Costa Rica in April

Costa Rica’s green season starts this month with rainfall increasing across the country, although you can still find warm sunny days, especially in the Central Valley, and rain tends to appear as a short, intense downpour in the late afternoon or evening, before vanishing again.

April is a great time for surfers to visit, as the swells increase on some of the country’s top surfing beaches – Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean coast, is among the best. If you’re looking to chill out in the sun, head to the Pacific coast though, where the weather’s more likely to be good. Samara Beach, Isla Venado and Montezuma beach on the Nicoya peninsula are all tempting options

Once the Easter holidays finish, it also means the national parks become quieter, so you’ll have fewer people to share the wildlife with, especially at popular spots such as Manuel Antonio and the cloudforests of Monteverde. If your heart is set on seeing the eye-catching quetzal, April is also one of the best times to visit San Gerardo de Dota to see the decorative birdlife.

Festivals: The Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities are a big deal in Costa Rica, with religious parades and processions. Expect a lot of places to close for holidays in the days before and around Easter as many locals head to the beaches.

There’s also a national holiday on April 11 for Día de Juan Santamaría, celebrating a boy who helped Costa Rica retain its independence by fighting off a mercenary army.

Best for: Surfing, spotting wildlife, Pacific coast beaches

 

Or perhaps you’re thinking of travelling on another month..?

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