San José Weather

January is peak dry season in San José and one of the best months to visit. The Central Valley sits at about 1,170m, giving it a mild 'eternal spring' climate — roughly 24°C by day and 15°C at night, with bright sun and very little rain (around 15mm). This is the heart of the high season: reliably sunny days, ideal conditions for the volcanoes and Pacific beaches, and the lowest chance of an afternoon downpour. The trade-off is crowds and higher prices, especially over the New Year and at Manuel Antonio. Don't underestimate the sun — at altitude near the equator the UV index is extreme even when the air feels mild. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential. Evenings in the city are pleasantly cool, and the cloud forest (Monteverde) and volcano summits (Poás, Irazú) are genuinely cold, so pack a warm layer. For day trips, the dry season gives the best odds of a clear volcano crater, though Poás can still cloud over by mid-morning — go early. Book hotels and shuttles well ahead this month.

February is statistically the driest and sunniest month in San José — close to ideal weather. Daytime highs around 25°C, cool nights near 15°C, and rainfall is minimal (about 10mm). If you want the best chance of dry days for the whole circuit — clear volcano craters, sunny beaches, and comfortable city sightseeing — February is hard to beat. It remains high season, so prices stay up, but crowds ease slightly after the New Year peak. The extreme UV at altitude is the thing travelers forget — the mild temperature masks how strong the sun is. Cover up and reapply sunscreen, especially on volcano walks and at the beach. City evenings are crisp and pleasant; Monteverde and the volcano summits are cold and breezy, so a warm layer earns its place in the bag. This is a great month for the Poás-and-La-Paz day trip, the Arenal hot springs, and Manuel Antonio. Book ahead for popular lodges.

March is warm, dry, and sunny — the back end of the dry season and still excellent for travel. Highs reach about 26°C with cool 16°C nights and little rain (around 20mm). Conditions are great for the volcanoes, beaches, and city alike, and the air is at its driest. UV is at its yearly peak this month, so sun protection matters more than the comfortable temperature suggests. Watch the calendar for Semana Santa (Holy Week), which sometimes falls in late March (otherwise April). During Holy Week, Ticos flock to the beaches, many businesses and some attractions close (especially Thursday-Friday), and coastal accommodation books out and spikes in price. If your dates overlap, plan and reserve well ahead. Otherwise, March is a reliable, sunny month. Go early to the volcanoes for the clearest crater views, and don't skip a warm layer for Monteverde and the volcano summits.