Does it snow in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is known, among other things, for having excellent weather conditions, which is why it makes one of the preferred destinations of tourists from North America and Europe who wish to escape the freezing cold during the winter time.

Costa Rica, does have some of the most bio-diverse climates in the world. The country, with a small area of just 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 sq mi) has plenty of micro-climates with temperatures ranging from around 40°F to 80°F on average; as a matter of fact, during these past few days the Costa Rican territory has been affected by a cold front the minimum temperature registered was of 36°F (at Irazu Volcano), situation that impresses many who have only seen postcards of sunny Costa Rica.

The areas where the lowest temperatures are registered are usually the highest mountains of course, the Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest peak, which stands at 3,820 meters above sea level (12,533 ft.), usually presents temperatures ranging from (40°-65°F);  this week there’s been some photos going around on social media showing “snow covering the ground at Chirripo” … the photo in question doesn’t correspond to the Chirripo or Costa Rica, but to an area in Guatemala; however, it is not uncommon for there to be frost and hail on these peak, as well as in other high mountains of Costa Rica (Irazu, Barva, Buenavista) specially during December when the temperatures at night drop considerably.

So, yes, temperatures in some areas of Costa Rica can drop enough to require you to wear a heavy jacket and mittens, but you won’t be able to build a snowman here… instead, you may need to settle for sand castles.