Costa Rica's capital was founded in 1738 and became the national capital in 1823 after a brief civil war. Sitting in the fertile Central Valley at 1,170m, the city is surrounded by volcanoes and coffee plantations. The National Theatre, built in 1897 with revenue from coffee exports, is the city's architectural gem. Costa Rica famously abolished its military in 1948, redirecting funds to education and conservation.
Nights sit around 17°C and afternoons around 30°C.
San José barely changes season, but the day does: afternoons reach 30°C and nights fall to 17°C.
There is a clear wet season from May – November, peaking in October with around 326 mm. The dry months run from January – March.
Wind is a factor: February averages 23 km/h, enough to notice on a terrace or a bike. Air quality is worth watching: April averages an AQI of 53, while January clears to 32.
Daylight is steady all year, around 12.0 hours a day.
For what you're after, the best months in San José are February – April. Expect fast internet (218 Mbps) and a moderate cost of living (about €1400 a month).
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