Costa Rica Weather in April 2025: Sunny and Splendid

April is marked with reliably sunny weather in Costa Rica, resulting in the continuation of perfect beach weather. While regions along the Pacific coast like Manuel Antonio National Park start experiencing an increase in rainfall during this time, most of the country remains quite dry. April is the historically the hottest month of the year in Costa Rica with average temperatures ranging from highs of 33°C (91°F) to lows of 15°C (59°F).

April is a busy time to be in Costa Rica. Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a particularly crowded time no matter where you go in the country. Museums, markets, beaches, and parks are all packed during this special period, so if your travel plans coincide with Holy Week in Costa Rica, plan and book ahead of time, as demand is extremely high, and prices are steep.

While most of Costa Rica remains dry during April, it's not unheard of to get rained on, especially in places like Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo. The following items ought to make it to your luggage for an April trip to Costa Rica: lots of tank tops made of breathable fabrics, quick-drying shorts, a lightweight poncho or waterproof jacket, swimwear, a couple of pants, tennis shoes, sandals or flip-flops, sturdy trail shoes, reef shoes, beach towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.

To better understand what Costa Rica is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of April, continue reading below.

Costa Rica Weather in April: Overview

• Average temperature range: 15°C (59°F) – 33°C (91°F)
• Rainfall: 100 mm (4 inches) in San Jose; 350 mm (14 inches) in Manuel Antonio; 180 mm (7 inches) in Puerto Viejo.
• Rainy days: 14 in San Jose; 8 in Manuel Antonio; 9 in Puerto Viejo.  

Most of Costa Rica remains dry during the month of April. There are, however, the tourist favored Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side that see more rainfall than other parts of the country. This shouldn't deter you from making a trip to Manuel Antonio, though, as rain is to be expected during much of the year there, regardless of when you go. In fact, April is one of the slightly drier months to be visiting the National Park.

Average April temperatures in Costa Rica will change depending on where you are in the country. For example, the average temperature highs are 26°C (79°F) in San Jose, 28°C (82°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 28°C (82°F) in Puerto Viejo. The average lows, on the other hand, approximate 15°C (59°F) in San Jose, 23°C (73°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 23°C (73°F) in Puerto Viejo.

It's sunny and splendid in Costa Rica during April. If your priorities include spending ample time on the beach, relaxing, and experiencing the local culture by way of attending celebratory parades and festivities, April is the time of year for you!

Weather of Costa Rica's Major Cities in April

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in April

1.San Jose

Most trips to and from Costa Rica will likely include a stop in San Jose. The weather in the capital during April is pleasant and comfy, providing you with the perfect conditions to explore one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. From restaurants like Bacchus and Silvestre offering lip-smacking food to museums and attractions like the National Museum of Costa Rica and the National Theatre of Costa Rica offering generous portions of history and culture, there's a lot to explore and discover in San Jose!

2.anuel Antonio

Although it gets a little hot during the peak afternoon hours in and around Manuel Antonio, there is an ocean breeze that helps regulate temperatures and keep it comfortable for most of the day. The mornings and evenings are particularly pleasant, and the park provides plenty of shade to protect you from the overhead sun. The slight heat and humidity of the area shouldn't prevent you from the range of activities available to you at Manuel Antonio like horseback riding, canopy tours, and zip-lining. Our recommendation would be to start as early as possible in the mornings while it's cool, so you have the rest of the day to hit the beaches, chase waterfalls, and explore the local scene.

3.Drake Bay

It's popularly believed that the English explorer Sir Francis Drake hid his treasures in Drake Bay, thereby giving the area its name. While no one really knows where that treasure is hidden, Drake Bay certainly attracts visitors from all around the world due to the world-class diving, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking it is home to. Weather conditions in April are largely dry, so you can explore the area without having to worry about the rains. That being said, it does get hot during the peak afternoon hours, so time spent outside is best done so during the early hours of the day.

April Crowds and Costs

The dry and sunny April weather results in a sharp rise in tourism in Costa Rica during the month. It is especially crowded during Holy Week, or Semana Santa, when the locals have time off work, so it's best to plan in advance if you don't want to pay over the odds for flights, accommodation, and entertainment.

Costa Rica is full of foreign visitors during April as well. The weather is good, and many tourists have time off due to Spring break. This results in many a Costa Rican beach being packed and many a city museum being overcrowded.

April Events in Costa Rica

Holy Week: Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is a period embedded in tradition and filled with rituals, celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. It is celebrated in either March or April, depending on the year, but is always done so with much enthusiasm and excitement in Costa Rica. Visitors to the country will get to see processions, parades, pageants, and religious displays commemorating the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Locals celebrate the week by attending church services and family gatherings.

Many businesses will either close early or remain shut entirely during Holy Week, especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Public services like mass transportation can experience disruptions during the days immediately preceding Easter as well, so it is recommended to plan accordingly.

What to Wear in Costa Rica in April

Pack light and pack smart for your trip to Costa Rica in April. While most of the Pacific side of the country remain dry, places like Manuel Antonio do experience some rainfall during April, and so opt to pack quick-drying fabrics over cotton if possible. A waterproof jacket or lightweight poncho will also prove useful during the rains.

All in all, tops made of breathable fabrics like linen, shorts made of quick-drying fabrics, lightweight pants for the evenings, a lightweight poncho or waterproof jacket, a pair of tennis shoes, sandals or flip-flops, trail shoes, reef shoes, swimwear, beach towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent ought to make up your list of packing essentials.

Explore Costa Rica with Global Highlights

If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to gorgeous Costa Rica! That's just perfect because our travel experts here at Global Highlights go above and beyond in making sure your itinerary is as well planned yet personal as you like. We take immense pride in making sure you have a memorable time in Costa Rica, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and take in the good times!