After several weeks of warmer days and lower than usual rainfall in parts of Costa Rica, the rainy season has become something many people are watching more closely this year. Here in Town, the rain has arrived in intermittent showers every few days, bringing small pauses from the heat.
According to recent updates from the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional, El Niño conditions are expected to influence the country throughout the second half of 2026, bringing drier weather and lower rainfall to several regions, especially along the Pacific side. For now, forecasts suggest that the phenomenon could remain moderate between June and August, with the possibility of gaining strength toward the end of the year.
One of the main concerns is not only the possible intensity of El Niño, but also its duration. Current projections indicate that its effects could extend into early 2027, which creates concern for areas such as agriculture, water supply, and electricity generation, especially when rainfall deficits continue over a long period of time.
In the last few days, however, Costa Rica has experienced a shift. The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional has reported more unstable atmospheric conditions, influenced by several systems that have favored increased rainfall in different parts of the country. After weeks of heat and irregular rain, these showers have offered a welcome pause.
Although rainfall remains limited in some areas, the recent rains have helped soften the high temperatures, bring a cooler feeling to the beginning of the week, and return more greenery to Town. A couple of weeks ago, stronger waves and gray skies arrived. You would think this kind of weather could have easily kept people indoors. Instead, the nature of Town seemed to invite everyone out.
Some walked along the streets, others paused by the ocean to watch the waves, and for a couple of rare days, the swell was big enough for the most enthusiastic surfers to go out in search of a good ride. Children played in Plaza Danta, people wandered into the shops, and a few found quiet corners to sit, talk, or simply take in the breeze. Others simply sat by the ocean, listening as the waves crashed against the shore.
Guests enjoyed coffee outside Pura Vida Ride, and a few took advantage of quieter corners to sit, talk, or simply take in the breeze. It was almost as if Town itself was saying: "Rainy day? No problem!"
The rain, in that way, became more than weather. It brought a small change in pace, a cooler afternoon, and a chance to experience Town in one of its softer rainy season moods.
For now, the full strength and duration of El Niño will continue to depend on how ocean temperatures evolve in the months ahead. In the meantime, these rainy days offer something simple and much needed: cooler air, greener surroundings, and a quiet sense of relief at the start of the season.