The month in detail
What to expect in May
May falls in the wet season in Costa Rica. Showers are often brief but intense. With 55% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. February (8.8/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 8 out of 12 months in Costa Rica. Compared to April: −2°F daytime, 29 pts more rainy days, −2.4h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
18°
Daylight
12.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 25
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Costa Rica is February (8.8/10), 1.6 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Costa Rica
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Costa Rica
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Costa Rica
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyColón costaricain (₡)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthMarch · 81°F
❄️Coolest monthJune · 75°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 73%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
San JoséCosta Rica
GranadaNicaragua
PanamaPanama
MonroviaLiberia
San Cristóbal de las CasasMexico
Location
Where is Costa Rica ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Costa RicaEquatorial tropical climate with a 8.8 → 4.3 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
9.93°N · 84.08°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
February is the best month with 79°F highs, 61°F lows, 8.1h of sunshine and 9.0% rainy days. The months of February & March offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Costa Rica get in February?
Costa Rica averages 8.1 sunshine hours per day in February. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?
September is the most unfavourable month with September has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Costa Rica in February?
In February, overnight lows reach 61°F, while afternoon highs average 79°F.
Is Costa Rica good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Costa Rica scores 8.2/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains February with a score of 8.5/10.
When should you avoid Costa Rica?
September is the most difficult month to visit Costa Rica, with September has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Costa Rica in May?
The average UV index reaches 9 in May in Costa Rica (very high), with about 12.5h of daylight. Protection essential.