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Costa Rica in March: Where to Go and What to Do

If you’re looking for sunny Costa Rica holidays, March is a great time to go. It's the middle of the dry season, so you get all of the tropical sunshine and none of the storms. Here are the best places to visit and best things to do in Costa Rica in March.

Visiting Costa Rica in March

For sunny weather in March, Costa Rica is the place to be.

The average Costa Rica March temperature is around 28 Celsius, and there's hardly a drop of rain. The Pacific coast is the best place to visit in Costa Rica in March for warm weather. There, you can spend the endless sunny days relaxing on the beach or in the sea.

It's also one of the busiest times of year to visit Costa Rica, but it’s well worth braving the crowds. There are many exciting things to do and beautiful places to visit.

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 What is the Weather like in Costa Rica in March?

March is the driest month of the year on average across the entirety of Costa Rica.

The Pacific coast sees zero rainfall, although the Caribbean can experience some rainy periods as the month progresses.

Overall, the weather in Costa Rica in March could hardly be better for Costa Rica family tours. Temperatures will often rise above 30 degrees Celsius on both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.

If you’re not used to the heat, it can get intensely humid in the rainforests, which cover much of the country. But there are plenty of opportunities to escape to the beaches or the highlands to cool off.

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Costa Rica Month-by-Month Comparison

Select a month to see detailed travel conditions and recommendations

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What Events & Festivals are there in Costa Rica in March

March can be a quiet or a busy month when it comes to events and festivals. That all depends on the timing of Easter.

If Easter is early, then you might get caught up in the fantastic celebrations that surround Semana Santa or Holy Week.

If Easter doesn’t fall in March, then you still have a few annual fiestas that you can attend. The most famous event is the Oxcarts-Parade, an event that is held once a year in San Antonio de Escazu. There’s quite literally a parade of oxcarts through the street, as the local farmers bring their oxen and carts to the city to be blessed, in what is a colourful and vibrant occasion.

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Things to See and Do in Costa Rica in March

The universally great March weather in Costa Rica means you’ll be able to enjoy everything the country has to offer.

Head to the Pacific Coast, and you can spend your days surfing and sunbathing. Or make the most of the crystal-clear water with a spot of snorkelling or diving.

The Pacific province of Guanacaste is especially beautiful, and hot, this time of year, while the Corcovado and Manuel Antonio National Parks are both teeming with wildlife.

If it’s too hot for you, then head away from the coast and take a trip to the capital, San Jose. From there, you can venture out to hike nearby volcanoes, such as the towering Irazu Volcano or the ever-popular Arenal.

The Caribbean coast is beautiful too. There, you can enjoy the beaches of Cahuita National Park or the beautiful wildlife and wilderness of Tortuguero National Park.

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FAQs: Vacations to Costa Rica in March

Is March a good time to travel to Costa Rica?

March in Costa Rica is idyllic, with a warm, dry climate and lots to see and do. It's one of the very best months to visit.

Benefits When You Travel to Costa Rica in March

  • Great weather: It's the middle of the dry season, and the driest month on average, so the weather in Costa Rica in March is all clear skies and sunshine
  • Outdoor opportunities: The dry March weather in Costa Rica means hiking trails are safe and accessible, and wildlife visibility is excellent
  • Safer seas: Many of the best things to do in Costa Rica in March take place in the water, where no storms means smaller, safer waves
  • Exciting events: March is often a busy month for parades, fiestas and music festivals

When you visit Costa Rica in March, you really get to see the country at its best.

What are the best and worst months to go to Costa Rica?

You can visit Costa Rica at any time of year and still have fun, but coming during the rainy season does restrict your options. March in Costa Rica hardly sees any rain at all, making it confidently one of the best months to go.

Rainy Months in Costa Rica

  • The rainy season runs from May through November
  • September and October often see the worst downpours
  • Storms and torrential rain make seas rough and trails slippery

When it rains in Costa Rica, it pours, which is why most people want to visit Costa Rica in March when it's nice and dry. However, it can be cheaper to visit during the rainy season.

Dry Months in Costa Rica

  • The dry season falls between December and April
  • The Costa Rica weather in March and April is especially dry and warm
  • This is the high season, so it can be crowded and costly

Is Costa Rica expensive in March?

Costa Rica experiences increased tourist demand in March, and this translates into higher prices for essentials like rooms and flights.

How expensive is Costa Rica in March?

How expensive it is to travel to Costa Rica in March depends largely on where you're coming from and where you're staying. Long-haul flights often see substantial increases, while hotel rooms can cost almost double the price of other times of the year.

What Makes Prices Go Up in March?

The price of travel to Costa Rica in March is driven up by a couple of different factors.

  • Because of the dry, hot weather in March, Costa Rica attracts more visitors, but flights and rooms are limited.
  • Many US students and families want to visit Costa Rica in March for Spring Break, further increasing demand

However, not everything is expensive. Food and services tend to stay around the same price.

What to pack for Costa Rica in March?

Because the weather in March in Costa Rica is reliably dry, you don't need to think too much about what to pack for Costa Rica in March. Just stick to loose clothing that will be comfortable in the heat and travel light.

  • T-shirts and tank tops are ideal, just remember to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin
  • Skirts and shorts are less stifling than jeans or trousers for the March weather in Costa Rica
  • Protective accessories like sunglasses and a wide-brim hat provide much-needed protection
  • So many things to do in Costa Rica in March take place on or in the water, so a swimming costume is non-negotiable
  • Flip-flops or sandals will be comfy on the beach, but bring boots or trainers if you plan on tackling hiking trails

Don't forget suitcase essentials like a travel adapter and power bank.

What to see in Costa Rica in March?

From spectacular sunsets to dormant volcanoes, you're spoiled for choice about what to see in Costa Rica in March.

Things to See on the Coast

  • Dramatic sunsets: The cloudless March weather in Costa Rica sets the stage for some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll ever see, especially the ones at Playa Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo
  • Turtles: Taking a tour to see the leatherbacks nesting is one of the most popular and rewarding things to do in Costa Rica in March
  • Whales: On the Pacific Coast, humpback whale sightings are still possible in Marino Ballena National Park

Things to See Inland

  • A volcano: Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most famous natural attractions
  • Decorated oxcarts: The Dia de Los Boyeros is just one of many parades made possible by the pleasant Costa Rica climate in March
  • A sloth: These unique creatures can be spotted in forests around the country

What to wear in Costa Rica in March?

When it comes to picking outfits for Costa Rica holidays, March is an easy month. Above all else, you'll want clothes that are cool and comfortable.

Tips for Staying Cool in March

  • Loose, light fabrics like linen will help you stay comfortable in the hot Costa Rica climate in March
  • Light colours like yellow and white help to reflect light and stop heat absorption
  • Bring some long-sleeved tops and long pants, as they can provide extra sun protection

As important as knowing what to wear in Costa Rica in March is knowing what not to. Leave your denim and other thick or dark fabrics at home.

What to do in Costa Rica in March?

There's no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica in March, but choosing between them can be tough. Here are a few ideas about what to do in Costa Rica in March.

  • Hike around the hot springs near Arenal Volcano
  • Find cooler weather in March in Costa Rica by heading to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Surf some Pacific waves at Nosara or Santa Teresa
  • Tour a coffee plantation in the Central Valley
  • Snorkel or dive at Caño Island
  • Of course, there's no better way to appreciate the weather in Costa Rica in March than by relaxing on a beautiful beach like Tamarindo or Playa Conchal

While many of the best things to do in Costa Rica in March are based outdoors, there are also indoor options. San Jose is home to many museums, while Nosara is known for its yoga and wellness retreats.

Where to see turtles in Costa Rica in March?

March is a transitional period for turtle sightings in Costa Rica. The leatherbacks on the Pacific coast are just finishing their nesting season, while those on the Caribbean coast are just starting.

In terms of where to see turtles in Costa Rica in March, it's possible on either coast, but not as likely as at other times of the year.

Tips for Seeing Turtles in March

  • Book a night tour: The daytime temperature in March in Costa Rica is too high for the turtles, so they nest at night to stay cool and avoid predators
  • Be flexible: Keeping multiple nights free for tours can increase your chances of a sighting
  • Visit Marino Las Baulas: This national park is a major leatherback nesting ground and is often the best place to visit in Costa Rica in March for turtle watching
  • Book tours early: Turtle spotting is very popular

Can your experts help organise your trip to Costa Rica in March?

If you're planning to visit Costa Rica in March, our Costa Rica travel experts can help you prepare and make the most of your visit.

We'll help you find the best place to stay in Costa Rica in March, as well as tailor your itinerary to match your interests and preferences.

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