Quick decision
When to visit San José?
🌞 Best time overall
February
🌡️ Optimal temperature
16°C–26°C in February
🌧 Least rain
18% rainy days in February
🌧 Wettest month
October (94%)
📅 Best score
8.7/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Poás & Irazú volcanoesDec–Apr — active craters, cloud forests, dry season.
Monteverde & ArenalDec–Apr — hanging bridges, hot springs, wildlife.
Mercado CentralYear-round — casado, gallo pinto, fresh tropical juices.
BudgetMay–Nov — green season, prices –30%, lush landscapes.
Monthly climate data
San José weather month by month
| Month | Min °C | Max °C | Rainy days (%) | Precip. mm/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ January | 16°C | 25°C | 24% | 1.3 | 11.0h | 8.3/10 |
| ☀️ February | 16°C | 26°C | 18% | 1.0 | 11.5h | 8.7/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 16°C | 27°C | 25% | 1.1 | 11.7h | 8.7/10 |
| 🌤️ April | 17°C | 27°C | 54% | 3.8 | 11.2h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌧️ May | 17°C | 26°C | 86% | 12.1 | 8.8h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌧️ June | 17°C | 24°C | 94% | 13.0 | 8.1h | 5.4/10 |
| ⛅ July | 17°C | 25°C | 76% | 9.7 | 8.9h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌧️ August | 17°C | 25°C | 85% | 12.6 | 9.0h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌧️ September | 16°C | 25°C | 96% | 14.6 | 8.2h | 5.6/10 |
| 🌧️ October | 16°C | 24°C | 94% | 17.7 | 8.0h | 5.2/10 |
| 🌧️ November | 17°C | 24°C | 81% | 11.3 | 8.8h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌤️ December | 16°C | 24°C | 37% | 2.8 | 11.0h | 7.8/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time
Average 27°C, 55% rainy days, 10.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.8/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Acceptable
Average 25°C, 85% rainy days, 8.7h sunshine/day. Score: 6.5/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Acceptable
Average 24°C, 90% rainy days, 8.3h sunshine/day. Score: 5.9/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 25°C, 26% rainy days, 11.2h sunshine/day. Score: 8.3/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in San José
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : May, July offer a good weather/price balance — decent score with fewer crowds.
Search on Hotels.comActivities & tours
Activities and tours in San José
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
February is ideal with 18% rainy days and 26°C. The months of February & March offer comparable conditions.
October is the wettest month with 94% rainy days.
Yes, February is the best month with an average of 26°C.
In winter, the average score is 8.3/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
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