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Time in Costa Rica now:
Current Time in All Central American Countries (7 Nations)
Exact Current Time in Costa Rica
The current time in Costa Rica follows Central Standard Time (CST) all year round.
Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), which makes its time zone simple and consistent throughout the year.
👉 The standard time zone used for this page is:
IANA Time Zone: America/Costa_Rica
UTC Offset: UTC − 6 (Central Standard Time)
Costa Rica Time Zone
Costa Rica uses a single time zone nationwide:
| Time Zone | Example City | UTC Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Central Standard Time | San José | UTC − 6 |
Costa Rica does not follow Daylight Saving Time — the time remains the same year-round.
Daylight Saving Time in Costa Rica
Costa Rica does not observe DST.
The country stays on Central Standard Time (UTC − 6) for the entire year.
This consistency makes it easy for travelers and businesses to plan without worrying about time changes.
Popular Cities in Costa Rica & Their Time
| City | Time Zone | Typical Offset |
|---|---|---|
| San José | Central Standard Time | UTC − 6 |
| Limón | Central Standard Time | UTC − 6 |
| Alajuela | Central Standard Time | UTC − 6 |
| Heredia | Central Standard Time | UTC − 6 |
| Puntarenas | Central Standard Time | UTC − 6 |
All major cities in Costa Rica follow the same time zone with no DST changes.
Quick Facts About Costa Rica Time
Number of Time Zones: 1
Capital City: San José
Default Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
DST Observed: ❌ No
IANA Time Zone ID:
America/Costa_RicaUTC Offset: UTC − 6 (year-round)
Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
Its stable time zone, combined with no DST adjustments, makes it very predictable for travelers and businesses.
For more geographical and historical information, visit
👉 Time in Costa Rica — Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions
How many time zones does Costa Rica have?
Costa Rica uses only one time zone: Central Standard Time (CST).
What is the official time zone of Costa Rica?
The official time zone is Central Standard Time (CST), UTC − 6.
Does Costa Rica observe Daylight Saving Time?
No, Costa Rica does not observe DST. The time remains UTC − 6 year-round.
Which city represents Costa Rica’s national time?
San José, the capital city, represents Costa Rica’s official time.
What is the IANA time zone ID for Costa Rica?
The IANA time zone ID for Costa Rica is America/Costa_Rica.