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La Fortuna Weather - What to Expect and How to Pack
La Fortuna is a beautiful destination located in the San Carlos canton of the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. Situated in the northwestern part of the country, La Fortuna is known for its lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, and the iconic active volcano, Arenal. This small but lively town attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the incredible sights and the variety of adventure tours that are available in the area. While La Fortuna has a tropical climate, it is located at an elevation of approximately 830 feet above sea-level. The higher altitude brings its own unique weather patterns to the area. Let’s explore the year-round weather patterns of La Fortuna to help you prepare for an incredible vacation in paradise.
Average Temperatures 🌡️🗓️🌎🗺️🧭
La Fortuna, Costa Rica has relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. The average daily high temperatures range from 81°F to 88°F year-round, while the average low temperatures range from 68°F to 76°F annually. The dry season runs from December to April, with December and January being the coolest months of the year. Green season is from May to November, with April and May being the warmest months of the year. The weather is slightly cooler in La Fortuna than what you will find in Costa Rica's many beach destinations.
Green Season Rainfall - May to November 🌦️💧☂️🏵️
Rainy season is called Green Season in Costa Rica because the increased rainfall hydrates the plants in the rainforests, which are typically brimming with lush vegetation and an array of beautiful colors during this time of the year. From May to November in La Fortuna, visitors can expect increasing humidity and rain levels. These months are punctuated by afternoon thunderstorms. The rain showers usually last one-three hours, and are followed by clear skies. The wettest months in La Fortuna are July and October, with an average monthly rainfall for July at approximately 19 inches. October similarly sees an average of about 17 inches of rainfall for the month. The temperatures remain consistent, with average lows in the low-mid 70s, and average highs in the mid-upper 80s. When planning activities and tours during these months, it’s important to schedule them with morning start times to avoid any cancellations caused by the afternoon rains.
Dry Season Rainfall - December to April ☀️🌂🌤️🕶️
Dry Season is often called High Season in Costa Rica, as this is the time of year when we see the most visitors. With so many people traveling to Costa Rica during this time, availability can become an issue. You’ll want to pre-book your tours and accommodations in advance of your arrival in order to guarantee spaces. The dry season in La Fortuna runs from December through April. This time of year typically has clear, sunny skies and lower humidity levels, making it an ideal time to visit for those who prefer drier weather. The dry season in La Fortuna is characterized by very little or no rain. The months of March and April are the hottest and driest months of the year, with average temperatures in the mid-upper 80s°F and precipitation at about 3-4 inches. December and January have slightly cooler temperatures that average in the lower 80s°F during the day and in the upper 60s°F to low 70s°F at night. Rainfall during December averages around 7-8 inches, while January typically sees 5-6 inches of rain for the month. The transitional month of February sees the slightly cooler temperatures of December and January, with the lower precipitation levels of March and April.
La Fortuna Packing Checklist ✅ 👌💯🆗
Whether it's hiking to Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna Waterfall, soaking in hot springs, or ziplining through the rainforest canopy, in order to make the most of your time, you’ll need to pack for success. This checklist should give you ideas of how to prepare for your amazing La Fortuna vacation.
- Waterproof clothing, including a rain jacket and pants
- A light sweater, jacket or windbreaker for cooler evenings and early mornings
- Lightweight and breathable clothing for the humid conditions
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Water shoes or sneakers
- Sandals or flip flops
- Quick-drying towels and swimwear
- Insect repellent
- High SPF waterproof sunscreen
- A tight-fitting hat or cap with a brim
- A camera to capture the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife of the rainforest, and binoculars to spot the more elusive animals in the canopy
Since the weather in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, can be unpredictable, it's essential to be prepared. Make sure to pack light layers, waterproof gear, and comfortable shoes to fully enjoy all the outdoor activities the region has to offer. If you are traveling during the Green Season months, keep in mind that your visit might be affected by rainy season weather. Aim for earlier start times on your tours and activities, and whenever possible, leave a bit of flexibility in your itinerary in case one of your tours has to be rescheduled due to rain. No matter when you travel to La Fortuna, we know you are going to love this unforgettable destination.
