April in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2025)

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Thinking about spending April in Costa Rica? Here’s everything you need to know!

Costa Rica is the sort of destination that’s always been on my radar, but I’ve never had a reason to go… until now. One of my dearest friends got married earlier this year in Costa Rica, and I knew I just had to be there. Her wedding was on the west coast near Quepos and Miguel Antonio National Park on one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. 

The wedding was in April, so I wanted to share my experience visiting the country during the springtime. Overall, I found the weather to be mild – with a few very rainy spells and a few times it was rather hot. If I were to visit Costa Rica again, I would happily go in April – and I would pack very similarly, with a mix of rain gear and warm weather clothes. 

In this post, I’ll cover everything you’ll want to know about Costa Rica, from whether it’s worth a visit in April to the top things to do – from my perspective, anyhow. 

Table of Contents
April in Costa Rica: Is it a Good Time to Visit?
Weather in April 
What to Pack
Things To Do in Costa Rica in April
How to Get Around
FAQs
Conclusion

April in Costa Rica: Is it a Good Time to Visit?

Costa Rica’s dry season runs from about December to April, and that’s generally considered the best time to visit the country. As April is on the tail end, it will have slightly more rain than in the peak of the dry season – but it’s still a nice time to go. I didn’t have many completely rainy days when I visited in April, but there were often brief showers in the afternoons. 

April is also a great time to take advantage of the slightly smaller crowds, as it’s the start of the shoulder/off season for the country. When I visited, I got the sense that the people working in hospitality jobs were starting to relax a little after the rush of visitors in the preceding months. 

I will say that when it rained at night in La Fortuna, it was positively torrential. There was a storm one of the nights I was there and it was easily the most intense rainstorm I’ve ever seen – the type to make me grateful that I was in a large building and on a hill. When I talked to other people in the morning, the rain was all that anyone could talk about for about half a day. 

By morning, though, it was clear enough to hike and wander around, so I wouldn’t let the weather stop you from visiting. I would, however, strongly recommend that you not try to drive in a Costa Rican rainstorm.

Weather in April 

April is said to be the hottest month in Costa Rica, where the average high temperature is around 86°F (30°C). You’ll probably see temperatures in Costa Rica that range from the low 70s °F to high 80s°F (low 20s °C to low 30s °C). 

Personally, I’d describe the April weather in Costa Rica as being on the warm to hot side of mild. I wore shorts or leggings and a t-shirt most days and felt perfectly comfortable. When it rained or I was at higher elevations, I was grateful for my rain jacket. 

The weather felt much hotter on the Pacific coastline near Quepos than it did in San Jose or La Fortuna. It was a bit too hot to comfortably sit or stand in the direct sun for a long time on warm, clear days, so I was grateful for air conditioning when I had it. 

Still, I never found the heat to be too oppressive to go outside – provided there was shade available. 

Is it Hot in Costa Rica in April?

Yes, it’s rather warm in Costa Rica in April, and I would recommend choosing a hotel or hostel with air conditioning, if possible. Two of my stays didn’t have air conditioning; it wasn’t miserable, but I was far more comfortable when the building was cooler. Similarly, I was grateful to have air conditioning in my rental car for the long drives. 

I was able to hike and walk comfortably outside most days, but in hotter areas I tried to avoid the mid afternoons during the hottest part of the day. 

Lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will all help protect you from the hot Costa Rican sun. 

What to Pack for April in Costa Rica

As I mentioned in the intro, I was happy with what I packed for my trip to Costa Rica and felt comfortable for most of my trip. The dress code in Costa Rica seems pretty similar to other Central and South American countries I’ve visited, meaning that it’s fairly casual. I wore black leggings and a t-shirt many days of my trip and never felt like I stood out. 

I didn’t enter any churches when I was in Costa Rica, but if you plan to I’d suggest a scarf or something that you can use to cover your shoulders. I like to bring a sarong for this purpose and because it doubles as a beach towel and swimsuit cover up. 

The most essential items to pack will be a rain jacket, as you’ll absolutely need it if you’re caught out in a rainstorm. Because the weather is very humid when warm, I preferred shorts and t-shirts when I was out for the day – but on cooler days it was nice to have long pants. 

April Packing List

Here’s what I would recommend packing for a trip to Costa Rica in April. Whenever possible, opt for lightweight fabrics that will dry quickly and won’t hold moisture. Between the rain and the humidity, you’ll want to avoid 100% cotton clothes when you can. 

This list is only intended to cover the basics. Be sure to adapt it to your specific trip and needs. 

Essentials 

✅ Valid passport 
✅ Address for where you’ll be staying your first night (I was asked at the border)
✅ A return or onward journey ticket (print or have accessible on your phone)
✅ Driver’s license (if driving)

Clothes

✅ Long pants
✅ Shorts
✅ T-shirts and/or tank tops
✅ Sundress (optional)
✅ Pajamas/sleepwear
✅ Rain jacket
✅ Socks
✅ Underwear
✅ Formal wear (if attending a special event)

Swimwear

✅ Bathing suit
✅ Towel (optional)
✅ Cover up or sarong (optional)

Shoes

✅ Sturdy, closed toed walking shoes
✅ Sandals (flip flops or slides)
✅ Dressy shoes (option)

Travel Accessories 

✅ Sunglasses
✅ Book or Kindle
✅ Cross body bag 
✅ Backpack/day bag
✅ Camera and lenses (optional)
✅ Battery pack for your phone
✅ Binoculars (optional)
✅ Journal/notebook (optional)
✅ Insulated water bottle (recommended)
✅ Phone charger

Toiletries

✅ Bug repellent (seriously.)
✅ Sunscreen (reef safe if going into the ocean)
✅ Shampoo, conditioner 
✅ Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
✅ Hair brush, hair ties
✅ Ibuprofen and medications
✅ Ear plugs

Things To Do in Costa Rica in April

Here are some of the top things to do in Costa Rica if you decide to go in April. From spending time outside hiking to soaking up the natural waters of a hot spring to seeing the flora and fauna, you can easily fill a week or two with activities. 

Hike 

Costa Rica is well established as a destination for outdoorsy types, and hiking is definitely a favorite activity for many. There are hiking trails throughout the country, many of which take you through dense jungle to incredible lookout spots. 

Be very careful when hiking in Costa Rica because there are venomous snakes and other natural hazards. I recommend that you hike with a group, wear insect repellent, and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back so they know to expect you. 

A note: Costa Rica is famous for its nature reserves, but I found it rather challenging to find free hiking trails. Instead, it seems like many of the hiking trails are located inside of parks that you have to pay to enter. Given the intensity of the tourism in Costa Rica and what I assume is the arduous task of maintaining trails through the dense jungles, I guess this makes sense – but it’s good to know before you go. 

Soak in a Hot Spring

I love, love, love hot springs, so I knew I had to try at least one natural pool when I was in Costa Rica. I personally prefer wild hot springs when I can find them, mostly because they’re cheaper (or free) and have a fun atmosphere. 

I visited El Choyin Hot Springs near La Fortuna. This area is essentially a hot spring river and was very popular – there were dozens of other people there when I visited so it did not feel isolated or dangerous. It did, however, seem like the kind of place where your unattended phone or wallet could walk off without you – so keep your valuables safely in the car and pay the attendant if one asks. 

Costa Rica also has several built up hot spring pools, like the ones at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. This resort has 28 hot spring pools and is a beautiful place to stay in Costa Rica if it’s in your budget. Otherwise, you can purchase a day pass to use the hot spring pools during specified hours. 

See an Active Volcano

There aren’t too many places in the world where you can stand near the edge of an active volcano, but Poás Volcano National Park is one of them. 

I actually didn’t plan to see Poás Volcano, but I saw signs on the side of the road for the park and decided I couldn’t miss it. I’m glad I went, because it was an unforgettable experience. During my visit, which was only about 20 minutes, I heard the volcano spitting and sputtering through the dense cloud and I saw outlines from where a past eruption had damaged the viewing platform. 

Other active volcanoes in Costa Rica include Arenal Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Tenorio Volcano, and Turrialba Volcano. I did also hike to the base of Arenal Volcano, which felt more like a nature walk than a volcano visit.

I couldn’t help but think of the White Island eruption in New Zealand when I was near the Costa Rican volcanoes. Remember, these are active volcanoes and, although it’s unlikely anything will happen to you, the risk is never zero. 

Relax by the Beach

Costa Rica – as the literal translation of its name (“Rich Coast”) implies – has some truly stunning beaches. Because Costa Rica has shorelines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there are beaches along both sides of the country. 

The beaches on the Caribbean side tend to be a bit quieter and more remote, while the Pacific side is far busier and includes about 5x as much shoreline. 

I spent some time on the beaches near Miguel Antonio National Park and they were simply breathtaking. The sand was perfect and there were some rock features jutting out from the water that gave the views some added texture. I also loved swimming at the beach, but I will say that the waves were rather strong because they’re rolling in from the open ocean. 

Other great beaches in Costa Rica include Islas Tortugas, Tamarindo, and Nosara – to name a few. 

Do a Nature Tour

I only occasionally do tours when I travel – and I’m rather picky about them when I do take them – but I must admit that the nighttime nature tour I did in Miguel Antonio National Park was exceptional. 

I was expecting a sort of mini zoo setup from the nature tour, but that’s not what it was at all. Instead, the tour guide was actually finding animals and insects to show us in real time. He and a few other guides found a litany of frogs, spiders, scorpions, snakes, and other animals during the two or so hours we were with him. 

At no point did it seem as though the animals were disturbed or harmed – the guide had a flashlight and a magnifying device so that we could keep our distance. It was a little scary to think about how many animals were in the jungle around us in Costa Rica, but I suppose that’s part of the magic. 

If you’d rather go during the day, there are many more tour options – but the evening worked best for my group’s schedule so that’s what we chose. 

Go Surfing

I’m not a surfer myself, but Costa Rica is famous for its surf culture. Surf Atlas notes that Costa Rican waves are both plentiful and high quality. The Pacific Ocean is more famous for its surf, but the Caribbean side has powerful, large waves during the peak of the dry season from December to March. 

If you want to really up your surfing game, consider taking lessons at one of the many surf camps in Costa Rica. Or, you can take a one-off surfing lesson like the 1.5 hour lessons at Tamarindo Beach with Iguana Surf. 

Go Out on a Boat

One of the other highlights of my trip to Costa Rica was the chance to take a sunset catamaran tour with the wedding party. We left Quepos and went out on the water for a few hours, which was a great chance to feel the wind in our hair and see some of the coastline. 

Our boat had a slide on it, so we could slide into the water and swim for a while. I also went snorkeling for about 30 minutes, during which time I saw some tropical fish and held a brittle starfish that our guide found. We had dinner onboard, which was pretty solid and included a vegetarian option, and then got to sail back towards the harbor at sunset. 

The boat was a little extra fun because I knew the other people onboard, but I’m sure it would be great if you went with a mixed group or as a solo traveler! Do bring lots of sunscreen – I had to reapply at least once onboard. 

You can book a sunset catamaran tour that has a similar itinerary that leaves from Quepos.  

How to Get Around Costa Rica

Costa Rica seems like the sort of destination where you’ll want to rent a car if you can. 

I rented a car when I visited Costa Rica and was glad to have it most of the time. More specifically, I flew into San Jose and rented a car just as I was ready to leave the city, where it would have been more of a burden than a help.

April in Costa Rica is prone to afternoon storms (similar to Colorado), so I would strongly recommend that you be comfortable driving in the rain and fog. Depending on your route, you may have to navigate very steep and narrow roads in those foggy and rainy conditions. Driving in Costa Rica reminded me of a mix of driving in Ireland and through the mountains of Colorado.

There are buses that run between major sites in Costa Rica, so if you’re nervous about driving or on a tight budget, you can absolutely use them. From what others said, they tended to be slow and have limited schedules, but otherwise sounded fine. 

There are problems with thefts at the bus stations, though, so be extra careful to watch your belongings while you wait. 

I also read at one of my hostels that there is an issue with people in cars telling travelers that they missed their bus, then offering to drive them to the next stop. DO NOT GET INTO THE CAR WITH SOMEONE WHO SOLICITS YOU. It’s really not safe.

If you truly missed your bus, just catch the next one. 

FAQs: April in Costa Rica

Considering a trip to Costa Rica in April and still have questions? Here are the answers to some common queries from other travelers. 

Is April a good time to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, April is a great time to go to Costa Rica. It is the end of the dry season, so the temperatures are still warm, though you may see a few more rainy days. Still, most days the weather is mild to warm, perfect for exploring outside and enjoying the natural landscapes. 

What is the weather like in Costa Rica in April?

Most days in Costa Rica in April are warm, and some days are rainy. Expect a mix of cloudy and clear days, with clear days being fairly hot – especially in the direct sun. You should have sufficiently nice weather for any outdoor activities you might want to try, but it’s a good idea to leave a little room in your itinerary in case you have to shift things due to rain. 

Is it rainy in Costa Rica in April?

Costa Rica generally has some rainy days in April, but it’s not the wet season so there are also several dry days. I experienced both drizzly rainy days and torrential rain days in Costa Rica, which reminded me a bit of being in the Azores in January (though the Azores were colder then). With the exception of an evening rainstorm, the weather wasn’t bad enough to keep me inside because I had sturdy shoes and a raincoat. 

Is Costa Rica expensive? 

Before I visited Costa Rica, I’d heard tell of its sky high prices – often compared to Panama City or US cities. The rumors are true; I found that prices for items on the ground were comparable to what I pay at home in Paris, France. There were some local spots that were a bit more reasonable, but the overall cost of travel was quite high. Restaurants and activities that cater to tourists had prices that were easily comparable to western Europe and the US. 

Conclusion: April in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a remarkably popular place to visit, and April is your last chance to go before the start of the rainy season. If you visit during April, you can expect generally mild (if on the warm side) weather, with some rainy days scattered in. You’ll be most comfortable if you wear clothes that wick moisture and dry quickly. 

April is also a beautiful time to visit this outdoorsy destination because the flowers will be in full bloom. During my visit, I saw butterflies hatching from their chrysalises and tropical flowers in vibrant colors. I didn’t see many baby animals, but I also didn’t do a sloth tour or any mammal-focused excursions. 

Overall, I’d go back to Costa Rica in April – it was nice to have a warm, summery place to be after a long, cold winter in Europe!