Discovering Costa Rica in March – April

Going to Costa Rica in March or April?

Here we give you all the information and our best advice for enjoying Costa Rica in March-April. This period is considered by all to be a transitional season. It’s at this time of year that we natives look forward to the first rains, which bring color back to the landscape and water to the rivers. March is the hottest month of the year, as the first showers increase the humidity levels considerably. In April, the rains intensify a little more everywhere and the heat persists.

It’s important to note that while March-April are still part of the high season, like January-February, there’s also Holy Week, which is associated with the Peak Season, i.e. the most expensive with Christmas week. We strongly advise you to avoid this week if you want to enjoy your trip to Costa Rica. It’s also a very popular vacation week in the country.

During Holy Week, you can attend the Catholic processions in Cartago and Heredia. Holy Thursday and Friday are the two most fervent days throughout the country.

Here’s a closer look, region by region, at the major trends for discovering Costa Rica in March-April.

Discover Costa Rica in March-April by region in detail

The Caribbean

These are the two hottest months of the year on the Caribbean coast. March is fairly quiet in terms of rainfall, while April is a little wetter. Temperatures don’t vary much, between 77 and 82 degrees. But as soon as the first drops of water fall, the feeling of heat intensifies.

Central Valley

In and around San José, March and April bring a halt to the northerly winds and a return to more intense heat. Temperatures easily reach 86 degrees, and in the evening, a few showers cool the nights a little.

Arenal and Tenorio

March and April are the driest months for this region. The Arenal volcano is often very clear and the Rio Celeste takes on a turquoise hue. It’s one of the best seasons for enjoying the scenery.

Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula

Here, drought is at its worst. March is extremely hot and most rivers are dry. Wildlife waits for rain, as do the inhabitants. These are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures sometimes peaking at 100 degrees. The sea or the swimming pool become indispensable for cooling off.

reptiles-tortue-verte-costa-rica-decouverteCentral Pacific

Moving down the Pacific coast, the climate varies little. From Puntarenas to Manuel Antonio, the days are hot and the occasional scattered rainfall at the end of the day does little to cool the air. Here again, the sea and the pools are havens of coolness.

South Pacific, Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula

Like its northern cousin, the South Pacific still enjoys a fairly dry climate in March, although the rains are starting to return. Temperatures are still very warm, and so are the nights. April is rainier, although sporadic.

Cordillera Central, Dota

March in the Cordillera Central is still a dry, hot month. April sees the first rains and the nights cool down a little.

Here are a few ideas for tours of Costa Rica in March and April:

To discover Costa Rica in March-April, you don’t need to be afraid of the heat. Temperatures are the highest of the year and the winds have died down. It’s also the transition period between the so-called dry season and the wet season, which reinforces the feeling of heat, as humidity levels rise. It’s important to note that Holy Week is one of the highlights of tourism in Costa Rica.