Capital city, Costa Rica
San José weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to San José
Dec–Apr is dry and sunny. May–Nov brings daily afternoon rain, heaviest Sep–Oct. Dec–Jan is peak tourist season with higher prices.
San José weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan24°38 mm
- Feb25°22 mm
- Mar27°29 mm
- Apr27°76 mm
- May25°220 mm
- Jun23°209 mm
- Jul23°184 mm
- Aug23°198 mm
- Sep23°256 mm
- Oct22°301 mm
- Nov22°188 mm
- Dec23°70 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C75°F | 15°C60°F | 38 mm | 79% | Pleasant |
| February | 25°C78°F | 16°C60°F | 22 mm | 71% | Pleasant |
| March | 27°C81°F | 16°C61°F | 29 mm | 64% | Pleasant |
| April | 27°C81°F | 17°C63°F | 76 mm | 68% | Pleasant |
| May | 25°C77°F | 18°C64°F | 220 mm | 81% | Rainy |
| June | 23°C74°F | 18°C64°F | 209 mm | 88% | Rainy |
| July | 23°C74°F | 17°C63°F | 184 mm | 87% | Rainy |
| August | 23°C74°F | 17°C63°F | 198 mm | 88% | Rainy |
| September | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F | 256 mm | 90% | Rainy |
| October | 22°C72°F | 17°C63°F | 301 mm | 91% | Very wet |
| November | 22°C72°F | 16°C61°F | 188 mm | 90% | Rainy |
| December | 23°C74°F | 16°C60°F | 70 mm | 85% | Pleasant |
Best months across Costa Rica
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna | Dec–Apr | Apr (32°C) |
| San José | Dec–Apr | Apr (27°C) |
| Tamarindo | Dec–Apr | Apr (36°C) |
| Manuel Antonio | Dec–Apr | Mar (32°C) |
| Santa Teresa | Dec–Apr | Mar (31°C) |
| Monteverde | Dec–Apr | Apr (35°C) |
| Puerto Viejo | Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct | Apr (29°C) |
| Nosara | Dec–Apr | Mar (34°C) |
| Tortuguero | Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct | Apr (30°C) |
| Jacó | Dec–Apr | Mar (32°C) |
| Uvita | Dec–Apr | Mar (32°C) |
| Playas del Coco | Dec–Apr | Apr (36°C) |
| Sámara | Dec–Apr | Mar (34°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit San José?
Dec–Apr. Dec–Apr is dry and sunny. May–Nov brings daily afternoon rain, heaviest Sep–Oct. Dec–Jan is peak tourist season with higher prices.
When is the rainy season in San José?
Rain peaks in October with about 301 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: May–Nov.
What is the hottest month in San José?
April, with average highs of 27°C (81°F).
How cold does San José get?
The coolest nights are in January, averaging 15°C (60°F).
More about San José
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Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 3.1°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.