San Jose Weather in January

January weather in San José

January feels mild and mostly sunny in San José, with pleasant afternoons and cooler evenings. The high reaches 24°C, and rain falls on 9 days, less than in December. You can comfortably explore the National Theatre, stroll through Parque La Sabana or visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Showers can interrupt a day out, so leave room to duck into a café or museum. For a beach day, remember San José is inland; the Pacific coast takes a separate trip.

Fiestas and busy days

The Fiestas de Zapote bring rodeos, rides and food stalls to the Zapote district around the turn of the year, sometimes continuing into January. January 1 is a public holiday, so some businesses close or keep shorter hours. San José is in its dry-season high period, and January is busier and often pricier than the rainy months. Families who enjoy fairground noise may like Zapote, while anyone seeking quiet should choose another neighbourhood for an evening out.

A good city-day plan

January gets about 7 hours of sunshine a day, but cloud and rain are still part of the picture. It's a good month for city sights and nearby walks, though muddy trails can follow a shower. February is drier and warmer, so don't expect January's weather to be the year's best. Try lunch at Mercado Central: order a casado, a Costa Rican plate with rice, beans and sides, then browse the market's narrow aisles. It's a useful stop if rain rolls through, and a tasty way to take a break between downtown sights.