What to expect in Costa Rica in May
May is a mixed month in Costa Rica. You get 31° / 22°, but manageable crowds at the big attractions. Worth it for the right traveller.
Costa Rica weather in May
Typical conditions in Costa Rica during May, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 31°C 88°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 22°C 72°F |
| Rainfall | Moderate 45/100 |
| Total rainfall | 222 mm8.7 in |
| Sea temperature | 29°C 85°F |
| Daylight | 12 h 35 min |
| How it feels | Hot — midday shade matters |
Rainfall figures are for San José.
Average highs sit around 31°C with lows near 22°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are Moderate for Costa Rica — manageable crowds at the big attractions.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Lightweight, breathable clothes, strong sun protection and a refillable bottle — highs near 31°C make midday heat the main constraint.
What it costs
Costs in May sit around the yearly average for Costa Rica — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough. Compared with the most expensive month of the year, you are looking at roughly 44% less.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- People who would rather have space than perfect conditions
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in May, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
Costa Rica in May compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 33° / 21° | High | $$$ | 46 |
| April | 33° / 22° | Moderate | $$ | 50 |
| May · This month | 31° / 22° | Moderate | $$ | 60 |
| June | 30° / 21° | Low | $ | 63 |
| July | 29° / 21° | Moderate | $ | 64 |
These months score higher for Costa Rica on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in May
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in May.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
