Weather in La Fortuna, Costa Rica by Month: What to Expect

Are you wondering what you can expect from the weather in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for your trip?

La Fortuna is a popular destination in Costa Rica. It is known for the Arenal Volcano, stunning waterfalls, and hot springs.

This area features a tropical rainforest climate. It is characterized by high humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year.

There are two primary seasons here. These are the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).

We are a couple who live in Costa Rica and visit La Fortuna every few months. Because of our frequent visits, we’ve come to know the weather patterns well.

We created this guide to provide you with a detailed breakdown of what to expect by month, how to pack, and what activities are best suited for each season. Plus, we’ll share some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip!

Let’s dive in!

La Fortuna’s Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season in La Fortuna is the most popular time for tourists.

This time of year offers warm, sunny days that are perfect for outdoor adventures.

With less rain, the trails are dry, and the skies are often clear, providing stunning views of the Arenal Volcano.

If you visit during the dry season we suggest booking your trip as far in advance as possible.

• 10% Discount on your rental car with our favorite local company, Adobe
• Book your hotel with Booking.com for great cancellation
• Book your activities on Viator for secure payment and great cancellation policies

December

December marks the beginning of the dry season. The weather is typically cooler compared to the peak dry season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Occasional showers may still occur as the rainy season tapers off.

Keep in mind that the area starts to fill with tourists, especially during the second half of the month. It is a good idea to book your hotels and activities as early as possible.

Some businesses may be closed between Christmas and New Years as families celebrate and enjoy the time off together.

Schools close for the holidays in mid-December, and many Costa Rican families take vacations. This can lead to increased local tourism, but it is usually not too much more tourism in La Fortuna. Most local families will instead head to the beaches.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Rainfall: 7.7 inches (19.5 cm)

January

January is one of the driest months in La Fortuna. The humidity is relatively low, making it comfortable for outdoor activities.

During this time of year it can sometimes be windy in La Fortuna.

This is a great time for zip-lining through the forest canopy, exploring the Arenal Volcano, and soaking in the hot springs.

This is also a great time for photography and sightseeing because the skies will be clear and the landscape is mostly still lush and green.

Tourism starts picking up even more in January and the downtown area can be very full.

Local schools remain closed until the end of the month, so there could be a slight uptick in local tourism as well.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Rainfall: 2 inches (5 cm)

February

February continues the trend of dry, sunny days with slightly warmer temperatures. The wind can be noticeable, especially on higher ground, but it provides a refreshing breeze.

The landscape starts to look more dried out as there hasn’t been any rain in a couple of months.

If you are looking for a romantic Valentines Day getaway, La Fortuna is perfect for it. I recommend a nice hot spring resort. My personal favorite is Amor Arenal for a relaxing adult-only place with multiple spring fed pools.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 83°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Rainfall: 1.3 inches (3.3 cm)

March

March is often the hottest month in La Fortuna, with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) during the day.

The landscape begins to dry out, but the forests around La Fortuna remain lush due to the tropical climate.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 85°F (29°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
• Average Rainfall: 1.5 inches (4 cm)

April

April marks the transition from the dry season to the rainy season. The days are still mostly dry, but you may start to experience brief afternoon showers.

As the rains begin, the landscape starts to green up a bit.

There are a lot of international tourists over the week before and after Easter. Also, local schools are closed for the week before Easter. In other words, the country is completely filled with people traveling.

Typically, locals will flock to the beaches, but La Fortuna can be very busy as well with international tourists. Check out our guide to Easter in Costa Rica for all the details.

If you plan to visit this are over those two weeks, book as early as possible.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 86°F (30°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Rainfall: 3.1 inches (7.9 cm)

La Fortuna’s Rainy Season (May to November)

The rainy season, or “green season,” in La Fortuna is characterized by frequent afternoon showers.

The rain makes this region exceptionally green and vibrant.

Mornings are usually clear, but the afternoons often bring heavy rainfall, particularly from September to November.

May

May marks the beginning of the rainy season.

The mornings are typically sunny, with rain showers in the afternoons. They tend to roll in every day around 2PM and last for an hour or two.

Temperatures remain warm, but the increase in rainfall begins to rejuvenate the landscape.

Prices for hotels and activities typically start to go down a bit in May to what is known as “mid-season pricing.”

Labor Day (Día del Trabajador) on May 1st is a national holiday. Most tourism businesses remain open, but things like banks will be closed.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 84°F (29°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Rainfall: 7.7 inches (19.6 cm)

June

June sees more consistent rain, especially in the afternoons. The mornings, however, often remain clear. I suggest getting up when the sun rises around 5:15 and enjoying the mornings.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Rainfall: 10.4 inches (26.4 cm)

July

July is known for the “little summer” or “veranillo.” This is a brief period where the rain subsides for a week or two. This is a popular time for tourists, as the weather is more stable.

However, it is difficult to predict if this will actually occur and if yes, when exactly it will happen. So, I don’t suggest planning your trip around thinking you will have no rain in July.

That being said, July is one of our favorite months to travel because the rain typically does subside at least a bit, there are fewer tourists, prices are lower, and everything is lush and green.

Local schools close for a mid-year break in early July. So, expect an increase in domestic tourism.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Rainfall: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)

August

The rainy season returns in full force by August, with heavy afternoon showers being the norm. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, and the mornings are still pleasant.

August 2nd is the Feast of the Virgin of the Angels. This is Costa Rica’s most important religious holiday. Many Costa Ricans make a pilgrimage to Cartago, but La Fortuna will be unaffected by the crowds.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Rainfall: 9.4 inches (23.9 cm)

September

September is one of the wettest months in La Fortuna. The rains are heavy and more persistent. It is not unusual to have completely overcast days and lengthy rain storms often lasting well into the evening.

By September, tourism has really dropped off. Prices for hotels, rental cars, and activities are at their lowest point.

Costa Rica’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 15th with parades, traditional music, and dancing. Expect some road closures and festivities in town. If you want to witness the events, ask at your hotel. They should be able to direct you to the time and place of any parades.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 81°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 67°F (19°C)
• Average Rainfall: 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)

October

October marks the peak of the rainy season, with the heaviest and most prolonged rains. Flooding can occur, and some roads may become impassable during heavy downpours.

With the heavy rain, it’s best to focus on indoor activities or enjoy the hot springs.

I suggest that you try to be flexible with your plans. The weather can be unpredictable.

Also, keep in mind that some places like restaurants and hotels close during October because there just isn’t enough demand.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 80°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 66°F (19°C)
• Average Rainfall: 13.9 inches (35.3 cm)

November

November is a transitional month as the rainy season begins to wind down. The rains start to decrease, especially later in the month, and the weather becomes more predictable.

Tourism starts to pick up slightly as the dry season approaches, but it remains relatively quiet.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 67°F (19°C)
• Average Rainfall: 7.2 inches (18.3 cm)

The Best Time for Arenal Volcano Views

The Arenal Volcano is best viewed during the dry season (December to April) when the skies are clear, and the weather is more predictable.

January through March are particularly good months, as the dry conditions and lower humidity levels provide unobstructed views of the volcano.

Early mornings are often the best time to catch a glimpse of the volcano before the clouds roll in.

However, even during the rainy season, it’s possible to get good views, particularly in the morning hours before the afternoon showers begin. Once, I asked a local about it and he said he found that the best views were often in July. So, I guess you never really know!

If you visit during the wettest months, September and October, be prepared for cloud cover and rain that can obscure the volcano.

Check out our guide to the Arenal Volcano for more info

Packing for La Fortuna’s Weather

Here are some must have essentials for when you visit La Fortuna.

Year Round Essentials

• We suggest carrying your stuff in a large backpack instead of a suitcase if possible. The Osprey 55L is great if you are only bringing a carry-on (take the small bag part off for under your seat) and the Osprey 75L is our go-to for checking in a bag.
• Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen: SPF 50 because the sun is powerful. We like Sun Bum because they are reef-safe.
• Columbia Bora Bora Sun Hat: Slightly nerdy, but great for blocking the sun, folding up small in your luggage, and is made of breathable fabric.
• Hero Microfiber Towel: Most hotels will have towels for showering, but not for the hot spring, Microfiber towels dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage.
• LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: You can drink the water here, but it is safer to buy bottled water. We like LifeStraw to filter out any extra bacteria or impurities.

Rainy Season Essentials

• The Anker Powerbox: A reliable battery pack to charge electronics if power goes out.
• Large Zip Lock Bags: Nothing ever dries in rainy season. Zip locks are great for seperating damp clothing in your luggage.
• Rain Jacket: I love the North Face Antora for women and the same jacket for men. Lightweight, breathable, efficient.
• Waterproof Backpack: We use ours year round because it is also great for the beach and boat trips, but especially good in rainy season for potentially wet adventures.
• Headlamp: Again, useful all year round since the sun sets by 6PM. Also great to have if the power goes out.

Things to Do in La Fortuna in Both Seasons

La Fortuna offers activities that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors during the dry season or enjoying the lush green landscapes during the rainy season, there’s always something exciting to do.

• Go Zip-lining: Soar above the treetops with stunning views of the volcano or the La Fortuna waterfall. This can be done year-round, but I suggest opting for. morning tour if you plan to do this during the rainy season.
• Relax at the Hot Springs: Visiting a hot spring is a must do activity in La Fortuna. This activity can be done year-round and is actually very enjoyable during the runny season if there isn’t any lightning.
• Take a Day Trip to Rio Celeste: Rio Celeste is a bright blue waterfall located about an hour north of La Fortuna. I only suggest visiting this during the dry season when it is vibrant and bright blue. The rains during the green season make it appear cloudy and gray.

Check out our Favorite Activities in La Fortuna for more fun ideas at all price points and for all times of year.

Climate Safety Concerns

There are a few things you need to look out for as far as safety in this jungle climate.

• Flash flooding can occur in this area. If you are swimming in a river and notice that the color of the water suddenly changes to brown, get out. That means a flash flood is likely coming.
• You will most likely want to visit the hot springs while you are in this area (as you should). Just be aware of the weather. If it is raining you can stay and enjoy your hot spring experience, but keep an eye and ear out for any lightning and thunder.
• Keep in mind that La Fortuna can be very hot and humid. You might find that you get worn out with certain adventure activities faster than you are used to. In other words, take it slow, drink a lot of water, and load up on electrolytes. Most stores sell Gatorade or Powerade which I find help so much in this climate.
• Even though this is an area of more dense forest coverage, the sun is still powerful. I’ve definitely gotten a sunburn here before! Wear SPF 50 sunblock, wear a hat, and wear coverage on your arms and legs when possible.
• Typically the mosquitos aren’t too bad here, but it never hurts to have insect repellent just in case!
• Be careful when hiking or visiting waterfalls after rains. Everything can get very slippery.
• The Arenal Volcano is considered dormant, but there hasn’t been an eruption since 2010, and that was minor. The last major eruption was in 1998. In other words, you don’t need to worry about the volcano.

Check out our Complete Guide to La Fortuna for the best hotels, restaurants, activities, and more!

Conclusion: La Fortuna Weather

In conclusion, La Fortuna’s weather is a significant part of its charm. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, knowing what to expect will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

If you have any specific questions about the weather or anything else related to your trip, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments. We’re here to help!

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