Costa Rica in February: Pacific or Caribbean Coast?
Compare Costa Rica weather in February, from dry and sunny Tamarindo to wetter Puerto Viejo, plus Jacó, Arenal and San José.
San José Weather in January
San José in January averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. Keep in mind that quite a bit of rainfall is expected this month.
Rainfall in San José in January
Rain is expected on roughly 12 days, totalling around 83 mm (3.3 in) for the month. Individual showers can be quite heavy this month. A proper umbrella or rain jacket is worth having.
Temperature in San José in January
If you're visiting San José in January, expect excellent temperatures with highs of 24°C (75°F) and overnight lows of 15°C (59°F). This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. At 15°C (59°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in San José in January
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 283 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February and March typically offer the best circumstances for San José.
San José Temperature in January
Min Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Max Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Chance of Rain
39%
Precipitation
83 mm (3.3 in)
Rainy days
12 days
Humidity
68%
Sunshine
283 hours
Percentage Sunshine
San José Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in San José - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
46-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in San José typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 18°C (64°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
46-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather records for San José in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for San José spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
San José historical weather extremes in January
Based on weather observations in San José between 1997 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes during January.
- The hottest January day on record in San José reached 33°C (91°F) (January 28, 2001).
- San José experienced its chilliest January day on January 15, 2000, reaching only 20°C (68°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 12°C (54°F) on January 17, 2006, marking the coldest January night on record.
- The heaviest January precipitation occurred on January 31, 2004, when 52 mm (2 in) of precipitation fell.
Best Places in Costa Rica in January
Find out more about the weather in Costa Rica and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Costa Rica in January →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in San José in January
For San José in January, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
What To Do in San José in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming9/10 -
Cycling9/10 -
Walking9/10 -
Barbeque8/10 -
Camping8/10 -
Outdoor sports9/10
San José 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for San José
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full San José climate overview or explore weather in Costa Rica.
Popular in January
Where to go in January - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Tamarindo
32°C (90°F) Santa Teresa29°C (84°F) Jacó29°C (84°F) Herradura29°C (84°F) Cahuita
28°C (82°F) Puerto Viejo de Talamanca27°C (81°F) Fortuna
27°C (81°F) San José24°C (75°F) Bucket list
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