The climate of San Diego
The weather pattern of
San Diego,
Costa Rica can be classified as Am according to the Köppen climate classification. This indicates a tropical monsoon climate, typical for regions located near the equator. A constant fluctuation between different weathers conditions, from hot to rainy, further influences this geographical setting.
Throughout the year, temperatures in San Diego exhibit little fluctuation. The area experiences an annual average high temperature ranging from 22.2°C (72°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) and a low temperature variance from 13.7°C (56.7°F) up to 16.9°C (62.4°F). Relative humidity levels change moderately, oscillating between 76% and 90%. Rainfall presents significant seasonal variation. It is minimal in
February, with 33mm (1.3"), jumping to 444mm (17.48") at its peak in
October. Analogously, the number of rainfall days changes from 14.9 in February to a high of 30.5 in October.
With regards to sunlight, the city benefits from around 11.6 to 12.7 hours of daylight per month. The actual sun exposure is slightly less, with sunshine hours varying from 6.5 to 9.1 hours. San Diego also maintains an average monthly UV index of 5. However, the amount of cloud cover increases during the monsoon season, resulting in reduced visibility, from 9km (5.6mi) on average to a minimum of 6km (3.7mi) in
September and October.
The city experiences steady air pressure throughout the year, hovering around 1011.3mb to 1012.4mb. Wind conditions vary slightly; from 3.7km/h (2.3mph) to 8.6km/h (5.3mph). Gusts of wind are also a regular phenomenon, ranging from 5.8km/h (3.6mph) to 13.4km/h (8.3mph).
The best time to visit San Diego
With the dry season running from
December to
April, these months emerge as the preferred period to visit
San Diego. During this interval, the temperature stays between 22.2°C (72°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F) with reduced humidity levels, a comparative rarity in this tropical region. Rainfall decreases significantly, especially in
February where a mere 33mm (1.3") of rain is expected. Additionally, the average sunshine duration ranges from 8 to 9.1 hours, making outdoor explorations more appealing and comfortable.
The worst time to visit San Diego
The monsoon season from
May to
November makes this period less convenient for visits. During these months, rainfall intensifies substantially, reaching a marked high of 444mm (17.48") in
October. This interval also sees an upsurge in rainy days, with the number escalating to almost the entire month in October. Visibility diminishes due to the increased cloud cover, dropping to 6km (3.7mi) in
September and October. The humidity levels also reach their zenith, which, coupled with average high temperatures of between 22.9°C (73.2°F) and 23.7°C (74.7°F), contributes to an uncomfortable, muggy atmosphere.
Spring weather in San Diego
Spring in
San Diego, stretching from
March to
May, tends to be warm and increasingly wet. The temperature moves from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), accompanied by an upward trend in rainfall and humidity. Rainfall rises from 39mm (1.54") in March to 367mm (14.45") in May, and humidity levels increase from 77% to 86%.
Summer weather in San Diego
Summer months in
San Diego, from
June to
August, are characterized by high humidity and rainfall. The average high temperature ranges from 23°C (73.4°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) with downpours reaching between 352mm (13.86") and 307mm (12.09"). Humidity escalates up to 89%, lending the air a distinctly sticky quality.
Autumn weather in San Diego
Autumn in
San Diego,
Costa Rica, lasts from
September to
November, and is characterized by the heaviest rainfall of the year. Temperatures stay relatively constant, fluctuating between 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F). Rainfall reaches a peak of 444mm (17.48") in
October, with the number of rainy days topping at 30.5. Humidity stays high at around 88% to 90%.
Winter weather in San Diego
Spanning from
December to
February, winter in
San Diego experiences slightly cooler conditions. The high temperature revolves around 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F), while lows dip to between 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F). Consistent with most tropical climates, the driest part of the year falls within these months, with rainfall decreasing to 45mm (1.77") in December and reaching a yearly low of 33mm (1.3") in February. Conversely, the number of sunshine hours increases, with an average of 8 to 9.1 hours of direct sunlight.
Weather in January
San Diego,
Costa Rica, welcomes the new year with a mostly overcast sky, marked by a cloud presence of 34%. Relative humidity peaks at 79%, as the air gets a bit crisp. Despite this, the month still graciously allows sunshine for up to 8.8h a day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February’s weather in
San Diego sees a slight increase in sunshine hours, rising to 9.1h, contributing to clearer days. Nonetheless, the climate remains similar to the previous month, with teeming life thriving under the humid conditions.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in a period of notable transformation in
San Diego's weather dynamics. Upon comparison with
February, rainfall increases to 39mm (1.54"), ushering in the onset of the wetter season. The daylight hours start to extend, and the UV index remains constant.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses
San Diego transition fully into its rainy season, as rainfall surges abundantly from the preceding month, measuring a significant increase to 103mm (4.06"). The increasing precipitation becomes a distinctive feature of the weather, creating fresh, verdant surroundings.
Weather in April » Weather in May
San Diego embraces the peak of its rainy season in
May. The city receives a record high rainfall of 367mm (14.45"), distinguishing May as the wettest month of the year. Naturally, this month offers a different charm with its lush, green landscapes, refreshed by the showers.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
San Diego continues the wet spell from
May, maintaining a high level of rainfall while also observing the highest humidity level at 89%. The weather conditions invite a unique flora and fauna showcasing a different facet of the city’s natural beauty.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Although
July follows the highly humid months of
May and
June,
San Diego sees a slight decrease in rainfall to 271mm (10.67"). It provides a comfortable environment, boasting a continuous cover of greenery reenergized from prior showers.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As the calendar flips to
August,
San Diego witnesses a gradual slackening of the showers compared to
July, with rainfall measuring 307mm (12.09"). The city's weather retains its consistency, with the UV index, daylight hours, and temperature remaining relatively stable.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees an escalation in rainfall back to 320mm (12.6"), as the month stands shoulder to shoulder with the showers that define
San Diego's weather. Amid the predictable rain and high humidity, daylight hours start decreasing, preparing the way for the forthcoming cooler period.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October takes the crown for the city's highest rainfall, reaching an annual peak of 444mm (17.48"). The temperatures maintain a balance, neither soaring too high nor falling too low. As
San Diego inches closer to the end of the wet season, the weather starts hinting at the forthcoming change, though the covered skies, and regular showers continue to be a constant companion. With an average high-temperature of 22.2°C (72°F) and an average low-temperature of 16.3°C (61.3°F), October is the coldest month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in
San Diego witnesses a significant turning point in
November, with rainfall plummeting drastically to 174mm (6.85") from the lofty heights of
October. This drop signals the commencement of the dry season marking a clear shift in the climate from the preceding wet months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
San Diego closes the year with a final drop in rainfall levels to 79mm (3.11"), as
December cements its place in the dry season. Despite this, the city remains fresh and verdant, bearing the fruits of the plentiful showers of the bygone months.
Weather in December »