Weather
Puerto Viejo weather by month (simple guide)
Puerto Viejo sits on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, so weather is less about a strict dry/wet season and more about short rain bursts + sea conditions. This guide is meant to help you plan realistically.
How to use this guide
- Plan beach mornings. Conditions are often calmer earlier in the day.
- Expect rain any month. Bring a light rain jacket and keep plans flexible.
- Use sea state for decisions. Snorkeling and swimming depend more on swell than on the calendar.
Month-by-month notes (quick)
- Jan-Mar: Popular travel months. Expect a mix of sun + rain; book early.
- Apr-May: Warm, greener, and quieter. Rain can increase.
- Jun-Aug: Summer vibe. Great for beaches between showers.
- Sep-Oct: Often calmer sea windows (great for snorkeling) but still variable.
- Nov-Dec: Busier again. Expect classic Caribbean mix: sun + short downpours.
Sea conditions & snorkeling
Snorkeling needs calm water and decent visibility. Cahuita National Park is usually the best choice when conditions line up.
Read next: Snorkeling in Puerto Viejo and best time to visit.