We are heading down for a week from 2/2-2/9, spending the first night near San Jose and then the next two nights at the Arenal-Observation lodge and also at Tabaco. From there we drive down to Quepos and spend 3 nights at the Costa Verde before spending our last night near San Jose. My question is what type of weather should we plan for. I was hoping to spend some quality beach/pool time in Quepos. How much sun should we expect to have in Quepos. The weathe doesn't exactly look like beach perfect on www.costarica.com. We have 3 younger children 10,8, 6? Will we need lots of sun screen? thanks

Take lots of sunscreen ! Do not worry , It said solid rain for our trip ( Nov.- Rainy season ) , and we had great weather . You welcome the odd cloud , and the tropical showers are well timed for the most part . ( usually at nite ) Have fun , we loved Costa Verde with our kids aged 6 and 8 .

Our trips to CR have been during this time period. We typically experience:

Coastal areas - hot and breezy, yes you will need sunscreen

Arenal & Central Valley - very pleasant and comfortable days, turning cooler in the evenings.

We were in your areas (also at Observatory Lodge) January 6-16. It rained virtually every day-- often torrentially and often many hours straight. We had back luck weather-wise (tho it didn't ruin our trip-- just put a damper on it, so to speak) In short, be prepared for any sort of weather.

Thanks for the response so far. Poss, how was the Areanal Lodge? We are doing one night at the lodge and one night at Tabacon. I didn't think this part of the trip would be great weather but i was hopeful that Quepos would provide plenty of sun for swimming and lounging by the pool.

Sorry ! This last trip we were just in Manuel antonio 1

Dineroguru: Are you going to Arenal Lodge or Arenal Observatory Lodge? (They're very different from each other.) Also: when you're in that area, you should have a much better chance for good weather-- you'll be well into the dry season.

Hey Poss, thanks we are going to the observatory lodge. One night in a smithsonian room and then one night at Tabacon. What do you think. God I hope we get decent weather-- the forecast never look too good- 60s and 70s with rain.... Thanks for your thoughts! DG

http://www.arenal-observatory.co.cr/EN/home.phtml

I'll be posting a detailed report on Observatory Lodge in the next day or so. (We liked it a lot.) I think the kids will enjoy the place-- assuming they enjoy handsome hikes. I was surprised, by the way, about how nice (and large) their pool/spa area was-- and right by your Smithsonian rooms. More anon.