Manuel Antonio Beach
Costa Rica doesn’t really have seasons, as the temperature changes just a little bit from period to period, yes “period”.
If you are in:
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the sunny period goes from December to April, even May. (Our grandparents used to say that if by May 20th it had not rained, it wouldn’t rain at all). And then, of course, vice versa for the rainy season: From May to November.
If you are in:
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas, the sunny period is different. It is on March and April, and in September and October.
However, remember the tropics weather is unpredictable and there are April’s sunny and dry and there might be some rainy Aprils. Although these are exceptions to the sunny and dry rule of the sunny season.
We have to realize that the climates and therefore the landscapes of Costa Rica vary considerably by sector. The coastal areas are usually hot, and the highlands are ordinarily cooler. As you travel south on the Pacific coast, moisture levels rise. The Caribbean Coast and almost all the Northern Area is generally hot and humid. And when it rains it pours.
The more humidity and rain there is in a region, it will be more exuberant and wildlife sightings are more common.
Source: Climate Change Knowledge Portal
As you can see in the chart above, it really depends on where you are to know what the weather is like.
The Pacific Coast, Central Valley, Southern areas and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, it will be sunny. There might be, occasionally cold fronts that will create drizzle and lower temperatures (Down to 60’s F – 16°C in the Central Valley)
Rincon de la Vieja and Monteverde: Sunny.
Anywhere in the Caribbean Coast, Turrialba, the West side of the Central and Talamanca Mountain Ranges, Sarapiqui or Arenal areas: It will be sunny… hopefully! (In these regions weather is so unpredictable!) .
Best Places to see whales:
Best time to see them: Year-round. Several species such as bottlenose and spotted dolphins can be seen all year so you have a good chance to see them.
The Best places to go dolphin watching:
*Some lucky people have seen dolphins in the Tortuguero Canals
Best time to see them: All year round: Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtle.
Best places to see Sea Turtles:
Migratory Species
In this time of year, the 252 migratory bird species are enjoying Costa Rica warm weather and abundance of food. Almost leaving, though!
Birds in General:
It is a great time for bird watching as March is the nesting month, and April is the juveniles time. They come out of their nests and you can see them in many places using their brand new wings for the first flights.
Resplendent Quetzal
Visible in Monteverde and Savegre in April as other high areas of the mountain ranges. This is the time of year when species are mating and watching for their eggs and little ones. The mating dances and songs are on and sometimes, the feathers and noises show can be amazing.
The rest of the bird species can be seen all year round… April is no exception.
The highest most constant waves from January to April are caused by winter cold fronts pushing into the Caribbean. Salsa Brava at Puerto Viejo is at its largest, most powerful wave of Costa Rica in this time of year.
Although, as you can understand, nature is nature and not an amusement park, sightings are usually a matter of luck, but there are a bunch of animals in Costa Rica you can see all year round like monkeys, sloths, coatimundis, agoutis and more than 600 species of birds, including the six types of toucans and more than 50 species of hummingbirds.
Star Fruits and passion fruits are in season, as well as guavas, strawberries, rambutan, cantaloupes, watermelons, and tamarind.
Sugar Cane season is on, so there might be some huge and heavy sugar cane loaded trucks in some of the roads in the North and Pacific side.
There are a couple of trees in bloom, the Royal Poinsettia, and the African Tulips.
And! Mangos are starting to come out in the trees. You can eat them with salt and lemon… Hmmm! Costa Rican tradition!
Cruises are coming to Costa Rica in April.
This is important to know if you are planning to visit Carara National Park, the Aerial Tram of the Pacific, the Crocodile Safari in Tarcoles River, or Hanging Bridges, Coffee Tour or Monteverde Reserve in the area of Monteverde.
As well as regions like Monteverde, Arenal, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio will have a lot of people around. The tour companies and operators are already prepared for this and in general terms, it is all well organized.
In Manuel Antonio, you will probably have to make a line in the mornings to get in the National Park and in Tortuguero, there might be some waiting time on the boats before getting in the main National Park canals.
If you like to know more about Costa Rica in March, concerts, how to get tickets or simply where to spend this marvelous time in Costa Rica… Please ask our Travel Consultants simply clicking here
