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There’s something special about Costa Rica in April. Maybe it’s the golden light in the late afternoons, or that feeling that the dry season is holding on just a little longer before the sky gives in. It’s hot—like, “your flip-flops melt on the sidewalk” hot—but in the best possible way. The kind of heat that demands beach days and cold coconuts. And when the first raindrops finally come, they feel less like a storm and more like a deep breath from the jungle.
April sits in this perfect in-between moment. The peak-season crowds are gone, the roads are still dust-dry, and nature is just starting to stretch and yawn before the green season really kicks in. If you like your adventure with a side of calm, this is your month.
Costa Rica in April – It’s Dry… Until It’s Not
Early April? Pure sun. The kind that makes you want to nap in a hammock by 2 p.m.
Late April? Still mostly sunny, but with a good chance of afternoon showers sneaking in. And honestly? You’ll probably welcome them.
On the Pacific side, it’s still very much dry season—sunny skies, crunchy leaves underfoot, and that familiar layer of dust on your ankles by the end of the day. But toward the end of the month, the clouds start flirting with the skyline, especially in the afternoons. Sometimes they tease. Sometimes they pour.
The Caribbean coast, as always, does its own thing. It might rain, might shine, might do both within 20 minutes. But the beaches are still stunning, the jungle never takes a break, and there’s something kind of beautiful about leaning into the unpredictability.
Where April Really Shines
Some places in Costa Rica were made for April. Guanacaste? Still dry and golden. Santa Teresa? Sunset central. La Fortuna? A little steamier, sure, but the hot springs hit different after a day of jungle hiking.
Even Manuel Antonio feels more relaxed now—less selfie sticks, more space to spot monkeys without someone breathing down your neck. And if you head to the Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita), you might get lucky with some of the best beach days of the year.
This is the month where the country exhales. Fewer tour buses. More room to move. The trails aren’t slick yet. The roads are still good. The beach towns still buzzing, but not burned out. Everything just feels… easier.
Easter Week: Loud, Colorful, and Packed
One thing to note: Semana Santa (Holy Week) hits hard in Costa Rica. It’s one of the busiest travel weeks for locals, and places like Jacó, Samara, and Manuel Antonio get packed. You’ll see full beaches, traffic jams, and a whole lot of families with coolers and loud music.
It’s not for everyone—but if you’re here for the energy, it’s kind of amazing. Just book your accommodation early and pack your patience. After that week, though? Everything quiets down. Prices drop. Tour groups thin out. It’s like a reset.
Costa Rica in April – The April Energy
This month has a vibe. The sunsets stretch longer. The wildlife gets louder. You’ll see more iguanas sunbathing on sidewalks, more birds in the trees, more locals slowly shifting from summer mode into rainy-season rhythm.
There’s something about Costa Rica in April that feels honest. It’s not perfectly polished, but it’s real. The country isn’t trying to impress you. It’s just doing its thing. And you get to be part of it.
You wake up with the sun. And you sweat a little. You take a cold shower and it feels amazing. Then you eat fresh fruit that tastes like candy. You sit on a rock, watch the clouds roll in, and suddenly remember why you came here in the first place.
Book the Good Stuff Without the Guesswork
Planning a trip in April and want to skip the “is this actually worth it?” phase of Googling 200 different tours? We’ve got you. At GoExploreWith.me, you can book incredible Costa Rica experiences directly—no middlemen, no stress, just real, well-organized adventures with locals who know their stuff. Hot springs, hikes, wildlife, waterfalls—we handle the details. You bring the sunscreen.
Want the Side of Costa Rica That Tour Buses Miss?
If you’re not here for the all-inclusive version of Costa Rica—and prefer something quieter, wilder, and less filtered—check out our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
We’re talking about those places that don’t show up in top 10 lists. The ones you stumble across and can’t stop thinking about. Download it now, and start building your April trip with some real character.
