Best time to visit Jaco
Re-score for me — drag the dial — every chart recolours live for your heat & sea limits 27°C · sea 29°C
Default 27 °C is the upper edge of the Holiday Climate Index "ideal comfort" band (Scott, Rutty, Amelung & Tang, 2016). Above this, most warm-tourism travellers report measurable discomfort.
Default 29 °C is the Beach Climate Index "bathtub" line (Morgan et al.) — where the sea stops being refreshing and starts feeling like a warm bath.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
Greyed factors are scored normally — extreme heat overrides them, so a clear sky or low rain can't lift the period.
How is this scored? HCI / Steadman / CCI gate — full methodology and citations below.
Compare with another destination
Add as many as you like — stacked below the main strips above. Each row is just the recent-window score strip and (for beach destinations) sea-temperature strip.
Tours in Jaco
6 top-rated tours via Viator. Booking links earn this site a commission at no cost to you. Map locations are approximate (centred on Jaco).
- 1
3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure - 2
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner - 3
Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding - 4
Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included) - 5
Full Day Pass Jaco Jungle Adventure Five in One with Lunch - 6
SJO to Jaco private transportation or vice versa
Last refreshed 2026-05-30.
Similar climatesManuel Antonio90% · Tamarindo82% · Bocas del Toro70%
Other destinations with the most-alike year-round climate to Jaco (apparent temperature, rain hours, sunshine — matched within the same trip-profile). The ±N chip compares each match's typical score for the current month against Jaco's. Based on the 2020-2024 climatology, not this year's actual weather.
Month-by-month
| Month | Temp °C | Feels °C | Rain days | Rain h | Rain h/day | Humidity | Wind km/h | Sun h | UV | Interest | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24–29 | 33 | 12 | 143 | 11.9 | 79% | 13 | 255 | 9 | Quiet | 4 |
| Feb | 24–30 | 34 | 5 | 68 | 13.6 | 71% | 14 | 247 | 11 | Quiet | 5 |
| Mar | 25–30 | 34 | 9 | 109 | 12.1 | 69% | 15 | 266 | 12 | Quiet | 4 |
| Apr | 25–30 | 35 | 20 | 243 | 12.2 | 76% | 14 | 238 | 12 | Quiet | 2 |
| May | 25–29 | 34 | 27 | 378 | 14.0 | 84% | 14 | 205 | 10 | Quiet | 1 |
| Jun | 24–28 | 33 | 29 | 449 | 15.5 | 87% | 13 | 171 | 9 | Quiet | 1 |
| Jul | 24–28 | 33 | 29 | 421 | 14.5 | 87% | 13 | 176 | 9 | Busy | 1 |
| Aug | 24–28 | 33 | 30 | 457 | 15.2 | 87% | 14 | 169 | 9 | Peak | 1 |
| Sep | 24–28 | 33 | 30 | 464 | 15.5 | 87% | 13 | 171 | 9 | Quiet | 1 |
| Oct | 24–28 | 33 | 30 | 480 | 16.0 | 88% | 14 | 176 | 8 | Quiet | 1 |
| Nov | 24–27 | 32 | 29 | 435 | 15.0 | 88% | 13 | 173 | 7 | Quiet | 1 |
| Dec | 24–28 | 33 | 20 | 239 | 11.9 | 83% | 12 | 234 | 8 | Quiet | 3 |
UV Index in Jaco by Month
UV index in Jaco peaks at 12 (extreme) in March, dropping to 7 (high) in November. January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
Best months in detail
February
5/1024–30°C (feels 34°C) · 5 rain days (68h) · 247 sun hours · 71% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 11 (extreme) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 13 (extreme)
January
4/1024–29°C (feels 33°C) · 12 rain days (143h) · 255 sun hours · 79% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 9 (very high)
March
4/1025–30°C (feels 34°C) · 9 rain days (109h) · 266 sun hours · 69% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 12 (extreme)
Every month
Show the other 9 months in detail
April
2/1025–30°C (feels 35°C) · 20 rain days (243h) · 238 sun hours · 76% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 12 (extreme)
May
1/1025–29°C (feels 34°C) · 27 rain days (378h) · 205 sun hours · 84% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 10 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 12 (extreme)
June
1/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 29 rain days (449h) · 171 sun hours · 87% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
July
1/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 29 rain days (421h) · 176 sun hours · 87% humidity · Busy crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (very high)
August
1/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 30 rain days (457h) · 169 sun hours · 87% humidity · Peak crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (very high)
September
1/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 30 rain days (464h) · 171 sun hours · 87% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 9 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (extreme)
October
1/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 30 rain days (480h) · 176 sun hours · 88% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 8 (very high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 11 (very high)
November
1/1024–27°C (feels 32°C) · 29 rain days (435h) · 173 sun hours · 88% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 7 (high) · sunniest 1 in 10 days reach 10 (very high)
December
3/1024–28°C (feels 33°C) · 20 rain days (239h) · 234 sun hours · 83% humidity · Quiet crowd · UV 8 (very high)
Jaco's blue flag scores hygiene; only its stars mean lifeguards
August is Jaco's wettest month by a clear margin — 787mm across 31 rain days on the 1991-2020 average, against 69mm in February — and it is also when interest in the place peaks. That is not a contradiction: on Costa Rica's central Pacific the rainy season is the swell season. The World Surf League put the Garabito Surf City Pro at Playa Hermosa, just south of Jaco, on 13-16 August 2026.
The conditions that make the wave work make the water dangerous, and the badge most visitors read as reassurance does not measure that. A Universidad Nacional study of national drowning records puts Jaco first in the country, with 60 drownings in ten years. The Bandera Azul Ecologica the ICT awards is scored on sanitation: 35% on the microbiology of the seawater, 15% on drinking water, 15% on treated wastewater, 10% on security. A one-star flag means 90-100% of those base points and nothing whatever about lifeguards.
The lifeguards are in the stars. Two stars adds hazard signage plus lifeguard and first-aid cover at weekends and in peak season; three adds showers and maps; four requires permanent lifeguard coverage; five adds tourist police and accessible ramps. The number on the flag, not the flag, tells you whether anyone is watching the water — and before Semana Santa 2026 the ICT, the Policia Turistica and the chamber CATUCOSO installed large-format metal rip-current signs on Playa Jaco.
Sources: ICT — Programa de Bandera Azul Ecologica: criterios de calificacion y niveles de estrellas , ICT — Consejos para disfrutar de la playa con seguridad (rotulacion de corrientes de resaca en Playa Jaco, 30 March 2026) , World Surf League — Garabito Surf City Pro 2026, Playa Hermosa, 13-16 August , Arozarena-Llopis & Gutierrez-Echevarria, Universidad Nacional — Las corrientes de resaca en las playas de Costa Rica , SINAC — Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala (decretos 27210/1998 y 33044/2002)
What is the best month to visit Jaco?
February, at 69mm over 15 rain days, is the driest month; March is close at 88mm and is the sunniest, with 356 hours. Both sit in the December-to-April dry half. March also carries the year's fiercest ultraviolet, a recent-period daily maximum near 12, so the trade-off for the clear sky is real.
Why is August so busy when it is the wettest month?
Because rain and swell arrive together on this coast. August averages 787mm over 31 rain days, and it is also when the surf is most consistent. The World Surf League scheduled the Garabito Surf City Pro at Playa Hermosa, just south of Jaco, for 13-16 August 2026, the first Qualifying Series event in Costa Rica since 2018.
Is it safe to swim at Playa Jaco?
Treat it as a surf beach with rip currents, not a swimming pool. A Universidad Nacional study of national drowning records ranks Jaco first in the country, with 60 drownings in ten years, and attributes part of that to sheer visitor numbers. Swim only where lifeguards are posted and read the metal rip-current signs installed in 2026.
What does the Bandera Azul Ecologica on a Costa Rican beach actually certify?
Hygiene, mostly. The ICT scores 35% on the microbiological quality of the seawater, 15% on drinking water, 15% on treated wastewater, 15% on coastal sanitary quality, 10% on rubbish, 10% on environmental education, 10% on security and administration and 5% on industrial discharges. A bare flag says nothing about surf.
How many stars does a beach need before there are lifeguards?
Two. One star means 90-100% of the base hygiene points and no lifeguard requirement at all. Two stars adds hazard signage plus lifeguard and first-aid cover at weekends and in peak season. Four stars requires permanent lifeguard coverage, and five adds tourist police, accessible ramps and disabled parking.
Which months are worst for drownings in Costa Rica?
Nationally, April at 14.3% of all beach drownings, January at 13.5%, February at 9.9% and July at 9.4%, on the Universidad Nacional analysis. November, September and May are the safest at around 5%. Foreign visitors specifically peak in July, December-January and March, tracking holiday periods rather than weather.
Does it rain all day in the Jaco wet season?
No. Even in August, the wettest month, Jaco still averages 236 hours of sunshine, about 7.6 hours a day. The pattern on the central Pacific is a bright morning and a heavy afternoon or evening downpour. Booking activities for the morning and keeping the afternoon loose is the standard local adjustment.
Is Playa Hermosa the same beach as Jaco?
No. It begins a few kilometres south and is a protected area, the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala, created by executive decree 27210 in April 1998 and enlarged by decree 33044 in 2002. It covers 2,742 hectares, 82% of it marine, and exists to protect olive ridley nesting beach.
Can you do anything in the refuge at Playa Hermosa?
You can surf and walk it, and the WSL contest is held there, but it is not an open beach. SINAC's Pacifico Central office instructed staff by oficio SINAC-ACOPAC-DASP-141-2020 to bar private vehicles from the access routes into the Playa Hermosa, Punta Mala and Rio Tusubres sectors, and to bar fishing anywhere in the refuge.
How warm is the sea at Jaco?
Warm all year and barely seasonal: the long-run monthly average sea surface temperature ranges from about 27.8C in November to 29.4C in April, and the recent 2022-2024 record runs a degree or so warmer still, above 29C in every month. Water temperature is never the reason to pick one month over another here.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Jaco
When is the best time to visit Jaco?
February is the highest-scoring month (5/10 on the Holiday Climate Index). Typical conditions: 24–30°C (5 rainy days). The top three months by score are February, January, March.
What is the worst time to visit Jaco?
May is the lowest-scoring month (1/10, capped by extreme heat). Typical conditions: 25–29°C (27 rainy days).
Is Jaco too hot in summer?
12 months (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December) trip the heat deal-breaker in our scoring: apparent temperature crosses the comfort cap, so even with clear skies and low rain the score is held down. Plan around it if heat tolerance is low.
When are crowds lowest in Jaco?
Search-interest seasonality (Google Trends 2021-2025) is lowest in May and peaks in August. Interest tracks both in-trip visitors and lead-time planners, so treat it as a "destination is on people's minds" signal rather than literal arrivals.
What is the UV index in Jaco by month?
UV peaks at 12 (extreme) in March and is lowest in November at 7 (high). Monthly peak values: Jan 9, Feb 11, Mar 12, Apr 12, May 10, Jun 9, Jul 9, Aug 9, Sep 9, Oct 8, Nov 7, Dec 8. January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December reach very high or extreme levels — apply SPF 50+, wear a hat and protective clothing, and limit direct sun between 11:00 and 17:00.
What is the UV index in Jaco in March?
March is the peak UV month in Jaco, with a daily-peak UV index of 12 (extreme). At this level, sunburn can occur in under 20 minutes on unprotected fair skin. Apply SPF 50+, wear protective clothing and a hat, and avoid direct midday sun (11:00–17:00).
How high can UV get in Jaco on the sunniest days?
Most days look like the monthly average, but on the sunniest ~1 in 10 days UV climbs higher than the mean suggests. February is the worst case: typical days average UV 11 (extreme), but the top 10% of days reach UV 13 (extreme) — and even higher. Months where the sunniest days routinely exceed the typical reading: February, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. Plan sun protection for the worst case, not the average.