Costa Rica San José West Mission
The Costa Rica San José West Mission is one of 2 missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Costa Rica, centered on San José. It was organized on 1 July 2015. Below you’ll find the mission office address, tips for letters and packages, weather, language and temples.
At a glance
- Mission leadersJohn Charles and Laurie Holley Maddux began serving around July 2024, according to the Church Newsroom.
- LanguageMissionaries here usually teach in Spanish; your call letter tells you your exact language.
- Nearest templeThe nearest operating temple is the San José Costa Rica Temple, in the mission area.
- WeatherNear San José, the warmest month is usually May (average high about 74°F / 23°C) and the coolest is February (average low about 58°F / 14°C), with roughly 4,051 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are October.
- The Church hereCosta Rica has about 58,373 Church members.
This is an unofficial family guide, not affiliated with the Church; always follow your call packet and the Missionary Portal.
Mission office
Address & phone
- Office address
- Cost Rica San José West Mission, Apartado Postal 859-1000, San José, Costa Rica, 506-22-808-214
Source: Unofficial third-party directory (latterdaymissions.com) — may be out of date unofficial — confirm before mailing as of October 8, 2026
We haven’t verified the mission’s phone or email yet — use the contacts in your call packet or the Missionary Portal.
Mission leaders
Who leads the mission
John Charles and Laurie Holley Maddux
Serving since July 2024 · new leaders expected July 2027
Source: Church Newsroom 2024 · as of October 8, 2026
Letters & packages
How to send letters & packages
Import duties and customs delays are common here. Many parents send small padded envelopes or use the pouch/letter options from the call packet; declare low values honestly and avoid sending valuables.
- Your missionary can email weekly on P-day (preparation day: their weekly day for errands, letters and rest); letters and packages are optional extras.
- Confirm the current mailing address with the mission office or the call packet before sending — offices move.
- Small, padded envelopes usually travel faster and cheaper than boxes; declare contents honestly and avoid restricted items.
Weather & climate
Seasons, rain & live weather
Profile: very-wet · about 4051 mm of rain a year · wettest months: Oct.
Monthly averages
| Avg high | Avg low | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71°F / 21°C | 58°F / 15°C | 105 mm |
| Feb | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 60 mm |
| Mar | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 15°C | 70 mm |
| Apr | 74°F / 23°C | 60°F / 16°C | 193 mm |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 62°F / 16°C | 452 mm |
| Jun | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 529 mm |
| Jul | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 427 mm |
| Aug | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 512 mm |
| Sep | 73°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 597 mm |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 605 mm |
| Nov | 71°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 401 mm |
| Dec | 70°F / 21°C | 59°F / 15°C | 175 mm |
Monthly averages computed from Open-Meteo historical weather data (2016–2025, ERA5 reanalysis) for a ~1° grid cell near the mission city. Approximate; local altitude and coast effects vary.
Language
What you’ll speak
Spanish
Spanish is phonetic: vowels are always a (ah), e (eh), i (ee), o (oh), u (oo). Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable unless an accent mark says otherwise. Use "usted" (formal you) with adults until invited to use "tú".
Assignments can include other languages; your call letter states your language.
Nearby temples
Closest temples & distances
- San José Costa Rica Temple — Operating (4 June 2000) · in or near San José
- Managua Nicaragua Temple — Dedication scheduled (18 October 2026) · about 211 mi (340 km) from San José
- Panama City Panama Temple — Operating (10 August 2008) · about 318 mi (512 km) from San José
- Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple — Operating (17 March 2013) · about 356 mi (573 km) from San José
The Church in Costa Rica
Members & congregations
- Official Languages
- Spanish
- Church Membership
- 58,373
- Congregations
- 81 (61 Wards, 20 Branches)
- Number of Missions
- 2
- Operating Temples
- 1
Newsroom Facts & Statistics · updated Fri Mar 06 2026
Practical
Time zone, currency, calling code
- Time zone
- America/Costa_Rica
- Currency
- CRC
- Country code
- +506
- U.S. travel advisory
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution as of 2026-10-08
- Organized
- 1 July 2015
Culture & food
Customs & local food
- "Pura vida" is a greeting, goodbye, and life philosophy.
- Ticos value politeness and avoiding confrontation.
Foods: Gallo pinto, Casado, Olla de carne, Tamales at Christmas
Common questions
Quick answers
Who is the mission president of the Costa Rica San José West Mission?
The mission leaders are John Charles and Laurie Holley Maddux, who began serving around July 2024, as announced by the Church Newsroom. Mission leaders usually serve about three years, so new leaders are expected around July 2027.
What is the Costa Rica San José West Mission office address?
An unofficial directory lists the office at Cost Rica San José West Mission, Apartado Postal 859-1000, San José, Costa Rica, 506-22-808-214. Offices move, so confirm the current mailing address in your call packet or with the mission office before sending anything.
How do I send a package to a missionary in the Costa Rica San José West Mission?
Import duties and customs delays are common here. Many parents send small padded envelopes or use the pouch/letter options from the call packet; declare low values honestly and avoid sending valuables. Confirm the current address with the mission office first.
What language do missionaries speak in the Costa Rica San José West Mission?
Most missionaries here serve in Spanish. Your call letter states the language you will teach in.
What is the weather like in the Costa Rica San José West Mission?
Near San José, the warmest month is usually May (average high about 74°F / 23°C) and the coolest is February (average low about 58°F / 14°C), with roughly 4,051 mm of rain a year. The wettest months are October. Use the packing list from your call packet as the final word.
What temples are near the Costa Rica San José West Mission?
Operating temples nearby include San José Costa Rica Temple, Panama City Panama Temple (about 512 km) and Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple (about 573 km).
When was the Costa Rica San José West Mission organized?
The mission was organized on 1 July 2015.
Other missions in Costa Rica
Other missions nearby
Next steps
Official: Missionary Portal · Missionary resources