Driest Cities in Costa Rica

Top 79 cities ranked by driest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Costa Rica

Driest Cities — Costa Rica

1 Tamarindo 03 68.1"

2 Liberia 03 72.8"

3 Santa Cruz 03 75.1"

4 Cañas 03 77.6"

5 Puntarenas 07 78.4"

6 Nicoya 03 79.5"

7 Chacarita 07 82.7"

8 Atenas 01 88.8"

9 Miramar 07 91.6"

10 Esparza 07 92.1"

11 Orotina 01 92.1"

12 Desamparados 01 92.1"

13 Santiago 08 94.0"

14 San Rafael Abajo 08 98.3"

15 Tejar 08 98.3"

16 San Juan 01 98.4"

17 San Ramón 01 99.9"

18 Naranjo 01 99.9"

19 Cariari 06 104.7"

20 Tilarán 03 105.0"

21 San José 01 108.2"

22 Mercedes 08 114.9"

23 Buenos Aires 07 115.1"

24 Daniel Flores 08 118.6"

25 San Isidro 08 118.6"

26 Quepos 07 120.7"

27 Turrialba 02 123.9"

28 Quesada 01 127.1"

29 Limón 06 127.7"

30 Sarchí 01 130.0"

31 Golfito 07 131.8"

32 Río Segundo 01 136.9"

33 Corredor 07 138.0"

34 Siquirres 06 140.5"

35 Pocora 06 144.6"

36 Guácimo 06 147.2"

37 Cartago 02 160.2"

38 Ipís 08 160.2"

39 Llorente 04 160.2"

40 San Juan 08 160.2"

41 Mercedes Norte 04 160.2"

42 Guadalupe 08 160.2"

43 Purral 08 160.2"

44 San Pedro 08 160.2"

45 San Miguel 08 160.2"

46 Cot 02 160.2"

47 Santo Domingo 04 160.2"

48 San Vicente de Moravia 08 160.2"

49 San Vicente 08 160.2"

50 Curridabat 08 160.2"

51 Salitrillos 08 160.2"

52 Paraíso 02 160.2"

53 Alajuela 01 160.2"

54 San Francisco 04 160.2"

55 San José 08 160.2"

56 Santa Ana 08 160.2"

57 Tres Ríos 02 160.2"

58 San Antonio 04 160.2"

59 Colón 08 160.2"

60 San Rafael 04 160.2"

61 Escazú 08 160.2"

62 San Josecito 04 160.2"

63 Granadilla 08 160.2"

64 Sabanilla 08 160.2"

65 Alajuelita 08 160.2"

66 Concepción 02 160.2"

67 Aserrí 08 160.2"

68 San Rafael Arriba 08 160.2"

69 San Juan de Dios 08 160.2"

70 Colima 08 160.2"

71 San Diego 02 160.2"

72 Guápiles 06 160.2"

73 Calle Blancos 08 160.2"

74 San Pablo 04 160.2"

75 Heredia 04 160.2"

76 Patarrá 08 160.2"

77 San Felipe 08 160.2"

78 San Rafael 08 160.2"

79 Sabalito 07 212.1"

The driest cities in Costa Rica receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Tamarindo receives just 68.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Tamarindo gets just 68.1" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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