Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Costa Rica in May
Pacific surf swells build; Caribbean coast enjoys its brief mini dry season.
What to expect in Costa Rica in May
May brings warm weather to Costa Rica, with daytime highs around 26°C (79°F) and overnight lows near 16°C (61°F). Skies are typically distinctly rainy, with about 229 mm of rainfall on average. Pacific surf swells build; Caribbean coast enjoys its brief mini dry season..
May is a quiet stretch — most attractions are easy to access and you'll often have spaces to yourself. It's one of the best-value windows of the year for both flights and hotels. Peak season runs December–March, for context.
What’s happening in May
- 🎉Dia del Trabajador · MayLabor Day marked by union marches in San Jose and a presidential address to the Legislative Assembly outlining the year's political agenda, with most businesses and government offices closed.
- 🎉Carrera de San Juan · MayCentury-old 22.5-kilometer road race climbing from the capital to Cartago's basilica, one of Latin America's oldest running events drawing elite Central American competitors and amateur pilgrims.
Live fares for Costa Rica in May
Compare flights across 100+ booking sites. Hotels via Expedia.