2026 Climate Averages

Weather: San José — September

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Climate Overview

September is a wet time to visit San José. Warm weather with highs of 25°C—great for outdoor activities. This is one of the wettest months—waterproof gear is essential. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds.

6.9
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

18°C

Rainy days

29days

Daylight

12.2h

Feels like 30°C / 21°C — humidity makes it feel warmer

Rainfall

353mm

Sunshine

8.1h/day

Humidity

90%

Very Humid
Sun Strength

6.5

High
Wind

6 km/h (gusts 30)

Is September a good time to visit San José?

It's a rainy period, but great for indoor activities, museums, and lower prices.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
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Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Quiet
  • Travel Costs Value Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

05:27

Sunset

17:39

12.2h daylight

Visiting San José in September: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Frequent rain may disrupt outdoor activities

Things to Do in September

Events & Festivals

🎊
Costa Rica Independence Day
September 15 Holiday

Recommended for This Weather

🏛️ Museums & galleries
🍳 Cooking classes & food tours
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

San José Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 24°C 17°C 12d (58mm) 10.3h
82% Very Humid
7.1 Very High
Excellent
Feb 24°C 16°C 10d (53mm) 10.4h
80% Very Humid
7.8 Very High
Excellent
Mar 25°C 17°C 13d (52mm) 10.7h
78% Humid
8.5 Very High
Excellent
Apr 25°C 18°C 20d (102mm) 9.9h
81% Very Humid
7.8 Very High
Excellent
May 26°C 19°C 26d (266mm) 8.5h
87% Very Humid
6.7 High
Wet
Jun 25°C 19°C 28d (396mm) 7.3h
90% Very Humid
5.9 High
Wet
Jul 25°C 19°C 26d (300mm) 7.8h
87% Very Humid
6.3 High
Wet
Aug 25°C 18°C 27d (343mm) 8.1h
88% Very Humid
6.5 High
Wet
Sep Current 25°C 18°C 29d (353mm) 8.1h
90% Very Humid
6.5 High
Wet
Oct 25°C 18°C 30d (495mm) 7.3h
91% Very Humid
5.7 High
Wet
Nov 24°C 18°C 27d (485mm) 7h
90% Very Humid
5 Moderate
Wet
Dec 24°C 17°C 16d (147mm) 9.4h
84% Very Humid
6.2 High
Excellent

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthAugScore: 8.5

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around San José – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

San José

Costa Rica gateway to rainforests, volcanoes, zip-lining, sloths, beaches, and pura vida lifestyle.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for September

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. A waterproof jacket and shoes are non-negotiable — showers are frequent. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Warm Very Quiet

🎒Personalized Packing List

Tell us about your trip and we'll create a custom packing list based on the weather.

Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to San José?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is September a good time to visit San José?
September is typically wet for visiting San José, with average highs of 25°C and around 29 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in San José in September?
Evenings in San José during September are mild at 18°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for San José in September?
With highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C in September, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Waterproof jacket/shell, Water-resistant shoes, Lightweight breathable clothes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in San José in September?
San José typically sees around 29 rainy days in September. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in San José in September?
In September, San José gets approximately 12.2 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is September peak season in San José?
No, September is not peak season in San José. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Costa_Rica)

Last Updated: February 2026