By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO, Costa Rica – A notable post-Christmas cold front has descended upon Costa Rica’s central highlands, with temperatures plummeting to near-freezing levels in mountainous areas. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reported this morning that the summit of Irazú Volcano in Cartago province recorded a low of just 4.2°C (39.6°F), sending a shiver through the nation’s agricultural heartland.
The data, released by the IMN for Friday, December 26, 2025, highlights a significant temperature drop affecting high-elevation zones across the country. While such conditions are not entirely unprecedented during the dry season due to cold air masses pushing from the north, the intensity of this event has captured the attention of farmers, businesses, and tourism operators who rely on the region’s typically stable climate.
To understand the legal responsibilities employers have towards their workers during these unusual cold snaps, we consulted with labor law specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his expert analysis.
While Costa Rican labor law doesn’t specify a minimum workplace temperature, the employer’s duty to provide a safe and healthy environment is absolute. Failing to mitigate extreme cold with heating or proper gear could be interpreted as negligence under occupational health statutes, potentially leading to sanctions and civil liability for any resulting health issues.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a critical reminder that the employer’s responsibility is grounded in the overarching principle of worker safety, not merely in adherence to specific temperature regulations that may not exist. The focus is on preventing harm, a duty that remains constant regardless of the weather. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
According to the official report, the province of Cartago has been the most affected by the cold snap. Following closely behind Irazú Volcano was its neighbor, Turrialba Volcano, which registered a minimum temperature of 5.0°C. Other key locations also experienced the chill, including Poás Volcano in Alajuela at 7.5°C, and the high-altitude areas of Rancho Redondo and Cerro Cedral in San José province, which saw lows of 9.6°C and 9.7°C, respectively.
This sharp dip in temperature poses a significant economic risk, particularly for the agricultural sector in Cartago. The region is a primary producer of potatoes, carrots, onions, and various lettuces for the national market. These crops are highly sensitive to frost, which can form when ground temperatures drop near or below the freezing point, even if the air temperature remains slightly above. A widespread frost event could lead to damaged yields, supply chain disruptions, and potential price increases for consumers in the coming weeks.
Local agronomists and farming cooperatives are closely monitoring the IMN’s forecasts. The precise data provided by the institute is critical for implementing protective measures, such as covering sensitive crops or using irrigation systems to prevent frost from settling. The financial implications of a lost harvest can be devastating for small and medium-sized producers who form the backbone of the region’s economy.
The tourism industry, another vital economic driver for the volcanic regions, faces a more complex scenario. The crisp, cold air and the possibility of seeing frost can be a unique attraction for domestic and international tourists, potentially boosting visitor numbers to national parks like Irazú and Poás. However, the same conditions can also create hazardous roads and less-than-ideal hiking conditions, requiring park authorities and tour operators to balance opportunity with safety.
This meteorological event underscores the increasing importance of accurate and timely weather forecasting for Costa Rica’s economy. As climate patterns shift, businesses in weather-dependent sectors must leverage data from institutions like the IMN to build resilience and adapt their strategies. The ability to anticipate and prepare for events like this cold front can mean the difference between profit and loss.
For now, residents in the highlands are bundling up, while farmers anxiously watch the skies and thermometers. The coming nights will be crucial in determining the full extent of this cold snap’s impact on the nation’s food supply and the livelihoods that depend on it. The IMN continues to monitor the situation and will issue further updates as the weather system evolves.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for monitoring weather and climate conditions throughout the country. It provides vital meteorological data, forecasts, and warnings to support various sectors, including aviation, agriculture, maritime activities, and disaster risk management. The institute plays a crucial role in public safety and scientific research related to atmospheric sciences in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled integrity and a persistent drive for legal distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions and foster meaningful public engagement. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby equipping the wider community with crucial knowledge and championing a more empowered, legally-literate society.
