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Costa Rica Weather in March: Rain, Temperatures

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, weather in March
Average high temperature and rainfall in Puerto Limon in March. © Scott S. Bateman

Cruises visitors will find that Costa Rica weather in March is much like other months: It’s usually wet.

The western Caribbean cruise port of Puerto Limon in this Central American country is a popular port of call. Another popular cruise port is Puntarenas on the Pacific coast of the country. But ships and passengers don’t flock to either port for sunshine and beaches.

Instead, they flock there for the country’s well-known ecotourism attractions and Mayan ruins, among other things to do.

The extensive rain forests are there because large parts of the country receive heavy rainfall throughout the year including March.

Some months have less rainfall than others, which makes these attractions more popular. March is one of those months.

Unlike Puerto Limon, Puntarenas has a brief dry season from December through April.

Puerto Limon Rainfall in March

The Puerto Limon area averages about eight inches of rain historically during the month, according to 30 years of data from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (NMI).

Nearly eight inches in a single month is higher than most Caribbean destinations experience during the peak months of the region’s annual hurricane season. It’s especially high compared to other Caribbean destinations in March.

But for Puerto Limon, eight inches in March is the second lowest of the year after only September. So Puerto Limon is rainy all year round.

It rains about 17 days on average during the month. It is the fifth lowest of any month after February, April, September and October.

By comparison, July averages more than 17 inches of rain and 22 rain days. December also averages more than 17 inches of rain and has 21 rain days.

Despite the heavy rains, anyone who is planning a Caribbean cruise and has an interest in visiting Costa Rica will find that March is one of the better months to go.

Puntarenas Rainfall in March

Rainfall averages less than one inch in Puntarenas, the NMI reports. It rains only average only three days.

By comparison, Puntarenas averages eight to 12 inches of rain during the rainy season from May through November.

So March is one of the best times to visit Puntarenas.

Puerto Limon Temperatures in March

Puerto Limon stays warm throughout the year with little change in temperatures from one month to the next.

The average high in March is 86 degrees Fahrenheit or about 30 degrees Celsius, according to NMI. The average low, which takes place mostly at night, is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or about 21 Celsius.

The warmest months of the year are May, June, September and October with an average high of about 87 Fahrenheit or 31 Celsius.

Cruise visitors will find that light clothing is appropriate around the port.

Anyone who plans to go into the mountains and rainforests may find cooler temperatures and the need to wear long pants and sometimes jackets.

Puntarenas Temperatures in March

Puntarenas is hot in March. The average high temperature for Puntarenas in March is 93 degrees Fahrenheit or 34 Celsius. The average low, mainly at night, is 73 degrees Fahrenheit or 23 Celsius.

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Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera.
February 10, 2024

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