Manuel Antonio Weather Guide: Tropical Seasons & Climate

Manuel Antonio, located on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, possesses a classic tropical wet climate characterized by high temperatures, significant humidity, and two distinct seasons: the dry "summer" (verano) and the rainy "winter" (invierno). Because it is nestled where the rainforest meets the sea, the weather here is defined by its ability to sustain heavy foliage while offering intense equatorial sun.

Seasonal Rhythms

The Dry Season (December – April)

Locally known as verano, this is the sunniest time of year. Rainfall is rare, and the skies are typically a brilliant blue. January and February are the peak of the dry period, with the lowest probability of precipitation. During these months, the forest can actually begin to look "dry" as some deciduous trees drop their leaves to conserve water, which ironically makes wildlife spotting easier due to the thinner canopy.

The Green Season (May – November)

This period, often called invierno, is when the region justifies its "rainforest" designation.

• Early Green Season (May – August): Often referred to as a "transitional" period, mornings are almost always sunny, with rains arriving as predictable late-afternoon showers or evening thunderstorms.
• The Peak Rains (September – October): These are the wettest months. Rainfall can be heavy and persistent, sometimes lasting for several days during tropical depressions. Vegetation is at its most vibrant, and the humidity is at its highest.
• The "Veranillo" (July): Locals often experience a brief "little summer" in July, a weather phenomenon where the rains subside for a couple of weeks, providing a mid-season break of dry, sunny days.

Daily Weather Progression

In Manuel Antonio, the weather follows a remarkably consistent clock, especially during the rainy season.

• Sunrise (approx. 5:30 AM): The day begins with clear skies and a refreshing humidity. This is when the "feel-like" temperature is most comfortable.
• Mid-Morning to Noon: This is the hottest part of the day. The sun is intense, and because of the high humidity (averaging 80%), the 85°F (29°C) temperature often feels closer to 95°F (35°C).
• Mid-Afternoon: During the Green Season, clouds typically begin to build over the mountains to the east and sweep toward the coast around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM.
• Evening: Rain often cools the air significantly, especially after a heavy downpour, making the nights pleasantly balmy.

Climate Variations and Microclimates

While Manuel Antonio is a small footprint, its topography creates subtle variations. The beach areas (Playa Espadilla and the National Park beaches) receive strong oceanic breezes that can mitigate the heat. However, as you move just a few hundred yards inland toward the steep hillsides where many hotels are perched, the air becomes more stagnant and the humidity feels "heavier."

To the north in Quepos, the weather is nearly identical, but the higher hills surrounding the Manuel Antonio area can sometimes trap moisture, causing localized "micro-showers" that occur over the park while the town of Quepos remains dry.

Local Adaptations and Experience

Residents of Manuel Antonio live by the "morning rule." Most local business, hiking, and outdoor labor are concluded by noon to avoid the peak heat and the potential for afternoon rain. Locals often refer to the rain as pelo de gato (cat hair) when it is a very fine mist, or un baldazo when it is a sudden, heavy downpour.

In the wettest months of October and November, life slows down. This is the time for cafecito (coffee culture) and indoor social gatherings. Many boutique businesses may use this time for renovations, adapting to the natural rhythm of the land.

Specific Weather Phenomena

• Heavy Tropical Storms: On occasion, the region is affected by tropical systems from the Caribbean that cross the mountains, resulting in "temporales"—multi-day periods of continuous light to moderate rain.
• Equatorial Sun Intensity: Because of its proximity to the equator, the UV index in Manuel Antonio is extremely high year-round. Even on cloudy days, the "feel" of the sun is powerful enough to cause rapid heat exhaustion or sunburn.