Month guide · San José · Costa Rica
San José in September
What September is really like in San José: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andres Alvarez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
September is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), about 24 rainy days and roughly 12.2 hours of daylight. Very rainy; Independence celebrations bring lantern parades and school bands to the streets.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 26°C (79°F) / 16°C (61°F)
- Rainy days
- About 24
- Daylight
- About 12.2 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in September
September is the 7th-warmest month in San José: days average 26°C (79°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 16°C (61°F). Rain falls on roughly 24 of its 30 days. Compared with August (26°C (79°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs stay near 25°C (77°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 05:26
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 17:37
- Daylight
- About 12.2 hours
Green season (May–August). Sunny mornings and afternoon rain, with a drier spell often in July and lower prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 2 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in December). That makes September one of the better-value months to book.
Events in September
- Independence Day — lantern parade on the evening of 14 September and parades on 15 September
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
Architecture · Centro
Edificio de Correos
The ornate green central post office building, completed in 1917, is one of the city's finest early 20th-century buildings, with an elaborate stone façade.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Free
Religious site · Centro
Catedral Metropolitana
Step in on a weekday for a quiet moment away from the downtown traffic, and sit in the Parque Central afterwards.
- Time needed
- 20–30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
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
What to pack
For highs near 26°C, lows near 16°C and 24 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit San José?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, December–April are better overall. Compare every month.
San José in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit San José?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Very rainy; Independence celebrations bring lantern parades and school bands to the streets.
+How warm is San José in September?
Average highs are around 26°C (79°F) and lows around 16°C (61°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San José in September?
Expect rain on about 24 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.