Weather in San Jose 🇨🇷
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
April
Avg Temp
26°C
Rain Days
17 days
Sun Hours
10 hrs
Humidity
82%
North America › 🇨🇷 Costa Rica › San Jose
Updated: March 2026
Is April a Good Time to Visit San Jose?
5/10
Fair
April is a fair time to visit San Jose (5/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 17 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 4th sunniest of the year in San Jose. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find April a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. May offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 17 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
vs March:26°C avg high
Visiting San Jose in April means warm daytime temperatures peaking at 26°C. Factor in 17 potential rainy days and 82% average humidity when planning your daily activities.
26°C
79°F
Avg High
18°C
64°F
Avg Low
17 days
99 mm total
Rain Days
10h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
Temperature in San Jose in April
The 8°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 26°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Winds are calm at an average 10 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 79°F average high, 64°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in San Jose in April
Morning18°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon26°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening21°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for San Jose in April means dressing for 26°C days and 18°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 26°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 18°C, a modest 8°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 17 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: San Jose sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.
Events in San Jose in April
April has no major festivals or public holidays in San Jose, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for San Jose in April
Based on 26°C average highs and 17 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in San Jose in April
- Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 26°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
- Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
- Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
- Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)April is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 17 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningApril brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in April, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings
Why is San Jose warm in April?
In April, San Jose sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 26°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 18°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Jose in April
In April, San Jose experiences average highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). Expect around 17 rainy days and 10 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 8°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
San Jose typically sees 17 rainy days in April, with total precipitation of around 99mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in San Jose typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than April.
Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for San Jose in April. Daytime temperatures of 26°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 18°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 17 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.
April is a reasonable time to visit San Jose. Expect 17 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 26°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 10 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in San Jose in April is 26°C (79°F), and the average low is 18°C (64°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 22°C (72°F). The day-to-night range of 8°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit San Jose is generally February. February offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 11 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around February gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
April is shoulder or low season in San Jose, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 10 sunshine hours and 17 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In April, San Jose suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 26°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 10 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
April ranks 4th sunniest of the year in San Jose, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are February, January, and March. March is the hottest month (26°C avg high); November is the coolest (23°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into May. Compared to last month (March: 26°C high, 13 rain days), April is similarly warm and wetter. April sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for San Jose, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24°C | 17°C | 13 | 11h | View |
| February | 25°C | 17°C | 11 | 11h | View |
| March | 26°C | 17°C | 13 | 11h | View |
| April | 26°C | 18°C | 17 | 10h | View |
| May | 25°C | 18°C | 28 | 8h | View |
| June | 24°C | 18°C | 29 | 8h | View |
| July | 24°C | 18°C | 28 | 8h | View |
| August | 24°C | 18°C | 28 | 8h | View |
| September | 24°C | 18°C | 29 | 8h | View |
| October | 24°C | 18°C | 30 | 7h | View |
| November | 23°C | 18°C | 26 | 8h | View |
| December | 24°C | 17°C | 18 | 9h | View |
January
13 rain days, 11h sun
24°17°
February
11 rain days, 11h sun
25°17°
March
13 rain days, 11h sun
26°17°
April
17 rain days, 10h sun
26°18°
May
28 rain days, 8h sun
25°18°
June
29 rain days, 8h sun
24°18°
July
28 rain days, 8h sun
24°18°
August
28 rain days, 8h sun
24°18°
September
29 rain days, 8h sun
24°18°
October
30 rain days, 7h sun
24°18°
November
26 rain days, 8h sun
23°18°
December
18 rain days, 9h sun
24°17°
Other Months in San Jose
Plan Your Trip to San Jose
Data Sources for San Jose
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.