Frequently asked questions
San José: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
San José: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.3°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
San José: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +11.8°C, during the day — up to +24.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
San José: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
San José: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $76.00 (≈ 6 378 ₽ · ≈ 40 280 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the
trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
San José: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
San José: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
San José: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.80, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
San José: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: National Theatre — Historic neoclassical theatre, main cultural attraction of the city; Gold Museum — Museum with pre-Columbian gold artifact collection; Central Market — Main city market with local products and crafts; Sabana Park — Largest city park with lakes and museums; National Museum — Museum in former barracks, dedicated to Costa Rican history. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
San José: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Casado — Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad; Gallo Pinto — Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime; Olla de Carne — Traditional meat and vegetable soup; Tres Leches — Traditional three-milk cake dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
San José: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Barrio Escalante — Trendy area with hotels, restaurants, and bars; Paseo Colón — Modern area with hotels and restaurants; Sabana — Area around park with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
San José: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
San José: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (code SJO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
San José: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $76.00 (≈ 6 378 ₽ · ≈ 40 280 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
San José: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
San José: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
San José: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Poás Volcano — National park with volcano crater, 1.5 hours away; Irazú Volcano — National park with volcano and lake, 2 hours away; Cartago — Town with colonial architecture, 30 minutes away; Coffee Plantations — Coffee plantation tours, 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.
