Q COSTARICA — Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, a general drop in temperature, and even rain are expected, is the forecast for today, Tuesday, February 24, according to the national weather service.
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) says the effects of cold front number 17, driven by a mass of cooler air moving in from the north, will hit Costa Rica hard.
In the Central Valley, wind gusts will range between 40 km/h and 70 km/h, but in the North Pacific, they could reach up to 100 km/h.
In the capital, the minimum temperature will be 15.4 °C and the maximum will reach 21.8 °C.
But that’s not all: a drop in temperature of at least 2 degrees Celsius is expected in the mountainous areas, the central plateau, and the Caribbean.
Rain is expected in the northern region, which will be more intense in the Caribbean. Rain and drizzle are expected in the east and north of the Central Valley.
Tourists, many of whom flock to Costa Rica for its warm beaches and outdoor adventures, found themselves adjusting plans. Hotels reported an uptick in requests for extra blankets and heating options. Local guides advised visitors to pack light jackets and prepare for cooler mornings if trekking through cloud forests or higher elevations.
Despite the temporary drop in temperature, the cold front also brings a silver lining. The cooler weather encourages outdoor activities that might otherwise be too sweaty or exhausting in the heat, like hiking and sightseeing in the early hours. For many, it is a chance to experience Costa Rica’s nature in a new light.
Cold fronts typically last only a few days before the tropical warmth returns. Whether you’re sipping a warm cup of Costa Rican coffee or bundling up for a mountain hike, beating the cold front means embracing the moment—and maybe enjoying a little unexpected cool in the tropics.
The official weather forecast for Tuesday, February 24, 2026:
This Tuesday will be the day with the greatest impact of Cold Surge #17 on the country, bringing accelerated winds, precipitation to the Caribbean coast, and lower temperatures nationwide. Maximum gusts of 40-70 km/h are expected in the Central Valley, affecting the lower elevations and higher mountain ranges. In the North Pacific, gusts are expected to reach 60-100 km/h, particularly in the mountains and hills of the Guanacaste mountain range.
Temperatures are expected to drop by 2-6°C, especially in mountainous areas, the central plateau, and most of the Caribbean coast. Regarding precipitation, variable rainfall is expected, starting in the north of the country and intensifying towards the southern Caribbean coast in the province of Limón as Tuesday progresses.
Rain and drizzle are expected in the east and north of the Central Valley, while the Pacific slope will be sunny to partly cloudy, with possible rain in the mountains of the South Pacific.