Weather in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica by Month: Travel Guide

Wondering what you can expect from the weather in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, during your visit?

The town of Manuel Antonio is located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. It is known for its national park, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. The region enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November). The weather here is ideal for both beach-goers and nature enthusiasts alike.

As a couple who frequently visits Manuel Antonio, we’ve come to know the weather patterns very well. From the sun-filled days perfect for hiking to the rainy afternoons that bring out the rainforest’s vibrancy, we’ve seen it all!

We created this guide to give you a month-by-month overview, packing tips, recommendations on the best activities for each season, and to help you decide if you should visit Manuel Antonio.

So, let’s dive into the weather of Manuel Antonio!

Manuel Antonio’s Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season in Manuel Antonio is characterized by warm and sunny days. It is the most popular time for tourists to visit. This is both because the weather is great and because it allows people from northern climates to escape the cold.

The region’s lush landscapes become slightly drier, and the humidity levels are lower. This creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities like exploring the national park, beach lounging, and wildlife viewing.

If you visit during the dry season we suggest booking your trip as far in advance as possible. Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular beach towns in the country and things book out fast!

• 10% Discount on your rental car with our favorite local company, Adobe
• Book your hotel with Booking.com for great cancellation
• Book your activities on Viator for secure payment and great cancellation policies

Keep in mind that there is one main road in and out of Manuel Antonio. Traffic can get bad at times.

December

December marks the beginning of the dry season in Manuel Antonio. You can expect pleasant temperatures and a festive atmosphere as the holiday season approaches.

The number of visitors begins to rise as the dry season starts, with many tourists flocking to the beaches and national park.

The ocean is generally calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Things really pick up between Christmas and New Years when Costa Ricans are also on vacation. Expect that the beaches will be very crowded.

Also, expect that some businesses will be closed during that week as people take time to celebrate with their families.

If you are looking for something fun to do on New Years Eve, there are plenty of great bars in town that will have festivities.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures reach 85°F (29°C), with evening temperatures around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Around 3.1 inches (8 cm), typically in short, sporadic showers.
• Humidity: Moderate, around 75%.

January

January is one of the driest and sunniest months in Manuel Antonio. It is a prime time for beach activities and exploring the national park.

This is peak tourist season, with crowded beaches, full hotels, and vibrant nightlife.The high season also brings higher prices.

Keep in mind that most schools in the country are closed until mid-January. This means there is a lot of domestic tourism in Manuel Antonio at this time as well.

This time of year is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring nearby national parks.

The ocean remains calm, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The landscape is still mostly green, but things start to dry out a bit at this time of year due to lack of rain.

• Weather: Average daytime highs are around 87°F (31°C), with nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C).
• Rainfall: Less than 1.1 inches (2.8 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 70%.

February

February continues with dry, sunny weather and slightly warmer temperatures. The conditions remain ideal for outdoor activities.

The high levels of tourism continue, with many international visitors coming to enjoy the beaches and wildlife.

Expect continued high prices and occasional traffic congestion.

February is perfect for exploring the outdoors, including hikes, boat tours, and wildlife excursions. The ocean remains calm with ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and exploring nearby islands.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 88°F (31°C), with evenings dropping to around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 0.8 inches (2 cm).
• Humidity: Low, around 68%.

March

March is one of the hottest months in Manuel Antonio, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s°F. The skies remain clear, and the beaches are full of sun-seekers.

By March, the landscape is usually very dried out and everything looks kind of brown. It is usually at this time of year when we, as people who live in Costa Rica, really start looking forward to the rainy season.

There is usually a slight dip in tourism in March, but not much. I think as it starts to slowly become Spring in the Northern Hemisphere this leads to a slight decrease in people feeling they need to escape the cold.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 89°F (32°C), with nighttime temperatures around 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Around 1.3 inches (3.3 cm), typically in very light showers.
• Humidity: Low, around 67%.

April

April is the last month of the dry season, with temperatures peaking and the first signs of the rainy season appearing late in the month. The rains are usually brief and occur in the late afternoon.

This can also be the busiest time of the year in Manuel Antonio. This is because there are a lot of international tourists over the week before and after Easter. Locals also often have the week before Easter off of work. Everyone flocks to the beaches and things get a bit crazy. Check out our guide to Easter in Costa Rica for all the details.

If you plan to visit this are over those two weeks, book as early as possible.

• Weather: Average daytime highs reach 90°F (32°C), with nighttime lows around 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Increases to about 3.7 inches (9.4 cm).
• Humidity: Starts to rise, averaging around 72%.

Manuel Antonio’s Rainy Season (May to November)

The rainy season in Manuel Antonio brings frequent afternoon showers, lush green landscapes, and lower tourist numbers. In other words, this is the time for a more tranquil experience.

Don’t be deterred by the term “rainy season.” The first half of the rainy season is actually my favorite time of year. I love that everything is lush and green and that the country just seems more relaxed.

If you wake up early (which you will anyway because the sun rises here at 5AM and the howler monkeys will not allow you to sleep in after that) you can enjoy the day until the rain rolls in around 2PM. Take a little nap and then get back up for the always amaizng sunset at 6PM. Could be worse, right?

May

May marks the beginning of the rainy season, with increasing rainfall and a noticeable drop in the number of tourists.

May 1st is Labor Day. Some businesses may be closed. Also, there are occasionally demonstrations on this day. Typically, it shouldn’t effect you but there can be occasional road closures.

The ocean may become choppier, but mornings are often calm enough for water activities. also, the rainforest begins to get lush and green again. It is an excellent time for nature walks and photography.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 86°F (30°C), with nighttime lows around 73°F (23°C).
• Rainfall: Increases significantly to around 10.2 inches (26 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 80%.

June

June brings regular afternoon rains like clockwork around 2PM. Typically, these are don’t last too long. Mornings are often sunny and pleasant.

June is a quieter month for tourism and prices go down a bit.

The ocean can be rougher, with stronger currents. It is a good time for surfing.

• Weather: Daytime highs are around 85°F (29°C), with evening temperatures cooling to 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Around 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) of rain, mostly in the afternoons.
• Humidity: High, around 83%.

July

July is known for the “veranillo” or “little summer.” This is a brief period during which the rains temporarily stops for about two weeks. However, it is impossible to predict if this will actually occur and if yes, when exactly it will occur.

A lot of schools in Costa Rica are closed for a few weeks in July. So, domestic tourism increases and the beaches can be full.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 85°F (29°C), with nighttime lows near 72°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Slightly lower at around 10.7 inches (27 cm).
• Humidity: High, around 82%.

August

August often marks a transition into heavier rainfall. The mornings typically remain warm and sunny, but in the afternoons the rain can be intense and there are often thunderstorms.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures average 84°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Increases to around 13.1 inches (33.3 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 85%.

September

September is one of the wettest months in Manuel Antonio, with heavy rains and high humidity. The days can sometimes be overcast and the rains often extend into the evenings.

However, tourism is very low and prices go way down.

Keep in mind that Independence Day in Costa Rica is on September 15th. Some businesses may be closed. Often on this day there are parades and other festivities. If you would like to watch the celebrations I suggest asking at your hotel. I’m sure they can point you to where a local parade is.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 83°F (28°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Peaks at around 15 inches (38 cm).
• Humidity: Extremely high, around 86%.

October

October marks the peak of the rainy season in Manuel Antonio, with the heaviest and most prolonged rains.

Flooding can occasionally occur, and some trails in the national park may be muddy or closed. Also, some hotels and restaurants close down in October due to the lack of tourism.

• Weather: Daytime temperatures are around 82°F (28°C), with nighttime lows around 70°F (21°C).
• Rainfall: The highest of the year, averaging 16.4 inches (41.6 cm).
• Humidity: Very high, around 88%.

November

November is a transitional month as the rainy season begins to taper off towards the end of the month. The weather becomes more predictable, with a mix of rainy and sunny days. Tourism starts to pick up slightly as the dry season approaches, but it remains relatively quiet.

• Weather: Average daytime temperatures are around 84°F (29°C), with nighttime lows around 71°F (22°C).
• Rainfall: Decreases to around 8.5 inches (21.6 cm).
• Humidity: Remains high, around 84%.

Fun Things to Do in Manuel Antonio in Both Seasons

• Let’s start with the number one thing to do in Manuel Antonio, visit Manuel Antonio National Park! This is a must do activity no matter what time of year. I suggest booking your tickets for the first time slot of the day when the wildlife is the most active and there are fewer crowds. Find out more in our Manuel Antonio National Park guide.
• Take a Catamaran Tour: This is such a fun way to spend a day soaking up the sun, snorkeling, and visiting undisturbed beaches. This is best during the dry season when you can count on good weather. Arrange Your Catamaran Tour 🛥️
• Take a Surf Lesson: Learn about safety in the ocean, learn how to stand up on your board and maneuver through the waves, and then hit up some of Manuel Antonio’s swells. All with an experienced teacher! This can be done at any time of year. Waves could be bigger during the rainy season though. Check Prices and Availability of Surfing Lessons 🏄‍♂️

Check out our guide to the 30 best activities in Manuel Antonio for more ideas

Climate Safety Concerns

There are a few things you need to know regarding the Manuel Antonio climate and staying safe.

• The sun is very powerful here. You really need to take sun protection seriously because it is so easy to get burned. I suggest wearing long sleeve swim shirts in the water, stay in the shade as much as possible, and wear SPF 50+.
• It is very easy to get dehydrated with the strong sun. Drink a lot of water and replenish your electrolytes when you can. Most stores sell Gatorade or Powerade, which I find really helps here.
• Because it is so hot you might find that you get worn out a lot quicker than you are used to on hikes and with other activities.
• During the rainy season, rip currents and big waves are more common. Be careful about where you are swimming and obey any posted signs.
• You typically do not need a 4×4 rental car here, but if you are visiting in the rainy season and opt to stay at a hotel on an unpaved road in the hills above Manuel Antonio, you may want one.
• Keep in mind that regulations might not be what you are used to. For example, you can often visit waterfalls that have no barriers. During the rainy season the rocks can be very wet and slippery. Use caution. People have died in the past in Costa Rica from slipping off waterfalls.
• As I mentioned above, mosquitos are worse during the rainy season and Manuel Antonio is notorious for having a lot of mosquitos. The mosquitos in Costa Rica can carry all sorts of illnesses such as Dengue and Zika, so load up on that bug spray!

We Think the Best Time to Visit Manuel Antonio Is…

I think Manuel Antonio is great to visit year round, but it with every passing year it gets more and more congested during the dry season.

Because of the way Manuel Antonio is set up there is only one main road in and out of town. The traffic, overcrowding of beaches, and busy national park are not really our favorite.

Instead, I think it is great to visit this area between May and August when there are far fewer tourists and the weather is still decent.

I think if you start your day early and plan for a little siesta around 2PM you will have a really great time here in the rainy season.

Check out our guide to Manuel Antonio for all the best restaurants, hotels, activities, and more!

Conclusion: Manuel Antonio Weather

To sum up, Manuel Antonio’s weather definitely will play a roll in shaping your experience here. Whether you prefer the sunny skies of the dry season or the lush landscapes of the rainy season, knowing what to expect will help you plan the perfect trip.

We’ve spent countless days in Manuel Antonio and are always excited to share our knowledge. So, if you have any questions or need advice on your upcoming trip, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. We’re here to help!

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