Last updated: January 18, 2025
San José, Costa Rica, experiences a diverse tropical climate characterized primarily by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Am (Tropical Monsoon) and Af (Tropical Rainforest). The city enjoys a pleasant temperature range, with winter minima dropping to 11°C (51°F) in January and summer peaks soaring to 31°C (88°F) in May. The average annual temperature hovers around a mild 19°C (67°F), making San José an inviting destination for both residents and visitors seeking a comfortable and vibrant climate year-round.
San José, Costa Rica, exhibits a relatively stable temperature pattern throughout the year, characterized by mild weather and limited seasonal variation. From January to March, the city experiences consistent minimums around 11°C (51°F) and averages of 19°C (66°F), with maximums remaining comfortable at 28°C (82°F). As the month of April approaches, temperatures begin to rise slightly, culminating in warmer months, particularly in May when maximums peak at 31°C (88°F). Despite these summer highs, the temperature remains moderate, with averages stabilizing around 20°C (68°F) from May through September. The months of October through December mark a return to slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums suggesting a range between 12°C (54°F) to 14°C (57°F) and averages consistently at 19°C (67°F). This pattern underscores San José's mild climate, making it a favorable destination year-round.
In February, San Jose experiences mild temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum reaching 26°C (80°F) in April. In nearby Escazu, February's minimum is slightly higher at 13°C (56°F), with similar April highs of 29°C (85°F). Santa Ana shares this pattern, also starting at 13°C (56°F) in February and peaking at 29°C (85°F) in April. For more details on the climate in these regions, visit monthly temperatures in San Jose, monthly temperatures in Escazu, and monthly temperatures in Santa Ana.
San José, Costa Rica, experiences a distinct wet and dry season that significantly affects its annual precipitation patterns. The year begins with relatively low rainfall, averaging 83 mm (3.3 in) in January and decreasing further in February to just 40 mm (1.6 in). As March approaches, precipitation rises slightly to 47 mm (1.9 in), signaling the onset of the rainy season, which officially begins in April with a substantial increase to 148 mm (5.8 in). This trend continues into May, which is the wettest month, recording an impressive 492 mm (19.4 in) of rain.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from May through October, where San José sees substantial rainfall and frequent showers, particularly in October, which averages 612 mm (24.1 in). During this period, the number of rainy days escalates, with 29 days of rain recorded in both September and October. Even during the drier months of November and December, precipitation remains notable at 324 mm (12.7 in) and 155 mm (6.1 in), respectively, though overall, a clear decline in rainfall is observed towards the year's end. This rainfall distribution solidifies San José's reputation as a city with a dynamic climate, influenced heavily by its tropical monsoon characteristics.
San José, Costa Rica, showcases a dynamic variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with distinct seasonal trends that shine a light on its climatic character. The year kicks off strong in January with 249 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing each month until it reaches a peak in March at 329 hours. This rise signifies the transition into the dry season, where abundant sunlight promotes outdoor activities and tourism. April maintains this high with 299 hours, before the onset of the rainy season in May, which sees a notable drop to 237 hours.
As the rainy season progresses from May to October, sunshine hours continue to fluctuate, hovering around the 200-hour mark with July recording the lowest at 221 hours. The arrival of November begins to signal a recovery, with sunlight creeping up to 240 hours, and December sees a resurgence with 292 hours of bright days, reminiscent of the earlier months. This pattern underscores San José's position as a tropical destination, where dry months offer ample sunshine, while the rainy season presents a more subdued light, allowing for lush landscapes and a unique blend of weather conditions.
San José, Costa Rica, consistently experiences an extreme UV Index, highlighting the need for sun protection year-round. Beginning in January, the UV Index starts at a significant 12, escalating to an astonishing 16 in April, which marks the peak of the dry season when sun exposure is particularly intense. This persistence of high UV levels continues through May and into the early months of the rainy season, with values predominantly around 14 to 15, underscoring the need for caution regardless of the season. The burn time remains notably short at just 10 minutes, reinforcing the urgency for individuals to apply adequate sun protection measures when outdoors.
As the year progresses, there is a slight dip in the UV Index, but values remain elevated. November records a UV Index of 12, followed by a decrease to 11 in December. Despite these reductions, the categories remain firmly in the extreme exposure range. Consequently, residents and tourists alike should be vigilant about sun safety practices, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure in this tropical climate.
UV Risk Categories
In San José, Costa Rica, daylight duration remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with only slight variations that reflect the region's tropical climate. January and February benefit from 11 hours of daylight, allowing for ample time to explore the city and its surroundings. As the dry season transitions into the rainy season, March ushers in longer days with up to 12 hours of sunlight, a trend that continues unabated through May and into June. This steady availability of daylight plays a pivotal role in supporting the region's lush biodiversity and vibrant outdoor activities.
As the seasons shift, daylight duration reverts to 11 hours in both October and November, before stabilizing again at this level in December. Throughout the more stable months from March through September, residents and visitors can enjoy an extended time to engage in recreational pursuits during the sun-filled afternoons. The consistent daylight hours highlight San José's equatorial location, providing a reliable backdrop for the city's thriving culture and natural beauty, regardless of the season.
The climate in Escazu, Costa Rica, features mild temperatures throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 26°C (79°F) in November and December to 29°C (85°F) in April. The region experiences a distinct wet season from May to October, peaking with significant rainfall in September (436 mm) and October (570 mm). Monthly sunshine hours vary, with February boasting the highest at 296 hours, while July sees the least at 209 hours. This combination of warm temperatures and substantial rainfall makes Escazu an intriguing climate, ideal for lush vegetation and biodiversity. For more details, visit Escazu climate.
San Jose, Costa Rica enjoys a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 11°C (53°F) to 26°C (79°F) throughout the year. The wet season peaks from May to October, with October receiving the most rainfall at 517 mm (20.4 in), while January is the driest month with 93 mm (3.7 in). Sunshine hours vary, with March offering the highest at 329 hours, and overall, the city experiences a comfortable mix of sun and occasional rain. For more detailed information, visit San Jose climate.
Santa Ana, Costa Rica, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in April, with average temperatures consistently around 20°C (68°F). The region receives the bulk of its rainfall from May to October, peaking in October with 570 mm (22.4 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially from February to March, with up to 329 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit Santa Ana climate.
In conclusion, San José, Costa Rica, offers a captivating climate characterized by a refreshing blend of temperature stability, abundant rainfall, and consistent sunlight. The city's tropical monsoon climate facilitates a vibrant natural environment that thrives under the sun while experiencing pronounced wet and dry seasons. High UV Index values throughout the year emphasize the importance of sun protection, encouraging both locals and tourists to engage in outdoor activities safely. With moderate daylight duration reinforcing the region's appeal, San José emerges as a year-round destination, perfect for those seeking to embrace its rich culture and picturesque landscapes amidst a captivating climatic backdrop.