Weather in San José

Planning your day or trip to San José? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you prepare for any of nature's surprises.

The climate in San José is characterised by pleasant moderation and is often described as an "eternal spring". Thanks to its location in the tropical zone at a specific altitude, the city boasts surprisingly stable temperatures throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate within a comfortable range of 20-25°C, and nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 15-17°C, saving you from the need to bring clothes that are too warm or too light.

In San José, two main seasons are clearly defined: dry and rainy. The dry season, which locals call "verano" (summer), usually lasts from December to April. During these months, rainfall is minimal, especially in January, February, and March, and there are significantly more sunny days. From May to November comes the rainy season, or "invierno" (winter). During this period, precipitation becomes more frequent and abundant, peaking from May to October, when almost every day can be rainy, especially in the afternoon. Despite the rain, the temperature remains comfortable.

The temperature patterns in San José are distinguished by enviable consistency and mildness throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures here fluctuate within a very narrow and comfortable range. The annual amplitude of average temperatures is only about 1.5°C, from 19.7°C in December to 21.2°C in April. This means that drastic fluctuations between heat and cold practically never happen here, making the city's climate very pleasant to visit at any time.

The warmest months in San José are usually March and April, when the average daytime temperature reaches 20.7-21.2°C, and maximum values can rise to 25.1-25.2°C. These months fall at the end of the dry season and are characterised by sunny, pleasantly warm weather. The coolest months, if one can say so given such a mild climate, are considered December and January with an average temperature of about 19.7-19.8°C. At this time, as well as in February, nighttime temperatures can drop to 15.9°C. In general, the dry season (from December to April) is characterised by more noticeable daily temperature fluctuations; the difference between day and night figures can be 7-9°C.

During the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, the temperature background remains very stable and comfortable. Average daytime temperatures in these months vary from 20.0°C in November to 21.1°C in May. Maximum daytime values are usually within 23-24°C, and nighttime ones rarely drop below 17-18°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in the rainy season are less pronounced, averaging about 6°C. This creates a feeling of a steady, warm climate, even despite the more frequent rainfall.

Precipitation patterns in San José are clearly subject to two main seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season typically falls in the period from December to April, although the driest months are January, February, and March. The rainy season usually lasts from May to November, bringing with it a significant increase in both the amount of precipitation and the frequency of rainy days.

During the dry season, especially from January to March, precipitation is minimal. February is the driest month of the year, when on average only 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is about 7. January and March are also very dry, with figures of about 2 mm of precipitation and approximately 11 rainy days. By April, the amount of precipitation increases slightly to 4 mm, but the number of rainy days rises more noticeably – to 21 days, signalling the approach of the wet season.

The rainy season in San José reaches its peak from May to October. During this period, it rains very often, almost daily. The highest amount of precipitation falls in October (on average 18 mm with 30 rainy days) and September (15 mm with 30 rainy days). May, June, July, and August are also characterised by high precipitation levels (10-14 mm) and a large number of rainy days (about 29). November marks a gradual decrease in rain intensity (12 mm, 26 rainy days), heralding the onset of the dry period. Precipitation during the rainy season most often takes the form of heavy, but often short-lived downpours, characteristic of a tropical climate.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to San José, remember that the city is famous for its mild climate, often called "eternal spring". The average annual temperature here is very comfortable, so the main focus should be on light and versatile clothing. The ideal solution would be the principle of layering: T-shirts, light shirts or blouses, which can be complemented by a sweater, fleece jacket, or light jacket for evening walks or cooler days, when the minimum temperature can drop to 16-18°C. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city and its surroundings, as well as sunscreen, as the sun in Costa Rica can be strong even on cloudy days.

Although the temperature in San José is stable year-round, it is important to consider the two main seasons when packing. The dry season (roughly from December to April) will delight you with a large number of sunny days. During this period, you will need light trousers or shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, and a hat. Despite the lower amount of precipitation, especially in January-March (only 1-2 mm), a light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella may still prove useful, as short rains do happen. For the rainy season (from May to November), when the amount of precipitation increases significantly (up to 18 mm in October) and rainy days become the majority, waterproof clothing is your main ally. Be sure to take a high-quality raincoat or windbreaker with a hood and a reliable umbrella. Quick-drying items and possibly insect repellent, as insects are more active during the wet period, will also come in handy.