Category: When to visit

Costa Rica weather in March

Avg. temperature: 28°C / 82°F	Sun: 12 Hrs per day
Rain: 6 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 78%

For most of the Northern Hemisphere you might expect Spring to just have sprung, but for those of you visiting Costa Rica in March, it is the height of summer. 12 hours of glorious sunshine sweep the country during the heart of the dry season, with not a cloud in the sky on the beautiful Pacific Coast. 

Even the wetter Caribbean Coast experiences far less rain, though you can count on a shower or two most afternoons to cool you off from the beating sun.

Costa Rica’s temperature in March makes for the perfect time to enjoy some of the best beaches the country has to offer. Not unbearably hot, but rather comfortably warm, the soft sand just begs to be bathed on for the ultimate relaxing retreat.

What to do in Costa Rica in March

Costa Rica’s capital commemorates Saint Joseph on 19 March each year. San Jose comes to life – well, even more so than usual – with vibrant parades and religious festivities, not to mention local traditions such as Costa Rican bullfighting. Celebrations extend throughout the whole country as Costa Rican’s come together to honour San Jose’s patron saint – and you’re invited, too!

Every year on the second Sunday in March, Costa Rica celebrates agricultural traditions with the Oxcarts Parade. A proud salute to agriculture of the past and celebration of the evolution of the industry, flamboyantly decorated oxcarts, every colour of the rainbow and more, are paraded through San Antonio de Escazu’s town pulled by oxen.

Easter is Costa Rica’s biggest celebration of all, and if it falls in March you’re in for a real treat. The Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday – Semana Santa – is one of the busiest weeks of the Costa Rican calendar, bringing together locals for days of festivities and tourists are invited to join the celebrations.

The cities begin to empty and the beaches flood with people from across the globe, ready to experience a unique party in honour of the country’s religious heritage. Towns and churches organise masses and colorful processions, and parades and festivals are aplenty throughout Costa Rica. The beaches play host to parties like no other and, given Costa Rica’s March weather, there is no greater place to be to watch the merriment unfold.

If you’re travelling during a festival, be extra prepared and book your accommodation in advance to beat the crowds!

Costa Rica is a playground for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies with its exotic landscape playing host to some of the most exciting escapades imaginable.

Hiking and horseback riding, trekking through rainforests and rafting through rapids; to name but a few of the best things to do in Costa Rica in March. If you want to cool off from the dry, hot climate, Costa Rica is rife with waterfall walks white water rafting to help take the edge off.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is bursting with activities to enjoy during the summer months including skywalks, zip lining and hiking trails.

Hotels in Costa Rica in March

Since so many travellers are visiting Costa Rica in March, be sure to plan ahead and secure some top notch accommodation in preparation for your trip. But be warned – with so much on offer, from mountain lodges to luxury villas, all inclusive resorts to remote forest cabins, it won’t be an easy decision! Rest assured, whatever your budget and whatever your plan, Costa Rica caters for all. From adventurous escapes and trekking trips to exclusive beach hideaways and relaxing retreats, this country has something for everyone. 

Where to go in Costa Rica in March

Costa Rica has two seasons; the dry season from December to April, and the wet season from May to November. Costa Rica’s March weather is the height of summer at its very finest; not too hot, and not at all cool.

Some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica in March to soak up that summer sun include Playa Hermosa, Tamarindo and Playa Avellanas on the Pacific Coast. With their sun-soaked beaches and wonderful sea waves they make for the perfect spots to bask in the rays and take a dip when it’s time to cool off.

Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica in March lay on the stunning less-visited Caribbean Coast. Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo are just a couple of examples of spectacular seaside escapes.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Costa Rica Weather in February

Avg. temperature: 83°F / 28°C	Sun: 12 Hrs per day
Rain: 10 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 78%

Squarely in the middle of the dry season and quieter than the busy New Year holiday, Costa Rica in February just might be a clever traveller’s best kept secret. The hot and bright days continue into the month with fewer beachgoers and inland city dwellers to drive up noise and prices. 

The mountainous Central Valley around San Jose and Alajuela stays cooler than the coasts. Destinations with higher altitudes around the Cloud Forest stay even cooler with temperatures 6-10 degrees chillier than the surrounding regions.

If you’re looking to escape the dark, cold trenches of a snowy winter, even the lowest Costa Rica temperature in February will keep you warm. The temperature gauge rarely dips below 21°C even on the coldest nights in the highest altitudes.

What to do in Costa Rica in February

One of the best places to visit in Costa Rica in February is the Pacific Coast. Hoards of olive ridley sea turtles quietly nest along the shores while their eggs begin to hatch. February is one of the best months to see the baby sea turtles begin their journey from nest to sea. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the tail end of leatherback nesting season as well. Humpback whales begin migrating around this time and can be seen breaching from shore. Inland around the Cloud Forest, colorful quetzals begin building nests in the trees to prepare a safe spot for their eggs come springtime.

There are so many things to do in Costa Rica in February. Walk amongst native plants and animals while the weather cooperates.  

Tackling Arenal Volcano is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica in February. This dormant volcano lets off some steam from time to time but don’t let that stop you from visiting Arenal National Park to get a closer look. The lava-filled giant is situated in the cool Alajuela Province near La Fortuna, making it the perfect place to wander in the sunshine while catching a cool breeze.

While visitors cannot technically ascend the volcano like in the past, there are incredible trails around the base that wind through the old lava fields. February is the perfect time to visit Arenal Volcano as many of the trails become too muddy and treacherous in the later rainy months of the year. There are multiple lookouts, trails, tours and more to explore. 

Hotels in Costa Rica in February

While February is not as busy as January, it is still peak season in Costa Rica and the country welcomes many tourists during this month. It is best to book accommodation 4-6 months in advance if you have your sights set on a specific spot. Since the 2017 hurricane season destroyed many popular Caribbean getaways on neighboring islands such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, there has been a sharp uptake in visitors to Costa Rica’s shores with each passing February.

The Costa Rican school year starts in mid-February, so don’t be surprised if the beaches are full of families having a midday cookout. You can expect the beaches and streets to clear out near the end of the month as kids head trade the sea and hills for pens and pencils. 

Costa Rica Carnival  

Just when we thought we’d had enough partying, Carnival season starts in the middle of February. The main show and 7-day affair kicks off in Puntarenas Province with music, street fairs, food and all around merriment. The streets come alive once again with friendly locals basking in the perfect February weather and taking in the colorful sights. The last Saturday of Carnival is the grand finale of the celebrations – the dramatic parade makes its way through the center of Puntarenas with high energy the whole way. 

Fishing tournaments and other sporting events take place during this time as well. The competitive spirit adds to the buzzing celebratory vibe to make a lasting impression.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec