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What does your dream retirement look like? What do you want to see outside your window? We've divided Costa Rica into distinct geographical and cultural regions, so you can get a better idea of the lifestyle offered in each.
Top Destinations by Region
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The North Pacific region of Costa Rica, specifically the Guanacaste province, has long been considered the gem of the country. The area's pristine beaches, flowing rivers, rugged mountains, rolling farmland, and rich green vegetation make this one of the most beloved areas in Costa Rica for travelers and Costa Ricans (Ticos) alike.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Liberia (capital of Guanacaste) | Fine dining (LIR) |
| Tamarindo | Beautiful resorts |
| Playa del Coco | Vibrant nightlife |
| Playa Flamingo | National Parks |
| Gorgeous Beaches |
The entire Caribbean coast of Costa Rica lies within the Limon Province, which is known for its Afro Caribbean influence, tropical atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Puerto Limon | Tropical atmosphere |
| Tortuguero | Beautiful beaches |
| Puerto Viejo | Vibrant nightlife |
| National Parks | |
Stretching north from Costa Rica's Central Valley through the country's highlands and North Central Plains, the Northern Zone's active volcanoes and breathtaking views make it one of the country's most unique areas. And it's cities have plenty of historic landmarks and everything San Jose offers, without that rough, over-populated feel
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Alajuela | Fine dining |
| San Carlos | Vibrant nightlife |
| Heredia | Historic landmarks |
| Moravia | Luxury resorts |
| Barva Volcano | Golf courses |
| Arenal Volcano |
The Central Valley offers a constant spring-like climate that allows parks to flourish. It's home to Costa Rica's metropolitan capital city, San Jose, and upscale suburban towns that all enjoy the perks of the city life.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| San Jose | Museums |
| Santa Ana | Theaters |
| San Isidro | Fine dining |
| Modern malls | |
| Botanical gardens | |
| Foreign embassies | |
| Golf courses |
The Central Pacific is a coastal region with a tropical climate perfect for outdoor activities, like golfing, hiking and more. Plus, San Jose is nearby, offering a great combination of costal and city living.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Jacó | Fine dining |
| Manuel Antonio | Golf courses |
| Esterillos | Gorgeous beaches |
| Tarcoles River | |
| Nauyaca | |
The South Pacific is truly an unexplored paradise and a must see for nature lovers. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and explore – this is the spot for you.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Uvita | Gorgeous beaches |
| Dominical | National parks |
| Hermosa | Restaurants |
| Botanical gardens | |
| Jardin de Mariposas | |
| Golf Courses |
The Southern Zone is a gold mine for beautiful water, mangrove swamps, world-class fishing and spectacular wildlife.
Top Destinations |
Amenities |
| Puerto Jimenez | Deep sea sport fishing tours |
| National parks | |
| Gorgeous beaches | |
| Restaurants | |
| Golf courses | |
Costa Rica has no real summer or winter due to its proximity to the equator.
Average temperature: 70-81 F
Two types of climates: Tropical and Subtropical
Dry season: December to April
Rainy season: May to November
Cooler temperatures are found in the highlands.
The best weather in the country.
Temperate Year-Round
Temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s F to lows in the mid-60s F.
Altitudes vary from 2,000 feet to 5,000 feet above sea level, so the higher in elevation you go, the cooler the average temperatures.
| San José - Average temperatures | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min (°C) | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | |
| Max (°C) | 24 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 24 | |
| Min (°F) | 57 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 57 | |
| Max (°F) | 75 | 75 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 79 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 75 | |
| San José - Average precipitation | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Prec.(mm) | 15 | 5 | 20 | 45 | 230 | 240 | 210 | 240 | 310 | 305 | 145 | 40 | 1805 |
| Prec.(in) | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 12.2 | 12 | 5.7 | 1.6 | 71.1 |
| Days | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 17 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 13 | 4 | 148 |
Rainforests are warm and humid with heavy precipitation during rainy season.
Hillsides, where most expats live, however, have lower temperatures, along with cooling ocean and mountain breezes.
Average temperature: 79 F
Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast, known as the Gold Coast, receives the sunniest days and the least rainfall in the country. Its average temperature is in the high 80s F or low 70s F.
| Puntarenas - Average precipitation | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Prec.(mm) | 6 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 205 | 215 | 175 | 225 | 295 | 280 | 130 | 30 | 1600 |
| Prec.(in) | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 6.9 | 8.9 | 11.6 | 11 | 5.1 | 1.2 | 63 |
| Days | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 19 | 21 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 15 | 6 | 164 |
| Puntarenas - Average temperaturesemperatures | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Min (°C) | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | |
| Max (°C) | 34 | 34 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | |
| Min (°F) | 72 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 | |
| Max (°F) | 93 | 93 | 93 | 95 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | |
Consistent tropical warmth
Temperatures vary from highs of 85-90 F and lows of 75-80 F.
This area receives a bit more rain than northern areas, so the surrounding jungles are eternally lush and green.
| Quepos - Average temperatures | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Min (°C) | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Max (°C) | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| Min (°F) | 72 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Max (°F) | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 88 |
| Quepos - Average precipitation | |||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Prec.(mm) | 45 | 25 | 40 | 155 | 390 | 415 | 445 | 470 | 545 | 535 | 350 | 160 | 3570 |
| Prec.(in) | 1.8 | 1 | 1.6 | 6.1 | 15.4 | 16.3 | 17.5 | 18.5 | 21.5 | 21.1 | 13.8 | 6.3 | 140.6 |
| Days | 7 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 23 | 15 | 219 |
| Quepo- Sunshine | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Hours | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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