Costa Rica Weather in May 2025: The Official Onset of the Rainy Season

May is an excellent month to be visiting Costa Rica. The first half of the month is relatively dry, whereas the second half of the month sees more consistent rainfall. Costa Rica's unprecedented greenery and natural beauty during May is accompanied by monthly temperatures that average highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).

The official onset of the rainy season and the lack of big nationwide holidays in the country result in a marked decrease in tourism in Costa Rica during May. You'll come across far fewer crowds during this time of the year than you would during any week in the preceding months. The decrease in tourism during the month also results in great prices being offered all over the country, so if you book early enough, you'll fetch yourself many a good deal!

It will most certainly rain in Costa Rica during May, especially if your travel plans fall on the second half of the month. A complete packing list if traveling to Costa Rica in May includes plenty of quick-drying tops and shorts, a lightweight poncho or raincoat, lightweight pants for the evenings, tennis shoes, sandals, swimwear, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, travel towels, mosquito repellent, and a hat or two.

To better understand what Costa Rica is like when it comes to climate and weather conditions during the month of May, continue reading below.

Costa Rica Weather in May: Overview

• Average temperature range: 17°C (63°F) – 32°C (90°F)
• Rainfall: 400 mm (16 inches) in San Jose; 750 mm (30 inches) in Manuel Antonio; 400 mm (16 inches) in Puerto Viejo.
• Rainy days: 19 in San Jose; 17 in Manuel Antonio; 17 in Puerto Viejo.

As mentioned previously, the first part of May is more or less dry in Costa Rica, whereas the second part is wetter. If you're looking to spend a lot of time relaxing on the beach or just exploring outdoors, the rains will inevitably eat into that time, so avoid delaying your visit to the country by making sure you get there during the first week or two of May.

Temperatures vary from place to place in Costa Rica during May. The average maximum temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in San Jose, 28°C (82°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 29°C (84°F) in Puerto Viejo, to minimum temperatures of 17°C (63°F) in San Jose, 23°C (73°F) in Manuel Antonio, and 24°C (75°F) in Puerto Viejo.

If you're looking to take in the natural beauty of this Central American paradise that is brought on by the May rains and surround yourself in the never-ending greenery of it all, then a visit to Costa Rica during the month makes total sense. What's more, the prices are better, and the crowds are fewer during this time of the year.  

Weather of Costa Rica's Major Cities in May

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in May

1.Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in Guancaste, and the park is important as it's home to a variety of plant and animal species. The volcano the park houses is completely dormant today, but has a huge say in the local topography, including the Rio Celeste Waterfall. The hike to the waterfall takes you through dense tropical forests to blindingly blue lagoons, rivers, and the waterfall itself, all of which have minerals to thank for their spectacular colors. The Rio Celeste Waterfall Trail within Tenorio Volcano National Park is a gorgeous hike and May is a good time to visit weather-wise. Make sure you book your tickets online ahead of time, though, so as not to miss out on the experience.

2.Monteverde

Monteverde in May typifies the storybook greenery of tropical Costa Rica. The entire area is thriving with life during this time of the year, and you'll get to see many species of birds and monkeys during your time on the trails. The morning Monteverde mists envelope the towering moss covered trees, and add a layer of picturesque otherworldliness to the lush green forests.

3.Tamarindo

Tamarindo is one of the driest regions in all of Costa Rica. Even when it does rain, the showers are usually concentrated to the hours of the late afternoons and early evenings. As such, it's best to plan your activities for the earlier hours of the mornings, so you make the most of everything that quiet Tamarindo has to offer, from outdoor activities ranging from surfing and boat safaris to fishing and refreshing swims at the beach.

May Crowds and Costs

May is a fantastic time to be in Costa Rica! The beginning of the wet season and the lack of official holidays in the country results in far fewer crowds than you would encounter during the preceding months. Most places in the country benefit from the resulting laid-back vibe brought about by this lack of large crowds.

This decrease in tourism results in prices dropping as well. If you book at the right time, you can save a lot of money on accommodation and airfare.

May Events in Costa Rica

Labor Day: May 1 is Labor Day in Costa Rica. While the holiday is marked with processions, parades, and fireworks, the nation takes the day off work. This means that most businesses, and all government offices and public institutions are closed on this day.

Corpus Christi Day: A tremendously important liturgical holiday for the Catholic Church, Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday following the feast of the Holy Trinity, at the end of May. Corpus Christi – and the feast – are observed through a mass and a procession, attended by countless people. Streets leading up to churches are decorated lavishly, and many Costa Rican children are dressed up as angels.

What to Wear in Costa Rica in May

The rains are a mainstay during May in Costa Rica, especially during the second half of the month. This makes it important to make sure you don't forget to pack tops and shorts made of quick-drying fabrics, along with a good waterproof jacket or lightweight poncho.

A comprehensive packing list for May in Costa Rica should include tops and shorts made of quick-drying fabrics (including a few made of breathable fabrics like linen), a couple of lightweight pants for the evenings, a poncho or waterproof jacket, a pair of tennis or trail shoes that you'll need if you plan on hiking, sandals, swimwear, travel towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellents, and binoculars for spotting wildlife in spots like Monteverde.

Explore Costa Rica with Global Highlights

If you're reading this, you're probably planning your dream vacation to gorgeous Costa Rica!  That's just perfect because our travel experts here at Global Highlights go above and beyond in making sure your itinerary is as well planned yet personal as you like. We take immense pride in making sure you have a memorable time in Costa Rica, and we use our expertise and attention to detail to curate trips for you and your loved ones that are both unique and dreamy. We'll keep everything from weather conditions to special interests in mind, so that you can just relax and take in the good times!