Costa Rica water temperature
The sea off Costa Rica is warmest in May, around 84°F (29°C), and coolest in February, around 81°F (27°C).
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Feels | Air high |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F (27°C) | Bath-warm | 92°F |
| February | 81°F (27°C) | Bath-warm | 94°F |
| March | 81°F (27°C) | Bath-warm | 96°F |
| April | 83°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 97°F |
| May | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 93°F |
| June | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 90°F |
| July | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 90°F |
| August | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 90°F |
| September | 84°F (29°C) | Bath-warm | 88°F |
| October | 83°F (28°C) | Bath-warm | 88°F |
| November | 82°F (28°C) | Bath-warm | 89°F |
| December | 82°F (28°C) | Bath-warm | 91°F |
Average sea-surface temperature just offshore, 1991–2020. Water in shallow bays runs a little warmer on sunny afternoons.
On the water in Costa Rica
Questions
When is the water warmest in Costa Rica?
May, at about 84°F (29°C).
Can you swim in Costa Rica all year?
Yes. The sea stays at 81°F or warmer even in February.
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in Costa Rica?
Not for warmth: the water stays above 77°F all year, though a thin top helps with sun on long trips.
