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San Miguel church, Escazú, Costa Rica

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Costa Rica

Escazú

Escazu, Costa Rica

Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood.

Overview

The complete picture of Escazú

Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood. San Rafael commercial areas, the central district and San Antonio require different housing and transport decisions. Private services and shopping are useful anchors, but road access, gradients and exact-address walking conditions must be checked. Escazú Centro: The central district is a useful starting point for a local-service routine rather than a shopping-complex lifestyle. Inspect how the actual home connects to errands and the main road. Address-level walking conditions and road traffic need an in-person check; no blanket security rating is assigned. San Rafael: The district contains prominent commercial and healthcare anchors, but proximity on a map does not establish an easy pedestrian route between them. Base the search on the services used weekly. Traffic and road crossings can outweigh short distances; do not assume hospital access within a fixed time. San Antonio: A distinct municipal district to compare with the more commercial San Rafael search. A residential decision should explicitly test elevation changes, road access and the trip to services. No commute or healthcare transfer time is verified; a car-dependent choice needs a different budget. Guachipelín search area: A named local area in municipal service routes. Treat individual residential compounds and streets separately rather than assuming that the wider area has one walkability or amenity profile. A private compound can be convenient inside its boundary while still requiring transport for ordinary errands. Trejos search area: A municipal-service place name useful for organizing a residential search. Evaluate the actual home-to-shop and home-to-care journeys rather than inferring convenience from the area label. Evidence does not support a neighbourhood safety score or a precise rent range. Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. The monthly budget is a transparent planning range for a rented home, ordinary groceries, dining and local travel. It is not a quote and excludes the documented personal costs. Review the single-person and couple scenarios separately; a couple shares housing. The rental observations are citywide leads, not neighborhood price guarantees. Secondary Pavas airport proxy, not observations of Escazú hills. Fahrenheit converted with (F−32)*5/9; inches ×25.4. Geographic applicability needs review; no altitude adjustment invented. UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express.

Cost of living snapshot

A practical executive summary for residents and relocators

2 budget bands

Executive summary

Estimated one-adult monthly cost of living: $1,450–$2,500 per month (USD).

USDmedium confidence

One adult

$1,450–$2,500 per month (USD)

Couple — two adults sharing housing

$2,100–$3,600 per month (USD)

Estimated for two adults sharing one home. Actual costs vary by housing, lifestyle and healthcare needs.

Monthly cost breakdown

The detailed budget categories that shape the monthly picture

16 live categories

Dining

120,000–200,000 per month (CRC)

Groceries

180,000–270,000 per month (CRC)

Internet

22,000–35,000 per month (CRC)

Leisure Household

70,000–120,000 per month (CRC)

Mobile

20,000–36,000 per month (CRC)

Rent

450,000–750,000 per month (CRC)

Transport

65,000–130,000 per month (CRC)

Utilities

40,000–80,000 per month (CRC)

Dining

70,000–120,000 per month (CRC)

Groceries

110,000–170,000 per month (CRC)

Internet

22,000–35,000 per month (CRC)

Leisure Household

40,000–70,000 per month (CRC)

Mobile

10,000–18,000 per month (CRC)

Rent

350,000–550,000 per month (CRC)

Transport

40,000–85,000 per month (CRC)

Utilities

30,000–65,000 per month (CRC)

How the estimate is framed

Based on the destination's reported monthly cost-of-living range.

Media and atmosphere

Photos, streets, and daily life

1 curated assets

Destination Guide

Destination guide

A magazine-style introduction to Escazú

What you'll learn

  • • Whether the destination deserves serious consideration
  • • Which facts matter most before you dig deeper
  • • The lifestyle qualities that make the place feel distinct

What to know first

Population71,500
ClimateTropical
Average temperaturesMonthly averages range from 64.9°F to 86°F across the year
WalkabilityBuses and taxis connect San José; Juan Santamaría International Airport is nearby
TransitMunicipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.
HealthcareHospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood.
Airport accessMunicipal geographic and service information
CurrencyCRC
LanguageSpanish
Time zoneAmerica/Costa_Rica
Visa friendlyTourist admission length is set at entry. Pensionado, rentista, inversionista and other residence categories have documentary and financial requirements through Migración.

What makes it distinctive

The qualities that shape daily life

Practical Details

Premium intelligence

Scores and fit

Lifestyle at a glance

Best for expats and residents prioritizing healthcare, convenience and security.

Cost of living

Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood.

One adult: $1,450–$2,500 per month (USD)Couple — two adults sharing housing: $2,100–$3,600 per month (USD)

Neighborhood summary

How the city is experienced block by block

5 districts

Flagship neighborhood 1

Escazú Centro

The central district is a useful starting point for a local-service routine rather than a shopping-complex lifestyle. Inspect how the actual home connects to errands and the main road. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. Editorial viewing priorities: Check steps, drainage, water service and the written tenancy; compare a conventional home with a managed condominium.

Best for

Residents wanting a local district centre as their daily reference.

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Residents wanting a local district centre as their daily reference.

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Housing

Check steps, drainage, water service and the written tenancy; compare a conventional home with a managed condominium.

Pros

Residents wanting a local district centre as their daily reference.

Cons

Address-level walking conditions and road traffic need an in-person check; no blanket security rating is assigned.

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Attractions & things to do

Attractions & things to do

Real persisted places tied to this neighborhood.

Escazú municipal servicesPractical municipal information and local-event reference; confirm the office or event relevant to the actual task.Open

Neighborhood

Escazú Centro

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Buses and taxis connect San José; Juan Santamaría International Airport is nearby

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

National safety guidance is relevant to trip planning but does not establish security of an Escazú property or a neighbourhood score.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 2

Guachipelín search area

A named local area in municipal service routes. Treat individual residential compounds and streets separately rather than assuming that the wider area has one walkability or amenity profile. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. Editorial viewing priorities: Verify the final access road, common charges and backup connectivity before agreeing to a long lease.

Best for

Households comparing managed housing near western commercial services.

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Households comparing managed housing near western commercial services.

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Housing

Verify the final access road, common charges and backup connectivity before agreeing to a long lease.

Pros

Households comparing managed housing near western commercial services.

Cons

A private compound can be convenient inside its boundary while still requiring transport for ordinary errands.

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Buses and taxis connect San José; Juan Santamaría International Airport is nearby

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

National safety guidance is relevant to trip planning but does not establish security of an Escazú property or a neighbourhood score.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 3

San Antonio

A distinct municipal district to compare with the more commercial San Rafael search. A residential decision should explicitly test elevation changes, road access and the trip to services. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. Editorial viewing priorities: Inspect rain drainage, driveway access and internet at the dwelling; larger space may bring maintenance obligations.

Best for

People considering a less commercially centered routine.

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

People considering a less commercially centered routine.

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Housing

Inspect rain drainage, driveway access and internet at the dwelling; larger space may bring maintenance obligations.

Pros

People considering a less commercially centered routine.

Cons

No commute or healthcare transfer time is verified; a car-dependent choice needs a different budget.

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Buses and taxis connect San José; Juan Santamaría International Airport is nearby

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

National safety guidance is relevant to trip planning but does not establish security of an Escazú property or a neighbourhood score.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Flagship neighborhood 4

San Rafael

The district contains prominent commercial and healthcare anchors, but proximity on a map does not establish an easy pedestrian route between them. Base the search on the services used weekly. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. Editorial viewing priorities: Clarify condominium fees, parking, security services and whether quoted rent is in USD or CRC.

Best for

Households prioritizing access to named private services and shopping.

Overall vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Neighborhood resources

Explore this neighborhood

Best For

Households prioritizing access to named private services and shopping.

Overall Vibe

It offers a clear local rhythm and strong daily-life texture.

Housing

Clarify condominium fees, parking, security services and whether quoted rent is in USD or CRC.

Pros

Households prioritizing access to named private services and shopping.

Cons

Traffic and road crossings can outweigh short distances; do not assume hospital access within a fixed time.

Neighborhood intelligence

A curatorial guide to the places that make the neighborhood feel real

Family friendly

Family-friendly places

Remote work

Remote-work-friendly spots

Walkability

Buses and taxis connect San José; Juan Santamaría International Airport is nearby

How easily daily errands and neighborhood life can be handled on foot.

Transit

Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.

How well the area supports car-light routines and local travel.

Safety

National safety guidance is relevant to trip planning but does not establish security of an Escazú property or a neighbourhood score.

How the area is perceived for daily calm and residential comfort.

Live neighborhood resources

Destination highlights

Real recommendations that span all of Escazu

Restaurants across Escazu

Real, verified Escazu places in this category.

Mirador TiquiciaNamed Costa Rican restaurant and viewpoint outing in Escazú. Arrange transport and check hours; not the similarly named restaurant in La Fortuna.Open

Parks & recreation across Escazu

Real, verified Escazu places in this category.

Parque de BebederoMunicipal announcement identifies the new Bebedero park; verify current access and route before an outing.Open
Parque Central de EscazúParque Central is used for municipal cultural events; event schedules are separate from general park access.Open

Healthcare across Escazu

Real, verified Escazu places in this category.

Hospital CIMAHospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood.Open

Attractions & things to do across Escazu

Real, verified Escazu places in this category.

Escazú municipal servicesPractical municipal information and local-event reference; confirm the office or event relevant to the actual task.Open
Escazú municipal cultural programmeMunicipal cultural programme includes Boyero and masquerade traditions. Confirm the actual event date and venue; not a daily attraction.Open

Other useful destination resources across Escazu

Real, verified Escazu places in this category.

Multiplaza EscazúA commercial shopping and service anchor, not a traditional produce market. Use the current store directory to plan specific errands.Open

Maps and resources

Discovery links grouped by category

Deep Dive

Editorial overview

The living rhythms that shape the place

Movement

Getting around

UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express.

Seasonal living

Climate and recreation

Tropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round

Living there

Daily life

Best for expats and residents prioritizing healthcare, convenience and security.

Continue reading

Morning: Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood. Evening: Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood. San Rafael commercial areas, the central district and San Antonio require different housing and transport decisions. Private services and shopping are useful anchors, but road access, gradients and exact-address walking conditions must be checked. Escazú Centro: The central district is a useful starting point for a local-service routine rather than a shopping-complex lifestyle. Inspect how the actual home connects to errands and the main road. Address-level walking conditions and road traffic need an in-person check; no blanket security rating is assigned. San Rafael: The district contains prominent commercial and healthcare anchors, but proximity on a map does not establish an easy pedestrian route between them. Base the search on the services used weekly. Traffic and road crossings can outweigh short distances; do not assume hospital access within a fixed time. San Antonio: A distinct municipal district to compare with the more commercial San Rafael search. A residential decision should explicitly test elevation changes, road access and the trip to services. No commute or healthcare transfer time is verified; a car-dependent choice needs a different budget. Guachipelín search area: A named local area in municipal service routes. Treat individual residential compounds and streets separately rather than assuming that the wider area has one walkability or amenity profile. A private compound can be convenient inside its boundary while still requiring transport for ordinary errands. Trejos search area: A municipal-service place name useful for organizing a residential search. Evaluate the actual home-to-shop and home-to-care journeys rather than inferring convenience from the area label. Evidence does not support a neighbourhood safety score or a precise rent range. Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. The monthly budget is a transparent planning range for a rented home, ordinary groceries, dining and local travel. It is not a quote and excludes the documented personal costs. Review the single-person and couple scenarios separately; a couple shares housing. The rental observations are citywide leads, not neighborhood price guarantees. Secondary Pavas airport proxy, not observations of Escazú hills. Fahrenheit converted with (F−32)*5/9; inches ×25.4. Geographic applicability needs review; no altitude adjustment invented. UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express. Seasonal rhythm: Tropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round

Weather

Climate

Tropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round

Movement

Transportation

UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express.

Continue reading

Airport access: Regional and international access

Wellness

Healthcare

Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood.

Continue reading

Insurance and access: Confirm direct billing, exclusions and the actual specialty. Complete international-standard evidence and neighborhood travel times have not been assessed.

Retirement

Retirement

The named provider and neighborhood choices are planning leads, not a guarantee of suitable home care or retirement residence eligibility.

Continue reading

Who should not: Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood. San Rafael commercial areas, the central district and San Antonio require different housing and transport decisions. Private services and shopping are useful anchors, but road access, gradients and exact-address walking conditions must be checked. Escazú Centro: The central district is a useful starting point for a local-service routine rather than a shopping-complex lifestyle. Inspect how the actual home connects to errands and the main road. Address-level walking conditions and road traffic need an in-person check; no blanket security rating is assigned. San Rafael: The district contains prominent commercial and healthcare anchors, but proximity on a map does not establish an easy pedestrian route between them. Base the search on the services used weekly. Traffic and road crossings can outweigh short distances; do not assume hospital access within a fixed time. San Antonio: A distinct municipal district to compare with the more commercial San Rafael search. A residential decision should explicitly test elevation changes, road access and the trip to services. No commute or healthcare transfer time is verified; a car-dependent choice needs a different budget. Guachipelín search area: A named local area in municipal service routes. Treat individual residential compounds and streets separately rather than assuming that the wider area has one walkability or amenity profile. A private compound can be convenient inside its boundary while still requiring transport for ordinary errands. Trejos search area: A municipal-service place name useful for organizing a residential search. Evaluate the actual home-to-shop and home-to-care journeys rather than inferring convenience from the area label. Evidence does not support a neighbourhood safety score or a precise rent range. Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood. Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing. The monthly budget is a transparent planning range for a rented home, ordinary groceries, dining and local travel. It is not a quote and excludes the documented personal costs. Review the single-person and couple scenarios separately; a couple shares housing. The rental observations are citywide leads, not neighborhood price guarantees. Secondary Pavas airport proxy, not observations of Escazú hills. Fahrenheit converted with (F−32)*5/9; inches ×25.4. Geographic applicability needs review; no altitude adjustment invented. UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express. Best neighborhoods: Escazú Centro, Guachipelín search area, San Antonio, San Rafael, Trejos search area Climate considerations: Tropical highland climate with mild temperatures year-round Taxes: Estimated one-adult monthly cost of living: $1,450–$2,500 per month (USD).

Remote work

Digital nomad

Test upload speed, video calls and a backup connection at the exact address. Internet cost allocation is not measured connectivity. Immigration permission and tax treatment must be checked separately.

Continue reading

Coworking: Best for expats and residents prioritizing healthcare, convenience and security. Visa: Requirements vary by citizenship Monthly costs: One adult: $1,450–$2,500 per month (USD) • Couple — two adults sharing housing: $2,100–$3,600 per month (USD) Best neighborhoods: Escazú Centro, Guachipelín search area, San Antonio, San Rafael, Trejos search area

Practical Living Snapshot

Walkability and terrain

  • Verify step-free routes and boarding at the chosen stop, plus lift reliability and thresholds in the dwelling. No citywide accessibility rating assigned.

Internet and remote-work reliability

  • Test upload speed, video calls and a backup connection at the exact address. Internet cost allocation is not measured connectivity. Immigration permission and tax treatment must be checked separately.

Language ease

  • Arrange language help for leases, administration and medical consent where needed; visitor-facing English does not establish service in every office.

Reality and Environment

Environmental and natural-hazard risks

  • UNKNOWN: no current location-specific air-quality series assessed.
  • UNKNOWN: property-level drinking-water and service reliability not assessed.
  • National safety guidance is relevant to trip planning but does not establish security of an Escazú property or a neighbourhood score.

Who tends to love or struggle with this destination

  • Crowdsourced October 2026 page reports a one-bedroom point estimate around CRC 387,585 without a useful observed range; three-bedroom outside-centre observations span CRC 455,982–911,964. Sparse data requires cautious editorial ranges and actual quotes, including condominium charges. No neighbourhood-specific price distribution is claimed.
  • Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood.
  • Tobías Bolaños International reports 1992–2021, CustomWeather via timeanddate. Secondary Pavas airport proxy, not observations of Escazú hills. Fahrenheit converted with (F−32)*5/9; inches ×25.4. Geographic applicability needs review; no altitude adjustment invented.
  • UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express.

Real destination-level research

Lifestyle & Recreation

What day-to-day life, the surrounding landscape, and recreation genuinely look like here - based on verified research, never a generic checklist.

Airport Access

UNKNOWN: airport-to-home itinerary and travel time require current verification; local transit information does not establish an airport express.

Coffee

Café leads: No separately verified named venue in this category; consult the official destination directory.. Opening hours and work-friendly facilities are not guaranteed.

Culture Museums

Cultural anchors: Escazú municipal services, Escazú municipal cultural programme. Check venue-specific admission and programmes.

Dining

Named dining leads: Mirador Tiquicia. Consult the linked venue or official directory for current menus and reservations.

Healthcare

Hospital CIMA advertises hospital services and an international-patient team in the Escazú area. Provider statements do not establish the complete international-standard matching contract, accreditation validity, insurer acceptance or a verified travel time from every neighbourhood.

Internet

UNKNOWN: address-specific speed and reliability have not been tested. Arrange a backup connection for work; cost estimates are separate from service performance.

Language

Spanish. Confirm the language available for medical, lease and administrative interactions rather than assuming visitor English is sufficient.

Natural Setting

Tobías Bolaños International reports 1992–2021, CustomWeather via timeanddate. Seasonal planning should use the stated station scope; no doorstep outdoor-access guarantee.

Named places

Parque Central de EscazúVisit websiteOpen on Google Maps

Parks Gardens

Outdoor outings: Parque de Bebedero, Parque Central de Escazú. Accessibility and weather should be checked for the specific outing.

Settlement Type

Escazú is a varied canton west of San José, not one uniform expat neighbourhood. San Rafael commercial areas, the central district and San Antonio require different housing and transport decisions. Private services and shopping are useful anchors, but road access, gradients and exact-address walking conditions must be checked.

Shopping Markets

Shopping anchors: Multiplaza Escazú. Vendor schedules differ; compare everyday purchases locally.

Transit

Municipal information distinguishes Escazú Centro, San Rafael and San Antonio. Public-transit routing and frequency have not been independently verified; compare actual routes and a fallback ride budget before leasing.

Urban Scale

71500 residents; INEC 2022 Population and Housing Estimate, table 6.1 page 42; Escazu canton, not central district. Administrative scope matters when comparing the urban core.

Water Recreation

UNKNOWN: complete verified ocean-beach access classification has not been assessed. Waterfront, river or lake descriptions do not independently establish ocean swimming access.

Climate (monthly)

  • Jan: 64.9–82.0°F
  • Feb: 64.9–82.9°F
  • Mar: 66.0–84.9°F
  • Apr: 66.9–86°F
  • May: 68–82.9°F
  • Jun: 66.9–82.9°F
  • Jul: 66.9–82.9°F
  • Aug: 66.0–82.9°F
  • Sep: 64.9–82.0°F
  • Oct: 64.9–81.0°F
  • Nov: 64.9–81.0°F
  • Dec: 64.9–82.0°F

Media gallery

1 verified assets
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