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Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Puntarenas Province · Costa Rica

Puntarenas is a mid-size city in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica with a population of 35,650. Elevation: 3 ft (1 m). Average temperature: 79°F (26°C).

35,650 Population 1,946/sq mi density
3 ft Elevation 1 meters
79°F Avg Temperature 26°C
78.4 in Annual Rain
America / Costa Rica Timezone

Discover Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Puntarenas

Puntarenas

Puntarenas is a city in the Puntarenas Province, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. As the seat of the Municipality of Puntarenas canton, it is awarded the title of city, which comprises the Puntarenas, Chacarita and El Roble districts. As the city of the first canton of the province, it is the capital city of the Puntarenas Province as well, according to the Administrative divisions of Costa Rica.

People

Population35,650
Density1,946/mi²

Climate

Avg Temp79°F (26°C)
Rain78.4 in/yr
Sunny Days201/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Population35,650
Population Density1,946 / sq mi
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Coordinates9.9769°, -84.8379°
TimezoneAmerica/Costa_Rica
Country🇨🇷 Costa Rica
State / ProvincePuntarenas Province
Average Temperature79°F (26°C)
January Average79°F (26°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Annual Precipitation78.4 inches (1,992 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)

About Puntarenas

Puntarenas is a mid-size city in Costa Rica (Puntarenas Province) with a population of 35,650. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet (1 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 79°F (26°C). Temperatures range from 79°F in January to 79°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 78.4 inches. The timezone is America/Costa_Rica.

Climate in Puntarenas

Puntarenas has an average annual temperature of 0°C (32°F). The hottest month is Jan (0°C), the coldest is Jan (0°C). Average annual precipitation is 0 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Feb 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Mar 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Apr 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
May 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Jun 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Jul 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Aug 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Sep 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Oct 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Nov 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Dec 0°C / 32°F — / — 0.0
Puntarenas has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F (26°C). Winters average 79°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 201 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 78.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

79°F Jan (26°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average79.3°F
47% above Costa Rica avg
January Average79°F (26°C)
July Average79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days201 days/yr

Geography

Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Area18.3 sq mi (47.4 km²)
Population Density1,946/sq mi
Coordinates9.9769°N, 84.8379°W
TimezoneAmerica/Costa_Rica

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 78.4"
106% above Costa Rica avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Sep) 15.20"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.12"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

708 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.6. Most recent: M0.0 on Aug 22, 2025.

Sep 5, 2012 11 km ENE of Hojancha, Costa Rica M7.6 54 km
Mar 25, 1990 7 km SSE of Puntarenas, Costa Rica M7.3 7 km
Aug 20, 1999 42 km S of Quepos, Costa Rica M6.9 128 km
Mar 7, 1992 5 km SW of Río Segundo, Costa Rica M6.6 62 km
Oct 24, 2012 Costa Rica M6.5 52 km
Jul 21, 2000 55 km SSE of Sámara, Costa Rica M6.4 82 km
Mar 25, 1990 11 km E of Paquera, Costa Rica M6.4 18 km
Mar 16, 1991 15 km N of Nandayure, Costa Rica M6.3 44 km
Apr 24, 1991 16 km SE of La Suiza, Costa Rica M6.2 147 km
Sep 4, 1996 13 km WSW of Quepos, Costa Rica M6.2 93 km
Mar 1, 1991 13 km SE of Los Chiles, Costa Rica M6.2 109 km
Jan 8, 2009 10 km NNE of Sabanilla, Costa Rica M6.1 73 km
Jun 1, 2010 12 km SSW of Quepos, Costa Rica M6.0 100 km
Dec 22, 1990 2 km NNE of Santiago, Costa Rica M6.0 60 km
Feb 13, 2012 27 km S of Quepos, Costa Rica M5.9 118 km
Aug 28, 1996 15 km S of Parrita, Costa Rica M5.9 88 km
May 20, 2010 25 km SW of Quepos, Costa Rica M5.9 100 km
May 13, 2011 7 km ESE of Atenas, Costa Rica M5.9 58 km
Oct 9, 2010 3 km SSW of Río Segundo, Costa Rica M5.8 65 km
Jul 10, 1993 3 km S of La Suiza, Costa Rica M5.8 134 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Hurricane History

4 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 4.

Year Name Category Closest
2022 Julia Category 1 259 km
2016 Otto Category 3 103 km
1996 Cesar Category 1 268 km
1988 Joan:miriam Category 4 219 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)

Tsunami History

7 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 2.0 m (7 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1950 COSTA RICA-NICARAGUA Earthquake 2.0 m 115 km
1990 COSTA RICA Earthquake 1.0 m 12 km
2012 COSTA RICA Earthquake 0.2 m 2 54 km
1952 COSTA RICA-PANAMA Earthquake 0.1 m 43 km
2019 IRAZU VOLCANO Explosion 108 km
1924 COSTA RICA Earthquake 56 km
1905 GULF OF NICOYA Earthquake 22 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

11 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Arenal (56 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Arenal Stratovolcano 1,670 m (5,479 ft) 2010 56 km
Platanar Stratovolcano(es) 2,267 m (7,438 ft) Unknown 63 km
Poas Stratovolcano 2,708 m (8,885 ft) 2019 71 km
Tenorio Stratovolcano(es) 1,916 m (6,286 ft) Unknown 80 km
Barva Complex 2,906 m (9,534 ft) -6050 83 km
Miravalles Stratovolcano 2,028 m (6,654 ft) 1946 92 km
Irazu Stratovolcano 3,432 m (11,260 ft) 1994 108 km
Rincon de la Vieja Complex 1,916 m (6,286 ft) 2020 109 km
Turrialba Stratovolcano 3,340 m (10,958 ft) 2019 117 km
Orosi Stratovolcano(es) 1,659 m (5,443 ft) Unknown 131 km
Concepcion Stratovolcano 1,700 m (5,577 ft) 2011 194 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 79°F (26°C) 0.1 in Driest
February 80°F (27°C) 0.2 in
March 81°F (27°C) 0.5 in
April 82°F (28°C) 2.6 in Warmest
May 81°F (27°C) 10.9 in
June 79°F (26°C) 12.4 in
July 79°F (26°C) 7.0 in
August 79°F (26°C) 10.0 in
September 78°F (26°C) 15.2 in Wettest
October 78°F (26°C) 14.3 in
November 78°F (25°C) 4.7 in Coldest
December 78°F (26°C) 0.6 in

Puntarenas has a seasonal temperature swing of 4°F / from 78°F in November to 82°F in April. Total annual precipitation is 78.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (15.2") and January the driest (0.1").

View full weather details →

Colleges & Universities in Puntarenas

Institution Type Founded Website
Centro de Educación Comercial College
Colegio Nuestra Señora de Sión College
Escuela de Biología Marina - UNA University
INA - Centro de Formación Puntarenas University
INA - Centro Nacional Especializado Náutico Pesquero College
INA - Unidad Regional Pacífico Central College
Instituto Cosvic Puntarenas College
Telesecundaria La Ceiba College
UCR - Recinto Esparza University Visit →
UCR - Sede Arnoldo Ferreto Segura University Visit →
UCR - Sede Regional del Pacífico University
UNA - Estación Nacional de Ciencias Marino Costeras University
UNED - Centro Universitario Puntarenas University Visit →
Universidad de San José University
Universidad Hispanoamericana University
Universidad Metropolitana Castro Carazo University
Universidad Santa Lucía University
UTN - Sede Juan Rafael Mora Porras University Visit →
UTN - Sede Tobías Vargas University Visit →

Schools in Puntarenas

8 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Escuela El Carmen
Escuela Delia Urbina de Guevara
Escuela Mora y Cañas
Escuela Nuestra Señora de Sión
Liceo José Martí
Escuela Chapernal
Escuela Nora Quesada Chavarría
Escuela San Agustín
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Puntarenas

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Puntarenas

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Cárcel San Lucas
Museo Histórico de la Ciudad de Puntarenas

Libraries in Puntarenas

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Biblioteca Pública0.0
Biblioteca Pública de Puntarenas0.0
Bilbioteca Sede Pacífico0.0

Farmers Markets in Puntarenas

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Antigua Fábrica de Hielo Gutiérrez
Mercado Municipal de Montes de Oro
Mercado Municipal de Puntarenas
Mini Market
Super Los Angeles

Hotels in Puntarenas

21 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Alamar
Alamar
Cabinas Fabiola
Cabinas Genesis
Casa Lobo
El Mástil
Hotel Aldea
Hotel Cabezas
Hotel Cayuga
Hotel Chorotega
Hotel Don Robert
Hotel La Punta
Hotel La Roca del Mar
Hotel Las Hamacas
Hotel Midey
Hotel Puntarenas Beach
Hotel Sol y Mar
hotel Yadran
Las Brisas
Oasis del Pacífico
Tioga

Restaurants in Puntarenas

68 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Antiguo Atardeceres
Arrecifes
Asados Superlunch
Bamboo
Bun Bum
Capitan Moreno
Casa SanSe
Chung-San Chinese Bistro
El Buen Sabor
El Cevichito
El Mirador del Capitan
FÜD
Josefina
Kasa Restaurante
La Casa de los Mariscos
La Casona
La Cocina De Mamá
La Takería
La Terraza de Emanuele...Pizzas & Pastas
Las Brisas
Las Delicias del Puerto
Manglamar
Manroc
Mar Abierto
Mariscos Escorpión
Marisquería Adita
Marisquería Imperial
Marisquería Los Capitanese
Marisquería Pango
Mega Telas
Oasis del Pacifico
Ocean Sushi
Pata Larga
Peko Fish
Pizza Hut
Pizza Pata
Pizza Taz
Pollo Parrillero
Pulpería Flor De Caña
Punta Pirata
Puntarenas Typical Seafood
Rest. El Desorden
Restaurant "El Riko"
Restaurant La Felicidad
Restaurante Casa Almendro
Restaurante Chino
Restaurante El Deleite
Restaurante El Jorón
Restaurante El Joroncito
Restaurante El Primero
Restaurante Encuentros Typical
Restaurante La Ostra
Restaurante Mareas
Restaurante Nuevo Hong Tu
Restaurante Y Bar Chirripo
Restaurante y Heladería El Paseo
Restaurante y Heladería Melitos
Sal y Pimienta
San Sê
Soda
Soda El Ferry
Soda El Mambo
Soda Elena
Soda La Esquina
Soda La Esquina 2
Soda La Macarena
Soda y Heladeria El Paseo
Sushi Tiki

Cafes in Puntarenas

7 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cafe & Creperia Jota
Ciber Cafê Conecta2
El Tostador
La Ventana del Gordo
Leo's Mar
Soda La Tia
Soda La Veranera

Theatres in Puntarenas

1 theatres within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Anfiteatro La Concha Acustica

Theme Parks in Puntarenas

1 theme parks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Parque Marino del Pacífico

Clinics in Puntarenas

2 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Clínica Alternativa
Ebais Chomes

Dentists in Puntarenas

2 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

CR #1248697711
Soluciones Dentales Del Pacífico

Bus Stations in Puntarenas

9 bus stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Bus a Jacó
Bus stop to monte verde 8:00-2:15
Bus to Jaco & Quepos
Bus to Monte Verde 8:00-2:15
Puntarenas - El Roble - Barraca - San Miguel
Puntarenas-Esparza (by Cruce de Barranca)
Terminal de Buses (San Ramón/San José)
Terminal Puntarenas - Quepos
Terminal Puntarenas - Quepos

Gas Stations in Puntarenas

3 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Delta
Estación de Servicio Full
Estación de Servicio Full

Banks in Puntarenas

12 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

BAC Credomatic
Banco Cathay
Banco Nacional
Banco Popular
BCR
BCR
Coope-Ande
Coopealianza
Davivienda
Empeños Prestafull
Grupo Mutual
Instacredit

Shopping Malls in Puntarenas

2 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Plaza Centenario
Plaza del Pacífico

Gyms in Puntarenas

1 gyms within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Gimnasio Privilege

Stadiums & Teams in Puntarenas

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Puntarenas

50 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Daniel Oduber Quirós International AirportLIRLarge Airport
Juan Santamaría International AirportSJOLarge Airport
La Fortuna Arenal AirportFONMedium Airport
Quepos Managua AirportXQPMedium Airport
Tobías Bolaños International AirportSYQMedium Airport
Aerodamas AirportSmall Airport
Agropecuaria Playa Caletas AirportSmall Airport
Altamira de San Carlos AirportSmall Airport
Aranjuez AirportSmall Airport
Boca Naranjo AirportSmall Airport
Carrizal AirportSmall Airport
Catsa AirportSmall Airport
Chacarita AirportJAPSmall Airport
Ciruelas AirportSmall Airport
Cóbano AirportACOSmall Airport
Codela AirportSmall Airport
Coyolar AirportSmall Airport
Dole Venecia AirportSmall Airport
Dos Marías AirportSmall Airport
El Cerrito AirportSmall Airport
El Ron Ron AirportSmall Airport
Esterillos / Finca AirportSmall Airport
Flying Crocodile AirportSmall Airport
Frutez - Pital AirportSmall Airport
Guanacaste AirportNCTSmall Airport
Guatuso AirportSmall Airport
Hacienda La Pacífica AirportSmall Airport
Hacienda Rio Cuarto AirportSmall Airport
Islita AirportPBPSmall Airport
Jaco AirportSmall Airport
La Cueva AirportSmall Airport
La Flor AirportSmall Airport
La Guinea AirportSmall Airport
La Javilla AirportSmall Airport
La Ligia AirportSmall Airport
La Yolanda AirportSmall Airport
La Zampoña AirportSmall Airport
La Zopilota AirportSmall Airport
Las Piedras AirportSmall Airport
Mojica AirportCSCSmall Airport
Monte Alto AirportSmall Airport
Monte Reina AirportSmall Airport
Palo Arco AirportSmall Airport
Pelon Nuevo AirportSmall Airport
Playa Pájaros AirportSmall Airport
Playa Samara/Carrillo AirportPLDSmall Airport
Playon Sur AirportSmall Airport
Quebrada Azul AirportSmall Airport
Quebrada Naranjo AirportSmall Airport
Rancho Humo AirportSmall Airport

Post Offices in Puntarenas

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Correos de Costa Rica - Puntarenas

Churches & Religious Organizations in Puntarenas

8 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Catedral del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
Iglesia Cristiana
iglesia Cristiana
Iglesia Cristiana
Iglesia de Las Playitas
Iglesia de San Lucas
Iglesia El Cocal
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de El Carmen

Explore Near Puntarenas

UFO Sightings
3
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
America/Costa_Rica
Area
47.5 km² (18.3 mi²)
Founded
1858
Postal Code
60101
Website
puntarenas.go.cr/
Twinned With
Kesennuma

🇨🇷 About Costa Rica

Capital San Jose
Population 4,999,441
Area 51,100 km²
GDP (USD) $86,497,941,439
GDP per capita $16,942
HDI 0.806
Life expectancy 80.8 years
Internet users 85.4%
Urban population 78.9%
Currency CRC (Colon)
Languages Spanish
Calling code +506
TLD .cr
Driving side right

Public Holidays in Costa Rica

11 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day Año Nuevo
Apr 2 Maundy Thursday Jueves Santo
Apr 3 Good Friday Viernes Santo
Apr 11 Juan Santamaría Day Día de Juan Santamaría
May 1 Labour Day Día Internacional del Trabajo
Jul 25 Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica Anexión del Partido de Nicoya a Costa Rica
Aug 2 Feast of Our Lady of the Angels Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Aug 15 Mother's Day Día de la Madre
Sep 15 Independence Day Día de la Independencia
Dec 1 Army Abolition Day Día de la Abolición del Ejército
Dec 25 Christmas Day Navidad

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Frequently Asked Questions About Puntarenas

What is the population of Puntarenas?

Puntarenas has a population of 35,650 residents and is located in Costa Rica. The population density is 1,946 people per square mile, spread across 18.3 square miles.

What is the weather like in Puntarenas?

Puntarenas has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 79°F (26°C). Winter temperatures average 79°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 201 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 78.4 inches.

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