Climate Overview
The climate in San José is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 21°C and approximately 4288mm of precipitation falls per year. San José receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. San José sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
San José has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 8°C range. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 26°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 18°C and an average of 21°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
San José is a very wet location, receiving approximately 4288mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 357mm per month. The wettest month is October, averaging 724mm of rainfall. September and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 37mm. That's 687mm less than October, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
San José is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 1km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 2km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 1km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans.
Seasons
93 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in San José, which began on June 21, 2026. San José sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 26°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 18°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 93 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 18 to 26°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 768mm across the season with a monthly average of 256mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 19 to 25°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1507mm across the season with a monthly average of 502mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 18 to 25°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 1741mm across the season with a monthly average of 580mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 18 to 26°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 271mm for the season, averaging 90mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San José is during January, February and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 21°C with modest rainfall averaging 52mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for San José based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
