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 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C).
• 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 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 26°C). 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.

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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 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) in coastal areas, and from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°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 lodging and activities.

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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 better way to plan a trip than to rely on personalized experiences? Our content manager has traveled to Costa Rica and shares with you what to consider when planning your trip.

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 2-4 inches (50-100mm).

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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 theater shows, concerts, dance performances and art exhibitions.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): Held on the Thursday and Friday before Easter Sunday, this public vacation 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 vacation held on 11 April, celebrates a boy who fought off William Walker’s mercenary army to help Costa Rica preserve their independence.

Plan your trip with our Costa Rica itineraries

Our Costa Rica itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Get a taste of Costa Rica with a whirlwind visit to Arenal’s volcano and Monteverde’s cloud forests. Perfect if you’re short on time but craving adventure.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Spend a week exploring Arenal, Monteverde, and the Pacific coast’s beaches. A balanced mix of lush landscapes, wildlife, and relaxation.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Dive deeper with stops at Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero’s jungle canals, and Manuel Antonio’s beaches. Ideal for a blend of rainforest, wildlife, and coastal vibes.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Two weeks to soak up Costa Rica’s best: Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero, and both coasts, including the wild Osa Peninsula. Perfect for serious nature lovers.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days are best to spend in Costa Rica depending on your goals.

Visit Costa Rica in other months

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