Best Times to Visit San Jose, California

The heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose features some of the best year-round weather in the whole Bay Area. This tech-savvy corner of California is perfectly situated at the base of San Francisco Bay, protected from most of the fog and the chillier temperatures that the inlet normally brings. It’s usually 5-10 degrees warmer than San Francisco on any given day, meaning you can enjoy local beaches well into fall.

With its temperate weather and limited rainy days, San Jose is a city to visit any time of the year. However, some months are busier than others, depending on seasonal happenings and the overflow of tourists visiting the greater Bay Area. Summer always sees a crowd, but there are perks to visiting in spring and fall as the summer rush winds down, creating good conditions for outdoor activities. Here’s our guide on what to expect from a visit to the city, by month and season.

Shoulder season: May and October to December

Best for outdoor activities and holiday events

There are two shoulder seasons in San Jose, either side of the busy summertime. In May, San Jose’s colorful gardens are in bloom; the weather isn’t too hot or too cold and the crowds are only just starting to gather. The second shoulder period is in the fall and early winter. As the summer heat starts to fade, attention shifts from beaches to hiking; community events in October give way to holiday festivals in November and December.

In both May and the fall, the weather is ideal for a slew of outdoor activities, from paddle boarding and kayaking in the Bay to picnicking or hiking at one of the many green spaces in and around the city. However, it is important to watch out for fire season, which is generally at its worst in September and October; always heed local warnings about fire safety and stay well clear of areas where fires have been reported.

High season: June to September

Best for festivals and nice weather

Summer is when the city comes to life and locals let their hair down at festivals most weekends, especially towards the end of summer and at the start of fall. During this peak season, the weather is at its hottest, with warm nights and long sunny days under blue skies. Daytime temperatures around 82°F are common, while it only occasionally climbs above 90°F.

However, at the height of summer, highways get packed, and you’ll find traffic jams on the roads to nearby beaches, like those in Santa Cruz. Consequently, the end of summer brings the risk of forest fires (a growing problem) and smoky skies that can put a damper on your trip; always check local conditions before you visit.

Low season: January to April

Best for budget travelers and fewer crowds

After the abundance of local events in the fall and the holiday parties in December, the winter months feel subdued and quiet. There aren’t many events happening other than Sharks games, and the sky is often gray with a few rainy days here and there.

On the upside, this is the best time to find cheaper accommodation and travel deals as companies compete for a smaller crowd of customers. The city takes on a more local feel, and you will encounter fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions.

January

January is one of the least busy times to visit San Jose. Expect cool temperatures, fewer crowds, and overcast skies, but enjoy low prices.
Key Events: The Bloody Mary Festival

February

The dreary weather continues into February and will likely bring a few rainy days. However, rates stay at some of the lowest of the year. This isn’t a bad time to walk Bay Area beaches, with a good chance of whale sightings.
Key Events: Jazz Winter Fest

March

The arrival of spring reinvigorates San Jose, as the events calendar picks up. The weather remains mostly cloudy, and there aren’t many visitors in the city yet.
Key Events: Cinequest Film Festival, San Jose Shamrock Run

April

April brings clearer skies and moderate temperatures. It’s the perfect time for hiking and enjoying popular attractions in the city before the summer crowds arrive.
Key Events: Nikkei Matsuri Festival, SoFa Street Fair

May

May marks the beginning of the ramp-up for summer, making it one of the nicest times to be in San Jose when gardens are in bloom, and the weather tends to be mostly sunny and warm.
Key Events: Farmers markets

June

June kicks off a string of music festivals and big cultural events. The city starts feeling busier, and temperatures heat up.
Key Events: San Jose Greek Festival, SubZERO Festival, San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, Juneteenth in the Park

July

July is the peak tourist month in San Jose, with crowded amusement parks, busy green spaces, and clogged freeways. The weather is hot, but the skies are generally blue and cloudless.
Key Events: Obon Festival

August

Temperatures peak towards the end of summer. While the heat can be oppressive during the day, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the evenings, perfect for outdoor dining.
Key Events: Silicon Valley Pride, Santa Clara County Fair, Italian Family Festa, San Jose Renaissance Faire and Fantasy Fest, SiliCon, Music in the Park, Jazz Summer Fest

September

As most locals finish their summer travels, tourists are still enjoying beautiful weather in the city. September is rich in events, providing something for everyone at the many community gatherings throughout the month.
Key Events: Bark in the Park San Jose, Luna Park Chalk Art Festival, Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival, Lil’ Easy Backyard Party, Bacon and Beer Classic, Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, SoFa Street Fair

October

October brings several festivals, although the energy in the city becomes calmer. The weather remains warm through Halloween, but there’s a risk of fires, which might impact outdoor activities in the hills.
Key Events: Dia San Jose, Little Italy San Jose Street Festival, San Jose International Short Film Festival, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, Water Lantern Festival

November

In November, the city transitions into a lull as people prepare for the holiday season. Although there isn’t much happening in terms of events, the weather is still mild, making it an ideal time for hikes and picnics with friends.
Key Events: Christmas in the Park (Tree Lighting)

December

San Jose embraces the holiday spirit with one of the city’s most popular annual events, Christmas in the Park. Enjoy the cooler weather, downtown Christmas market, hot cocoa, and live music as the Bay Area gets into the festive mood.
Key Events: Christmas in the Park, Santa Run Silicon Valley, SantaCon