Month guide · San José · Costa Rica
San José in January
What January 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
January is one of the best months to visit San José. Expect average highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 15°C (59°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 11.6 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and often breezy; peak season for travel around the country, so book tours and transport ahead.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 24°C (75°F) / 15°C (59°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in San José: days average 24°C (75°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 15°C (59°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with December (24°C (75°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 05:57
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:33
- Daylight
- About 11.6 hours
Wettest months (September–November). Frequent heavy afternoon and evening rain, especially in September and October, easing through November.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Fiestas de Zapote — fairground festivities (late December to early January)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Park · Barrio Amón
Parque Morazán and Parque España
Use Parque España as a shady pause between the centre's museums and Barrio Amón.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Architecture
Park · La Sabana
Parque La Sabana
The city's largest park occupies the site of the old international airport, with a lake, running paths, sports fields and plenty of space for picnics.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Architecture · Centro
Teatro Nacional
Take the guided tour to see the auditorium and the upper foyers, then have coffee in the theatre's café off the main lobby.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Centro
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
The national museum occupies the Cuartel Bellavista, a yellow fortress-like former barracks whose towers still bear bullet marks from the 1948 civil war; Costa Rica abolished its army that year.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Iconic
What to pack
For highs near 24°C, lows near 15°C and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit San José?
One of the best months to visit San José, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–April and December. Compare every month.
San José in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit San José?
It is one of the best months to visit San José. Dry, sunny and often breezy; peak season for travel around the country, so book tours and transport ahead.
+How warm is San José in January?
Average highs are around 24°C (75°F) and lows around 15°C (59°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San José in January?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.