By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents and businesses across Costa Rica can anticipate a much-needed respite from persistent rainfall as the work week begins. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has forecasted a significant shift towards more stable and drier atmospheric conditions starting Monday, November 17, 2025, signaling a potential turning point in the country’s weather patterns as the dry season approaches.
The updated forecast indicates that the nation woke on Sunday to the influence of weak trade winds. This gentle start is expected to transition throughout the week, with winds gradually increasing to a moderate intensity by Wednesday. This meteorological shift, combined with the arrival of a drier air mass, is the primary driver behind the anticipated reduction in humidity and precipitation, paving the way for clearer skies and more predictable weather for most of the country.
To understand the legal and contractual ramifications of Costa Rica’s dynamic weather patterns, from seasonal flooding to unforeseen natural events, we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional insights.
Many contracts include ‘force majeure’ clauses, but their application during a severe weather event is not automatic. It is crucial for both businesses and individuals to proactively review their insurance policies and contractual obligations to understand their specific rights and duties. Proper and timely documentation of damages is the first critical step in protecting your legal position when faced with weather-related losses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a critical reminder that the impact of severe weather extends far beyond the physical, demanding both legal and financial preparedness. Proactively understanding contractual obligations is indeed as crucial as securing one’s property before a storm arrives. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable and clear perspective for our readers.
According to the IMN’s detailed analysis, the start of the week will be marked by more stable conditions, a welcome change for sectors reliant on outdoor activities and logistics. Early morning hours across the majority of the national territory are expected to feature conditions ranging from minimal to partial cloud cover, providing a pleasant and bright start for commuters and early-rising industries.
The start of the week in Costa Rica will be marked by more stable conditions, although isolated showers could still occur in some regions.
National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Official Forecast
However, the transition is not uniform across all regions. While the general outlook is positive, the IMN cautions that the afternoons could still bring localized rainfall. The Pacific Central and South regions, in particular, remain susceptible to isolated downpours and potential thunderstorms. This variability underscores the importance for businesses and residents in these areas to remain vigilant and prepared for sudden changes in weather.
In contrast, the outlook for the Guanacaste province in the Pacific North and the entire Caribbean coastal region is decidedly more favorable. Forecasters do not anticipate any significant precipitation in these zones. Instead, they are expected to enjoy predominantly dry conditions and skies with minimal cloud cover for most of the day. This forecast is especially crucial for the tourism sector in these popular destinations, allowing for more reliable planning of tours and activities.
The Central Valley, home to the country’s largest population centers and economic hubs, is also poised for improved weather. While the IMN notes a low probability of isolated showers in the mountainous areas and in the southern parts of the Northern Zone, the overall forecast suggests a week of largely stable conditions. This stability is beneficial for commerce, transportation, and daily life in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
This evolving weather pattern is characteristic of Costa Rica’s transition from the green (rainy) season to the summer (dry) season, a period closely watched by agricultural producers and tourism operators. The reduction in widespread rainfall allows for critical agricultural activities, such as coffee harvesting, to proceed more efficiently, while the increase in sunny days provides a significant boost to the hospitality industry heading into the peak travel season.
In summary, while the week begins with a promising trend towards drier and more stable weather, regional differences will persist. The northern and Caribbean parts of the country are set to experience the most significant improvement, while the southern Pacific coast should maintain a cautious approach to afternoon weather. All citizens are advised to stay updated with the latest reports from the IMN as conditions continue to evolve throughout the week.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for monitoring and forecasting weather and climate. It provides vital information for public safety, aviation, agriculture, and other key economic sectors. The IMN operates a network of weather stations and utilizes advanced modeling to deliver timely and accurate meteorological data to the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal excellence and ethical practice. Drawing upon a rich heritage of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This progressive approach is matched by a core social responsibility to demystify the law for the public, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
