Things to Do in Sanjose in June

June Weather in Sanjose

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

693 mm (27.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - afternoon showers drop to 10 rainy days instead of the 18-20 in previous months, making outdoor activities more reliable
Central Valley temperatures stabilize at ideal 24-32°C (75-89°F) range - perfect for city walking without the oppressive heat of dry season months ahead
Coffee harvest season kicks off in highland regions, offering farm tours and fresh roasting experiences not available other times of year
Tourist crowds remain moderate before July-August peak, meaning shorter lines at Museo del Oro and easier downtown parking around Plaza de la Cultura

Considerations

Humidity stays high at 70% making it feel warmer than actual temperature - expect to sweat even during light activities
Morning fog in Central Valley can delay domestic flights to coastal areas by 1-2 hours until 9am
Hotel prices begin climbing 15-25% from May levels as high season approaches, though still below peak rates

Best Activities in June

Manuel Antonio Beach and Wildlife Tours

June offers the sweet spot for Pacific coast visits - ocean temperatures reach comfortable 26°C (79°F), afternoon rains are brief (20-30 minutes), and wildlife is active. Howler monkeys and sloths are easier to spot in the clearer post-rain air. Beach activities work perfectly with morning sunshine and brief afternoon cooling showers.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for better rates, typically ₡45,000-65,000 for full-day tours. Look for operators including transportation from San José (3-hour drive each way). Peak booking times are weekends, so midweek offers better availability and pricing.

Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Experience

June's reduced cloud cover means better volcano viewing chances - about 60% visibility compared to 30% during peak rainy months. Hot springs feel perfect after cooler evening temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F). Zip-lining and hanging bridges benefit from the drier conditions and clearer canopy views.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead, especially for weekend trips. Full-day tours typically cost ₡55,000-75,000 including transportation. Book operators that guarantee hot springs access even if volcano is cloud-covered. Many include lunch at local sodas.

Coffee Farm Tours in Central Valley

June marks the beginning of coffee harvest season on some farms, offering unique picking experiences unavailable most of the year. The weather is ideal for walking plantation trails - warm but not scorching, with occasional cooling showers. You'll see the full process from cherry picking to roasting.

Booking Tip: Book directly through farm websites 5-7 days ahead for better prices, typically ₡25,000-35,000 for half-day tours. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon showers and include fresh breakfast. Look for working farms rather than tourist-focused operations for authentic experiences.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hiking

June's transitional weather creates perfect cloud forest conditions - misty mornings for wildlife viewing, clearer afternoons for canopy observation. Temperatures stay cool at 18-24°C (64-75°F) making hiking comfortable. Bird activity peaks in early morning, and the suspended bridges offer spectacular views between cloud breaks.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided night tours 7-10 days ahead (₡30,000-45,000) as they fill quickly. Day hiking costs ₡15,000-25,000 for guided tours. Bring layers - temperature drops 10°C from San José. Book accommodations simultaneously as options are limited.

Whitewater Rafting on Pacuare River

June water levels are ideal - high enough for exciting rapids but not dangerously swollen like peak rainy season. River temperatures stay refreshing at 22°C (72°F). The surrounding rainforest is lush from recent rains but trails to put-in points are accessible. Wildlife spotting from rafts is excellent.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for Class III-IV rapids, typically ₡65,000-85,000 for full-day including meals and transportation. Morning departures (7am from San José) return by 6pm. Look for operators providing dry bags and professional photography services.

Tortuguero National Park Canoe Tours

June offers the best Tortuguero experience - green turtle nesting season begins, waterways are navigable but not flooded, and wildlife viewing is prime. Morning mist creates magical photography conditions, and afternoon showers provide natural cooling. Boat transportation is reliable with moderate water levels.

Booking Tip: Book 14+ days ahead for weekend packages, typically ₡85,000-125,000 for 2-day/1-night including all meals and transportation from San José. Choose operators with small boats (maximum 8 people) for better wildlife viewing. Confirm turtle tour availability as it depends on nesting activity.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

Festival de Música de Cámara

San José's premier chamber music festival brings international artists to historic venues like Teatro Nacional. Evening concerts take advantage of June's cooler temperatures and reduced rain. Tickets often include wine receptions showcasing local vineyards from nearby Tarrazú region.

Third Sunday in June

Día del Padre Celebrations

Father's Day in Costa Rica involves massive family gatherings in parks and beaches. Local restaurants offer special menús típicos, and many businesses close early on Sunday. It's an excellent time to observe authentic family traditions and enjoy traditional foods like gallo pinto and casado.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry

Packable rain jacket with ventilation zippers - afternoon showers happen 10 days per month but last only 20-30 minutes

Quick-dry hiking pants for cloud forest visits where temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and trails can be muddy

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at elevation, and reflection off wet surfaces increases exposure

Waterproof daypack cover - even brief showers can soak through standard zippers and seams

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases after rains, especially in coastal areas below 500m (1,640 ft)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - San José's colonial-era sidewalks become slippery when wet

Light fleece or hoodie for evening temperatures that can drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) from daytime highs

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms are common, especially outside San José metropolitan area

Cash in small bills (₡1,000, ₡2,000 notes) - many sodas and local operators don't accept cards or large denominations

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights after 10am - morning fog in Central Valley regularly delays early departures to coastal destinations, but airlines rarely adjust schedules

Avoid driving on Sunday afternoons in June - family gatherings mean heavy traffic returning to San José from beaches and countryside, adding 1-2 hours to normal drive times

Restaurant lunch timing shifts in June - many close 2-4pm for extended breaks as afternoon rains begin, so plan meals for 11:30am-1:30pm or after 4:30pm

Central Market (Mercado Central) is driest and most comfortable for shopping in early morning before 9am - crowds and humidity make afternoon visits uncomfortable

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - mountain areas like Monteverde require layers as temperatures drop significantly with altitude changes of 1,000m+ (3,280 ft+)

Scheduling tight itineraries without rain buffers - afternoon showers can delay outdoor activities by 30-60 minutes, especially zip-lining and hiking tours

Expecting all-day sunshine - even in drier June, expect 2-3 hours of afternoon clouds and possible showers, plan indoor activities for 2-5pm window