The climate of Tortuguero
Lying within the Af, or tropical rainforest, Köppen climate classification,
Tortuguero,
Costa Rica, displays a prominent characteristic of high temperatures and high rainfall all year round. Heat and humidity envelop its geographical position, hovering close to the equator, ushering in consistent weather patterns throughout the year.
To understand the annual weather shift, the variance in climatological parameters must be analyzed. Monthly average high temperatures stay within a narrow range, from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), while lows fall between 22°C (71.6°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). In terms of rainfall, there’s a wide variance from 177mm (6.97") at the low end to a high of 624mm (24.57"). The number of rainfall days also fluctuates, from 7 days at the minimum to a high of 22 days. Sunshine hours do not deviate greatly, ranging from 5 to 6 hours daily, while daylight hours are between 11.5 to 12.7 each day.
A unique aspect of Tortuguero's climate is the persistent high rainfall throughout the year, with notable spikes between
May to
December. Months marked by elevated rainfall, such as
November with 600mm (23.62") or December with 619mm (24.37") are interlinked with increased rainfall days, 18 and 17 respectively, signaling prevalent wet conditions.
The best time to visit Tortuguero
While reputation precedes
Tortuguero as a year-round destination, the most favorable period to visit occurs from
March to
May. During these months, rainfall measures at lower averages between 177mm (6.97") to 251mm (9.88"), which corresponds to fewer rainy days of 7 to 9 on average. Temperatures remain high, but sea temperatures are especially inviting, staying consistent at 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). The average daily sunshine remains steady at 6 hours, adding alluring warmth and visible vibrancy to the tropical surroundings.
The worst time to visit Tortuguero
Contrary to the preferable visitation period, the less recommended period for visiting
Tortuguero is from
June to
December. These months are marked by significant climatic shift with above-average rainfall levels, from 431mm (16.97") to 624mm (24.57"). Rainfall days increase to a blustery 22 days for most of this period, limiting outdoor activity opportunities.
Spring weather in Tortuguero
Spring in
Tortuguero, from
March to
May, offers comfortable weather conditions with the least rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall averages between 177mm (6.97") in March and 338mm (13.31") in May, with rainfall days on the decline from 7 to 17 through the season. During this time temperatures remain comfortably high, with low temperatures of 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and high temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). This period witnesses an increase in daylight, from 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 hours in May.
Summer weather in Tortuguero
Tortuguero's summer unfolds from
June to
August, characterized by high rainfall, with a formidable monthly average of 624mm (24.57") in
July. The daily hours of sunshine hold steady at 6 hours, although rainfall days escalate dramatically to 22 days. Despite the increase in rain, temperatures maintain a high range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). June to August also provides the longest daylight hours at 12.7 in June and 12.5 by August end.
Autumn weather in Tortuguero
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a continuation of summer’s high rainfall, with rainfall averages ranging from 303mm (11.93") to 600mm (23.62") and the number of rainfall days stable at 22. High temperatures stay consistent at 29°C (84.2°F), whereas lows range between 23°C (73.4°F) and 24°C (75.2°F). Daylight hours begin to diminish from 12.2 hours in September to 11.6 hours by November.
Winter weather in Tortuguero
Winter months in
Tortuguero,
December to
February, are characterized by significant rainfall, peaking at a hefty 619mm (24.37") in December, along with the corresponding 17 to 12 rainfall days during these months. Temperature highs hover from 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), while lows stay between 22°C (71.6°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). Daylight hours see a slight decrease with 11.5 hours in December gradually increasing to 11.8 by February. Despite the high rainfall during this period, it is counteracted by a consistent hours of sunshine, with an average of 5 to 6 per day.
Weather in January
January in
Tortuguero,
Costa Rica is distinguished by consistently tropical conditions. This is the period where rainfall starts to diminish and the UV index drops to 11. The high and low temperatures hover at around 29°C (84.2°F) and 23°C (73.4°F) respectively and Tortuguero receives 412mm (16.22") of rainfall distributed over 12 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following the trend set by
January,
February experiences a slight decrease in rainfall operating as a transitional period between the wet and dry seasons. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant, favoring outdoor activities like bird watching.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The rainfall pattern in
March continues to decline, bringing
Tortuguero into the heart of the dry season. In comparison to
February, the weather overall becomes dryer, which provides an excellent window for exploring the rainforests or boating along the canals.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Tortuguero sees a slight resurgence in the amount of rainfall with 251mm (9.88") of rain over 9 days. Despite the increase in rainfall, temperatures remain consistently warm and the daylight hours peak, providing ample opportunity for wildlife spotting.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks a significant transition in
Tortuguero's weather as rainfall begins to increase, signaling the onset of the wettest phase of the year. Despite the significant increase in rainfall, this does not significantly impact the high and low temperatures, which remain consistently warm.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Tortuguero witnesses a further increase in rainfall; a hallmark of the wet season. This period sees the landscape at its greenest and most vibrant. With 431mm (16.97") of rain falling over 22 days, June becomes a prime time for indoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the wettest month in
Tortuguero,
Costa Rica with an astounding 624mm (24.57") of rain spread over 22 days. The sea turtles continue their annual migration returning to nest on the shores, marking one of Tortuguero’s most iconic natural phenomena.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a slight dip in rainfall from
July. Nevertheless, the weather draws to be both wet and consistent in terms of temperature. The lush greenery persists, fed by regular rain showers, making
Tortuguero appear exceptionally picturesque.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, the amount of rainfall recedes a bit, offering brief respite from the intense wet season. Simultaneously, the weather remains notably tropical, ideal for sightseeing expeditions, especially for those interested in the local flora.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterized by another increment in rain showers, with the landscape continuing to flourish across
Tortuguero. The consistent rainfall manages to keep temperatures steady, making for amiable ambient conditions. The rains bring more nourishment to the local fauna, increasing activity among wildlife species. Tortuguero sees its lowest temperatures during
January,
August through
December, with an average high-temperature of 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees the rainfall peak to 600mm (23.62") over 18 days; marking another exceedingly wet month in
Tortuguero. Despite the high rainfall, exploring the national park’s natural beauty is possible during moments of respite.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December, the rainfall in
Tortuguero lessens to 619mm (24.37") over 17 days yet rounds off the year as another wet month. However, the reduction in rainfall days allows for an increase in opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Weather in December »