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When to Visit San Jose

Climate guide & best times to travel

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Monthly Climate Data for San Jose Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 0°C 8°C 16°C 24°C 32°C Rainfall (mm) 0 40 81 Jan Jan: 15.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 76mm rain Feb Feb: 16.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 81mm rain Mar Mar: 18.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 66mm rain Apr Apr: 20.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 30mm rain May May: 23.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 15mm rain Jun Jun: 26.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 5mm rain Jul Jul: 27.0°C high, 14.0°C low Aug Aug: 27.0°C high, 14.0°C low Sep Sep: 27.0°C high, 14.0°C low, 3mm rain Oct Oct: 24.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 20mm rain Nov Nov: 18.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 36mm rain Dec Dec: 15.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 79mm rain Temperature Rainfall
San Jose sits in the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area, and its climate is about as forgiving as you'll find in North America. The city runs on a classic Mediterranean rhythm: cool, occasionally rainy winters from roughly November through March, and long, reliably dry summers that stretch from May into October. What makes San Jose's weather distinctive is the moderation. The Bay's marine influence keeps summer highs from climbing into scorching territory you'd find inland, and winters rarely dip below freezing at valley floor level. You're not coming here to battle the elements. The temperature range across the year stays surprisingly narrow. January and December both sit around 15°C (59°F) during the day, dropping to about 5°C (41°F) at night, chilly but seldom brutal. By July and August, you're looking at highs around 27°C (81°F) - warm enough for real summer without becoming oppressive. The humidity reading of 70% appears consistent year-round in the data, though the feel shifts with the season: in summer that moisture is barely noticeable because the air is so dry and bright, while in winter the same number feels heavier on overcast days. Rainfall in San Jose is front-loaded into the winter months. December, January, and February each bring around 76-81 mm of rain, and March adds another 66 mm before the pattern unwinds. By May rainfall has dropped to 15 mm, June to just 5 mm, and July and August are effectively bone dry. This makes the wet season feel concentrated and purposeful - you get your rain, then it stops, and the dry season is dry rather than unpredictably interrupted.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Beach
For beach and relaxation travelers, late May through September is the window to aim for. San Jose itself is inland. But day trips to Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay are far more pleasant when you're not fighting coastal fog or rain, and the city's parks and outdoor spaces are at their most inviting during these months.
Cultural
Cultural explorers will find the shoulder seasons - April and October - rewarding in San Jose. The weather is mild and pleasant at around 20-24°C (68-75°F), crowds at places like the Winchester Mystery House or the San Jose Museum of Art are thinner than summer, and the city's event calendar tends to fill up around these months.
Hiking
Hikers and adventure travelers should look at April through June. Temperatures are comfortable for exertion, the hills around San Jose are still green from winter rains, and the longer daylight hours of late spring give you more time on the trail. July and August work fine too. But the hills turn golden and dry by then, and higher elevations in the Diablo Range can get hot midday.
Budget
Budget travelers will find San Jose most accommodating in January and February, when hotel rates tend to soften alongside the grey skies. The city is functional and interesting year-round, and winter rain rarely lasts all day - you'll often get clear afternoons even in the wettest months.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for San Jose.

Year-Round Essentials
Layers
The temperature gap between afternoon and evening can be 10°C or more even in summer, and mornings are reliably cool across all seasons.
A light-to-medium jacket
Covers most situations from April through November; a proper waterproof layer is worth adding from December through March.
Comfortable walking shoes
San Jose's interesting neighborhoods and parks reward on-foot exploration.
Sunscreen
Belongs in your bag for any summer visit given the low rainfall and consistent sunshine.
A reusable water bottle
Practical given how dry the summer months can get.
Winter
Clothing
waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layer for evenings
Footwear
shoes that can handle wet pavement without becoming miserable
Spring and Autumn
Clothing
light sweater or zip-up
Layering Tip
Adaptable combinations - a light sweater or zip-up that can come off by noon and go back on by late afternoon.
Summer
Clothing
light clothing during the day, light jacket or layer for evenings
Layering Tip
Evenings are notably cooler than the afternoon suggests they'll be.
Plug Type
Type A (two flat parallel prongs) and Type B (two flat prongs plus a round grounding pin)
Voltage
120 volts at 60 Hz
Adapter Note
European and most Asian devices will need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter for items that are not dual-voltage - check your chargers and appliances before assuming they'll work.
Skip These Items
Bring heavy rain gear or an umbrella sized for monsoon weather. San Jose's rain is generally mild and intermittent, not tropical. Pack it anyway. You will thank yourself later. A heavy winter coat is overkill for even the coldest days in San Jose. Skip beach equipment for the city itself. Tuck in a change of clothes for a day trip to the coast. That is all you need. Leave the insect repellent at home. San Jose's dry climate keeps mosquitoes well in check through most of the year. Save space for coffee instead.
Full Packing Checklist

Interactive checklist with shopping links for every item you need.

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Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

January in San Jose tends to be the city's quietest and most introspective month.

High 15°C (59°F)
Low 5°C (41°F)
Rainfall 76 mm
Crowds low
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February

February is similar in character - highs of 16°C (62°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), with 81 mm of rainfall making it technically the wettest month of the year, though the extra rain rarely stops the city from functioning normally.

High 16°C (62°F)
Low 6°C (43°F)
Rainfall 81 mm
Crowds low
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March

March marks the beginning of the turn. You'll notice days stretching longer and the hills around the valley greening up.

High 18°C (65°F)
Low 7°C (46°F)
Rainfall 66 mm
Crowds low
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April

April is the transition month where San Jose starts to feel like itself again - highs of 20°C (69°F), lows around 9°C (48°F), and rainfall cut to just 30 mm. This is when outdoor dining picks up and the city's tech campus crowds start reappearing on weekend trails.

High 20°C (69°F)
Low 9°C (48°F)
Rainfall 30 mm
Crowds medium
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May

May brings a reliable warmth to San Jose, with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is down to just 15 mm and usually concentrated in a few brief events.

High 23°C (73°F)
Low 11°C (52°F)
Rainfall 15 mm
Crowds building, on weekends
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June

June is when the dry season takes hold properly - highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), and a mere 5 mm of rain that you might not even notice. Evening temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities.

High 26°C (79°F)
Low 13°C (55°F)
Rainfall 5 mm
Crowds high
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July

July and August are the twin peaks of San Jose's summer. July is dry to the point where the hills turn the color of pale straw.

High 27°C (80-81°F)
Low 14-15°C (57-58°F)
Rainfall essentially zero
Crowds high
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August

July and August are the twin peaks of San Jose's summer.

High 27°C (80-81°F)
Low 14-15°C (57-58°F)
Rainfall essentially zero
Crowds high
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September

September keeps much of that warmth - highs of 27°C (80°F), lows of 14°C (57°F) - with just 3 mm of rain, and crowds begin easing, making it a sweet spot for visitors who want summer weather without peak-season density.

High 27°C (80°F)
Low 14°C (57°F)
Rainfall 3 mm
Crowds begin easing
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October

October signals autumn without being dramatic about it. Highs fall to 24°C (75°F) and lows to 11°C (52°F), with 20 mm of rain reappearing - usually a handful of proper rainy days rather than constant drizzle.

High 24°C (75°F)
Low 11°C (52°F)
Rainfall 20 mm
Crowds medium
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November

November is when the winter pattern reasserts itself in San Jose: highs of 18°C (66°F), lows of 7°C (45°F), and 36 mm of rain. The city gets quieter and the light takes on the slanted, golden quality characteristic of Bay Area autumn.

High 18°C (66°F)
Low 7°C (45°F)
Rainfall 36 mm
Crowds low
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December

December closes the year at highs of 15°C (59°F), lows of 5°C (41°F), and 79 mm of rainfall - back near the January level. Holiday events pick up activity in spots like downtown San Jose. But overall crowd levels are low.

High 15°C (59°F)
Low 5°C (41°F)
Rainfall 79 mm
Crowds low
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Ready to plan your trip to San Jose?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in San Jose.

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Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

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What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for San Jose.

See packing list →

Continue Planning Your Trip

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for San Jose

When to Visit

Best times to travel for San Jose

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for San Jose