By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents across Costa Rica are being advised to alter their New Year’s Eve plans as a formidable cold front is set to sweep across the nation, bringing powerful winds, intermittent rain, and a significant drop in temperatures. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a bulletin detailing the arrival of the eighth cold front of the season, which is expected to make its presence felt starting December 31st, ensuring 2025 goes out with a blustery and chilly farewell.
The weather system, originating over Central America and the Caribbean Sea, is forecast to bring a dramatic shift from the typical dry season conditions many have been enjoying. This late-year atmospheric event will disrupt outdoor celebrations and travel plans, particularly in the mountainous regions and northern parts of the country. The IMN’s report serves as a critical advisory for both citizens and the thousands of tourists who flock to Costa Rica for the holidays, urging them to prepare for unseasonably harsh weather.
The recent cold front has brought more than just dropping temperatures; it has caused widespread disruption, raising critical questions about liability, insurance, and contractual obligations. To gain clarity on the legal landscape for businesses and individuals affected by such natural phenomena, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events like this cold front often trigger ‘force majeure’ clauses in contracts, but reliance on them is not automatic. Meticulous documentation of damages is paramount for successful insurance claims and potential contractual relief. For employers, the legal obligation to ensure worker safety may necessitate suspending operations, a decision that must be carefully managed to avoid labor disputes. We advise all affected parties to review their insurance policies and contracts immediately and seek counsel to understand their specific rights and duties under Costa Rican law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a vital reminder that the impact of a cold front extends far beyond immediate weather concerns, touching upon the complex realms of contracts and legal obligations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such critical clarity on the proactive steps businesses and individuals should consider to protect their interests.
The most significant impact will be the intense winds. The IMN report specifies that the Central Valley, including the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), will experience sustained strong winds with gusts reaching between 50 and 75 kilometers per hour. These conditions are strong enough to cause minor damage, down tree branches, and create hazardous driving conditions. Authorities are advising residents to secure any loose objects on their properties, such as outdoor furniture, decorations, and roofing materials, to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Even more severe conditions are predicted for the northern Pacific and the country’s high-altitude areas. The northern region of Guanacaste and the towering Cordillera de Talamanca are expected to bear the brunt of the system, with wind gusts potentially reaching an alarming 100 kilometers per hour. This will create treacherous conditions for travelers and could impact local infrastructure. The agricultural sector in these regions, particularly banana and coffee plantations, may also face risks from the high-velocity winds.
In addition to the wind, the cold front will introduce significant moisture into the atmosphere, leading to precipitation in several key areas. The Caribbean coast and the Northern Zone are slated for intermittent rainfall, a pattern that will also extend to the mountain ranges of Guanacaste. Even the GAM is not immune, with forecasts indicating that the eastern and northern sectors will experience light and less frequent showers. While not a deluge, the combination of rain and wind will create damp and unpleasant conditions for anyone venturing outdoors.
Perhaps the most noticeable change for residents in the highlands will be the sharp decline in temperatures. The IMN specifically highlighted that the provinces of Cartago, San José, and Heredia will experience a marked drop in the mercury. This cooling effect will be dramatically amplified by the persistent wind and increased cloud cover, creating a significant wind chill factor. The “sensación de frío,” or feeling of cold, will be much more pronounced than the actual thermometer reading, prompting a need for warmer attire than is typical for this time of year.
As Costa Rica prepares to ring in 2026, this weather event serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks displays, family gatherings in parks, and beach parties may be significantly impacted. Emergency services and transit authorities will be on high alert, monitoring road conditions and responding to any incidents caused by the severe weather. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially on mountain passes and highways exposed to crosswinds.
In summary, the end of 2025 will be characterized not by festive calm but by atmospheric turmoil. The arrival of Cold Front #8 necessitates a shift from celebration to preparation. As the winds howl and temperatures drop, Costa Ricans will be welcoming the new year with an extra layer of clothing and a renewed respect for the dynamic weather patterns that define this vibrant region of the world. All eyes will be on the sky, not just for fireworks, but for the passing of this potent winter storm.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for meteorology, climatology, and weather forecasting. As a key scientific institution, the IMN monitors atmospheric conditions, issues public warnings for severe weather events like cold fronts and tropical storms, and provides critical data for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management. Its mission is to contribute to the safety and well-being of the nation by delivering timely and accurate weather information.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon a bedrock of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven history of navigating complex legal landscapes for a wide array of clients, the firm is also a vanguard of innovation, consistently adapting its practice to modern challenges. This forward-looking ethos is matched by a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal information and equip citizens with the knowledge necessary for a just and empowered society.
