Costa Rica in April: Weather and Wildlife Ventures

  • 965 views
  • ~ mins read

A trip to Costa Rica in April is the perfect time to experience the country’s epic religious festivals and enjoy warm weather conditions along with action-packed fiestas. This month marks the end of the dry season in Costa Rica, and the central and western parts of the country receive nearly no rainfall at this time of year.

A sunny climate along with clear skies mean that there is no limit to what adventurous souls can do in Costa Rica in April. Enjoy water sports in Puerto Viejo and scour the hiking trails of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Do not forget to unwind on enchanting Caribbean beaches and enjoy the festive Easter spirit in downtown San Jose before it is time to catch your flight back home.

Best Trip I’ve Ever Been On
  • Fiachra O Brolachain
  • From Ireland
5 - Excellent
“Had an amazing time on this tour. Manu, our tour guide, was a legend he made was part...” Read More
View Incredible Tours in Costa Rica

Costa Rica weather in April

Sunset View of Playa Espadilla Beach in Costa Rica
Relax in the pristine beach of Playa Espadilla Beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Being the last month of the dry season, April is an ideal time to take advantage of everything Costa Rica has to offer before rains batter the country. The average temperature in Costa Rica in April hovers between 17°C to 30°C, making it perfect for a beach getaway with your partner. The weather is also conducive for surfing in Puerto Viejo and enjoying safari adventures in wildlife sanctuaries.

The only downside of this month is that temperatures can reach scorching highs, particularly on the country’s west coast and the north-western region, which is close to the Pacific Ocean. In contrast to this, the Caribbean side is more humid with light showers offering relief from the heat. The capital city, San Jose, has a dry climate similar to the northwestern side of Costa Rica in April.

For a seasonal overview, read our article on the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Weather in Costa Rica in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)262624
Avg Nightly (°C)141617
Avg Daily (°F)797976
Avg Nightly (°F)586163
Avg Rainfall (mm)28100369

Why visit Costa Rica in April

Tortuga island in Costa Rica can be visited as a day tour
Tortuga Island is a great place to visit on a day tour
Suspended bridge at natural rainforest park, Costa Rica
Feel the thrill of crossing the suspended bridge in Monteverde National Park, Costa Rica

April is the peak season in Costa Rica. Yes, you will encounter lots of people and the prices of accommodation and activities will be slightly higher (although not as high as the preceding months). However, there are numerous reasons why you should still consider traveling to Costa Rica in April. We have listed a few of them below.

  • Festive atmosphere: Nothing is more delightful than the festivities of Costa Rica. The Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is celebrated during this month with parades, concerts, and carnivals throughout the country.
    Better prices - While accommodation and transportation can become quite expensive in the peak summer season, both the crowds and the prices start to drop by the beginning of this month. So, if you visit Costa Rica in April, you can enjoy better rates than you would in January and February.
  • Wildlife-spotting opportunities: Lovers of wildlife are in for a treat of a lifetime during their trip to this destination. This is when turtles start nesting on the beaches along the Pacific coast and wild animals congregate around watering holes in Monteverde and Corcovado to slake their thirst.
  • Water sports: April is the best time to surf the waves off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Besides that, the rivers throughout the country are less fierce during this time of year, making the water level safe for rafting, canoeing, and other water sports.
  • Perfect time for foodies: Since April is the Easter season, you will get the chance to enjoy numerous traditional dishes during your stay in the country. Make sure that you try local delicacies such as chiverre, dulce de coco, arroz con leche, and fresh homemade bread.

Where to go and what to do

Costa Rica itinerary can include white water rafting
Pacuare River is suitable for white water rafting

Osa and Nicoya peninsulas along with the country’s Caribbean coast are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica in April. Enjoy a sightseeing tour in San Jose and see its Metropolitan Cathedral, Jade Museum, and other must-visit landmarks. Then relax in the verdant greenery of Corcovado National Park or head to Tortuguero to see turtles returning to beaches.

Travel to the Caribbean side of the country for an enticing beach holiday and surf the enormous waves of Puerto Viejo. You might also want to immerse yourself in the hot springs around the Arenal Volcano and visit the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. Explore the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest and relax on the pristine beaches of Montezuma and Malpais.

From hiking and sightseeing to surfing and diving, there are countless things to do in Costa Rica in April. Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Costa Rica for more ideas and inspiration.

Regardless of whether you are a culture vulture, nature lover, or adventurer at heart, April is a great time to discover Costa Rica. Contact our travel experts in the country to help you with a tailor-made trip to Costa Rica in April.

You can also browse through our list of available Costa Rica tours in April.

Other articles:
Costa Rica in March
Costa Rica in May

Published by David Lee, updated on February 1, 2023

Related Articles

Plan a trip to Costa RicaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Costa Rica.
  • Verónica Medina
    Verónica MedinaTravel Expert in Costa Rica
  • Olman Romero
    Olman RomeroTravel Expert in Costa Rica
  • Yuliana Valverde
    Yuliana ValverdeTravel Expert in Costa Rica
Our travel experts are recommended by:
  • BBC
  • Independent
  • Lonely Planet
0 COMMENTSWe welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.