The climate of San José
San José, the capital of
Costa Rica, features a Tropical monsoon climate as classified by Köppen climate classification (Am). The city is surrounded by lush valleys and mountains, which directly influences the weather conditions. The region experiences a relatively stable weather pattern throughout the year with slight variations in certain weather parameters.
Temperature in San José varies mildly with highs moving from 23.9°C (75°F) in
January to 26°C (78.8°F) in
April and then tapering off to about 22.4°C (72.3°F) in
October. The low temperatures also follow a similar trend, beginning at 13.8°C (56.8°F) in January, peaking at around 17°C (62.6°F) in
June, and then slowly falling to around 14°C (57.2°F) by the end of the year. The humidity levels remain fairly uniform, ranging from 75% in
February to a peak of 91% occurring from
September to October.
While rainfall varies significantly throughout the year, the city experiences rainfall on most days. January begins with a rainfall of 32mm (1.26") spread over 14.3 days, with
May marking the beginning of the monsoon and the highest rainfall of 369mm (14.53") over 28.7 days. The monsoon period lasts till October, which sees 438mm (17.24") of rainfall spread over 30.5 days.
November and
December see a significant easing of rainfall with 165mm (6.5") and 65mm (2.56") respectively.
On the other hand, daylight hours stay fairly constant, ranging from 11.6 hours in January to a peak of 12.7 hours in June and
July, before it steadily decreases back to 11.6 hours by December. And sunshine hours, a measure of how much sunlight the city gets varies from a high of 9.2 hours in February to a low of 5.8 hours in October.
The best time to visit San José
The best time for a visit to
San José, considering its tropical monsoon climate, would be during the dry season, roughly between
December and
April. With a relatively pleasant temperature of around 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and lower rainfall, ranging from 65mm (2.56") in December to 100mm (3.94") in April, this period combines the best weather conditions for outdoor activities. And with an average daylight duration of 11.6 to 12.4 hours, it offers plenty of time for sightseeing, exploring the city's vibrant culture or simply enjoying its natural beauty.
The worst time to visit San José
Given its Am classification of climate, the tropical monsoon season from
May to
November could be considered as the least favorable period to visit
San José. The city experiences its highest rainfall during these months, reaching a peak of 438mm (17.24") in
October with similar high rainfall levels in the preceding and following months. Additionally, the humidity levels rise from 86% in May to 91% in
September and October.
Spring weather in San José
The onset of spring in
San José, stretching from
March to
May, signals the beginning of the monsoon season. Gradually rising temperatures are accompanied by an increase in rainfall from 28mm (1.1") in March to 369mm (14.53") in May. The duration of daylight also increases slightly from 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 hours in May, while the average hours of sunshine reduce from 8.9 hours in March to 6.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in San José
San José's summer ushers in the peak of the monsoon season, extending from
June to
August. Average high temperatures remain at 23.3°C (73.9°F), while the average rainfall reaches a high of 378mm (14.88") to 339mm (13.35"), across these months. Daylight remains at a peak of 12.7 hours in June, slipping to 12.4 hours by the end of August. Sunshine hours drop significantly indicating cloudy conditions, with just 6.2 hours in June and 6.7 hours by August.
Autumn weather in San José
Autumn in
San José runs from
September to
November and continues to witness high rainfall, with precipitation levels ranging from 344mm (13.54") in September to 165mm (6.5") in November. Visibility drops down to 6km (3.7mi) in these months indicating heavier cloud cover. Despite the high rainfall, temperatures remain relatively stable with average highs of 23°C (73.4°F) in September, dropping down to 22.7°C (72.9°F) by November.
Winter weather in San José
Winter, from
December to
February, welcomes the dry season in
San José with significantly lower rainfall. The city experiences light rainfall, ranging from 65mm (2.56") in December to 26mm (1.02") in February with moderate temperatures from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 25°C (77°F). The relative humidity, pressure, and wind speed experience slight variations but generally remain stable. This combination of a pleasant climate and reduced rainfall creates an ideal atmosphere for tourists and locals to enjoy the winter season activities and festivities.
Weather in January
As the year kicks off in
San José,
Costa Rica, balmy temperatures and moderate rainfall set the stage for a tropical climate.
January marks a slight increase in temperatures, higher edges reaching 23.9°C (75°F), from the cooler previous month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
By
February,
San José experiences a slight temperature boost, maintaining a consistently tropical climate. With a peak in temperature at 25°C (77°F), the rise is marginal compared to
January. Rainfall continues to lower, contributing to the subtle changes that unfold throughout the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
An enhanced mellow warmth characterises the month of
March in
San José. This month shows a minor climb in temperature, reaching 25.8°C (78.4°F), subtly warmer than the previous month. As March progresses, clear skies and a moderate reduction in rainfall provide ideal weather conditions for sightseeing and exploration.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April spells a noteworthy shift in
San José's climate. There is a small rise in temperature, cresting at 26°C (78.8°F), the warmest so far for the year. Concurrently, the city experiences a significant upturn in rainfall, a stark shift from the drier first quarter of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
San José,
May starts a pronounced rainy season, showing the city's lush and verdant side. A peak in rainfall sees the city drenched with 369mm (14.53") of precipitation throughout the month. As temperatures take a slight dip, May's cool nights and rain-soaked days create a particular atmosphere.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June continues the trend of heavy rainfall in
San José. Notwithstanding a small decrease in magnitude from last month's precipitation, rain remains a significant contributor to climatic shifts. The pervading showers and the city's vibrant greenery define June's landscape, providing a unique spectacle to witness.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather of
San José in
July is characterised by a consistent temperature and sustained rainfall. The volume of precipitation remains relatively consistent from
June into July, affirming the continuation of the rainy season. Despite these conditions, the city remains a favourite among tourists, known for its lush landscapes and invigorating climate. With the arrival of July, an average high temperature of a still moderately hot 23.3°C (73.9°F) is noted, consistent with that of June.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
San José sees an unhurried decline in both temperature and precipitation levels. Rainfall volume observes only a slight margin of change from its
July measure, underlining the persisting downpours. In spite of the extended wet season, the landscapes remain vivid and refreshing, presenting a captivating synergy of subtropical weather patterns. Upon the beginning of August, San José's high-temperatures register at a still moderately hot 23.3°C (73.9°F), maintaining the same temperature as the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in a steady phase in
San José's weather. Though there are detectable changes from the preceding month, the temperature settles at a reliable 23°C (73.4°F). The rainfall does not show any drastic shifts, creating a stable framework for the weather to unfold.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the highest rainfall rate of the year to
San José, with a heavy downpour amounting to 438mm (17.24"). As the year advances, temperatures retain their standard profile. Despite the heightened showers, the city's environment continues to thrive spectacularly.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With the onset of
November,
San José witnesses a significant decrease in rainfall. The decrease in showers ushers in more accommodating weather for outdoor activities. Temperatures continue to hang around their standard range, maintaining the city's pleasing climatic condition.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
San José welcomes a lessened intensity of rainfall and a consistent thermal profile. Conditions in December align with
November's trends making this a conducive period for outdoor pursuits. With showers continuing to diminish gradually, the city transforms into a haven for locals and tourists seeking to end their year amid the city's fascinating weather patterns. The high-temperature average in December for San José is a moderately hot 23.4°C (74.1°F), staying closely aligned with November's conditions.
Weather in December »