Costa Rica in November: Regional Rainfall Averages and What They Mean for You

Regional November Rainfall Averages

Central Valley (San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia):

San José: 139 mm (5.5 in)
Alajuela: 149 mm (5.8 in)
Cartago: 141 mm (5.5 in)

Northern Zone:

Quesada: 473 mm (18.6 in)
Upala: 216 mm (8.5 in)

Pacific Coast (Guanacaste & Puntarenas):

Liberia (Guanacaste): 101 mm (4.0 in)
Nicoya (Guanacaste): 112 mm (4.4 in)
Puntarenas: 80 mm (3.2 in)
Quepos (Central Pacific): 387 mm (15.3 in)
Río Claro (Southern Pacific): 555 mm (21.8 in)

Caribbean Coast (Limón, Guápiles, Sixaola):

Limón: 399 mm (15.7 in)
Guápiles: 471 mm (18.5 in)
Sixaola: 237 mm (9.3 in)

Key Patterns

The Pacific coast is typically drier in November, wrapping up its rainy season with 3 to 5 inches (80–112 mm) in Guanacaste and Puntarenas.

The Central and Northern regions get moderate rain, usually between 140 and 474 mm (5.5–18.6 in).

The Caribbean coast can remain wetter, reaching up to 15–18 inches (400–471 mm), particularly in Limón and Guápiles.

These figures are multi-year averages compiled from weather data by the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional and the World Meteorological Organization, providing a reliable overview for the 7-year window through 2024

Terry Carlile

Former Navy Journalist, published author and international speaker. Howler executive since 2019.

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