M3.8 Depth: 7.0 km

M3.8 Earthquake near COSTA RICA (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2025-12-21 11:18:09 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.8 earthquake was recorded near COSTA RICA (Costa Rica) on December 21, 2025 at 11:18 UTC. With a focal depth of about 7 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks. Costa Rica: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 6 earthquakes, the strongest at M3.8.

Details

Magnitude

M3.8

Depth

7.0 km

UTC time

2025-12-21 11:18:09 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

Source

emsc

Coordinates

9.24460, -84.23690

Temperature

26.5°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

7 km

7 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

Irazu

Distance: 92 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 100 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Turrialba

Distance: 101 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
Poas

Distance: 106 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 118 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
Arenal

Distance: 145 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'670 m ·Last eruption: 2010 ·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)