Costa Rica Weather in April

April is right at the tail end of Costa Rica’s dry season, so you’re still getting mostly sunny days and warm temperatures. It’s one of the best times to be outside, with lower humidity and not much rain to worry about. Here's our guide to the weather in Costa Rica in April. 

Costa Rica in April at a glance

• Along the coasts, you can expect average temperatures of 75–93°F (24–34°C), while the Central Valley highlands are cooler, ranging from 64–75°F (18–24°C).
• April is the tail end of the high season, with crowds gradually thinning out after Easter.
• It’s a great time to visit, with excellent weather and slightly lower prices than during the peak months.
• Most areas see minimal rainfall.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in April?

April in Costa Rica brings some of the best weather of the year. It’s the last month of the dry season, so you can expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine. It’s a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and beach days. You won’t have to worry much about those afternoon rain showers that are more common in other months, which makes it a nice sweet spot between good weather and smaller crowds, especially after Easter week (if it falls in April).

Rainfall is generally low in April, with most areas getting less than 3 inches (75mm) throughout the month. Even the usually rainier Caribbean coast sees a bit of a dry spell, so you’re likely to have plenty of good weather wherever you go.  This month can also be good for seniors; see our guide to Costa Rica senior tours.

Average daily temperatures in April

April brings some of the warmest temperatures of the year in Costa Rica, but the heat isn’t overwhelming. During the day, you can expect temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s°F (28-32°C), and it cools off to about 70-75°F (21-24°C) at night. If you’re planning on getting in the water, the ocean is nice and warm around 84°F (29°C), so it’s perfect for swimming or any water activities. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Guanacaste (Pacific North)

In Guanacaste, you’ll find the hottest and driest conditions in April. Tamarindo and Playas del Coco can see daytime highs above 95°F (35°C), so if you’re spending time at the beach, be prepared for strong sunshine. The area is pretty dry, with many trees having dropped their leaves, which gives the landscape a unique, almost stark look. But the evenings are great for dinner outdoors or catching a sunset, with more comfortable temperatures.

Central Pacific

The Central Pacific region, including Manuel Antonio and Jacó, sees slightly milder temperatures, usually between 88-91°F (31-33°C) during the day. At night, it cools to around 75°F (24°C). While this area stays dry for the most part, you might get a brief afternoon shower, especially towards the end of the month. It’s still a great time to visit, with warm beach weather and the lush rainforests (see our favorite Costa Rica rainforest tour).

Southern Caribbean

The Southern Caribbean, including Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, runs on a slightly different weather pattern. While the Pacific coast is at its driest, the Caribbean enjoys a short dry spell in April after typically wetter months. Temperatures here range from 75-88°F (24-31°C), and it tends to be a bit more humid. The calm seas are perfect for snorkeling, and the rainforest is always lush, which is great if you’re planning on taking a look at the wildlife in Costa Rica. 
 

Is April a good time to visit Costa Rica?

April is definitely one of the better months to visit Costa Rica. It’s right at the tail end of the dry season, so you’ll get plenty of sunshine, which is perfect if you’re planning on outdoor activities like zipper-lining, surfing, and hiking. The national parks are especially accessible during this time, with dry trails allowing for easier exploration of rainforests and cloud forests. You won’t have to deal with the afternoon rain showers typical of the wet season, which means you can make the most of your time outdoors. Temperatures do peak in April, but the heat is still manageable, and you’ll always have the option to cool off with a swim in the ocean. 

If you’re hoping to see Costa Rica wildlife, April is a great month for spotting animals. As the dry season continues, many animals are heading to water sources, so you’ll have the chance to see them up close. 

What about the crowd & cost?

April has a bit of a mix when it comes to crowds and costs. Early in the month, if Easter (Semana Santa) falls in April, the country gets crowded with both locals and tourists, as it’s one of the busiest travel periods. However, once Easter passes, things calm down a lot. The crowds drop, and you get to enjoy excellent weather with far fewer people around.

As for costs, hotel rates begin to drop after the peak period of January to March, with some places offering discounts of 10-20% by mid-April. Tours and activities are still available, but with more options and sometimes better prices. Coastal destinations still attract visitors, but beaches and national parks are definitely less crowded than in the high season.

If you prefer even fewer crowds, consider visiting in late April or early May, right before the rainy season kicks in.  See more in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. 
 

Where to go in Costa Rica in April

The weather in Costa Rica in April is still dry, but starting to heat up. It's a good month for last-chance beach trips before the rainy season begins.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

April works well for visiting Rincón de la Vieja because the trails are still in decent shape—no deep mud yet—so it’s easy to walk around and see the volcanic stuff like bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and natural hot springs. The waterfalls are still flowing, fed by subway water systems that keep them going even late in the season. It’s also a good time for spotting animals—white-faced monkeys and coatis are usually out in the early morning, along with plenty of birds. What’s nice about this park is that you get a real mix of ecosystems.

La Fortuna/Arenal

This is when you’ve got the best shot at seeing the volcano clearly—April mornings are often cloud-free, which means you can actually get a view of Arenal’s full shape before it disappears behind the usual afternoon mist. The La Fortuna Waterfall still has a strong flow this time of year, but the pool at the bottom tends to be calmer, so it’s a nicer swim. Evenings are good for hot springs—there are a bunch in the area, from fancy setups to casual spots along the river—and with clearer skies, it’s a relaxing way to end the day. Most of the outdoor stuff—zipper-lining, hiking, hanging bridges—runs without weather delays.

Santa Teresa and Mal País

These two beach towns sit next to each other on the Nicoya Peninsula, and April is a great time to be there. The Pacific stays calm and clear, good for swimming and snorkeling around the rocky areas. Surf conditions are consistent but not too heavy, which makes it a decent time for both beginners and regular surfers. The light in the afternoons is something people talk about—everything gets that golden look—and sunset tends to draw everyone out to the beach. The roads that connect the towns and nearby beaches are still dry and passable in April.

What to do in Costa Rica in April

The weather in April in Costa Rica is still reliable enough for hiking, beach time, and outdoor adventures. If you’re planning on diving or snorkeling, visibility on the Pacific coast is usually at its clearest now. You’ll also catch a few local celebrations this month that give you a better sense of everyday life here.

Bird watching in the Central Valley

Birding in the Central Valley is especially active in April. Local birds are in breeding season, which means they’re more visible and vocal, and some migratory birds are still around before heading back north. Mornings are usually cooler and clearer, so it’s a good time to head out early. 

Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, it’s easy to spot colorful species like toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds just by walking through yards or coffee plantations. If you’re hoping to see a quetzal, this is a good month for it—they’re feeding on wild avocados and tend to show up more often. 

Día de Juan Santamaría 

On April 11, towns across Costa Rica mark Día de Juan Santamaría, a national vacation honoring the country’s most well-known folk hero. Alajuela, where he was born, is the main hub for celebrations, but you’ll find parades, music, and dancing in other parts of the country too. Streets usually fill with traditional dress and live performances, and you’ll see plenty of local food stalls—chorreadas and chicharrones are common favorites. The day also holds a lot of historical meaning. It commemorates the 1856 battle where Santamaría played a key role in defeating invading forces, which shaped Costa Rica’s national identity and helped cement its military-free status. It’s a day locals take seriously, but it’s also welcoming and easy to experience as a visitor. This is a great thing to do in Costa Rica with kids.

Visit the bioluminescent bay (Punta Mona)

If you’re heading to the Caribbean side, April’s a good time to visit Punta Mona to see bioluminescence. It happens all year, but April tends to have warmer nights and calm water, which makes it easier to spot. Go during a new moon when it’s really dark out—you’ll see glowing blue light in the water caused by tiny microorganisms that light up when moved. 

Night kayaking is a good way to experience it, but you can also swim if conditions are calm. Every splash or paddle stroke sets off a shimmer beneath the surface. Punta Mona is pretty remote, so you’re away from city lights, and if the skies are clear, you’ll get a great view of the stars above too.

Planning your trip to Costa Rica in April

A handful of Costa Rica travel tips for your trip:

What to pack

April’s when you start to feel the shift, so pack with that in mind. You’ll still want lightweight, quick-dry clothes, but it’s smart to add in a couple moisture-wicking shirts—humidity’s on the rise, especially later in the month. A packable rain jacket that actually keeps you dry (not just “resistant”) is worth the space. A small dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and passport makes life easier once the air gets damp. If you’re planning hikes, shoes with decent grip matter—some trails start getting slick. And if you’re heading through dusty areas like Guanacaste, a bandana or light cloth mask helps a lot more than you’d think.

Planning your itinerary

If Costa Rica is on your radar for April, getting started with an itinerary can really help structure your trip. Check out these ideas:

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Explore the cultural side of San José, then head to La Fortuna for rainforest trails and waterfalls. Hike around Arenal Volcano, then finish in Monteverde’s cloud forests with hanging bridges, before heading back to San José for a coffee farm tour.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Start your trip in San José, then spend a few days in Manuel Antonio’s beaches and rainforests. Zipper-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and end your time in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano’s trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Start in San José, then head to Tortuguero’s canals for wildlife viewing. Visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, followed by time in Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife, and wrap up your trip at Jaco Beach for some surfing and sunsets.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Begin your trip in San José, then explore Tortuguero’s canals, Puerto Viejo’s Caribbean culture, and Cahuita’s coral reefs. Visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, Monteverde’s cloud forests, and finish your journey at Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife.

When to book

April starts off busy if Holy Week falls in the first half of the month. Local travel picks up, and hotels go fast. In that case, you’ll want to book your stay five or six months out. If you’re coming after the vacation rush, things calm down and it gets easier to find places to stay—even a couple of months in advance is usually fine. The Pacific beaches start to clear out, while areas like the Central Valley stay steady. For places like Monteverde or popular hot springs, reservation ahead is still a good idea during the first half of the month, but later on you’ll find more openings.

Emergency weather information

April’s the start of serious thunderstorm season, especially if you’re in the Central Valley or up in the mountains. Afternoon hikes can get risky fast with lightning—if you see dark clouds rolling in, get to shelter. Don’t try to wait it out on a ridge or open trail.

Even though it’s just the start of the wet season, flash floods can hit with zero warning, especially in low-lying spots. If you see a road or path covered in water, turn around. It doesn’t take much to sweep a car—or a person—away.

Meanwhile, Guanacaste is still dealing with dry season fire risks, even as other parts of the country start seeing more rain. Keep an eye on changing conditions.
It’s a good idea to download the Waze app before you go—it’s great for real-time road updates during storms. If you’re headed into a national park, check your trail map for emergency shelter locations ahead of time. And if something big happens, the National Emergency Commission (CNE) posts updates on social media pretty regularly.

 For more travel inspiration, see our guide to creating your own Costa Rica itinerary, with tips from local travel experts, or find extra ideas in our Costa Rica travel guide and tailored Costa Rica trips.