The climate of Santa Ana
The city of
Santa Ana,
Costa Rica operates under the Köppen climate classification of 'Am', indicating a tropical monsoon climate. This classification perfectly captures Santa Ana's weather landscape, which sees high humidity, considerable amounts of rainfall, and consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.
Recognizing the city's geographical position, nestled within Central America, there is a noticeable absence of distinct seasons experienced in other parts of the globe. Instead, Santa Ana has a relatively constant thermal profile, with average high temperatures varying from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) and lows fluctuating minimally from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F) in the course of a year.
The city receives a multitude of rain, with average monthly rainfall spanning from 24mm (0.94") in the relatively drier months to a hefty 429mm (16.89") during the rainiest period, corresponding to an annual average of around 2695mm (106.1"). Concurrently, humidity sees little annual variation, rotating from a low of 71% to peak at 90%, reflecting the city's tropical climate.
An exceptional trait of Santa Ana's climate is the diminishing daylight from 12.7 hours per day in
June to 11.6 hours per day in
December and
January, coupled with a similar reduction in sunshine hours. Wind speeds tend to be relatively gentle, averaging between 3.9km/h (2.4mph) and 10.9km/h (6.8mph) annually.
The best time to visit Santa Ana
Taking into account the overall climatic conditions, the ideal time to visit
Santa Ana is in the dry months of
January and
February. The city sees its lowest rainfall levels during these months, averaging 31mm (1.22") and 24mm (0.94") respectively. The temperatures maintain a warm profile but are not excessively hot, averaging highs of 25.8°C (78.4°F) in January and 26.8°C (80.2°F) in February. The combined lower humidity, tolerable temperatures, and reduced rainfall create agreeable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Santa Ana
Contrarily, the months of
May through
October could be the least desirable for visitors due to the extreme rainfall and high humidity. Precipitation levels peak from 310mm (12.2") to 429mm (16.89") and humidity from 84% to 90% during these months. Ample rainfall, high humidity, and persistent cloud cover can limit outdoor activities and overall enjoyment of the region.
Spring weather in Santa Ana
Spring in
Santa Ana, from
March to
May, is characterized by rising temperatures and a sharp increase in rainfall. March sees the highest temperatures of the season, with the highest monthly average at 27.8°C (82°F) and the lowest at 16.2°C (61.2°F). However, rainfall begins to surge in
April, jumping to an average of 100mm (3.94"). May marks the start of the wet season, with an astounding average rainfall of 364mm (14.33") and the highest average relative humidity of the year at 84%.
Summer weather in Santa Ana
The summer season from
June to
August experiences the toughest weather conditions in
Santa Ana. Average rainfall soars to a peak of 385mm (15.16") in June and remains high at 310mm (12.2") and 348mm (13.7") in
July and August respectively. Temperatures see a slight dip, averaging maximum highs of 24.8°C (76.6°F) in June and minimum lows of 17.5°C (63.5°F) in July. Furthermore, these months also witness the least amount of sunshine days and highest cloud cover making them the least favorable for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Santa Ana
Autumn, which spans from
September to
November, is characterized by dominant rainfall and cloud cover yet slightly easing temperatures. With average rainfall totalling 349mm (13.74") in September and a whopping 429mm (16.89") in
October, it's clear why it's considered part of the wet season. Despite that, November sees a drastic reduction in rainfall down to 172mm (6.77"), signaling the end of the wet season.
Winter weather in Santa Ana
Winter months in
Santa Ana, from
December to
February, are the city's dry season marked by the lowest rainfall figures of the year. December sees an impressive drop in rainfall to just 61mm (2.4"), continuing to decrease in
January and February, making it the most favorable season for outdoor pursuits. Furthermore, temperatures offer a harmonious blend of cool and warm, averaging between 15.3°C (59.5°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F). However, it's worth noting that the daylight duration dips to its annual low of 11.6 hours in both December and January.
Weather in January
A new year in
Santa Ana,
Costa Rica, begins with warm and humid weather. A transition from cooler temperatures in the previous
December to a slightly warmer environment in
January can be noticed. The frequency of rainfall is moderate with an average humidity level, consistent with the Costa Rican tropical climate.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
February takes on a consistent pattern as the transition from
January is smooth. Although a slight rise in temperature can be noticed, February maintains the warmth and humidity that is characteristic of
Santa Ana.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Costa Rica approaches the end of the first quarter of the year,
March in
Santa Ana sees a shift in weather conditions. Comparatively, this period experiences warmer temperatures than
February and slightly higher rainfall. This climatic pattern fosters a more tropical environment, maintaining consistent humidity and pressure levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Santa Ana,
Costa Rica, witnesses a significant leap in rainfall bringing about a noticeable departure in weather conditions from
March. With warmer temperatures settling in, pressure levels showing no significant fluctuations, and considerably frequent rainfall, the onset of the rainy season in Santa Ana is evident.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The month of
May marks a significant phase in the weather of
Santa Ana as the rainy season manifests in full swing. This period shows a substantial increase in rainfall from the previous month, accompanied by an increment in humidity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June continues the pattern established in
May, with the rainy season firmly ensconced in
Santa Ana. The transition from May to June sees little change in temperature, a decrease in daylight hours, and a slight increase in rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues with the rainy season, interspersed with slight changes in pattern from the
June weather conditions. The persistent clouds coupled with the high relative humidity define the tropical climate of
Santa Ana. Meanwhile, temperatures remain relatively stable and rainfall marginally decreases.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In its eighth month,
Santa Ana experiences typical rainy season conditions with minor differences from the previous month. Compared to
July,
August sees a slight decrease in temperature and a small increase in rainfall. The consistent cloudy conditions and regulated pressure levels attribute to a steady weather pattern that Santa Ana is familiar with.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Santa Ana's weather rolls into
September with increased rainfall, cooler temperatures, and increased humidity from the previous month. While sunlight hours and visibility decrease slightly, the still prevalent rainfall persists.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
Santa Ana,
October holds the distinction of being the month with the heaviest rainfall. The temperatures cool down slightly in October and the substantial amount of rainfall results in higher humidity. Comparatively, the relative rainfall increases from
September while temperature, pressure, and wind conditions remain relatively stable.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a significant retreat from the peak rainy conditions of
October as the dry season beckons in
Santa Ana. A decrease in rainfall marks this transition period splendidly. In comparison, November brings cooler temperatures, lesser wind speed, and a considerable reduction in precipitation.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Santa Ana bids goodbye to the year with a noticeable shift in its climatology. The transition from reasonably rainy
November to a largely dry
December is readily observable. While lower humidity and reduced cloud cover indicate the onset of the dry season, an overall manageable weather defines the year's end.
Weather in December »