In Costa Rica, a variety of traditional events and cultural activities are held seasonally in a climate clearly divided into dry and rainy seasons. Below, I will explain in detail the characteristics of the climate and the main events and culture in the order of "Spring (March to May)", "Summer (June to August)", "Autumn (September to November)", and "Winter (December to February)".
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- It is the end of the dry season with little rainfall and plenty of sunny days.
- Daytime temperatures are high, rising to around 30°C in coastal areas.
- Nights feel cooler in the inland areas.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| March |
Holy Week (Semana Santa) |
An important Christian event. Parades and worship take place in the stable weather of the dry season. |
| March-April |
Flower Festival (San Ramón) |
Coinciding with the peak blooming of flowers, parades and art exhibitions are held under the blue sky. |
| April |
Easter Egg Hunt |
Conducted mainly in tourist areas, children's events can be enjoyed in gardens and parks under sunny conditions. |
| May |
Mana Festival (Festival de las Artes) |
A cultural arts festival that heralds the end of the dry season. Performances on outdoor stages are favored by good weather. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Entering the rainy season (green season), afternoon showers are frequent.
- High humidity and temperatures range around 25 to 28°C due to tropical cyclones.
- This period sees the lushest plant growth.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Corpus Christi |
A religious event. A grand parade is held in the morning to avoid afternoon rains. |
| July |
Guanacaste Day |
A provincial holiday celebrated during the transition from the dry to the rainy season. Outdoor festivals are held in rural areas. |
| August |
Feast of Our Lady of the Angels |
A pilgrimage honoring the country's patron saint, attracting tens of thousands during breaks in the rainy season. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- The peak of the rainy season, particularly September sees the highest rainfall.
- Increased risk of thunderstorms and flooding in inland areas.
- Tropical humidity continues, spreading a lush landscape.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| September |
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) |
A national festival celebrating independence in 1821. Evening ceremonies are preferable in the remaining sunny weather of the dry season. |
| October |
Day of the Nations (Día de las Naciones) |
Local communities hold sports festivals and traditional dances outdoors amid breaks in the rainy season. |
| November |
Coffee Festival (Festival del Café) |
The harvest season for new grains. Tasting events and markets attract crowds, regardless of weather. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- The dry season (cool in highlands, warmth lessens in lowlands).
- Little rainfall, with clear skies continuing.
- Dry air makes it comfortable.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Festival of Lights (Festival de la Luz) |
Illuminations in the capital, San José. The cool night breeze feels refreshing during the dry season. |
| January |
Palmares Festival (Fiestas de Palmares) |
The largest music festival and agricultural show in Central America. Held outdoors under dry weather. |
| February |
Limón Carnival (Carnaval de Limón) |
Held on the Caribbean coast in Limón. Colorful parades take place mostly in sunny conditions. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Main Event Examples |
| Spring |
End of dry season, many sunny days |
Holy Week, Flower Festival, Easter |
| Summer |
Start of rainy season, frequent afternoon showers |
Corpus Christi, Guanacaste Day, Feast of Our Lady of the Angels |
| Autumn |
Peak rainy season, increased risk of thunderstorms and flooding |
Independence Day, Day of the Nations, Coffee Festival |
| Winter |
Dry season, clear skies and cool breezes |
Festival of Lights, Palmares Festival, Carnival in Limón |
Supplement
- Costa Rica has a two-season system, dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November), differing from the four seasons of temperate zones.
- Events are tied to religious festivals, agricultural cycles, and historical culture such as New Year and Independence Day.
- Afternoon showers are concentrated in the rainy season, with mornings tending to be relatively sunny.
- Sunny days in the dry season peak tourism, leading to many festivals and outdoor activities being planned.
Costa Rica's rich nature and cultural events are closely linked to its climate patterns, enriching people's lives and tourism experiences.
Light rain shower