Things to Do in Sanjose in March

March Weather in Sanjose

35°C (95°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect transition weather - March marks the end of Costa Rica's dry season, giving you the best of both worlds with clear mornings for outdoor activities and minimal rain until late afternoon
Tech conference season peaks - March hosts major Silicon Valley events including the annual Costa Rica Tech Summit, making it ideal for business travelers and digital nomads seeking networking opportunities
Coffee harvest finale - The last weeks of coffee picking season mean fresh roasts at their peak, with plantation tours offering hands-on harvesting experiences at fincas around Dota and Tarrazú regions (45 minutes south)
Optimal wildlife viewing - Animals are still concentrated around water sources from dry season, but increased cloud cover in afternoons provides comfortable conditions for Manuel Antonio and Monteverde day trips

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms increase frequency - While brief (typically 30-45 minutes), daily 3pm-5pm downpours can disrupt outdoor plans and create traffic delays on Highway 27 to beach destinations
Peak season pricing lingers - Hotel rates remain 20-30% higher than April-May as March is still considered prime season, especially for weekend getaways to Jacó and Manuel Antonio
Pollen levels peak - The transition period brings heavy flowering cycles that can trigger allergies, particularly problematic for those sensitive to coffee plant and jacaranda tree blooms

Best Activities in March

Central Valley Coffee Plantation Tours

March is the final month of coffee harvest season, offering unique opportunities to participate in actual coffee picking alongside seasonal workers. Morning tours (7am-11am) avoid afternoon rain and showcase the entire process from bean to cup. The weather is perfect for walking plantation trails at elevations of 1,200-1,800m (3,937-5,906 ft) where temperatures are 5-8°C cooler than the city.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as this is the last chance for harvest tours until next season. Tours typically cost ₡25,000-₡35,000 ($45-65) including transportation from San José. Look for working plantations rather than tourist-focused farms for authentic experiences.

Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trips

March offers the perfect balance - dry trails for hiking but increasing cloud cover that keeps wildlife active during midday hours. The 2.5-hour drive from San José is still on dry roads, and you can complete the main park circuit (1.6 km/1 mile of trails) before afternoon rains. Sloth and monkey sightings peak as animals haven't dispersed for rainy season yet.

Booking Tip: Depart San José by 6am to maximize park time before weather changes. Full-day tours cost ₡35,000-₡50,000 ($65-90) including park entrance. Book transportation with air conditioning - the return journey can be humid. Entry limited to 600 people daily, so advance booking essential.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventures

March weather creates ideal cloud forest conditions - enough moisture for the mystical fog experience but not the heavy rains of April-October. The 3-hour drive navigates the last reliable weeks before road conditions deteriorate. Canopy zip-lining operates full schedules since afternoon closures due to lightning are less frequent.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead as March is peak season for the cloud forest. Day tours from San José cost ₡45,000-₡65,000 ($80-120). Choose tours departing before 7am to maximize clear weather window. Road conditions require 4WD or experienced drivers after March.

Central Market and Downtown Walking Tours

March heat makes air-conditioned Mercado Central perfect for midday exploration when it's too hot for outdoor activities. The covered market offers respite during the daily 25°C-35°C (77°F-95°F) temperature range. This is mango season - vendors sell 15+ varieties at peak ripeness. Walking tours work best 8am-10am or after 4pm post-rain cooling.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well - the market is open 6am-6pm Monday-Saturday. Budget ₡3,000-₡8,000 ($5-15) for food tastings. Guided cultural walks typically cost ₡15,000-₡25,000 ($25-45) for 3-hour experiences. Avoid 11am-3pm when temperatures peak and crowds are heaviest.

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs

March offers the clearest volcano viewing conditions before rainy season clouds obscure the peak. The 2.5-hour drive on paved roads is reliable, and natural hot springs provide perfect relief from humid afternoons. La Fortuna area averages 2-3°C cooler than San José, making hiking more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book overnight trips rather than day tours - you need early morning and evening for best volcano views. Two-day packages cost ₡65,000-₡95,000 ($120-175) including accommodation and hot springs access. March is peak season, so secure bookings 2-3 weeks ahead especially for weekend departures.

Cartago and Irazú Volcano Day Trips

March provides the clearest views from Irazú's 3,432m (11,260 ft) summit before clouds increase. The early dry season means roads are in excellent condition, and you can see both Atlantic and Pacific oceans on clear mornings. Basilica de Los Ángeles pilgrimage season hasn't started, so crowds are manageable.

Booking Tip: Start extremely early (5am departure) for best summit visibility and comfortable temperatures at altitude - expect 10-15°C (50-59°F) at the crater. Tours cost ₡30,000-₡45,000 ($55-80) including transportation. Afternoon tours risk complete cloud cover and miss the dual-ocean views.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Festival de las Artes

San José's premier arts festival transforms downtown streets into outdoor galleries and performance spaces. International and local artists showcase work across Plaza de la Cultura, Teatro Nacional, and surrounding venues. Free outdoor concerts, art installations, and cultural performances run throughout the month.

Second Sunday in March

Día del Boyero (Oxcart Driver's Day)

Traditional celebration in Escazú (20 minutes west of San José) featuring decorated oxcarts, folk dancing, and traditional foods. This UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition showcases Costa Rica's coffee culture heritage with authentic demonstrations and local artisan markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes with high winds, umbrella won't suffice during the 3pm-5pm daily downpours

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly in the warm, moist conditions

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,150m (3,773 ft) elevation, reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - city sidewalks become slippery during brief but intense rain showers, avoid smooth-soled footwear

Light cardigan or hoodie - air conditioning in malls, restaurants, and transportation can be aggressive, creating 10°C temperature differences indoors

Quick-dry clothing for day trips - essential for activities like Manuel Antonio or Monteverde where you might encounter unexpected moisture

Antihistamines - March pollen from coffee plants and blooming trees affects many visitors, especially those with seasonal allergies

Insect repellent with DEET - increased humidity brings more mosquitoes, particularly important for evening activities and restaurant patios

Portable phone charger - frequent power outages during afternoon storms can drain batteries, especially if you're navigation-dependent

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors, parking meters, and public transport don't accept cards or large bills, keep ₡1,000-₡5,000 notes handy

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-11am window - locals know this is the sweet spot before heat peaks and afternoon storms begin, tourist attractions are less crowded too

Stock up on groceries Sunday evenings - many businesses close early Monday for restocking after weekend tourism rush, particularly in central areas near hotels

Use Waze or similar apps religiously - afternoon rains create flash flooding on key routes like Autopista Próspero Fernández, locals know alternate routes through residential areas

Book restaurant reservations for 5:30pm-6:30pm - you'll eat during the daily rain window when outdoor seating isn't available, but you'll have prime dinner slots when storms clear

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach day trips without checking return traffic - afternoon storms cause major delays on Highway 27 to Pacific coast, what should be 2.5 hours becomes 4+ hours

Overpacking for temperature - tourists bring winter clothes for 'mountain' trips, but even Monteverde rarely drops below 18°C (64°F) in March

Assuming rain ruins entire days - March storms are brief but intense, many visitors panic and cancel plans instead of waiting 45 minutes for clearing