Monthly weather averages & travel planning

North America › 🇨🇷 Costa Rica › San Jose
Updated: March 2026
February is a good time to visit San Jose (6/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 11 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 2nd sunniest of the year in San Jose. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find February a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. March offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: San Jose's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. 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.
Visiting San Jose in February means warm daytime temperatures peaking at 25°C. Factor in 11 potential rainy days and 82% average humidity when planning your daily activities.
25°C
77°F
Avg High
17°C
63°F
Avg Low
11 days
66 mm total
Rain Days
11h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
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 25°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. The UV index of 3 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 12 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 77°F average high, 63°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for San Jose in February means dressing for 25°C days and 17°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 25°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 17°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. A compact foldable umbrella weighs almost nothing and earns its keep across 11 potential rainy days. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Layers are more practical than a single heavy garment in San Jose. The day-to-evening temperature shift rewards packing a versatile mid-layer you can add or remove as conditions change.
February 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.
Based on 25°C average highs and 11 rainy days
In February, 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 25°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 17°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.
San Jose in February
February ranks 2nd sunniest of the year in San Jose, with an average 11 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 rise 1°C into March. Compared to last month (January: 24°C high, 13 rain days), February is warmer and drier. February is among the top three sunniest months to visit San Jose.
| 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
February
11 rain days, 11h sun
March
13 rain days, 11h sun
April
17 rain days, 10h sun
May
28 rain days, 8h sun
June
29 rain days, 8h sun
July
28 rain days, 8h sun
August
28 rain days, 8h sun
September
29 rain days, 8h sun
October
30 rain days, 7h sun
November
26 rain days, 8h sun
December
18 rain days, 9h sun
Data Sources for San Jose
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.