Month guide · San José · Costa Rica
San José in April
What April is really like in San José: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Fespinozalemistre, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
April is one of the best months to visit San José. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. The warmest month, with the first afternoon showers late in the month; Easter week is a national holiday period.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in April
April is the warmest month in San José: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 30 days. Compared with March (26°C (79°F)), April is about as warm; by May highs stay near 27°C (81°F).
- Sunrise (15 April)
- About 05:26
- Sunset (15 April)
- About 17:47
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
Dry season (December–February). Sunny, breezy and pleasant, with highs around 24–25 °C, festive events and peak demand for tours and hotels.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, April rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: April is one of the pricier months.
Events in April
- Semana Santa (March or April)
- Día de Juan Santamaría — national hero holiday (11 April)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in April
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Park · Barrio Amón
Parque Morazán and Parque España
Two adjoining green spaces on the edge of downtown: Parque Morazán, centred on the domed Templo de la Música bandstand, and the leafier Parque España, shaded by tall trees and home to many birds.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Architecture
Park · La Sabana
Parque La Sabana
Visit on a weekend morning, when local families, cyclists and runners fill the park.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Architecture · Centro
Teatro Nacional
Costa Rica's national theatre opened in 1897, financed by a tax on coffee exports, and its marble staircase, gilded foyer and painted ceilings were modelled on European opera houses.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Centro
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
Begin in the butterfly garden, then look for the bullet holes on the outer towers before going inside.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Iconic
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 17°C and 7 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is April a good time to visit San José?
One of the best months to visit San José, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are December–March. Compare every month.
San José in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is April a good time to visit San José?
It is one of the best months to visit San José. The warmest month, with the first afternoon showers late in the month; Easter week is a national holiday period.
+How warm is San José in April?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San José in April?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.