Costa Rica San José Weather in April — Climate Guide
April in San José is high
San José Weather in April — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 26° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 50mm · 5 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, San José in April averages a high of 26°C and low of 17°C with 50mm of rain over about 5 days. End of the dry season, first showers — around 26°C/17°C. Light layers plus a compact rain jacket for the occasional late-afternoon shower. Extreme UV (12). Warm layer for the highlands.
April is high for San José.
April is the last of the dry season, with the first hints of the coming rains. Highs stay around 26°C, nights are mild at 17°C, and rainfall begins to tick up (about 50mm) with the odd late-afternoon shower toward month's end.
It's still a good month overall, but the big factor is Semana Santa (Holy Week), which usually falls in April. It's the country's biggest domestic travel week: beaches fill, coastal prices spike, and many businesses and some attractions close around Holy Thursday and Good Friday. If your trip includes Holy Week, book accommodation and transport far in advance and expect closures.
Travel score
San José April Weather Stats
Avg High
26°C
Avg Low
17°C
Rainy Days
5
50mm total
Sunshine
7.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
68%
comfortable
UV Index
12
Extreme
Wind
10 km/h
Gusts 20
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
April Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
18 μg/m³
PM10
33 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
27°C
Nighttime
17°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
10 km/h
Max gust 20 km/h
Activities Recommended for April
April Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mostly dry, warm, sunny
- Good volcano-view odds early in the month
- Lush landscapes as the rains begin
- Strong for the full circuit
Cons
- Semana Santa — major crowds, closures, and price spikes
- Yearly-peak UV (12)
- First afternoon showers late in the month
- High-season prices
April Events & Festivals
- Easter week (Semana Santa) often falls in April — major travel period and closures
- Juan Santamaría Day (Apr 11) — public holiday
- Transition toward the green season (late April)
San José in April — Full Picture
April is the last of the dry season, with the first hints of the coming rains. Highs stay around 26°C, nights are mild at 17°C, and rainfall begins to tick up (about 50mm) with the odd late-afternoon shower toward month's end.
It's still a good month overall, but the big factor is Semana Santa (Holy Week), which usually falls in April. It's the country's biggest domestic travel week: beaches fill, coastal prices spike, and many businesses and some attractions close around Holy Thursday and Good Friday. If your trip includes Holy Week, book accommodation and transport far in advance and expect closures.
UV remains at its yearly peak — protect your skin diligently. Early April is reliably dry; by late April the green-season pattern of clearer mornings and afternoon showers starts to appear, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
The city, volcanoes, and beaches are all still good this month, with a warm layer needed for Monteverde and the volcano summits.
What to Wear & What to Pack
End of the dry season, first showers — around 26°C/17°C. Light layers plus a compact rain jacket for the occasional late-afternoon shower. Extreme UV (12). Warm layer for the highlands.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current26°C
16.7°C
8/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
26°C
17°C
17.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
25.3°C
16°C
18/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
24.3°C
15°C
2.3/mo
San José Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 24° | 15° | 2d·15mm | 8h | 70% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 25° | 15° | 1d·10mm | 8.5h | 68% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 26° | 16° | 2d·20mm | 8.5h | 65% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 26° | 17° | 5d·50mm | 7.5h | 68% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| 26° | 17° | 17d·230mm | 6h | 78% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 26° | 17° | 19d·245mm | 5.5h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 26° | 17° | 16d·180mm | 6h | 78% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 26° | 17° | 18d·210mm | 5.5h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 26° | 16° | 20d·280mm | 5h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 25° | 16° | 21d·295mm | 5h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 25° | 16° | 13d·130mm | 6h | 78% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 24° | 15° | 4d·40mm | 7.5h | 72% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
San José April Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is April a good time to visit San José?
San José in April is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in San José in April?
San José April averages a high of 26°C and a low of 17°C.
Does it rain much in San José in April?
San José April averages 50mm of rainfall over about 5 rainy days.
What should I wear in San José in April?
End of the dry season, first showers — around 26°C/17°C. Light layers plus a compact rain jacket for the occasional late-afternoon shower. Extreme UV (12). Warm layer for the highlands.
What time are sunrise and sunset in San José in April?
San José April sunrise is 05:25 and sunset is 17:45, with 12h 20min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in San José in April?
San José April air quality (AQI) averages 46, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 18μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in San José in April?
In April, San José is great for Volcano day trips (go early), Pacific beaches, Arenal hot springs.
Is April peak season in San José?
San José April crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit San José
View Other Months
Planning a April trip to San José?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.