The climate of San Francisco
San Francisco,
Costa Rica, resides in the unique weather envelope identified by the Köppen climate classification as an Am climate, known more commonly as a tropical monsoon. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, this location experiences warm, humid conditions throughout the year.
A yearly review of the climate parameters reveals a noticeable consistency in San Francisco's temperature. High temps, fluctuating minimally from 25.4°C (77.7°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F), maintain a relatively steady warmth throughout the year. Low temperatures show a similar pattern as they range from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F), creating an environment that rarely dips into cool territory. The relative humidity parallels the tropical nature of the region, remaining between 70% and 89% over the course of the year which manifests in misty mornings and occasional heavy air.
Rainfall in San Francisco embodies the monsoon characteristics of the location’s climate classification with the volume of rainfall transforming significantly throughout the year: it ranges from a modest 17mm (0.67") to a drenching 396mm (15.59"). The downpour reaches its peak in
October with 30.2 days of rainfall. Similarly, San Francisco experiences a considerable degree in variability in daylight hours and sunshine duration, spanning from 11.6 to 12.7 hours of daylight and 7 to 9.4 hours of sunshine.
Despite the dramatic shifts in rainfall, sunshine, and daylight, other weather parameters maintain a rather stable arc throughout the year. The year-round visibility averages between 7km (4.3mi) and 10km (6.2mi) while the wind speed stays within 3.8km/h (2.4mph) to 10.6km/h (6.6mph).
The best time to visit San Francisco
The most pleasant time to visit
San Francisco,
Costa Rica, hinges on an individual's weather preferences. However, considering the average weather parameters, the best time would arguably be between
December and
March. During these months, the rainfall is modest, ranging from 17mm (0.67") to 21mm (0.83"), and the number of rainy days is less than other periods, allowing visitors to enjoy significantly more sunshine. Specifically, December offers up to 8.7 hours of sunshine, coupled with more daylight hours, hence allowing tourists ample time to indulge in outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit San Francisco
Taking into account the key climate parameters, the challenging period for traveling to
San Francisco from a weather perspective is between
May and
November. The coastal city is hit by its heaviest rainfall within these months, as the downpour shoots up to an overwhelming 396mm (15.59") in
October. There's also an increase in the number of rainy days during this spell, hitting a peak of 30.2 days in October, and reduced visibility due to cloud cover.
Spring weather in San Francisco
In
San Francisco, spring spans from
March to
May. During this period, temperature highs elevate from a comfortable 27.3°C (81.1°F) in March to peaks around 29.7°C (85.5°F) in May, while the lows climb from 17.2°C (63°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F). Additionally, the rainfall more than quadruples from 21mm (0.83") in March to a lofty 339mm (13.35") in May. This surge in precipitation is accompanied by increased cloud cover and declining sunshine hours, illustrating the transition from the dry to wet season.
Summer weather in San Francisco
The summer, from
June to
August, reveals consistent temperatures, securing highs between 26.3°C (79.3°F) and 26.7°C (80.1°F) and lows from 18.9°C (66°F) to 19.5°C (67.1°F). The rainfall tilts slightly from 323mm (12.72") in June to 287mm (11.3") in August while the relative humidity levels exceed 85%. The wind speed diminishes to around 4.5km/h (2.8mph) and 6km/h (3.7mph), further intensifying the warm summer feel in the air.
Autumn weather in San Francisco
Autumn months, extending from
September to
November, provide a respite from the summer’s scorching heat. Temperatures drop slightly and remain stable; highs fluctuate between 25.4°C (77.7°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F) while the lows sway from 18.9°C (66°F) to 19.2°C (66.6°F). However, this period ushers in the city's highest rainfall volumes, with
October witnessing rainfall of around 396mm (15.59").
Winter weather in San Francisco
In winter, from
December through
February, the climate in
San Francisco is at its most pleasant. Temperature highs range from 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), while the lows remain steady from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 17.2°C (63°F). Accompanying this is a marked reduction in rainfall and an increase in sunshine hours, resulting in a mild and enjoyable winter scenario ideal for outdoor exploration.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
January in
San Francisco,
Costa Rica, offers a blend of moderate temperatures that encourage outdoor activities. Despite the seemingly perfect temperatures, it is important to carry a light jacket due to the cooler nights.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February ushers in a slight increase in temperatures compared to its predecessor. Reduced rainfall from
January indicates the emergence of a drier season in
San Francisco. The distinct trait of this month is the improved visibility that stands at 10km (6.2mi).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March denotes a transition into warmer weather, with a discernible increase in temperatures from
February. Despite the warmer weather, rainfall slightly increases to 21mm (0.83"), reminding us that
San Francisco still experiences scattered showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
San Francisco displays drastic changes in weather patterns, notably the vast increase in rainfall reaching up to 86mm (3.39"). Simultaneously, temperatures remain consistent with
March's, denoting the contrast in this monthly transition.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May exhibits a substantial escalation in the depth of the wet season in
San Francisco. From
April, temperatures slightly drop, and a remarkable amount of rainfall sets in. This month is characterized by the highest recorded rainfall of 339mm (13.35"), effectively saturating the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Navigating into
June,
San Francisco continues to experience elevated levels of humidity and rainfall, a signature characteristic of Costa Rican weather. A slight drop in temperatures from
May creates a mildly cooler environment. Alongside this, wind speeds decrease to 4.5km/h (2.8mph), allowing for calmer days amidst the rain-drenched city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, seemingly unaltered from
June, maintains consistent rainfall and temperature levels. The minor increase in wind speed to 6km/h (3.7mph) might signal a shift in weather conditions in
San Francisco. Interesting to note is the maintained UV index, an underlying reminder of
Costa Rica's position near the Equator.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August denotes a similar weather pattern to
July, with marginal changes in temperatures and rainfall. A dwindling visibility down to 7km (4.3mi) underscores the ongoing dominance of the rain over
San Francisco. While the showers persist, the average hours of daylight begin to reduce, indicating the close of the long summer days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Venturing into
September,
San Francisco's weather adjusts subtly, with temperatures and rainfall remaining comparatively unaltered from
August. An intriguing trait of this month is the marked decrease in wind speed, dipping to 3.8km/h (2.4mph).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signifies the peak of the wet season in
San Francisco, with the highest recorded rainfall days of 30.2. Nonetheless, temperatures remain somewhat constant, reiterating the consistency in climatic conditions throughout the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals a progressive shift towards the year-end, with a noteworthy decrease in rainfall, down to 144mm (5.67"). However, the temperature and humidity levels stay relatively consistent with
October. The unabated excitement over Sunshine hours finally gaining an upper hand over rain showers is palpable across
San Francisco.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rolls in by easing out of the rainy season, with the low rainfall recorded at 46mm (1.81"). Inhabitants of
San Francisco can finally look forward to drier days and holiday festivities. Hallmarked by the strengthening of wind speed to 8.7km/h (5.4mph), it concludes the year with a significant meteorological change.
Weather in December » [Resources]