Costa Rica’s climate is shaped by complex interactions between its geography, wind patterns, and oceanic influences, creating seven distinct climatic zones: North Pacific, Central Pacific, South Pacific, Central, North, Caribbean North, and Caribbean South. The country’s lowlands exhibit tropical and subtropical climates, while the highlands experience colder conditions. Annual climate patterns are marked by a dry season from November to April and a wet season for the remainder of the year, particularly on the Pacific coast. However, these patterns are influenced by global phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña. El Niño brings severe droughts to the Pacific, while cold air masses from North America, combined with strong trade winds, cause heavy rains and floods on the Caribbean slope during winter.
The movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the strength of the Caribbean Sea's subtropical high-pressure system, and the Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ) also affect Costa Rica’s weather. The trade winds create a "rain shadow" effect, resulting in constant rain on the Caribbean slope and prolonged dry spells on the Pacific slope. Intense rains in July are caused by heightened trade winds, primarily affecting the Caribbean region. Temperatures fluctuate seasonally, with daily maximums occurring before the rainy season, and minimums peaking in July, then dropping during the Northern Hemisphere's winter months. The diverse topography and atmospheric conditions create a highly varied climate throughout the country.
Today we had a rainy day ,but we enjoyed it anyway, rain means life.