Spatial and temporal rainfall variability in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Rainfall in the Moist Tropical Caribbean Region (MTCR) Costa Rica occurs practically throughout year, with quarters June–August (JJA) and December–February (DJF) concentrating over 70% of annual rainfall. Contrarily, March–April September–October, it rains below 100 mm per month. This seasonal rainfall behavior makes region ideal for producing bananas (Musa spp.) pineapple (Ananas comosus) export (10% 8% total exports 2021, respectively). A national-scale study determined that agriculture MTCR is one most vulnerable sectors to climate changes. However, this has been poorly studied so far. research analyzed spatial temporal variability annual, monthly, (DJF, JJA, SO) how they change period based on quality-checked series daily from 28 weather stations two periods: 1985–2009 1997–2019. The results show regimes are variable space peaks occurring close mountain range minimum values coast. Trends were statistically significant a predominance positive trends DJF negative SO. No (positive or negative) observed JJA uneven regional distribution presents trend region. paper contributes filling knowledge gap seasonality, variability, where banana commercial plantations fundamental country’s economy thus providing information decision-making agri-food sector reduce impacts changing regimes.