Lush green hills and mountains surround the town of Heredia

Heredia, population 50,000, is the capital of the Heredia Province. Heredia is located in the tropical foothills of the dormant Barva Volcano, just 11 kilometers (approximately 7 miles) north of the country's capital, San José.

Heredia's sizeable student population includes many international students and creates a unique personality, offering the many cultural advantages of a diverse university town. Students in Heredia enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a smaller city with convenient access to the bustling capital of San José.

The temperature in Heredia is generally mild and pleasant year-round. Costa Rica has two seasons: the rainy season (“winter”) lasts from May to mid-November; the dry season (“summer”) lasts from mid-November to April.

During the rainy season, days often start out sunny with rain falling in the afternoons and evenings. Be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures most afternoons during this season. This plentiful rain is what creates the lush green tropical flora and fauna that is so characteristic of Costa Rica. The dry season, because of its lack of rain, tends to be Costa Rica’s high season for tourism, so prices all over the country are elevated during this season.

Temperatures in Costa Rica vary primarily with elevation, not with seasons. On the coasts, it’s hot all year, while in the mountains it can be cool at night any time of year. The Central Valley is in a constant spring-like season, where weather varies and temperatures fluctuate.

Average monthly highs and lows (ºF) and rainfall (inches) in Heredia:

Type	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Highs	75	76	79	79	80	79	77	78	79	77	77	75
Lows	58	58	59	62	62	62	62	61	61	60	60	58
Avg. Rainfall	0.6	0.2	0.8	1.8	9.0	9.5	8.3	9.5	12.0	11.8	5.7	1.6