April in Costa Rica - Olga Sáenz

Costa Rica Weather Guide: Month-to-Month Breakdown by Destination

Costa Rica, a tropical paradise located in Central America, boasts a diverse climate that varies significantly from month to month. This Costa Rica weather guide will help you understand the weather patterns across different regions, ensuring you plan your trip at the perfect time.

Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, a rainforest adventure, or a cultural exploration, understanding the Costa Rican weather can help you make the most of your trip.

From the sunny beaches of the Northern Pacific to the lush rainforests of the Caribbean Coast, the weather in Costa Rica plays a crucial role in shaping your travel experiences.

Let’s get into the month-by-month breakdown of Costa Rican weather across key destinations: Caribbean Coast, Arenal Volcano Region, Central Valley, Central and South Pacific, Northern Pacific, and Monteverde.

January

General: January marks the beginning of the dry season, with sunny and warm weather and average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).

Caribbean Coast: Expect occasional rain despite the dry season elsewhere. Temperatures are warm and humid.

Arenal Volcano Region: This area experiences its rainy season, so expect rain showers.

Central Valley: sunny and warm, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring San José and surrounding areas.

Central and South Pacific: Warm and mostly dry, ideal for beach activities and exploring rainforests.

Northern Pacific: sunny, warm, and dry—perfect for beachgoers.

Monteverde: The windy season, with sunny skies, wet breezes, and frequent rainbows.

January is great in the North Pacific Region | Costa Rica Weather Guide

February

General: February continues with sunny days and clear skies, temperatures remaining consistent.

Caribbean Coast: occasional showers but mostly warm and humid.

Arenal Volcano | Costa Rica Weather Guide

Arenal Volcano Region: Still rainy, with some sunshine breaking through.

Central Valley: warm, sunny days with clear skies.

Central Valley | Costa Rica Weather Guide

Central and South Pacific: warm, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities.

Northern Pacific: continuation of sunny and warm weather.

Monteverde: The windy season continues, with clear skies and occasional rainbows.

March

General: The tail-end of the dry season, with bright sunshine and parched landscapes.

Caribbean Coast: Warm and humid, with less rain.

Arenal Volcano Region: Transitioning to sunnier weather.

Central Valley: consistently warm and sunny.

Central and South Pacific: warm with dry conditions.

South Pacific Coast | Costa Rica Weather Guide

Northern Pacific: sunny and warm, excellent for beach activities.

Monteverde: The windy season winds down, maintaining sunny skies and breezy conditions.

April

General: A transitional month with mostly sunny weather and occasional showers.

Caribbean Coast: Still experiencing rainy season showers.

Arenal Volcano Region: Occasional rain with increasing sunny days.

Central Valley: warm and sunny, occasional thunderstorms.

Central and South Pacific: warm, with occasional showers.

Northern Pacific: sunny and warm, preparing for the rainy season.

Manuel Antonio Beach in the Central Pacific | Costa Rica Weather Guide

Monteverde: The windy season ends, leading to wetter conditions with sunny breaks.

May

General: Beginning of the rainy season, characterized by thunderstorms and rain showers.

Caribbean Coast: Increasing rain showers.

Arenal Volcano Region: Regular thunderstorms and rain.

Central Valley: Warm, with frequent rain showers.

Central and South Pacific: regular rain showers, maintaining warm temperatures.

Northern Pacific: Start of the rainy season, with increasing showers.

Monteverde: Rainy season begins, with lush greenery and frequent rains.

It usually rains some hours and then it's beautiful and sunny | Costa Rica Weather Guide — It usually rains some hours and then it’s beautiful and sunny | Costa Rica Weather Guide

June

General: Typical rainy season month, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.

Caribbean Coast: continuous rain showers.

Arenal Volcano Region: Frequent rain, essential for lush vegetation.

Central Valley: regular rain showers and warm temperatures.

Central and South Pacific: frequent rain showers, maintaining lush vegetation.

Northern Pacific: Regular rain showers and thunderstorms.

Monteverde: The rainy season continues, enhancing the region’s lushness.

July

General: Part of the “little summer” or “veranillo,” a drier period within the rainy season.

Caribbean Coast: Slight reduction in rain, but still humid.

Arenal Volcano Region: Morning sun with afternoon showers.

Central Valley: sunny mornings and afternoon rains.

Central and South Pacific: sunny mornings, afternoon showers.

Northern Pacific: Less rain, with drier conditions.

Monteverde: Break from heavy rains, with sunny mornings and afternoon showers.

August

General: Continues the “little summer” trend, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain showers.

Caribbean Coast: Consistent rain with sunny breaks.

Arenal Volcano Region: Mix of sun and showers.

Central Valley: warm, with afternoon rains.

Central and South Pacific: morning sun, afternoon showers.

Northern Pacific: Drier conditions, ideal for outdoor activities.

Monteverde: Similar to July, with sunny mornings and showers later in the day.

September

General: Marks the end of the “little summer” and the beginning of the peak rainy season.

Caribbean Coast: Heavy rain showers and thunderstorms.

Arenal Volcano Region: frequent rain, active wildlife.

Central Valley: regular rain showers and warm temperatures.

Central and South Pacific: frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.

Northern Pacific: Regular rain showers and thunderstorms.

Monteverde: Peak rainy season, with lush greenery and frequent rains.

October

General: Typical rainy season month, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.

Caribbean Coast: continuous rain showers and humid conditions.

Arenal Volcano Region: frequent rain, lush landscapes.

Central Valley: regular rain showers and warm temperatures.

Central and South Pacific: continuous rain showers, active wildlife.

Northern Pacific: Regular rain showers and thunderstorms.

Monteverde: Lush and green, with continuous rain showers.

November

General: End of the rainy season, with decreasing rain showers and thunderstorms.

Caribbean Coast: Gradually decreasing rain showers.

Arenal Volcano Region: Less frequent rain, increasing sunny days.

Central Valley: reducing rain showers, warm temperatures.

Central and South Pacific: decreasing rain, preparing for the dry season.

Northern Pacific: Less frequent rain showers, warming up.

Monteverde: Start of the windy season, with wet breezes and sunny skies.

December

December is a weird month if you are in the higher areas of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast there will be an increase in the winds. And it gets quite sunny.

However, for the mountains, and the Central Valley is very windy, there is a permanent drizzle and lots of rainbows. It is the favorite month of the year for many Costa Ricans.

General: Beginning of the dry season, with sunny days and clear skies.

Caribbean Coast: occasional rain, mostly sunny.

Arenal Volcano Region: Mix of sun and occasional rain showers.

Central Valley: sunny, warm days.

Central and South Pacific: sunny and warm, ideal for outdoor activities.

Northern Pacific: sunny and warm, perfect for beachgoers.

Monteverde: Windy season in full swing, with wet breezes and sunny skies, frequent rainbows.

Conclusion

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the Northern Pacific beaches, exploring the rainforests of the Caribbean Coast, or hiking through the vibrant landscapes of Monteverde, being prepared for the Costa Rican weather will enhance your experience.

Embrace the natural beauty and diverse climate of this stunning country, and make your adventure unforgettable.

By understanding these weather patterns, you can plan your activities and destinations in Costa Rica more effectively. Enjoy your adventure in this diverse and beautiful country!

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Costa Rica in April

Costa Rica in April is sunny and full of colors. Many trees bloom, and the jacarandas compete with the Pink Puis to turn the Central Valley into a glorious painting. The country boasts its beauty in this month more than in any other!

Yellow Pui Tree in bloom | Costa Rica in April

Anyone who has toured Costa Rica will say that it is worthwhile to visit at any time of year. And, as it has such a variety of microclimates, it all depends on what you like best; except for the extremes, we got it all!

However, April may be the best month to visit our country, as it is simply breathtaking!

Costa Rica in April has perfect weather. It is sunny, a bit breezy, and wonderful in all senses. There may be a couple of rains, but it is only the announcement of the new coming season. In general, it is a great time to come!

It is also the season for bird chicks to get out of their nests and learn to fly. A busy time in the wilderness. And, if you are lucky enough, you may even get the first rains of the season and see life coming back in many areas!

And although the peak tourist season begins when the dry season begins, which also coincides with winter break and New Year’s.

The other peak season also coincides with the end of the beginning of the rainy season. Semana Santa (Easter Week) is the other busiest time of year as Latin Americans, including Costa Ricans, take vacations to travel. And for the US and Canada, it is spring break.

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is an event that typically occurs in April. It is the week preceding Easter Sunday filled with religious processions and celebrations.

For 2025 the dates of Easter are: Sun, Apr 13, 2025 – Sat, Apr 19, 2025.

So! If your holidays for 2025 are on this week, now you know you better, call your travel designer right now as hotels fill up incredibly fast!

Holy week in Costa Rica| Costa Rica in April

If you’re looking for warm weather and a place with beaches, adventure, and the attractions of a tropical vacation, April in Costa Rica has a lot to offer.

However, it’s vital to be mindful of some things because the high season is in full swing.

Let’s talk about seasons in Costa Rica:

We don’t have seasons as the temperature doesn’t change much, as you may already know. Mainly, the changes apply to if it is raining or not.

April is one of the months when the whole country is in a sunny period. And although it will vary from one place to the next according to region, height above sea level, wind, and other variables, April is a very friendly month to come to Costa Rica.

Keep in mind that the temperature in the tropics is uncertain, so there might be some cooler or rainy days in April. But it would be as weird as all changes we are getting these days.

Nevertheless, it also is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-’90s. Fortunately, Costa Rica’s coasts are a wonderfully refreshing antidote to the interior’s steamy heat.

Manuel Antonio National Park | April in Costa Rica

Of course, it is essential to realize that because of its geographical location and the many mountains there are over 5000 feet above sea level, you will find that except for the coastal regions and the northern lowlands, almost all of Costa Rica has delightful weather with an average temperature of 71°F (22°C).

Let’s look at some additional elements of April in Costa Rica:

Agriculture:

In April, mangos are beginning to appear in the trees. They can be eaten with salt and lemon; it’s a treat!

Strawberries, cantaloupes, guavas, watermelons, rambutan, and tamarind are in season, as are star and passion fruits.

It is the end of the sugar cane season; some heavy and bulky sugar cane loaded trucks may be on some North and Pacific roads.

Trees are in bloom! Jacarandas, Pink Puis, Yellow Cortes, Royal Poinsettia, and African Tulips. Star Fruits and passion fruits are in season.

You may find other fruits in the fruit stands on the road and in supermarkets, cantaloupes, watermelons, guavas, strawberries, rambutan, and tamarind.

Wildlife sightings in Costa Rica in April:

Obviously Costa Rican nature does not operate as a zoo; sightings are based mainly on chance. However, many animals in Costa Rica can be seen all year, including sloths, monkeys, coatimundis, and over 600 species, including 50 types of hummingbirds and six types of toucans.

It is important to note that Costa Rica accounts for over 900 species of birds; however, migratory birds are already flying back home in April.

Turtles

Turtles come to Costa Rica by the millions, literally speaking.

However, and unfortunately, April is not the best time to spot them. If you are fortunate, you may see one of the enormous leatherback sea turtles, the biggest in the world, on the Caribbean coast.

Either in Tortuguero or Gandoca, in the south. However, these are sporadic sightings.

On the Pacific Coast you may be lucky enough to witness an arribada in Ostional Beach, or similar. It is a random phenomenon, and you may have to cancel previous plans to go see it, but it is worth it!

Dolphins

You can see them all year long. Several species, including bottlenose and spotted dolphins, can be seen throughout the year, so you have a good chance of seeing them.

Depending on where you are staying, there are several catamarans and sailing boats, so the chance to see big schools of dolphins are high. Ask your travel designer about the best places to see dolphins.

The best places to go dolphin watching in Costa Rica:

Tamarindo and surroundings.
Drake Bay
Tambor
Golfo Dulce
Golfo de Nicoya
Dominical (Parque Marino Ballena)
Caribbean: Limon and South Caribbean
*Some lucky people have seen dolphins in the Tortuguero Canals

Whales

Costa Rica is the winter place for the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales, and so, April is not a good time to see them. (Their winter is July, August, September).

However, you may be quite lucky and spot some of the California Whales that come to Central America looking for warmer waters. Not usual in April, though.

Birdwatching in April in Costa Rica

Resplendent Quetzal

In April, Monteverde and Savegre and other high regions of the mountain ranges will be visible. It is the moment of the year when species are mating and looking for eggs and young. The mating dances and songs are in full swing, and the feathers and noises can be spectacular.

Species that migrate

The 252 migratory bird species are already flying back North, and our forests seem to miss some of the many mixed flock members that are noticeable in the sunny season.

Usual Costa Rican Birds

It’s a great time to go bird watching because March is nesting season, and April is juvenile. They emerge from their nests and can be seen flying for the first time in various locations, using their brand-new wings.

The remaining bird species can be seen all year.

Toucans

Costa Rica is habitat to six different toucan species. Keel-billed toucans, as well as Black and Keel Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled Mandibuled The Emerald Toucanet can be found in high elevations like Monteverde.

Keel Billed Toucan | April in Costa Rica | Costa Rica in April — Keel Billed Toucan | April in Costa Rica

The golden-eared Eared Toucanet is hard to spot. They are visible all year. The black-mandibled toucan and the keel-billed toucan are relatively common sightings along the Caribbean Coast and in the northern area. They can also be seen in mountain areas such as Monteverde and Turrialba. Collared Aracaris can be seen in these lowlands, despite not being found in the highest elevations.

Costa Rica’s Central and South Pacific are home to fiery-billed Aracaris. Yellow-eared toucans and Emerald Toucanets can be found in the mountains of Guanacaste, near the Caribbean and Monteverde.

Costa Rica in April – The Travel Industry

Due to the conservation of National Parks and reserves and the pandemic, the number of persons permitted to visit some of these locations can be pretty limited.

And if you are driving, it is important for you to know that there are already many National Parks that are not selling their entrance tickets on-site, but online, so it’s a good idea to keep this information in mind and discuss it with your travel designer.

Cruises

Cruise ships travel to Costa Rica in April. This is important to know if you intend to visit the Crocodile Safari in Tarcoles River, Carara National Park, the Pacific Aerial Tram, Monteverde Reserve in the Monteverde area, or Hanging Bridges, Coffee Tour.

Many people will also be in Monteverde, Arenal, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio. Tour operators and tour companies are ready for this, and it’s all well structured in general.

And in the area of the Caribbean, some of the adventure sites like ziplines, tubing, or kayaking may be crowded on cruise days.

Surfing:

From January to April, chilly winter fronts press into the Caribbean every now and then creating the enormous and continuous waves.

To enjoy the benefits of the waves in Costa Rica in April, Salsa Brava is at its peak in Puerto Viejo, in the South Caribbean.

Surfing in April in Costa Rica | Costa Rica in April — Surfing in April in Costa Rica

To wrap it up:

If you want to get away, coming to Costa Rica in April is a beautiful idea because it will offer some warm sunny rays and allow you to relax in the exotic destinations that the country provides. And although it is high season, it is not considered peak season (Except for the Eater week).

Places will have a constant flow of people on the trails and the beach and the hotels and lodges, but the weather is breathtakingly beautiful.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica April, especially before or during Easter Week, reserve your hotel, or place to stay as of now, whenever you are reading this. It’s urgent!

And if you can move it for after Easter, you will see the best of Costa Rica, pristine and empty.

Keep on reading to find when is the best time to come to Costa Rica!