Monteverde Weather Guide: Climate in the Clouds

The Cloud Forest Dynamic

Monteverde’s climate is defined by its position on the Continental Divide at an elevation of approximately 1,440 meters (4,724 feet). Unlike the tropical heat of Costa Rica’s coasts, Monteverde maintains a subtropical highland climate. The defining atmospheric feature is the immersion in clouds, which provides a constant source of moisture even when it is not technically raining. This persistent mist, known locally as neblina, creates a high-humidity environment that supports thousands of species of epiphytes, mosses, and orchids.

Diurnal Patterns: Life Throughout the Day

In Monteverde, the weather is more of a cycle than a fixed state.

• Morning: Early mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) often provide the clearest skies and the best visibility for panoramic views of the Nicoya Peninsula. This is when birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal, are most active.
• Midday: Temperatures typically peak between 21°C and 25°C (70°F–77°F). In the green season, clouds begin to build around noon as moisture rises from the lowlands.
• Afternoon: This is the most common time for precipitation. In the rainy season, you can expect heavy showers; in the dry season, expect light, misty drizzles.
• Evening/Night: As the sun sets, temperatures drop rapidly, often hitting 15°C to 18°C (59°F–64°F). Nights feel significantly cooler due to the high humidity and persistent winds.

Seasonal Trends

Monteverde technically experiences three distinct climatic periods rather than just two:

The Sunny Season (Late February – May)

This is the closest Monteverde gets to a traditional summer. Rainfall is at its lowest in March. While the rest of Costa Rica may be scorching, Monteverde remains pleasantly mild. This season offers the highest predictability for outdoor adventures like ziplining or hiking.

The Green Season (May – October)

Characterized by clear mornings followed by afternoon tropical showers. September and October are the wettest months, with frequent thunderstorms. The forest is at its most vibrant green, and the mist creates a mystical, primeval atmosphere.

The Windy Season (November – February)

Locals often consider this the most beautiful time. Strong northeast trade winds (alisios) blow across the divide, bringing a unique phenomenon called pelo de gato—a fine, horizontal misty rain that creates constant rainbows. During this time, the wind can be quite powerful, making the air feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.

Microclimates and Variations

Because Monteverde sits on the spine of the Tilarán mountain range, a few hundred meters in elevation or a shift from the Caribbean side to the Pacific side changes everything.

• The Caribbean Slope: Heavily forested, wetter, and windier.
• The Pacific Slope: Slightly warmer and drier, especially during the sunnier months.
• Santa Elena: The town center is often slightly warmer and less misty than the higher-elevation reserves of the Monteverde Cloud Forest or Santa Elena Reserve.

The "Feel" of the Weather

Temperatures in Monteverde are deceptive. Because of the wind chill and 100% humidity, 18°C (64°F) in the cloud forest feels much colder than 18°C in a dry climate. The air often feels "heavy" with water, and the wind on the exposed ridges of the Continental Divide can be biting. Locals adapt by moving with the rhythm of the clouds—starting their day at dawn and retreating as the afternoon rains settle in. The weather here is not viewed as an obstacle, but as the lifeblood of the forest itself; the rain is what keeps the "Green Mountain" green.