Costa Rica Weather in March

March is the driest and hottest month on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, and one of the most popular of the year. Depending on the year, spring breaks start late in the month, and Easter week (Semana Santa) can fall now. In 2027 it runs 21 to 28 March. It is the busiest week of the year here and hotels fill early, so if your dates fall then, well done for planning ahead.

The country is small, but the weather changes a lot from one region to the next. Here is how March usually looks where most of our travelers go.

Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula

Peak dry season: hot, sunny and dry, in the driest part of the country. Humpback whales from the north are still along the Pacific coast, which they visit from December into March or April.

Central Pacific: Manuel Antonio and Jacó

The driest month of the year here too, great for the national park, the beach and a boat trip to look for whales.

The South Pacific: Uvita and the Osa Peninsula

Still the dry season down south.

Arenal and the Northern Plains

Arenal is in its relatively drier stretch, February to April, though it can rain in any month. The hot springs are perfect whatever the sky does.

Monteverde

The mountains are cooler and can be misty at any time of year. Bring a light jacket for the cloud forest.

The Caribbean Coast

March is part of the Caribbean’s calmer spell, and in Tortuguero it is one of the least rainy months of the year. Leatherback turtles start arriving on the Caribbean beaches in March and nest into June. From 1 March to 31 October, Tortuguero’s beach is closed to visitors from 6 pm to 6 am to protect the turtles, so night visits are with a guide only.

March is one of our busiest months and Easter week fills first, so the sooner we start, the more choice you have. Our team has lived here and built trips by hand since 2004, so we know which regions pair well, how long the drives really take and which hotels are worth it. Tell us what you love and we will design your Costa Rica around it.

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Holidays and Busy Weeks

Semana Santa is the big one. In 2027 it runs from Palm Sunday, 21 March, to Easter Sunday, 28 March, and Holy Thursday and Good Friday (25 and 26 March) are public holidays. US spring breaks also begin late in the month, depending on the year and the school.

What to Pack for March

Light clothes, strong sunscreen and a hat, because it is the hottest month on the coast. A light rain jacket for Arenal and the Caribbean, and a warmer layer for the mountains.