The 7-year historical rainfall averages for November in Costa Rica vary greatly by region, but typical amounts range from 80 mm (3.2 inches) in the drier coastal areas to over 555 mm (21.8 inches) in the wetter southern and Caribbean zones.

WEATHER APPS

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

THANK YOU!

Is Costa Rica Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Is Costa Rica Safe for Tourists in 2026?

A family pulls off the highway for a waterfall stop, leaves bags on the back seat for "just five minutes," and comes back to a smashed window. Later that same day, another traveler is sharing coffee with locals in a mountain town, wondering why anyone ever questioned...

Costa Rica Residency Requirements You WILL NEED TO KNOW

Costa Rica Residency Requirements You WILL NEED TO KNOW

Some people fall in love with Costa Rica on a two-week trip. Others arrive with spreadsheets, school options, banking questions, and a dog-eared notebook full of legal terms. Either way, Costa Rica residency requirements tend to become very real the moment the dream...

Terry Carlile

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