Honestly, if you look at a standard weather map of Costa Rica, you’re probably going to get Puerto Viejo all wrong. Most people pack their bags for the "dry season" in January thinking they’ll find nothing but blue skies across the whole country. They get to the Caribbean side and—bam—a tropical downpour hits.
That’s because Puerto Viejo de Talamanca plays by its own rules.
While the Pacific coast is drying out into a dusty brown crisp from December to April, the Caribbean coast stays aggressively lush. It's a tropical rainforest climate. Basically, it rains when it wants to. But there is a secret "summer" that most tourists completely miss because they’re following the crowds to Guanacaste.
The Weird Caribbean "Summer" You Didn't Know About
Here’s the thing about weather Puerto Viejo Limon Costa Rica: the driest months are actually September and October.
Yeah, you read that right.
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When the rest of Costa Rica is getting hammered by the peak of the Pacific rainy season (we’re talking "bridge-washing-away" kind of rain), Puerto Viejo is often basking in glorious sunshine. The sea turns into a flat, turquoise mirror. It’s the absolute best time for snorkeling at Cahuita National Park or diving the reefs at Manzanillo.
If you come in October, you also hit the Limón Carnival. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and the weather is usually holding up its end of the bargain.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Don't expect the temperature to move much. It’s pretty much always hot.
- Average Highs: Usually hover around 86°F to 87°F.
- Average Lows: Rarely drop below 70°F.
- Humidity: Expect a steady 80%. You aren't just visiting the jungle; you’re breathing it.
If you’re a numbers person, July is technically the wettest month with an average of over 16 inches of rain. December is the runner-up. Why? Because the trade winds are pushing moisture off the Atlantic and dumping it right on the Talamanca mountains.
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Rain Doesn't Mean Your Day is Ruined
You’ve gotta understand that "rainy" in Puerto Viejo doesn't always mean a grey, depressing drizzle all day. Most of the time, it’s a heavy, dramatic dump of water for an hour or two in the afternoon or overnight.
Then the sun comes out and everything smells like wet earth and flowers.
Current conditions today, January 17, 2026, actually show this pattern perfectly. It’s about 83°F right now with a "feels like" temperature of 90°F because of that 77% humidity. There's a heavy thunderstorm warning for this afternoon, but by Monday, the forecast is calling for "mostly sunny" with a high of 84°F.
That’s the Caribbean for you. It’s fickle.
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Surfing vs. Sunbathing: Timing is Everything
If you’re here for the waves, the weather takes a backseat to the swell. Salsa Brava—the legendary reef break—fires best from December through March. This is when the weather is "wetter" but the waves are world-class. If you're a beginner, you might want to wait until the sea calms down in the later months.
For the sun-seekers? Stick to the "window" months.
- February to April: Generally reliable, sunny, and popular.
- September and October: The "secret" season. Lower prices, fewer people, best water clarity.
What to Actually Pack
Forget the heavy rain jacket. You’ll just sweat inside it and be miserable. You want quick-dry gear. Linen is your best friend. A light poncho is fine for a sudden downpour while you’re biking to Playa Cocles, but honestly, most locals just duck under a palm tree or grab a pipa fria (cold coconut) at a beach shack and wait it out.
Pro tip: Bring more socks than you think you need. In 80% humidity, nothing ever truly dries once it’s wet.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the swell, not just the rain: If you’re planning on snorkeling, use a site like Surf-Forecast to check the period and height. Anything over 3-4 feet usually stirs up the sediment and ruins visibility.
- Book for October if you hate crowds: You’ll get the best weather Puerto Viejo Limon Costa Rica has to offer and you won't have to fight for a table at Stashu’s or Selvin’s.
- Embrace the night rain: If you’re booking an Airbnb, make sure it has a tin roof. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—more therapeutic than sleeping while a tropical deluge hits a corrugated metal roof.
- Morning person wins: Regardless of the season, the Caribbean coast almost always has clearer skies in the morning. Plan your hikes through Gandoca-Manzanillo for 7:00 AM. By 2:00 PM, you want to be under a roof.