North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Natural disasters

Hurricanes/Floodings

The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Flooding can occur and heavy rains or hurricanes can cause landslides (though roads are normally cleared quickly).  In December 2008 there was severe flooding in the southern Caribbean coast (provinces of Limon and Talamanca), particularly in the areas alongside the border with Panama. Heavy rainfall and strong winds were experienced over parts of the country following Tropical Storm Alma in May 2008, resulting in four fatalities and damage to many homes and roads.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre.  For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

There is the possibility in Costa Rica of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck central Costa Rica, on 8 January 2009.  The epicentre was in Alajuela Province, 37km north of the city of San Jose.  On 11 March 2009 there were 3 earthquakes measuring between 5.2 and 6.0 just off the Pacific coast near Golfito.

Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, four of which are considered active (Arenal, Poás, Irazú and Rincón de la Vieja).  Although there has not been serious or widespread damage caused by any of these for many years the possibility of eruptions always exists.  You should follow instructions in the national parks.  Do not go into the prohibited areas, which are clearly signposted.  Any warnings should be heeded seriously.