Costa Rica Weather in April

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between mid-December and April, but what is the weather like in Costa Rica in April? In terms of weather, April falls within the country's dry season, which generally runs from December to April. This means you can expect warm, sunny weather with lower chances of rain, making it a great time to explore Costa Rica's beautiful beaches, national parks, and other outdoor activities.

Costa Rica in April at a glance

• Temperatures in April typically range from around 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F).
• April in Costa Rica signals the transition from the dry season to the rainy season. You can expect lush green landscapes during this month and a mix of rainy and sunny days.
• April in Costa Rica experiences fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in April?

In many parts of Costa Rica, April experiences a mix of sunny and rainy days. The mornings and early afternoons tend to be relatively dry and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to high 20s Celsius). However, as the day progresses, you may experience short-lived rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the late afternoon or evening. These showers can vary in intensity and duration.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, including areas such as Puerto Limón and Tortuguero, tends to receive more rainfall throughout the year compared to the Pacific coast. In April, the Caribbean side may experience higher precipitation and potentially more cloudy days.

Is Costa Rica warm in April?

You can expect sunny and warm weather in most parts of the country. On average, temperatures in Costa Rica in April range from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) to the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) in coastal areas, and from the mid-50s°F (around 13°C) to the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) in higher elevations.

The humidity tends to be lower during the dry season (December to April), making the warm temperatures more pleasant too.

Keep in mind that April is a popular time for tourism in Costa Rica, so you may encounter larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities.

Rough Guides tip: A trip to Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Connect with our local experts.

Is April a good time to visit Costa Rica?

As the tail-end of the dry season, April is a popular time to visit Costa Rica, especially as humpback whales breach the calm seas near the beaches of Uvita during their annual mating migrations near Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.

This Costa Rica Eco Adventure couldn't be better suited to a visit to Costa Rica in April for its compact jungle, tropical beaches, forests, wildlife and national parks. The country may be small but it’s a land of stunning natural diversity and the perfect backdrop to a veritable eco-adventure.

What is the average rainfall in Costa Rica in April?

While the country generally experiences lower rainfall during the dry season, some regions such as the Caribbean Coast may still experience occasional rain in April. On average, the total rainfall across the country in April is around 50-100mm (2-4 inches).

Festivals and events in Costa Rica in April

There are several festivals and events that take place in Costa Rica during the month of April. Here are some of them:

• International Arts Festival: San José plays host to two weeks of theatre shows, concerts, dance performances and art exhibitions.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): Held on the Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday, this public holiday is when numerous religious parades and celebrations take place. The biggest procession is held in Cartago.
• Fiesta San Vicente de Moravia: Street fair with music, dancing, traditional food and toro a la Tica (bullfights without the bloodshed)
• Día de Juan Santamaría (Juan Santamaria Day): This National holiday held on 11 April, celebrates a boy who fought off William Walker’s mercenary army to help Costa Rica preserve their independence.

Ready for your dream trip to Costa Rica in April?

Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. All of our planned itineraries are created by local travel experts and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

• Beaches and Volcanoes (7 days): Escape to Arenal for volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Enjoy gentle hikes or partake in adrenaline-fuelled river rafting. Then journey down to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific for some sand and surf fringed by dense forest that’s teeming with wildlife.

• Costa Rica Express (10 days): Start with Arenal Volcano with its waterfalls, hot springs and hanging bridges before crossing the lake to Monteverde. The unique cloud forest invites both adventure and nature lovers for canopy and zip-lining activities as well as wildlife spotting. Finish the trip on the beach in Manuel Antonio.

• Or discover more Costa Rica itineraries.

Visit Costa Rica in other months

• January
• February
• March
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December