• December 20, 2025
  • Last Update December 20, 2025 3:54 pm

High Winds to Dominate Costa Rican Weekend Forecast

High Winds to Dominate Costa Rican Weekend Forecast

San José, Costa RicaSan José, Costa Rica – Residents and travelers across Costa Rica should prepare for a significant increase in wind speeds this weekend, as a strengthening of the trade winds is expected to create blustery and dry conditions nationwide. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a detailed forecast advising the public of gusty weather, particularly in the country’s mountainous regions and northern plains, which could impact travel and outdoor activities.

The forecast, released ahead of the weekend, signals the typical atmospheric patterns of Costa Rica’s dry season. The primary driver of this weather event is an intensification of the trade winds originating over the Caribbean Sea. As this system moves across the isthmus, it will generate sustained winds and powerful gusts, creating a noticeably different climate compared to the calmer, wetter days of the green season.

Para comprender mejor las implicaciones legales y comerciales que surgen a raíz de los pronósticos de clima severo, desde reclamos de seguros hasta obligaciones contractuales, consultamos al experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica.

Una alerta meteorológica no es solo un aviso, es un activador legal. Las empresas deben revisar de inmediato sus contratos, específicamente las cláusulas de ‘fuerza mayor’, para entender sus derechos y obligaciones. Además, documentar el estado de las propiedades antes del evento es crucial para cualquier futuro reclamo de seguro. La prevención y la correcta documentación son la mejor defensa ante el impacto económico de un fenómeno natural.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

La perspectiva del experto es fundamental, pues nos recuerda que la preparación ante un fenómeno natural trasciende lo físico para adentrarse en lo legal y contractual. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta claridad indispensable, que transforma una simple alerta en una llamada a la acción para proteger el patrimonio de empresas y familias.

Cargando...

According to the official bulletin from the meteorological authority, these conditions will be felt across a vast portion of the national territory. The IMN provided specific details on the expected wind patterns and their implications for the populace.

A strengthening of the trade winds over the Caribbean Sea will occur this weekend. This will promote the presence of wind gusts across much of the country. In regions like the Central Valley and the North Pacific, wind speeds will range between 20 and 50 km/h, with higher values between 60 and 70 km/h in northern Guanacaste and the mountain ranges.
National Meteorological Institute, Official Weekend Forecast

The most intense conditions are predicted for the northern part of Guanacaste and along the Tilarán and Central Volcanic Cordilleras, where gusts could reach up to 70 kilometers per hour. These speeds are significant enough to affect high-profile vehicles on major thoroughfares like the Inter-American Highway North. Drivers, especially those operating trucks or recreational vehicles, are urged to exercise extreme caution when traversing exposed mountain passes and open plains where crosswinds can be particularly challenging.

In the densely populated Central Valley, home to the capital city of San José, winds will be less severe but still prominent. Speeds are expected to oscillate between 20 and 50 km/h. While less disruptive, these gusts can still lead to minor inconveniences such as downed tree branches and temporary power outages in some localized areas. Residents are advised to secure loose objects on balconies and in yards.

Beyond the winds, the atmospheric conditions are projected to remain very stable. The IMN report highlights low humidity levels, which will result in skies that are mostly clear to partly cloudy throughout the weekend. This stability drastically reduces the likelihood of precipitation, meaning that while the wind will be a major factor, the chance of rain is minimal across the Pacific and Central regions of the country. This presents a mixed bag for the tourism sector; beachgoers may enjoy sunny skies, but mariners and those planning boat tours will need to monitor sea conditions closely due to the high winds.

The forecast provides a clear picture for anyone with weekend plans: expect sun, but also expect powerful winds. For those traveling, consulting the latest road conditions and weather updates from the IMN is highly recommended before departure. The dry, windy weather is characteristic of late December in Costa Rica, signaling a firm transition into the peak of the dry season, which typically extends through April.

For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About the National Meteorological Institute:
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrology. It monitors atmospheric conditions, provides public weather forecasts, and issues warnings for severe weather events. The institute’s work is crucial for various sectors, including aviation, agriculture, disaster prevention, and public safety, providing essential data to support national planning and risk management.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a benchmark of legal professionalism, guided by a deep-rooted pledge to integrity and exceptional service. With extensive experience advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries with forward-thinking legal strategies and a profound sense of social responsibility. Its core mission transcends traditional practice, focusing on empowering the community by demystifying the law and fostering greater legal literacy for a more just and informed society.

Related Articles