Green Season’s Grand Opening
Imagine stepping into a world where the jungle hums with fresh rain, the air smells of earth and blossoms, and the crowds have not yet arrived. May in Costa Rica is the green season’s curtain raiser, a month of transition where dry days fade and rain begins to breathe life back into the land. It is not the sun soaked peak of December, but it is a lush and vibrant escape for travelers drawn to nature at its most alive. From Pacific swells to Caribbean calm, this guide explores May in Costa Rica, including weather patterns, top experiences, and what to expect.
May Weather: Pros and Cons
May marks the shift from dry to wet, bringing a blend of sunshine and showers that defines the month’s rhythm.
- Pros: The landscape turns richly green as rivers rise and forests fill out. Prices soften after high season, and popular areas feel quieter. Many mornings remain dry, offering ideal windows for outdoor plans.
- Cons: Afternoon rain is common and humidity increases. Some trails become muddy, and rural roads can be more challenging. Flexibility is helpful.
Unlike the dry and busy December season in Costa Rica, May offers a gentler and greener version of the country.
Microclimates: A Weather Symphony
Costa Rica’s compact size hides remarkable climate variation, and May brings each region into focus.
- Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Malpais, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula): Early May often stays dry, with rain increasing toward the end of the month. Temperatures reach the upper 80s°F (30°C) as humidity builds.
- Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita, Jacó): Rain arrives more consistently, usually in the afternoon. The jungle thickens quickly under warm and humid conditions.
- Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero): Rainfall is steady but rarely overwhelming. Temperatures stay in the low 80s°F (27°C), warm and humid.
- Central Valley (San José, Atenas): Mild temperatures and light rain create comfortable conditions, with sunny breaks throughout the day.
- Highlands (Monteverde, Arenal): Cooler and misty, with frequent drizzle feeding cloud forests and softening visibility.
May weather rewards travelers willing to adapt.
What to Pack for May
May calls for thoughtful packing that balances rain protection with tropical essentials.
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Quick dry clothing
- Water resistant hiking shoes
- Swimsuit
- Bug spray
- Hat and sunglasses
- Small umbrella
Plan for both rainforest walks and beach breaks.
Best Things to Do in May
Rain supports, rather than limits, many experiences this time of year.
- Surf the Pacific: Early wet season swells arrive along Nosara and Tamarindo.
- Explore Monteverde: Cloud forests feel especially alive, with mist enhancing the atmosphere.
- Soak in Hot Springs: Arenal’s thermal pools pair beautifully with light rain.
- Caribbean Beach Days: Puerto Viejo offers calmer seas and swimmable conditions.
- Waterfall Visits: Rain strengthens cascades like La Fortuna and Nauyaca Falls.
Early starts help you make the most of the day.
Why May Wins
May in Costa Rica offers a front row view of the country’s seasonal reset. Landscapes turn lush, wildlife becomes more active, and travel slows into a quieter rhythm. For those drawn to nature over predictability, May delivers depth, color, and space to explore.