Sea temperature in Costa Rica
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 24 beaches on the Costa Rica coast.
Best time to swim in Costa Rica
The sea in Costa Rica peaks in July, when the water averages around 23°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Costa Rica sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Costa Rica shows an annual mean sea temperature of 21°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 23°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Costa Rica, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Costa Rica sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Costa Rica?
July is the warmest month in Costa Rica, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Costa Rica?
The coldest month in Costa Rica is typically January, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Costa Rica without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Costa Rica runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Costa Rica?
Outside peak summer the water in Costa Rica drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Costa Rica?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Costa Rica is about 21°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Costa Rica?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Costa Rica, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Warmest beaches in Costa Rica right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Manuel Antonio | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Playa Conchal | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Tamarindo | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Hermosa Guanacaste | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Cocles | Limón | — | — |
| Playa Tamarindo | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Conchal | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Flamingo | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Hermosa CR | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Samara | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Nosara | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Playa Avellanas | Guanacaste | — | — |
| Santa Teresa Beach | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Mal Pais Beach | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Montezuma Beach | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Manuel Antonio Beach | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Playa Espadilla | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Playa Dominical | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Playa Uvita | Puntarenas | — | — |
| Puerto Viejo Beach | Limon | — | — |
| Playa Cocles | Limon | — | — |
| Punta Uva Beach | Limon | — | — |
| Playa Manzanillo | Limon | — | — |
| Cahuita Beach | Limon | — | — |