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Weather in Arenal
Volcano views and steaming hot springs
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About Arenal
Arenal volcano dominates its region—a perfect cone rising from rainforest with geothermal energy bubbling beneath. The nearby hot springs and volcanic landscape create a otherworldly setting. Lake Arenal offers water sports, while the surrounding rainforest teems with wildlife. Night volcanic activity viewing and soaking in natural hot springs are Arenal's main attractions.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
Spanish, English
Things to do in Arenal
Arenal volcano hiking and viewing
Natural hot spring soaking in thermal pools
Lake Arenal kayaking and fishing
Hanging bridges and canopy walks through forest
Rainforest night tours and wildlife spotting
Adventure activities: zip-lining, rappelling, canyoning
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
February
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
March
20C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
April
21C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
May
21C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
June
20C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
July
20C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
August
20C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
September
21C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
October
20C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
November
19C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
December
18C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
Arenal is dominated by its namesake volcano, a near-perfect cone that last erupted in 2010 but still anchors one of Costa Rica's most popular regions, where hot springs heated by volcanic activity, hanging bridges, waterfalls and Lake Arenal's windsurfing conditions draw visitors year-round. The town of La Fortuna serves as the laid-back base for exploring it all.
Best areas to stay in Arenal
La Fortuna
The main town with restaurants, hotels and tour operators, a short drive from the volcano and waterfall.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Trails through old lava fields with close-up volcano views on clear days.
Lake Arenal
Costa Rica's largest lake, popular for windsurfing, kayaking and scenic drives along its northern shore.
Tabacón / Hot Springs area
A cluster of resorts and hot spring facilities along the road between La Fortuna and the volcano.
Getting to Arenal
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Flights
Small airstrips near La Fortuna receive domestic flights from San José; most visitors drive ~3 hours from San José.
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From London
~3 hours by road from San José; ~20-30 minutes by domestic flight.
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Getting around
La Fortuna is walkable; taxis and shuttles cover the hot springs, waterfall and lake areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Arenal?
December to April is driest with the best chance of clear volcano views, though it's often cloud-covered regardless of season.
Is the volcano still active?
It's currently dormant — its last major eruption was in 2010 — but the surrounding hot springs are still naturally heated by volcanic activity.
What are the hot springs like?
Several resorts and standalone facilities channel naturally heated mineral water into landscaped pools, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.
What else is there to do besides hot springs?
La Fortuna Waterfall, hanging bridges, ziplining, horseback riding and Lake Arenal boat tours and windsurfing are all popular.
Is La Fortuna a good base?
Yes — it's the main town with the widest range of hotels, restaurants and tour operators, within easy reach of the volcano and lake.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Soaked in hot springs with a view of the volcano as the clouds briefly cleared — one of those perfect Costa Rica moments.
Rafael N. · January 2024
★★★★☆
La Fortuna Waterfall required a steep climb down but the swim at the bottom was incredibly refreshing after the hike.
Greta P. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Drove around Lake Arenal for the afternoon — quiet roads, great views, and a nice break from the more touristy hot spring resorts.
Diego A. · March 2024
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