San Jose, Costa Rica Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of San Jose
Located in Costa Rica, San Jose experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 80°F (27°C) in April and dip to about 75°F (24°C) in October, with around 120.3 inches (3055 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: April - highs near 80°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: October - highs near 75°F (24°C)
- Record high: 88°F (31°C) · Record low: 53°F (12°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: October (29 rainy days) · Sunniest: February (11.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on April. Highs average 80°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 63°F (17°C). The coolest month is October, with typical highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows around 62°F (16°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 88°F (31°C) and dropped as low as 53°F (12°C).
Rain, sun and snow
October is usually the wettest month. It brings about 21.1 inches (535 mm) of rain over 29 days, while March is the driest. February brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 77° | 61° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.7 h/day | 73% |
| February | 79° | 61° | 6 | 1.4 in | 11.3 h/day | 68% |
| March | 80° | 62° | 8 | 1.3 in | 11.2 h/day | 68% |
| April | 80° | 63° | 17 | 4.5 in | 10.4 h/day | 74% |
| May | 78° | 63° | 27 | 15.0 in | 8.5 h/day | 85% |
| June | 76° | 63° | 28 | 14.3 in | 8.1 h/day | 88% |
| July | 76° | 63° | 24 | 12.1 in | 8.3 h/day | 84% |
| August | 77° | 63° | 27 | 15.0 in | 8.5 h/day | 86% |
| September | 77° | 62° | 29 | 16.6 in | 8.2 h/day | 89% |
| October | 75° | 62° | 29 | 21.1 in | 7.8 h/day | 90% |
| November | 75° | 62° | 25 | 13.5 in | 8.1 h/day | 87% |
| December | 76° | 62° | 13 | 3.5 in | 10.1 h/day | 78% |
San Jose month by month
San Jose weather in January
January brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 8 wet days.
San Jose weather in February
February brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 6 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in San Jose.
San Jose weather in March
March brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 8 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in San Jose.
San Jose weather in April
April brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 17 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in San Jose.
San Jose weather in May
May brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 27 wet days.
San Jose weather in June
June brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 28 wet days.
San Jose weather in July
July brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 24 wet days.
San Jose weather in August
August brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 27 wet days.
San Jose weather in September
September brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 29 wet days.
San Jose weather in October
October brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 29 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in San Jose.
San Jose weather in November
November brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 25 wet days.
San Jose weather in December
December brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (16°C), about 13 wet days.
Seasons in San Jose
March through May
March through May in San Jose is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (26°C) and nights around 62°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 52 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in San Jose is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (25°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 79 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in San Jose is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 76°F (24°C) and nights around 62°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 83 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in San Jose brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 61°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 27 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in San Jose?
Is San Jose hot in summer?
Is San Jose cold in winter?
How many rainy days does San Jose get in a year?
Best time to visit San Jose
The best time to visit San Jose is generally December to March, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 78°F (26°C).
Pack for San Jose with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - April nights average 63°F (17°C).
San Jose temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.