Complete Guide to April in Costa Rica

Are you planning on visiting Costa Rica in April? If so, you’ll be excited to learn that visiting Costa Rica in April is ideal if you love adventurous activities, warm sunshine, festive celebrations during Holy Week, perfect beach weather, and wildlife spotting.

April is arguably the best month to visit Costa Rica for locals and international visitors (also making it the peak season). Keep reading to learn what makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for a tropical trip in April.

Costa Rica Weather in April

April is the last month of Costa Rica’s dry season—meaning it’s also the hottest month to visit Costa Rica. April sees average temperature ranging from 86°F to 96°F on the northwestern side during the dry season, especially in the Guanacaste Province and the Nicoya Peninsula. There are usually no rainy days on the western side of Costa Rica in April, so the country is dry, sunny, and warm during the final days of the dry season.

The rainy season picks up in May on Costa Rica’s Pacific side, dousing the lush rainforest with much-needed rain. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can vary depending on the side of the country you’re on. For example, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, temperatures tend to be cooler in April, with a high of 87°F. While you’ll still enjoy great weather in April, the driest and hottest months on the Caribbean Coast are September and October.

April Events in Costa Rica

If you plan a trip to Costa Rica in April, you will have the opportunity to witness a national holiday in Costa Rica and two of the most important holidays in Central America: Semana Santa and Easter Sunday!

#1

Juan Santamaria Day

If you’re in Costa Rica on April 11th, you can celebrate Juan Santamaria Day, one of the only days you will ever be able to honor a war hero (the country abolished its military army in 1949). However, years before that, in 1856, William Walker from the United States overthrew Nicaragua’s government with plans to take over all of Central America. Juan Santamaria, a Costa Rican soldier, was the one who stopped the army at the “Batalla de Riva,” and he is celebrated every year in Costa Rica on April 11th.

On this holiday, you can expect banks and government offices to be closed, but most restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist attractions will be open.

#2

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a huge holiday in Costa Rica that leads up to Easter Sunday. It is one of the most important holidays in Costa Rica since most of the country practices Roman Catholicism. Easter Week usually falls in early April, but some years, it falls during the last week of March.

Costa Ricans have several cultural and religious traditions during Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday that you can partake in during your trip to Costa Rica. Catholic churches hold religious processions, and families sell and share delicious food during the Easter season, including bread, Arroz con Leche (rice pudding), and Dulce de Coco (sweet coconut).

It’s important to know that international visitors aren’t the only tourists in Costa Rica during Easter Week. Locals and their families take advantage of the great weather, leave big cities like San José, and head to the beach towns along the Pacific Ocean to soak up the sun. If you want to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in April, book your hotels plenty of time in advance. Also, note that some businesses, tours, and transportation services will be closed from Thursday to Sunday during Easter Week, and it’s also illegal to sell alcohol during this time.

Best Things to Do in Costa Rica in April

There are plenty of things to do in Costa Rica in April—on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the county. These are some of the best national parks, beaches, and towns visitors shouldn’t miss during their vacation to Costa Rica.

#1

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast. It’s a fabulous place to see exotic wildlife, like monkeys, tapirs, and jaguars, but it’s only accessible via guided day hikes and multi-day tours. However, if you can squeeze this excursion into your itinerary for Costa Rica—it’s worth it!

#2

Puerto Viejo

If you want to dodge the hot, dry weather on Costa Rica’s western beaches, head to the country’s East Coast. The surfing village of Puerto Viejo enjoys spectacular waves and pleasant weather in April. You can also spend a day at amazing wildlife sanctuaries like the Jaguar Rescue Center, which is home to sick, injured, endangered, and orphaned animals like monkeys, sloths, and sea turtles.

#3

Pacific Beaches

If you book your accommodations in advance, staying on one of Costa Rica’s beaches on the Pacific Ocean, like Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco, or Playa Tamarindo, can’t be missed during the sunny, warm, dry season from December to April.

With 300+ beaches, Costa Rica has a beach for every personality. Whether you enjoy beautiful, laid-back beaches or vibrant beach towns with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, you’ll be able to find a beach to suit your interests from this guide to the best beaches in Guanacaste.

Book a Stay with Special Places of Costa Rica for Your April Vacation

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, we’d love for you to stay in one of our houses, condos, villas, or beachfront properties in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica.

However, as we mentioned earlier, rooms book up fast in Costa Rica in April. Browse our available properties, and book your stay now to secure the best price!