Weather in San Jose, Costa Rica by Month: What to Expect

Are you wondering what you can expect regarding the weather in San Jose, Costa Rica for your trip?

Costa Rica is home to several different micro-climates, so every area of the country has different weather patterns. San Jose is no exception to that. The temperature in this area tends to be cooler than the beach towns, but warmer than some mountain towns. There is also a distinct rainy and dry season.

We are a couple who has lived in San Jose since 2016, so we know all about the climate and what you can expect in this area as far as rain, winds, and temperature throughout the year. It definitely has its ups and downs, but overall, we think the weather here is pretty ideal.

This guide will provide you with a detailed breakdown of what to expect by month, how to pack, and what activities are best suited for each season, travel tips, and more!

Let’s get to it!

San José’s Dry Season (December to April)

The dry season in San José is the most popular time for tourists. This time of year offers sunny, warm, and relatively dry conditions.

During the dry season, especially in January and February, air quality can sometimes be affected by dust, ash from nearby volcanoes, and pollution.

December

December marks the beginning of the dry season. There is a festive atmosphere in the city at this time of year which coincides with the end of the school year and the preparation for Christmas holiday celebrations.

The weather is generally cooler compared to the peak dry season, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

During this time of year the trade winds begin to pick up. It can be slightly windy at times. All the locals will start proclaiming it’s Christmas weather.

The landscape will still be lush and green because the rainy season has just ended.

Events in December

Second Saturday of December (Festival de la Luz): The Festival of Lights takes place annually in San José, Costa Rica. During the festival, the capital city is illuminated with thousands of lights, and an evening parade takes place.

December 25th (Navidad): Christmas is a special time in Costa Rica filled with religious traditions and family gatherings. Families often attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Christmas in Costa Rica is celebrated on December 25th. Some families do things on the evening of the 24th as well, but it is not typical for people to have the day of the 24th off of work.

December 26th (Tope Nacional): “Tope” is the word for horse parades in Costa Rica. This particular horse parade occurs in downtown San Jose. In Costa Rica, these horses are taught to walk in a special way that is really interesting to see.

December 31st (Ano Nuevo): New Years Eve is celebrated throughout the country. If you are looking to party, San Jose is a great place to be. There are plenty of great nightclubs and bars.

Travel Tip: A lot of families from San Jose travel to the coastal towns after Christmas for the week. That means the city is a lot more empty than usual, but some businesses might be closed. Also, this is important to keep in mind because traffic to the coast can be bad right after Christmas.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 77°F (25°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 61°F (16°C)
• Average Rainfall: 0.6 inches (1.5 cm)

January

January is one of the driest months of the year. There will be plenty of sunshine and very little rain in San Jose.

This month is typically breezy, with stronger trade winds especially noticeable in the mountains and higher elevations.

The dry season is in full swing, with the landscape becoming drier.

Events: January features the Palmares Festival. This typically takes place during the first week of the month. This is one of Costa Rica’s largest festivals, with concerts, bullfighting, and parades, drawing visitors from all over the country. Palmaras is located less than an hour away from San Jose if you would like to attend.

Keep in Mind: Kids in Costa Rica are still of off school for the first few weeks of January. This means that the city tends to be a lot more empty than usual since a lot of families head to the beach towns.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 79°F (26°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 59°F (15°C)
• Average Rainfall: 0.3 inches (0.8 cm)

February

February continues the trend of dry, sunny days, with slightly warmer temperatures and very little precipitation.

February continues to be windy. The winds can be quite strong at times, bringing cooler breezes.

The landscape continues to dry out and the area surrounding San Jose can start looking somewhat arid.

This is actually one of my least favorite months in San Jose because I hate the wind and how brown everything starts looking at this time of year. However, if you are looking for clear weather, this is a great time to visit.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 81°F (27°C), but it tends to feel cooler because of the winds.
• Average Evening Temperature: 61°F (16°C)
• Average Rainfall: 0.1 inches (0.3 cm)

March

March is often the hottest month in San José, with temperatures occasionally reaching 85°F (29°C).

March is typically less windy than January and February but can still have occasional breezes. The air feels drier, and the temperatures are among the highest of the year.

The dry season reaches its peak, and the landscape is at its driest.

Typically by the end of March, we are so excited for the first rains to start and for everything to become green again.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 83°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 0.2 inches (0.5 cm)

April

April marks the end of the dry season, with temperatures peaking and the first hints of the upcoming rainy season appearing in the form of occasional showers.

It’s still an excellent time to visit, as the rains are usually brief and mostly occur in the late afternoon or evening.

Events in April

April 11th is Dia de Juan Santamaria. This day is a Costa Rican holiday commemorating the Costa Rican victory during the Battle of Rivas in 1856. On this day you can expect parades throughout the country put on by schools with kids leading the festivities. If you would like to watch a parade, just ask at your hotel. They should be able to tell you when and where a celebration will occur.

Semana Santa is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. This is a popular time for families to travel to the beach. That means that the city clears out a lot, but traffic can be bad heading to the coast. If you plan to travel during this time of year, check out our complete Semana Santa guide.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 84°F (29°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Rainfall: 1.4 inches (3.5 cm)

San José’s Rainy Season (May to November)

The rainy season in San José is characterized by frequent afternoon showers and lush, green landscapes.

While the mornings are typically clear and sunny, the afternoons often bring heavy rains.

The sun rises around 5:30 AM here, and I feel like the early mornings are the best part of the day here. I suggest getting up early and enjoying the day before the rain arrives in the afternoon.

Travel Tip: I swear the meteorologists just stop working during the rainy season. Typically the forecast says rain all day. Don’t worry, that is not true. It is very rare to have rain all day here.

May

May is the beginning of the rainy season. Mornings are usually warm and sunny, with temperatures around 77°F (25°C).

Afternoon showers become more common as the month progresses, but they are generally brief and intense.

The landscape starts to green up rapidly as the rainy season sets in. It’s awesome!

Events: May Day (Día del Trabajador on May 1st) is a national holiday with parades and events celebrating workers’ rights. Some businesses may be closed and occasionally there are protests. Typically this doesn’t effect driving or cause road closures, but you never know here!

• Average Daytime Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Rainfall: 6.1 inches (15.5 cm)

June

June continues with regular afternoon rains, but the mornings often remain clear. The rain typically last for an hour or two and rolls in like clockwork around 2pm. This is a great time to take a little siesta before gettng back up to catch the sunset.

The environment is lush and green during this month.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 80°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 8.9 inches (22.6 cm)

July

July is known for the “veranillo,” or “little summer”.

Typically, for about two weeks during this month, the rains temporarily subside and you can enjoy sunny days.

However, it is hard to predict exactly when and if this will occur, so don’t completely plan your trip around this.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 80°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 7.2 inches (18.3 cm)

August

In August, the rainy season returns in full force, with frequent afternoon showers. These showers start getting more intense and are often accompanied by brief lightning storms.

Despite the rain, the mornings remain warm and inviting.

Events: The Virgin of the Angels Day take place on August 2nd. This is Costa Rica’s most important religious holiday.

It is marked by people making a pilgrimage to Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles in Cartago from around the country. Some walk for days and are often barefoot as a sign of devotion. Often, people approach the church on their hands and knees.

If you can, I would suggest you avoid trying to drive through San Jose or to Cartago on this day. Roads can be thick with traffic.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 80°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 8.6 inches (21.8 cm)

September

September is one of the wettest months in San José.

The rains are heavier and more persistent, and sometimes last into the evenings or throughout the day.

Sometimes there can also be intense lightning storms. It always freaks me out a bit because they are often so intense and close. It is to the point that car alarms will go off down our whole street.

If you opt to go out in the afternoon, be prepared that you might get completely soaked with a sudden heavy downpour.

Events: Costa Rica’s Independence Day on September 15th is celebrated with parades, traditional music, and dancing. It’s a time of national pride and festivities throughout the country, including in San José. A lot of businesses will be closed and there might be road closures due to the parades.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 79°F (26°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)

October

October marks the peak of the rainy season, with the heaviest and most prolonged rains.

Sometimes in October the flash flooding can be insane. Roads will be under several feet of water and you will need to wait for this to subside before driving.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 79°F (26°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 13.2 inches (33.5 cm)

November

November is a transitional month and the rain begins to taper off later in the month. You might still experience some rainy and cloudy days, but you might also experience days with perfect weather.

The city starts to prepare for the upcoming dry season, and the weather becomes more predictable.

• Average Daytime Temperature: 79°F (26°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Rainfall: 5.9 inches (15 cm)

Packing for San José’s Weather

Packing for San José largely depends on the season you’re visiting, but there are some essentials you should bring year-round.

In San Jose, it is always best to try and blend in. In the downtown area petty theft can be a problem.

To help combat that, it is a good idea to dress in normal clothing with minimal jewelry or flashy items. In the downtown area, people typically wear pants or shorts with a t-shirt.

Don’t walk with valuables, such as an expensive camera clearly visible.

Dry Season Packing Tips

• Light Clothing: Breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal for the warm days.
• Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, so protect yourself from UV rays. We suggest SPF 50 or higher.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat will provide additional sun protection. We have this slightly nerdy hat from Columbia and love it for all Costa Rica adventures.
• Light Jacket: Evenings can be cooler, so bring a light jacket or sweater. I find that usually by 7 PM I am wearing long pants and a flannel shirt, but then again, I’m notorioualy always freezing.

Rainy Season Packing Tips

• Waterproof Gear: A waterproof jacket and shoes are essential for staying dry during the frequent afternoon rains. I suggest packing something lightweight because it can stay pretty humid.
• Umbrella: San Jose is the only place in the country I actually use an umbrella. A compact umbrella is handy for sudden downpours, but if you don’t want to bring one you can always try relying on your rain jacket.
• Quick-Drying Clothes: Opt for quick-drying fabrics that won’t leave you feeling damp all day.
• Insect Repellent: The increased humidity during the rainy season can attract more insects. Typically, mosquitos aren’t bad during the day but once the sun goes down they come out.
• Power Bank: The power doesn’t often go out, but when it does it is helpful to have a power bank to keep your cell phone charged.

Check out our complete rainy season packing list for more tips!

Year-Round Essentials

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Whether you’re exploring the city or hiking nearby trails, good walking shoes are a must.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially at higher elevations. We love Lifestraw bottles to filter out bacteria.
• Layered Clothing: The weather can change quickly, so layering your clothes will help you adjust to varying temperatures.
• Money Belt: For hiding money and credit cards when walking around the city.

Things to Do in San José in Both Seasons

San José offers a variety of activities that can be enjoyed in both the dry and rainy seasons, though some are more suited to specific weather conditions.

Dry Season Activities

• Day Trips to Volcanoes: One of our favorite things to do from San Jose is to visit a volcano. On a clear day the views at both Poas Volcano and Irazu Volcano area amazing!
• Coffee Tours: The dry season is a great time to learn about Costa Rica’s famous coffee. Many farms offer tours that take you through the coffee-making process, from bean to cup. We suggest this tour at Doka Estate with transportation included or a tour that your drive to on your own at Hacienda Alsacia (owned by Starbucks).
• Explore the City: San Jose is a great place to just walk around and see what you discover. Just please stay in the downtown area nd be aware of your surroundings. There are some area I would not suggest walking in, outside of the main area.

Rainy Season Activities

• Indoor Museums and Galleries: Spend the rainy afternoons exploring San José’s cultural offerings, such as the Gold Museum or the Jade Museum.
• Visit the Central Market: The central market is a huge building that consists of tons of vendors selling everything you could imagine from food to souvenirs.
• Check out the National Theater: It is possible to take a tour of the national theater or check their schedule and go to a show.
• Enjoy the Nightlife Scene: San Jose is known for having a very vibrant nightlife scene. We suggest exploring Barrio Escalante for cool craft beer bars and the San Pedro area for bars and clubs that are frequented by college students.

For More Activity Ideas, Check Out:

• The 29 Best Things to Do in San Jose for All Budgets
• The 32 Best Day Trips from San Jose for All Interests

Should You Visit San Jose?

By default, most people pass through San Jose when they visit Costa Rica because they fly into the San Jose International Airport.

In my opinion, there are so many amazing places in Costa Rica that I think are better to visit, especially if you are only here for a limited time. And yes, this is coming from someone who lives in San Jose.

If you are looking to spend a few nights near the airport, we instead suggest staying in the city of Alajuela.

See, the airport is actually closer to downtown Alajuela than it is to San Jose. Traffic in this area can be really bad, so if you stay in downtown San Jose and need to get to the airport you can be looking at an hour or more in traffic (especially during rush hour).

Alajuela is great because you can easily take day trips to Poas Volcano, coffee farms, and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

For more info check out our complete visitors guide to Alajuela.

Conclusion: San Jose Weather

In conclusion, San José offers a unique climate year-round. Whether you prefer the sun-drenched days of the dry season or the lush, green landscapes brought on by the rains, understanding the weather will help you plan an unforgettable trip.

As a couple who lives in San José, we’ve experienced the city’s weather through all its ups and downs.

If you have any specific questions about the weather or anything else related to your trip, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments. We’re here to help!

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