On my way to Atenas

[fhmoroz]

I am finally on my way to spend some time in Atenas after passing through this enchanting town last January. Turns out this town has been noted by National Geographic for having the best weather in the world. Is there anyone who has lived or spent some time there? I’d like to know what to expect as far as actual daily weather is concerned.

[Andrew]

The weather in Atenas is lovely like many areas in Costa Rica and will depend on your altitude but, please help me!

I have heard this quotation so many times (about National Geographic saying it’s the best weather in the world) but nobody has ever been able to show it to me, do you have it? Can you show me where I can read it?

Sctt Oliver

WeLoveCostaRica.com

[DavidCMurray]

My question is: If the weather in Atenas is the best in the world, why do all the houses advertised for sale to gringos have central air conditioning? We live at about 4,100 feet above sea level outside Grecia and have neither heat nor air conditioning. Since moving into our home last November, we have never had the windows closed.

So what gives?

[Andrew]

90% of the Americans I speak with tell me they would like air conditioning even in the Central Valley where one would very rarely need it.

So if 90% of them ask for it then the people building/selling their properties will include what the majority are asking for… You “demand” and they “supply.”

The penthouse apartment that I am renting now, is the first home that I have lived in that has had A/C and in the last two years, I have used it for a total of about 30 hours and 90% of that time was when I had singing lessons 🙂

Scott

[cycletravler]

I spent much time in Atenas last winter, apx. 4 months. I would say it was a bit on the warm side. Usually in the 80s in the day & perfect lower 70s in the evening.
In my opinion Palmares or even San Ramon, two cities a bit to the north & west of Atenas, have better, slightly cooler climates. I must say I really like Zarcero also. All in all not much to complain about in any of the above locations. Just lock your stuff up real good! That was my only problem.

[Andrew]

I visited an agricultural fair in Zarcero a few years ago and it was a bloody cold day! Love the area but it can get quite chilly up there…

Scott
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[dhsbooker]

Scott,
I can’t actually find out where National Geographic listed this. I tried doing a web search and came up with NADA! However, there are several websites with propery/ land for sale that use this quote! They must know something we don’t.
Debbie

[dhsbooker]

Well look at what I came across
Excerpt from the newspaper « La Nation » , May 1998
A delightful climate
Atenas is endowed with an excellent climate due to a moderate temperature, a mixture of warm winds with cool fresh air currents, lots of sunshine and exceptional broad-leaved vegetation. This climate is characterized by an average temperature of 23.7 degrees Celcius ( 70 degrees Fahrenheit ) with close to 7 hours of sunshine per day.
The year is divided into two well defined seasons: winter, the rainy season, from May to October, and summer, the dry season, from November to April. The climate of the township of Atenas is a myth for those who refer to it as the best climate in the world, but at the same time a luxurious reality for those who enjoy it day after day.
Based on this reputation, which is both a legend and a reality according to the experts, the township of Atenas decided to erect a monument dedicated to the best climate in the world. The chosen site is located a few hills south-east of the village in the neighbourhood known under the name of Guizaros (Barrio Jesus).
The breeze is refreshing, the air is pure, and the sunsets are truly privileged moments, as a visiting team from this newspaper could confirm. The area is mostly rural with a winding road, lush pastures, rich and varied croplands and many species of birds. The area is ideal for the observation of eclipses and other celestial phenomena.
Debbie

[Andrew]

Thanks for digging that up Debbie, must have taken a while but, as you can see there is no mention of the National Geographic unless I am missing something.

Scott

[costaricajones]

It’s like the Pinkerton Agency rating Panama as one of the safest cities in the world. All of the real estate promoters claim it, but even Pinkerton–when contacted– had no idea where or how the claim originated, and denied it was from them.

[Author]

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