Best time to visit · San José · Costa Rica
The best time to visit San José
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Puroticorico, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit San José is the dry season from December to April, when mornings are sunny, volcano views are clearest and roads to the coasts are at their best. The rainy season from May to November is cheaper and greener, with sunny mornings and afternoon showers, while September and October are the wettest months.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–April
- Shoulder season
- May, July and November
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 27°C (81°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 24°C (75°F))
- Rainiest month
- October (~25 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- October
Seasons
San José has a mild, spring-like climate thanks to its altitude, with daytime highs around 24–27 °C all year. The dry season runs from about December to April; from May to November afternoons often bring heavy showers, with September and October the wettest months.
December–February
Dry season
Sunny, breezy and pleasant, with highs around 24–25 °C, festive events and peak demand for tours and hotels.
March–April
Late dry season
The warmest months, with clear skies and Semana Santa closures; showers begin by late April.
May–August
Green season
Sunny mornings and afternoon rain, with a drier spell often in July and lower prices.
September–November
Wettest months
Frequent heavy afternoon and evening rain, especially in September and October, easing through November.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 15°C | 3 | 11.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 25°C | 15°C | 2 | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 26°C | 16°C | 3 | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 27°C | 17°C | 7 | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 27°C | 17°C | 19 | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 26°C | 17°C | 22 | 12.7 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 26°C | 17°C | 20 | 12.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 26°C | 17°C | 22 | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 26°C | 16°C | 24 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 25°C | 16°C | 25 | 11.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| November | 25°C | 16°C | 15 | 11.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 24°C | 15°C | 6 | 11.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Fiestas de Zapote — fairground festivities (late December to early January) |
| March | Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| April | Semana Santa (March or April); Día de Juan Santamaría — national hero holiday (11 April) |
| August | Romería — pilgrimage to the Basílica de los Ángeles in Cartago (night of 1–2 August); Mother's Day holiday (15 August) |
| September | Independence Day — lantern parade on the evening of 14 September and parades on 15 September |
| October | Día de la Mascarada — traditional masked parades (around 31 October) |
| December | Festival de la Luz — Christmas parade of lights (usually mid-December); Tope Nacional — horse parade (26 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in October, and the sights are quietest in October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Late dry season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Green season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Wettest months | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit San José?
The best time to visit San José is the dry season from December to April, when mornings are sunny, volcano views are clearest and roads to the coasts are at their best. The rainy season from May to November is cheaper and greener, with sunny mornings and afternoon showers, while September and October are the wettest months.
+When are hotel prices lowest in San José?
Usually in October. Usually the wettest month in the Central Valley, with heavy afternoon and evening rain; good for low prices.
+What is the rainiest month in San José?
October, with about 25 days of rain on average.
+How hot does San José get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).