30YearWeather
San Jose
Best time to visit San Jose, Costa Rica
30-Year Analysis

Best Time to Visit San Jose

Based on 30 years of NASA satellite data, discover the optimal months to visit San Jose, Costa Rica. The best months are January, February, March with ideal temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Why January is the Best Time to Visit San Jose

Is January a Good Time to Visit San Jose?

👍Solid choice for most travelers
Short Answer

San Jose's January delivers on its reputation: 25°C, 11% rain, 10.2h sunshine. The trade-off? Peak crowds and prices at 89% capacity.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Seismically active region

31 earthquakes recorded in this month (30-year data)

Peak tourist season

89% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Ideal temperature range

25°C - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities

Excellent dry conditions

Only 11% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Health precautions needed

Be aware of: Leptospirosis, Melioidosis, Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis)

Good For

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
    Families with children

    Comfortable 25°C temperatures and low 11% rain risk

  • 👴
    Elderly travelers

    Comfortable 25°C temperature range with manageable humidity

  • 🥾
    Outdoor enthusiasts

    Ideal hiking conditions: 25°C, 11% rain chance

  • 📸
    Photographers

    10.2h sunshine, 53% clear skies for golden hour shots

  • 🏛️
    Cultural tourists

    Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites

Who Should Avoid

  • 💰
    Budget travelers

    Peak season means premium prices everywhere

930 observations30-year historical data
Confidence: 95%
Warmest

March

27°C avg

Coolest

December

24°C avg

Driest

February

7% rain

Wettest

September

88% rain

Planning Your Trip to San Jose, Costa Rica

Wondering when is the best time to visit San Jose? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to San Jose are January, February, March. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 25°C with only 11% chance of rain.

The San Jose climate varies throughout the year. March is the hottest month with average highs of 27°C, while December is the coldest at 24°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in San Jose, avoid September when rainfall peaks at 88% probability.

For the best San Jose weather experience, we recommend visiting during February for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of January and February for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

When to Visit San Jose: Travel Style Guide

Personalized San Jose travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest months with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities

MarchFebruaryApril

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

MayJuneJuly

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

FebruaryMarchJanuary

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

San Jose Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit San Jose?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit San Jose are January, February, March. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (25°C avg) and low rainfall (11% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in San Jose?

March is historically the warmest month in San Jose with average highs of 27°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in December when temperatures average around 24°C.

When is the rainy season in San Jose?

September typically sees the most rainfall in San Jose with a 88% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in February when rain probability drops to just 7%.

How accurate is the San Jose weather forecast?

Our San Jose climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to San Jose.

What should I pack for San Jose?

Packing depends on when you visit. In March (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 27°C weather. In December (coolest month), bring layers for 24°C temperatures. During September, pack rain gear as there's a 88% chance of rain.

Is San Jose good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in San Jose are February (only 7% rain chance) and January for optimal weather conditions. Avoid September when rain probability peaks at 88%.

Explore San Jose Daily Weather Forecast

Dive deeper into San Jose, Costa Rica weather with our 365-day forecast based on historical data.