Costa Rica San José Weather in August — Climate Guide
August in San José is moderate
San José Weather in August — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 26° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 210mm · 18 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, San José in August averages a high of 26°C and low of 17°C with 210mm of rain over about 18 days. Green season — around 26°C/17°C, clear mornings and wet afternoons return. Rain jacket and quick-dry layers essential. Humid. Warm layer for Monteverde and volcanoes.
August is moderate for San José.
August returns to the steady green-season pattern after July's drier spell — bright mornings giving way to afternoon and evening rain. Temperatures are unchanged at about 26°C/17°C, with rainfall back up (around 210mm) and high humidity.
It's a good-value month with moderate crowds and lush scenery. As always in the wet season, the move is to do volcanoes, beaches, and hikes in the morning and keep afternoons loose for rain, with museums and hot springs as backups.
Travel score
San José August Weather Stats
Avg High
26°C
Avg Low
17°C
Rainy Days
18
210mm total
Sunshine
5.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
80%
muggy
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
August Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
15 μg/m³
PM10
28 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
28°C
Nighttime
18°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for August
August Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Green-season value, moderate crowds
- Lush, vivid landscapes
- Clear mornings for activities
- Hot springs ideal in the rain
Cons
- Afternoon/evening rain returns
- High humidity
- Cartago pilgrimage traffic (Aug 2)
- Mosquitoes in the lowlands
August Events & Festivals
- Virgin of Los Ángeles pilgrimage to Cartago (Aug 2) — major Catholic event
- Mothers' Day (Aug 15) — public holiday
- Wet-season pattern resumes after the veranillo
San José in August — Full Picture
August returns to the steady green-season pattern after July's drier spell — bright mornings giving way to afternoon and evening rain. Temperatures are unchanged at about 26°C/17°C, with rainfall back up (around 210mm) and high humidity.
It's a good-value month with moderate crowds and lush scenery. As always in the wet season, the move is to do volcanoes, beaches, and hikes in the morning and keep afternoons loose for rain, with museums and hot springs as backups.
August 2 sees the country's largest religious event — the pilgrimage to the Basilica in nearby Cartago — when many Ticos walk the route; expect traffic and crowds on that road around the date.
The rainforest is at its greenest, and morning volcano-view odds are still reasonable. Pack a rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, waterproof shoes, insect repellent, and a warm layer for the cool highlands.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Green season — around 26°C/17°C, clear mornings and wet afternoons return. Rain jacket and quick-dry layers essential. Humid. Warm layer for Monteverde and volcanoes.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
26°C
16.7°C
8/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
Current26°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 August Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is August a good time to visit San José?
San José in August is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in San José in August?
San José August averages a high of 26°C and a low of 17°C.
Does it rain much in San José in August?
San José August averages 210mm of rainfall over about 18 rainy days.
What should I wear in San José in August?
Green season — around 26°C/17°C, clear mornings and wet afternoons return. Rain jacket and quick-dry layers essential. Humid. Warm layer for Monteverde and volcanoes.
What time are sunrise and sunset in San José in August?
San José August sunrise is 05:25 and sunset is 17:50, with 12h 25min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in San José in August?
San José August air quality (AQI) averages 40, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 15μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in San José in August?
In August, San José is great for Morning volcano trips, Arenal hot springs, Cloud-forest hikes.
Is August peak season in San José?
San José August crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit San José
View Other Months
Planning a August trip to San José?
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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.