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Costa Rica tops the list thanks to its year-round sunshine and diverse climate zones.
Key Points
- Costa Rica is the top retirement destination for great weather, thanks to its diverse climate zones and year-round outdoor appeal.
- With 12 distinct climate regions—from tropical coasts to cooler mountain regions—retirees can choose conditions and communities that suit their lifestyle.
Along with the cost of living and health care, many senior adults place a high priority on spending time outdoors during retirement. A new report by International Living highlights the countries with the best weather in the world for retirees. Costa Rica, with its warm sunny weather and crisp mountain breezes, tops the ranking, which is dominated by the Americas.
What sets the Central American country apart is its variety of climate zones. Thanks to its diverse topography, comprising mountain ranges, rainforests, Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, mangroves, and volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica has 12 distinct climate regions.
In general, the country has warm and humid conditions, with both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts experiencing tropical weather. The rainy season runs from May to November, typically bringing clear mornings followed by afternoon showers. The dry season sees temperatures range from the mid-80s to around 100 degrees. Costa Rica’s capital, San José, sits at an altitude of 3,800 feet, protected by surrounding mountains, keeping average temperatures between 65 and 75, which many people consider ideal.
"If you’re not looking for snow or freezing temperatures, you can find your perfect climate here. Costa Rica lets you choose the kind of warmth and rhythm that suits your lifestyle—and lets you enjoy it year-round," states Bekah Bottone, one of International Living's global network of expats, who is based in Guanacaste, along the country's northwestern Pacific Coast.
Related: Discover the Best Places to Retire in Costa Rica for Comfort
Portugal ranks No. 2, following Costa Rica. The country's Atlantic coastline and mountainous regions offer widely different weather conditions. The higher elevations in the interior feature temperature variations, including snowy winters in the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Meanwhile, the Algarve region in the south has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers.
Rounding up the top three countries for best weather for retirees is Ecuador. The South American country lies directly on the equator and features four distinct geographical areas that influence its climate. The Andean Highlands, or La Sierra, offer year-round spring-like weather, while the Pacific Coast is warm and humid.
International Living ranks Colombia and Mexico No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, as the countries with "the most livable climates." The publication considered factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine, as well as personal insights from its network of global contributors based in these countries.
You can read the complete report on InternationalLiving.com.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
