Life Overseas

Coats, scarves and hats will be back in fashion in December in Costa Rica because, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), the end of 2009 will be as cold as in recent years.

The IMN forecast a average minimum temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius (60.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for the Central Valley next month.

According to meteorologist Eladio Solano Lion, the arrival of trade winds and the dry season will cause temperatures to drop throughout the country.

“This situation will take place because we have already begun to feel the thrust of winds from the north, which are usually cold.  Another important factor is that it will be winter in the northern hemisphere, which in some cases brings us quite cool conditions,” said the specialist.

In addition, Solano said that windy conditions could affect wind chill in December and make people think that temperatures are lower than they really are in Costa Rica.

“Wind is important because it can generate a sensation from 5 to 10 degrees colder than it actually is, depending on its intensity,” he added.

In recent years, the average minimum temperatures in Liberia, Limon and Cartago were about 70, 70 and 57 degrees respectively during December.

On the other hand, Solano said that while normally cool temperatures are being forecast for December, rainfall will definitely be below the average across the country.
“In San Jose, for example, it rains an average of about 1.45 inches or 10 days in December.  It is likely to be below that figure this year.  In the Caribbean, it rains about 17.60 inches 25 days in December.  It is expected that there will be about 15 days of rain this year,” he said.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica, you should take a warm sweater or jacket with you.  During the day, it is usually warm and sunny during December.  What Costa Ricans consider cold and what people who live in colder latitudes consider cold are two different things. 

You can often see tourists wearing sweaters or windbreakers and shorts in the evening during this time of the year, while Costa Ricans are walking around wearing gloves, scarves, hats and coats.