How often does Costa Rica have earthquakes?

Costa Rica recorded 2 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 3.6 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.

What was the largest recent earthquake in Costa Rica?

The largest earthquake in Costa Rica in the last 5 years was a magnitude 6.2 near 40 km WNW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

When was the last major earthquake in Costa Rica?

The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Costa Rica was a magnitude 5.0 near 45 km SSE of Quepos, Costa Rica.

What magnitude earthquake can you feel?

Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SNAPSHOTUpdated Sep 12, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC

EARTHQUAKES · COSTA RICA

Costa Rica Earthquakes

Recent and significant earthquakes in Costa Rica, drawn from the USGS global earthquake feed and mapped with magnitude and time.

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Current earthquakes in Costa Rica (0)

Costa Rica has recorded 2 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days.

No active items in this snapshot

That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

No active items in this snapshot

That is normal. Conditions can change, so check official local guidance when weather is developing.

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Recent earthquake history

Costa Rica has recorded 2 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or greater in the past 90 days.

Largest in 5 yearsM6.240 km WNW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica · Oct 12, 2024

Most recent M5.0+M5.045 km SSE of Quepos, Costa Rica · Sep 10, 2026

Notable quakes (M5+) per year3.6average over 5 years

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Notable earthquakes (magnitude 5.0+) per year in Costa Rica

Notable earthquakes in Costa Rica (last 5 years)

Magnitude	Location	Date
M6.2	40 km WNW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica	Oct 12, 2024
M5.9	21 km SSW of Quepos, Costa Rica	Oct 22, 2025
M5.7	72 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica	Apr 15, 2026
M5.6	78 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica	Mar 7, 2024
M5.5	55 km WSW of Puerto Cortés, Costa Rica	Nov 18, 2025
M5.5	8 km SE of Quepos, Costa Rica	Mar 21, 2023

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

How often does Costa Rica have earthquakes?: Costa Rica recorded 2 earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater in the past 90 days. Over the last 5 years it has averaged about 3.6 notable quakes (magnitude 5.0 or greater) per year.
What was the largest recent earthquake in Costa Rica?: The largest earthquake in Costa Rica in the last 5 years was a magnitude 6.2 near 40 km WNW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
When was the last major earthquake in Costa Rica?: The most recent earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater in Costa Rica was a magnitude 5.0 near 45 km SSE of Quepos, Costa Rica.
What magnitude earthquake can you feel?: Most people begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 3.0, though it depends on depth and distance. Shallow quakes close by feel stronger than deep or distant ones of the same size.

CONTEXT

About earthquakes in Costa Rica

Most earthquakes are too small to feel. The USGS reports millions of quakes a year worldwide, and the vast majority are below magnitude 2.5. A page showing no recent activity usually means no notable quakes, not that nothing is being measured.

Magnitude is a measure of the energy released at the source; shaking you actually feel also depends on depth and how far you are from the epicenter. A shallow magnitude 4 nearby can feel stronger than a deep magnitude 5 far away.

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