Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. Filled with lush jungle, unique cloud forests, rare wildlife, white sand beaches and powerful volcanoes, a visit to Costa Rica promises to be one epic trip.
Costa Rica is arguably a year-round destination. While it has a powerful rainy season between May and November, these months breathe life back into the country’s flora and fauna. As the rain begins, the country boasts more shades of green than I ever knew existed.
Most people understandably want to avoid the rain. No one wants to spend their holiday or vacation hiding from rainstorms. This is why March is one of the best times of year to visit Costa Rica. The weather is hot and sunny, and there’s minimal rain.
I lived in Costa Rica for six months from February to August. I experienced both the dry season and the wet season. While both seasons have their benefits, I can safely say that March is one of the best times of year to visit Costa Rica, especially when it comes to the weather.
In the post below, I’ve shared all you need to know about visiting Costa Rica in March.
What to expect in March
March is a great time of year to visit Costa Rica. With a good chance of sunny weather, clear skies and minimal rain, it doesn’t get much better than this.
March is officially Costa Rica’s high season for tourism. It is one of the driest months of the year, and with high temperatures and relatively stable weather, tourists arrive in their tens of thousands to explore the country.
This means that visiting Costa Rica in March may result in higher prices and crowded tourist attractions. Costa Rica is also a popular destination for those on their Spring Break. If you prefer to avoid destinations at their busiest, March might not be the best time of year to visit.
I certainly noticed a difference between the amount of tourists in March and June. March is also one of the hottest months of the year, which could be another reason to avoid it. Having said that, the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much throughout the year.
Important note: Water shortages are a common issue in Costa Rica during the months of March and April. Being the dry season, rain is minimal and many areas struggle with water supplies. This is especially true for the Pacific side of the country. Be prepared to purchase bottled water and be mindful of your water use.
Costa Rica weather in March
March is the peak of the dry season in Costa Rica, and it boasts some of the best weather of the entire year.
It’s one of the hottest months of the year, and the average daytime temperature across the country is around 28°C (82°F). However, coastal areas often exceed 30°C (86°F) and can reach around 35°C (95°F).
Costa Rica has a tropical climate meaning it can rain at any time, but March is normally the driest month of the year. This also means humidity tends to be on the lower side which makes the heat a little more bearable.
I experienced no rain whatsoever while in Costa Rica in March. However, we did have a few cloudier days, especially in the afternoons. If I’m being honest, it was actually quite a nice relief from the heat of the sun.
Best places to visit in March
With dreamy weather, the month of March is a popular time to visit Costa Rica. It’s the perfect time to visit most destinations around the country. However, some areas are particularly special in March.
Caribbean Coast
March is a good time to visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Most tourists visit destinations on the Pacific side, such as the famous Guanacaste Province. This means areas such as Puerto Viejo tend to be a little quieter, despite being the peak season.
Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is a remote region in Costa Rica and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Not many visitors visit this spot as it’s a long journey to get there and is very remote. This makes it a great place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the true beauty of Costa Rica. Filled with lush jungle and surrounded by a thriving ocean, the Osa Peninsula is the definition of a natural paradise.
The Osa Peninsula is also a great place to see the Humpback whales. March is the end of the season in the area, but you may catch a few at the start of the month.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Home to the Arenal Volcano, this small town is a great spot to base yourself for a few days. The area offers several epic hikes, hot springs, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is visit the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest. This 26,000-acre area is home to an array of wildlife species and the perfect place to get lost on the trails.
Thanks to minimal rain, March is one of the best times to visit the area. It might not be as luscious and green as the rainy season, but the trails tend to be much drier. I visited Monteverde in the heart of the rainy season… let’s say it was an experience.
Temperatures tend to be a little cooler here due to the higher elevations, so it’s a great spot to go to escape the heat.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Costa Rica. This accessible National Park is filled with wildlife, including monkeys, rare birds, and sloths.
The National Park is close to the town of Quepos which is a great place to base yourself in Costa Rica. It has some beautiful beaches and lots of exciting outdoor activities. If you’re keen to base yourself in one place during your trip to Costa Rica, this is a good option.
Just be aware that it’s one of the most popular areas in the country and will be very busy during the month of March.
Nicoya Peninsula
I spent most of my six months in Costa Rica living on the Nicoya Peninsula, in a little town called Cabuya. This beautiful area is home to incredible destinations, including Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Cabo Blanco National Park.
Costa Rica is famous for its postcard-worthy beaches, and it’s easy to see why when exploring the Nicoya Peninsula. Where the jungle meets the white sand beaches, the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.
Thanks to the beautiful weather, March is one of the best times to visit here. Many of the towns tend to be a little less developed in the area, giving you a true taste of that ‘Pura Vida’ life.
San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica. Visitors often overlook the city, but it’s well worth spending a day or two exploring and doing day trips to the surrounding Central Valley. Costa Rica lies in the notorious Pacific Ring of Fire. Several volcanoes, including the Irazu and the Poas volcanoes, can be reached from the city on day trips.
March festivals and events in Costa Rica
There are a couple of notable events and festivals that take place during the month of March in Costa Rica.
First up is Día de los Boyeros, which translates as ‘Day of the Oxcart Driver’. During the celebrations, locals take to the streets to commemorate the use of oxcarts throughout Costa Rica’s history. There are often parades and booths selling local foods.
The festival takes place on the second Sunday of March each year.
Easter may also fall into March (if not April). In Costa Rica, the week leading up to Easter is a huge celebration known as ‘Semana Santa‘, or Holy Week. Costa Ricans take these festivities very seriously, and the country can become extremely busy, so it’s worth avoiding this period if you can. During Holy Week, there are huge parades and celebrations, and many restaurants close.
What to wear in March
What you wear in Costa Rica more or less stays the same no matter what month you travel. The daytime temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year (although they do drop a bit during the rainy season).
Costa Rica is a tropical country, so you’ll want to wear clothes that help keep you cool. This includes loose trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, and thin T-shirts. It’s also worth packing a layer or two for higher elevations, especially if you plan to visit Monteverde. The early mornings and nights can also sometimes be a bit chilly, so have at least one warmer layer.
Despite March being the driest month, it’s a sensible idea to pack a rain jacket. It can rain at any time of the year in Costa Rica and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
If you’re planning to venture into one of the National Parks or jungles, I recommend taking some long trousers and a long-sleeved top. These will help to protect you from the sun, insects, and plants. You might be a bit hot, but wading through a jungle won’t be fun in shorts.
TIP: Remember to pack insect repellent. Despite being the dry season, there are still lots of bugs around, including mosquitos.
Pros and cons of visiting Costa Rica in March
March is a great time to visit, but it might not be for everyone. Here are a few pros and cons of visiting Costa Rica in March.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Great weather including sunny skies and minimal rain – A great month to experience the wildlife – Most of the country is accessible – Fewer mosquitos | – It’s the peak season meaning big crowds – Higher prices – If Easter falls into March, the festivities may disrupt your travel plans – You’ll need to book ahead for most things. |
Other good times to visit Costa Rica
Not convinced about visiting Costa Rica in March? No problem. Costa Rica can technically be visited all year round. Granted, visiting in the height of the rainy season might not offer the best weather, but it doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time.
I spent several months in Costa Rica during the rainy season and still managed to explore much of the country. Many outdoor activities were rained off, and hiking wasn’t exactly always fun, but I still loved it.
December to February
December to February is another great time to visit Costa Rica. Similar to March, these months offer warm temperatures making it one of the most popular times to visit the country. This period still classes as the peak season, so you’ll still likely be faced with high prices (especially over Christmas).
The Green Season (June to November)
The Green season is a beautiful time of year in Costa Rica. The rains have returned, and the lush green jungles have come to life. If seeing thriving jungles and an array of wildlife is on your Costa Rica bucket list, consider visiting during this period.
Important note: Be aware that this is the rainy season. I spent June, July, and August in Costa Rica. Some days, it rained all day long, and other days, it rained only in the afternoon. The green season also provides slightly cooler temperatures, especially at night.
The months of July to November are great times to see sea turtles. One of the best places to see adult sea turtles laying their eggs is Tortuguero National Park. Most turtles lay their eggs between July and October. On the Pacific side of the country, it’s possible to see the ‘arribada‘, when thousands of turtles lay their eggs at the same time.
If you want to see whales or dolphins, September through to November is a great time to visit.
Costa Rica has one of the longest whale seasons in the world. Whales from the Southern Hemisphere visit from July through November, and September is one of the best months to see them (the Northern Hemisphere whales tend to visit from December to March).
Final thoughts: Is March a good time to visit Costa Rica?
March is one of the best times of year to visit Costa Rica. In fact, if you want minimal rain, clear skies and hot temperatures, it’s THE best time to visit. It’s not the busiest time of year for no reason.
Being the peak season, visiting Costa Rica in March is very expensive, and you’ll likely have to plan your accommodation, transport and activities well ahead of time.
Despite being the best time of year when it comes to the weather, it doesn’t mean it’s the only time of year to visit the country. To avoid the crowds and high prices, consider visiting in the months of November or April. You might find there’s some rain and cloudy skies, but prices will be lower, and the weather should still be pleasant.
In reality, Costa Rica is a great year-round destination. Having spent six months in the country, including parts of both the dry and wet seasons, I can confidently say each month has its benefits. If you want perfect hot weather, March is a great time to visit. If you want to experience lush jungles and thriving wildlife, the rainy season is a great option.
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