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Weather in San Jose
Gateway to Costa Rica's natural wonders
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About San Jose
San José, Costa Rica's capital, sits in the Central Valley surrounded by mountains and coffee plantations, serving as the country's main travel hub rather than its highlight. A mild, spring-like climate year-round makes it a comfortable base, with museums covering pre-Columbian gold and jade collections offering a worthwhile day or two before heading to the coasts or rainforests. Nearby volcanoes, hot springs and coffee tours make for easy excursions from the city.
Best months to visit
January, February, March
Things to do in San Jose
Pre-Columbian gold museum visit
Coffee plantation tours
Volcano day trips
Central market food tasting
Hot springs excursions
City walking tours
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
February
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
March
27C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
April
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
May
25C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
July
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
August
25C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
September
25C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
October
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
November
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
December
24C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
San José is rarely the highlight of a Costa Rica trip, but as the country's capital it's a practical hub and a chance to see a side of the country away from rainforest lodges — a lively Central Market, the gold and jade museums, and a growing craft beer and coffee scene in neighbourhoods like Barrio Escalante.
Best areas to stay in San Jose
Downtown / Central Market
The historic core, with the Central Market, theatres and main museums.
Barrio Escalante
A foodie neighbourhood known for restaurants, craft beer and coffee shops.
Los Yoses
A leafy residential area with a mix of restaurants and a slightly more local feel.
Escazú
An upscale suburb with malls, hotels and a base for some visitors near the airport.
Getting to San Jose
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Flights
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica's main international gateway.
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From London
~11-12 hours direct from London (where available) or via a US connection.
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Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used; shuttle buses connect to most national parks and coastal towns.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to spend time in San José?
Many visitors pass through quickly en route to the coast or rainforest, but a day or two allows time for museums and the Central Market before heading onward.
Is San José safe?
Take normal city precautions, particularly around the bus terminals and at night; the Barrio Escalante and Los Yoses areas are popular with visitors for dining.
What are the best museums in San José?
The Museo del Oro Precolombino (Gold Museum) and Museo del Jade are both excellent, housing extensive pre-Columbian artefact collections.
How do I get from San José to the coast or national parks?
Domestic flights, shuttle buses and public buses connect San José to most major destinations, including Arenal, Monteverde and both coasts.
What's Barrio Escalante known for?
A trendy neighbourhood of restaurants, craft breweries and cafes, popular for an evening out away from the more touristy downtown area.
Traveler reviews
★★★☆☆
Used it as a stopover before heading to Arenal — the Gold Museum was worth the couple of hours we had. Wouldn't plan a long stay here but fine as a base.
Connor M. · July 2024
★★★★☆
Barrio Escalante was a lovely surprise — great restaurants and a relaxed evening atmosphere. Central Market for lunch was a fun, busy experience.
Ines D. · February 2023
★★★★☆
Spent a day here before our shuttle to Monteverde. The Jade Museum was small but really well presented.
Tyler J. · March 2024
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