Costa Rica Weather in March: Bathing in the Tropical Sun

March is a great month. Spring is in the air, and although winter might have one or two last-minute cold snaps to bite you, the evenings are lighter and life feels good. But you know what makes March even better? Costa Rica!

Sure, springtime is not something that happens in Costa Rica—we have rainy and dry seasons. And March, sweet springtime March, is the peak of the dry season in Costa Rica. The driest month of the year, with guaranteed sunshine and tons of fun to be had. It's certainly worth skipping a week or two of springtime at home to enjoy the benefits of a full summer in Costa Rica.

In this article, we'll explore what the weather is like in Costa Rica in March, so whether you're looking for your late winter trip or a spring break escapade, you'll know what to expect before you start planning.

March is the peak of the dry season in Costa Rica. You'll find near-continual sunshine in western and central Costa Rica (the Pacific coast, Central Valley, and Arenal Volcano regions) with minimal rainfall and low humidity. Not surprisingly, this month marks the start of Costa Rica's hottest weather. Daytime highs at the beach can range from 86° up to 96 °F (30-37 °C), making them scorching hot, and creating true poolside weather.

Away from the coast, as you travel up into the Central Valley or towards higher elevations, temperatures cool down a bit more. The highest temperatures can go between 75° and 85 °F (24-29 °C), with even cooler evenings and the same amount of sunshine.

On the Caribbean coast, March is also quite dry, although the rainforests here make for a lusher landscape than much of the Pacific side. You can expect occasional afternoon rain showers on the Caribbean side in March that provide a cooling effect. Daytime highs can reach up to 88 °F (31 °C).

If you're a lover of hot sunshine, sunny beaches, and tropical poolside living, then March in Costa Rica is for you. It's the peak month of the dry season, and one of the two or three months in the year when you can all but guarantee hot, sunny weather with minimum rain. No wonder March is so popular with travelers! Below, we list some pros and cons for anyone considering a March vacation to Costa Rica:

While it's true that more tourists and hikers mean fewer chances to spot wildlife, it's also true that there are still animals to see and natural wonders to enjoy in March. Monkeys, sloths, and larger animals become highly active during this month and are more easily spotted. As water holes shrink in the heat, many animals come out for refreshing drinks, making wildlife watching exceptionally rewarding. Most national parks offer excellent wildlife viewing during this period, although we need to reiterate that more tourists can sometimes affect this. Try to head out early in the morning to beat the crowds.

March is great for turtles. Find colonies of Olive Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles on the Pacific coast, especially in Guanacaste. Given that the nesting season peaks around Christmas, March offers the perfect opportunity to observe these little ones in their lively flapping action. For seekers of other marine life, excellent whale-watching spots can be found along the coasts of Guanacaste and Nicoya, where northern humpback whales gather during this time.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will also love the increasing bird population in the wetlands of Tortuguero and Caño Negro. These areas serve as a retreat for northern birds seeking a warm and agreeable winter vacation in March. You'll also find migrating birds in Monteverde and other cloud forest areas. Birdwatchers seeking the resplendent quetzal will also find March ideal—this is their breeding season, so you should get to see and hear them more easily than at other times of the year.

March is perfect for outdoor activities in Costa Rica. Whether you're into hiking, zip-lining, water sports, or more, you'll find everything open in Costa Rica. And the best part is, you won't have to contend with that pesky rainfall disrupting your plans.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, March is perfect for unwinding poolside or relaxing on the beach. It's the perfect time to relax and soak up the sun, with intermittent dips to cool off from the heat of the day.

The Costa Rican climate in March means beach time and more beach time. The hot, sun-drenched weather beckons travelers and tourists from all corners, including Costa Ricans at weekends. In our opinion, the months of February, March, and April are the best beach months of the year in a country where every month is a good beach month!

Travelers to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula at the beginning of March might find the Pacific a little chilly because of ongoing offshore winds, but given the heat of the day, it’s refreshing rather than uncomfortable. And those winds abate in March, anyway. The Pacific coast south of the Nicoya Peninsula is a little warmer.

For experienced surfers looking for big waves, March isn't the best time to visit. There's still a lot of consistency and tons of fun to be had, but the offshores are dying out at this time in Guanacaste, and the big rainy season swells are a couple of months away. The Caribbean side offers more, although the winter storms that feed the Salsa Brava are a little less frequent in March. They’re still around, but a little less frequent. If you're a less experienced surfer, or if you want to learn to surf, March is absolutely perfect for that, because you’ll get the chance to experience the surfs without worrying about them becoming too much.

March is also great for inshore and offshore fishing. In the dry season, the Central and Southern Pacific coasts are generally better than Guanacaste, so serious anglers should focus their attention there. That said, as the offshore winds fade out in March, Guanacaste is slightly better than February for offshore fishing, although still not ideal. The good news is that this time of year is fantastic for inshore fishing, especially for roosterfish. On the Caribbean coast, March is prime inshore tarpon fishing time.

If you’re wondering what to pack for Costa Rica in March, the key takeaway is that you won't need much. Pack light because it's hot and sunny and you'll be living in shorts and T-shirt or bathing gear. For your feet, flipflops are fine, although bring a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, and also footwear you don't mind getting wet. A pair of long pants is also recommended if you're doing some fine dining or spending time in the cities.

For those planning to spend time at higher altitudes or in the cloud forests, pack a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as well as a light sweater or hoodie with long sleeves to stay comfortable in changing conditions. It's also possible to layer up to stay warm, although it's certainly not that cold in March.

One essential thing you don't want to forget in March (well, you don't want to forget any month, actually, but especially March) is sunscreen. It's expensive in Costa Rica and you're going to need it. Bring your own down if you can, and apply it generously. Everyone will have a better time.

March in Costa Rica can be quite quiet, culturally speaking, unless Easter falls in that month. Semana Santa ("Holy Week" or Easter Week) is usually at the end of March or the beginning of April, depending on the year. If you happen to be in Costa Rica during Semana Santa, you might enjoy some religious processions and ceremonies, although be aware that though Costa Rica is largely a Catholic country, activities are a lot more lowkey than elsewhere in Central America. Really, Easter means packed coastal communities as Costa Ricans take advantage of the holidays to hit the beach.

The second Sunday of March is the Día de los Boyeros, “Oxherds’ Day.” It’s a celebration of all things oxcart. The main festivities are in San Antonio de Escazú, a mountain community outside of San José, but you'll find other oxcart-related processions and celebrations in communities around the country in March. It's a nod to Costa Rica's agricultural heritage and worth checking out if you're around and near a procession.

March is also a good time for fishing competitions and the Central Pacific marinas of Los Sueños and Marina Pez Vela still host events during this month.

There are no major safety concerns in Costa Rica in March, it’s a great month to visit. The weather is perfect for lovers of sunshine, and anyone dreaming of hot sunny days on the beach will find March an optimum month to travel. Just remember to stay in the shade as much as you can to protect your skin and, as always, pack sunscreen and a hat!

The main caveat to a March vacation in Costa Rica is how busy it is, especially if you're traveling over Easter. The beach towns expand and expand in size, as Costa Ricans come down from the Central Valley to celebrate. Some people might find the noise and crowds too much. Others will love it. If you seek a quieter experience, avoid Easter week. And if you don't, please know that you'll need to book way in advance as hotels and flights sell out during this time. On the other hand, Easter is a great time to be in San Jose, as the city is virtually empty.

We hope this guide offers some insight into what to expect when traveling to Costa Rica in March. Ultimately, it's a month filled with sunshine and wonderful experiences! National parks are open, activities abound, and the beaches and resort swimming pools welcome you from the heat with open arms.

One thing to keep in mind throughout all of this is the importance of booking in advance. This remains crucial in March, especially around Easter. We strongly recommend that if you're considering a spring break to Costa Rica in March, you reach out to our expert travel advisors who are more than willing to kick-start your vacation planning process. We look forward to welcoming you in March!