather overall becomes dryer, which provides an excellent window for exploring the rainforests or boating along the canals. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April in Tortuguero sees a slight resurgence in the amount of rainfall with 251mm (9.88") of rain over 9 days. Despite the increase in rainfall, temperatures remain consistently warm and the daylight hours peak, providing ample opportunity for wildlife spotting. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks a significant transition in Tortuguero's weather as rainfall begins to increase, signaling the onset of the wettest phase of the year. Despite the significant increase in rainfall, this does not significantly impact the high and low temperatures, which remain consistently warm. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June in Tortuguero witnesses a further increase in rainfall; a hallmark of the wet season. This period sees the landscape at its greenest and most vibrant. With 431mm (16.97") of rain falling over 22 days, June becomes a prime time for indoor activities. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the wettest month in Tortuguero, Costa Rica with an astounding 624mm (24.57") of rain spread over 22 days. The sea turtles continue their annual migration returning to nest on the shores, marking one of Tortuguero’s most iconic natural phenomena. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August sees a slight dip in rainfall from July. Nevertheless, the weather draws to be both wet and consistent in terms of temperature. The lush greenery persists, fed by regular rain showers, making Tortuguero appear exceptionally picturesque. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In September, the amount of rainfall recedes a bit, offering brief respite from the intense wet season. Simultaneously, the weather remains notably tropical, ideal for sightseeing expeditions, especially for those interested in the local flora. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October is characterized by another increment in rain showers, with the landscape continuing to flourish across Tortuguero. The consistent rainfall manages to keep temperatures steady, making for amiable ambient conditions. The rains bring more nourishment to the local fauna, increasing activity among wildlife species. Tortuguero sees its lowest temperatures during January, August through December, with an average high-temperature of 29°C (84.2°F). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees the rainfall peak to 600mm (23.62") over 18 days; marking another exceedingly wet month in Tortuguero. Despite the high rainfall, exploring the national park’s natural beauty is possible during moments of respite. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, the rainfall in Tortuguero lessens to 619mm (24.37") over 17 days yet rounds off the year as another wet month. However, the reduction in rainfall days allows for an increase in opportunities for outdoor adventures. Weather in December »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Tortuguero?

The lowest level of Tortuguero's temperatures is noted during January, August through December, averaging a high-temperature of 29°C (84.2°F).

How much does it rain in Tortuguero?

Throughout the year, in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, there are 199 rainfall days, and 4875mm (191.93") of precipitation is accumulated.

When is the sea coldest in Tortuguero?

January through April, July, August, November and December, with an average sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), are months with the coldest seawater.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Tortuguero?

The months with the least sunshine in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, are January, July, August, October and November, with an average of 5h of sunshine.

What are the months with the most sunshine in Tortuguero?

The months with the most sunshine are February through June, September and December, with an average of 6h of sunshine.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Tortuguero?

February through October, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.

What is the driest month in Tortuguero?

March is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 7 days and accumulates 177mm (6.97") of precipitation.

What is the warmest month in Tortuguero?

In Tortuguero, April is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 32°C (89.6°F) and a low of 24°C (75.2°F).

What are the months with the warmest sea water in Tortuguero?

May, June, September and October, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), are months with the warmest seawater.

When are the longest days in Tortuguero?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 12h and 42min of daylight.

What is the rainiest month in Tortuguero?

July is the month with the most rainfall in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Rain falls for 22 days and accumulates 624mm (24.57") of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Tortuguero?

December has the shortest days of the year in Tortuguero, with an average of 11h and 30min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Tortuguero?

Tortuguero does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). CST timezone is used throughout the entire year.

When is the lowest UV index in Tortuguero?

The month with the lowest UV index is December, with an average maximum UV index of 10.

Average temperature
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average temperature - Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is April (32°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January, August, September, October, November and December (29°C).

The months with the highest average low temperature are March, April, May and July (24°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are November and December (22°C).

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Average rainfall
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average rainfall - Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (624mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is March (177mm).

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Average rainfall days
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average rainfall days - Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The months with the highest number of rainy days are June, July, August, September and October (22 days).
The month with the least rainy days is March (7 days).

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Average sea temperature
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average sea temperature - Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are May, June, September and October (29°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January, February, March, April, July, August, November and December (28°C).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Tortuguero, 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 30min).

The months with the most sunshine are February, March, April, May, June, September and December (Average sunshine: 6h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, July, August, October and November (Average sunshine: 5h).

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Average UV index
Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Average UV index - Tortuguero, Costa Rica

The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 10).

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Tortuguero, Costa Rica

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