M4.0 Depth: 20.0 km

M4.0 Earthquake near Guanacaste (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-01-08 14:33:43 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 8, 2026 at 14:33 UTC, a magnitude M4.0 earthquake occurred near Guanacaste (Costa Rica). With a focal depth of about 20 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by EMSC. Costa Rica: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 6 earthquakes, the strongest at M3.8.

Details

Magnitude

M4.0

Depth

20.0 km

UTC time

2026-01-08 14:33:43 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Guanacaste

City

Guanacaste

Source

emsc

Coordinates

10.68000, -86.15000

Temperature

27.2°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

20 km

20 km — shallower than the regional average (27.1 km)

Regional average: 27.1 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Orosi

Distance: 81 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'659 m ·Costa Rica
Rincon de la Vieja

Distance: 90 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 1'729 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Costa Rica
Miravalles

Distance: 109 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'028 m ·Last eruption: 1946 ·Costa Rica
Concepcion

Distance: 111 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'700 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Nicaragua
Zapatera

Distance: 122 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 629 m ·Nicaragua
Tenorio

Distance: 124 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'916 m ·Costa Rica

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Costa Rica

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

717

Country (24h)