What is the Weather Like in Costa Rica in March?

How Hot is it in Costa Rica in March?

Interested in traveling to Costa Rica in March? Many people choose March for their vacations since Costa Rica is still in the dry season. But just how hot is it in Costa Rica in March? Due to our many microclimates and geographical differences, it is difficult to make sweeping conclusions about the weather. Here is a breakdown of some average weather data for each main Costa Rican region. 

Atlantic Humid Tropical Region 

The main tourist destinations in the Atlantic region of Costa Rica are Tortuguero, Limon, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Sarapiqui, and Arenal Volcano. While Sarapiqui and Arenal Volcano may seem far from the Atlantic coast, they tend to follow the same weather patterns as the Caribbean. Limon, Costa Rica weather in March is rainy, but hot. While there is a high possibility of rain at least half of the days, it rarely rains the whole day. It is common to experience bouts of downpour, followed by bright sun. 

• Average temperatures: between 68°F (20°C ) and 86°F (30°C)
• Average rainfall: 7.6 inches (193 mm)
• Humidity: 80%
• Number of rainy days: 15

Central Mountainous Region 

The most well-known parts of the central mountainous region of Costa Rica are San Jose, Cartago, and the capitals of Heredia and Alajuela in the center of the country, and Savegre Valley, Chirripo Mountain, and San Gerardo de Dota to the south. San Jose, Costa Rica weather in March is hotter than other months, though nothing compared to the coasts, where humidity is much higher.

• Average temperatures: between 66°F (19°C ) and 86°F (30°C)
• Average rainfall: 0.6 inches (15 mm)
• Humidity: 72%
• Number of rainy days: 5

South Pacific Region 

While the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica reaches along an extensive coast, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, and Osa Peninsula are the most commonly visited areas. 

• Average temperatures: between 71°F (22°C ) and 93°F (34°C)
• Average rainfall: 2.2 inches (55 mm)
• Humidity: 82%
• Number of rainy days: 17

Monteverde

Monteverde may be a small region of Costa Rica. Still, it has a unique enough microclimate to merit its own section here.

• Average temperatures: between 64°F (18°C ) and 82°F (28°C)
• Average rainfall: 1.8 inches (46 mm)
• Humidity: 69%
• Number of rainy days: 7

Guanacaste 

Guanacaste, Costa Rica weather in March is the hottest in the country, with highs of 89°F (32°C). Liberia, Papagayo Peninsula, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Samara are some of the many tourist destinations of this area, known for being the driest region of Costa Rica. Dry is even in the name of its main forest type–the tropical dry forest.  

• Average temperatures: between  71.5°F (22°C) and  96°F (36°C)
• Average rainfall: 0.2 inches (5 mm)
• Humidity: 57%
• Number of rainy days: 1

What to Wear in Costa Rica in March

If you travel to Costa Rica in March, you’ll want to pack plenty of warm-weather clothes, like t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and skirts. Unless you’re planning to visit Monteverde or the central mountainous region, you probably won’t need too much rain gear or sweaters. It will be warm even in the areas that do rain in March, such as the Limon and Puntarenas provinces. Combined with overall humidity, you will still want to wear your warm-weather clothes in Costa Rica in March.

Not sure what to pack for your trip to Costa Rica in March? Here is our ultimate packing guide. 

Surfing Costa Rica in March

You’ll find high, consistent waves along the Atlantic coast due to cold fronts pushing into the Caribbean. Those surfing Costa Rica in March can find powerful waves at Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. The Atlantic coast is known for inconsistent waves normally, therefore if you’re looking to go surfing in Costa Rica in March, you should take care of the great swells.

Costa Rican Wildlife in March

If you’re planning to travel to Costa Rica in March, you’ll have a chance to spot some really interesting wildlife, from whales to dolphins to unique birds.

Birdwatching in March

There are 252 migratory bird species that enjoy Costa Rica’s warm weather and abundance of food during March. 

The Resplendent Quetzal is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after birds for birdwatching. Look for this red and green bird in Monteverde and around Savegre, in the high mountain ranges. March is mating season for the resplendent quetzal in Costa Rica. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a mating dance or song. 

Whales in March

California humpback whales: December to April

North Atlantic humpback whales: December to March

Some of the most promising places to see whales in March are:

• Drake Bay
• Golfo Dulce
• Dominical (Marino Ballena National Park)
• Tambor
• Gulf of Nicoya
• Tamarindo and surrounding areas

Dolphins in March

Spinner or common dolphin, December to March

Some dolphin species can be found year-round, including in March. These include bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins. 

The best places to go dolphin watching are:

• Drake Bay
• Golfo Dulce
• Dominical (Marino Ballena National Park)
• Tambor
• Gulf of Nicoya
• Tamarindo and surrounding areas
• Limon and the South Caribbean

Turtles in March

Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Pacific Green Sea Turtle can all be spotted in Costa Rica in March and year-round. 

Check out these places when searching for glimpses of turtles in March.:

• Marino Las Baulas National Park and Playa Grande specifically (Close to Tamarindo)
• Santa Rosa National Park
• Ostional Wildlife Refuge and Arribadas specifically

Costa Rican Agriculture in March

Star fruit, passion fruit, guava, strawberries, rambutan, cantaloupes, watermelons, and tamarind are in season in Costa Rica in March. It’s also sugar cane season, which could mean some heavy sugar cane-laden trucks on some Northern and Pacific roads. 

Look out for trees in bloom! Depending on your region, there will be pink, orange, purple, and red blossoms starting to emerge in Costa Rica in March.