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

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