San Jose Weather in December

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

24°C

High

17°C

Low

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

North America › 🇨🇷 Costa Rica › San Jose

Updated: March 2026

Is December a Good Time to Visit San Jose?

5/10

Fair

December is a fair time to visit San Jose (5/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 18 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 5th sunniest of the year in San Jose. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find December a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. November offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 18 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 November:23°C avg high

Visiting San Jose in December means warm daytime temperatures peaking at 24°C. Factor in 18 potential rainy days and 82% average humidity when planning your daily activities.

24°C

Avg High

17°C

Avg Low

18 days

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in San Jose in December

The 7°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 24°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 11 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 75°F average high, 63°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in December

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in San Jose in December

Morning17°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon24°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening20°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for San Jose in December means dressing for 24°C days and 17°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 24°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 17°C, a modest 7°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 18 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.

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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 December

December 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 December

Based on 24°C average highs and 18 rainy days

Light layers for morning and evening
Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
UV-protective sunglasses
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 December

Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 24°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)December 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 18 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 morningDecember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmDecember seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year

Why is San Jose mild in December?

In December, 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 24°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.

Frequently Asked Questions: San Jose in December

In December, San Jose experiences average highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Expect around 18 rainy days and 9 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 7°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 exposure is moderate at index 3.

San Jose typically sees 18 rainy days in December, with total precipitation of around 163mm. 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 December.

Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for San Jose in December. Daytime temperatures of 24°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 17°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 18 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.

December is a reasonable time to visit San Jose. Expect 18 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 24°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 9 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 December is 24°C (75°F), and the average low is 17°C (63°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 21°C (69°F). The day-to-night range of 7°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.

December is shoulder or low season in San Jose, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 9 sunshine hours and 18 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 December, San Jose suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 24°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 9 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

December ranks 5th sunniest of the year in San Jose, with an average 9 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 0°C into January. Compared to last month (November: 23°C high, 26 rain days), December is warmer and drier. December 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

Other Months in San Jose

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to San Jose

Best Time to Visit San Jose

Data Sources for San Jose

San Jose on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.