When to go · Costa Rica
Costa Rica in April
Great month. Hottest month in Guanacaste; Easter crowds if late; still dry.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Medium
- Costa Rica
- Prices
- Medium
- Costa Rica
Verdict
Hottest month in Guanacaste; Easter crowds if late; still dry.
Weather in April
- Guanacaste and the north Pacific · Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresahot
The driest region: brown hills and hot days Dec–Apr; a short dry spell (veranillo) in July.
- Central and south Pacific · Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Osa, Corcovadobest weather
Very wet Sep–Oct; some Osa lodges close and Corcovado can shut in October (check).
- Central Valley and mountains · San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazúbest weather
Spring-like 18–26 °C; Monteverde is cool, windy and misty — pack a fleece.
- Northern plains · La Fortuna, Arenalbest weather
Rain any month; Arenal's cone is often in cloud — mornings are clearest.
- Caribbean · Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguerobest weather
Reverse pattern: September–October are the driest months; Nov–Jan the wettest.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Semana Santa big impact
Mar–Apr (Easter, check)
Beaches full; alcohol sales limited Thursday–Friday in some cantons; buses reduced.
Juan Santamaría Day
11 Apr
Public holiday.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Costa Rica
- Medium
- Prices · Costa Rica
- Medium
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
Where to go in April
Rated best or good this month
Central and south Pacific
Best weather of the year (Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Osa, Corcovado)
Central Valley and mountains
Best weather of the year (San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazú)
Northern plains
Best weather of the year (La Fortuna, Arenal)
Caribbean
Best weather of the year (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero)
Last dry month; rains begin late.