Costa Rica is a destination with some of the most lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and thriving wildlife. The Central American country has coastlines in the Caribbean and Pacific. It has many protected natural areas and some of the best weather travelers could ask for. Costa Rica has very friendly locals, so travelers commonly feel welcome to the country.
It is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations since it has such a thriving tourism industry. Like any other destination, Costa Rica has a shoulder and high travel season. Travelers who want to capture the height of Costa Rica’s beauty should visit during the dry season, from December to April. This season brings forth some peak experiences in Costa Rica.
April is the best time to visit the country during this season. Some of the most captivating things during this month are the lush green foliage and warm sun. April is during the high season so there may be more tourists around, but the weather and events make it worth it.
Average Temperature This Time of Year
- The average temperature in Costa Rica during April is around 60-78 Degrees F
Weather
April is a very appealing time to visit Costa Rica. Out of the warmest months, April has the mildest weather in general. It has manageable temperatures but also has lower precipitation levels than the other months. So travelers visiting in April can enjoy some of the warm, sunny days without the heavy rainfall that accompanies the rainy season. There may be trickles of rain but overall, April is one of the best times for beach days and tourism activities.
Travelers can better enjoy outdoor activities and community events in Costa Rica during April. The top things to do in Costa Rica during this time are catamaran rides, snorkeling, hikes, and kayaking. Visitors to Costa Rica during April should be sure to pack their sunscreen and be prepared to be active.
Travel Tip:
- Travelers visiting during April should be sure to bring polarized sunglasses and UVA/UVB-protected clothing
- Spring break and Easter may coincide with travel during this peak season, so there may be crowds if travelers do not plan accordingly
- Since this is a popular time to travel to Costa Rica, the prices of travel may spike so booking ahead of time is advisable
Water Sports
April is still the peak season for visitors, so there is plenty to do in Costa Rica. Especially travelers who enjoy being in the water. This month is one of the best times to surf since there are tamer waves. So this time is great for beginner surfers and swimmers. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can go river rafting or go sport fishing. Travelers can expect slightly cooler waters in April since the warmer ocean waters kick in around May. The North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a great place for travelers to have ocean fun.
Travel Tips:
- Costa Rica is a country with more than 800 miles of coastline, so travelers will have plenty of space to explore. A laid back beach town for travelers to visit is Santa Teresa.
National Parks
The national parks of Costa Rica are famous due to the diversity of the natural environment. In fact, there are 30 national parks in Costa Rica. So visiting Costa Rica during one of the country’s peak weather seasons is a great plan for outdoor adventurers. The country is home to about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, which is a significant amount. National parks and forest reserves make up 25% of Costa Rica’s total land area, so conservation is a very important cause for the country. Some of the top national parks to visit are the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Corcovado National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Travel Tip:
- Costa Rica’s most visited national park is Manuel Antonio National Park. This park does not allow guests to feed animals, but other parks may have different policies.
Wildlife Sightings
Travelers can also discover the thriving wildlife of Costa Rica. Animal lovers will appreciate the various experiences they can have with the animal inhabitants of the country. Sea turtles, sloths, and macaws are among some of the most popular animals for tourists to see while in Costa Rica. Many tours take advantage of optimal times in April to observe animals. For example, April is a great time to visit Costa Rica for bird watchers. They will catch migratory birds right around the time they are juveniles, so travelers may be able to snag a prime watching spot.
Travel Tip:
- Costa Rica is known as the hummingbird capital of the world, travelers should take rainforest tours to be able to observe these delicate creatures.
Juan Santamaria Day
Juan Santamaria Day is celebrated on April 11 every year. The national holiday is a day of remembrance for a national hero who single-handedly diverted an invasion of Costa Rica. Juan was merely seventeen and lost his life in the process. The day of his death (and those preceding it) marks a time for celebrating his legacy.
Some popular festivities for Juan Santamaria Day include dancing, parades, concerts, and even marching bands. Although the holiday is celebrated in many areas of Costa Rica the main events occur in the city of Alajuela. Being able to observe this culturally significant holiday is simply one of the reasons why April is the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Travel Tip:
- Travelers should stay in Alajuela with locals during the week of Juan Santamaria Day. In that case, visitors will get to immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture.
Culinary Adventures
There are many staple foods in Costa Rica. Some of the best (and most popular) foods include gallo pinto, casado, and arroz con pollo. Gallo pinto is the national dish. It consists of rice and beans with onions, peppers, cilantro, and spices. Travelers will not get bored with the local flavors that Costa Rica offers. Costa Rica has a mix of Spanish, Caribbean, and Indigenous influences which translate to the types of foods travelers can truly enjoy. To get a taste of the diverse influences, travelers can even book a tour with a Costa Rican culinary adventure group that explores the area in April.
Travel Tip:
- Food and culture go hand in hand in Costa Rica so there are select all-inclusive resorts that offer culinary experiences to travelers.
World Class Resorts
To enjoy the full splendor of Costa Rica in April, travelers can book a top-notch resort with all the bells and whistles. All-inclusive resorts are all the rave, especially with guests who want to sit back and relax. Total relaxation is the most ideal way to enjoy the pleasant weather of April for travelers who visit Costa Rica. Two of the top-rated all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica include Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica and Barcelo Tambor.
Travel Tip:
- Travelers are advised to either book their all-inclusive resorts at least nine months in advance or snatch last-minute deals.
“Pura Vida” Culture
The overall laid-back culture of Costa Rica is a popular feature of the area. This uniquely positive outlook is shared by locals of Costa Rica, which has been referred to as one of the happiest countries in the world. “Pura Vida” translates to pure life from Spanish but it practically means being grateful and not dwelling on the past. This motto surely keeps the local stress level down, which in turn will impact travelers’ perception of Costa Rica. Lots of travelers come back to visit Costa Rica wanting to embody that way of life.
Travel Tip:
- To adapt to the “pura vida” lifestyle, travelers should slow down and enjoy life’s little pleasures.
Costa Rica is a majestic and incredible destination with much to offer to travelers. Those planning to visit Costa Rica should aim for an April trip to appreciate the best weather and activities. From an immaculate attitude towards life and breathtaking nature, Costa Rica during April is hard to match. Surround yourself with misty waterfalls, thriving jungles, and sandy beaches this spring.