Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, experiences a dynamic climate characterized by warm temperatures and notable rainfall. The maximum temperature can soar up to 32°C (91°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 24°C (76°F), dipping to a minimum of 19°C (67°F). This month sees significant precipitation, totaling 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, contributing to the lush landscapes that Costa Rica is famous for. With humidity levels at around 70%, visitors should prepare for a mix of sun and intermittent showers, making it an ideal time to witness the vibrant natural beauty of the region, where the rainforests come alive with biodiversity.
In May, La Fortuna welcomes warmer temperatures as the region transitions into the wet season. With a minimum of 19°C (67°F) and a maximum reaching 32°C (91°F), it’s clear that the days are heating up. The average temperature stays consistent at 24°C (76°F), aligning with the pleasant warmth experienced in previous months. As the rainfall begins to increase, the evenings remain comfortable, enticing visitors to enjoy both the lush landscapes and the vibrant wildlife. This month serves as a perfect bridge between the dry, sunny days of April and the lush, green atmosphere of the upcoming rainy season, making it an ideal time for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
May in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, marks a significant shift in precipitation, as the region experiences one of its wettest months. With an impressive 308 mm (12.1 in) of rain falling across 26 days, May sets the stage for the peak of the rainy season. This dramatic increase from the 72 mm (2.8 in) in April signifies the onset of lush landscapes and vibrant flora. The consistent rain not only enriches the environment but also supports the region's famed biodiversity. As May rolls into June, La Fortuna sees a slight uptick to 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain, creating a lush, thriving backdrop that's perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
In May, La Fortuna experiences a humidity level of 70%, reflecting a continuation of the mild conditions seen in the preceding months. This slight uptick from April signifies the transition toward the wetter season, as the region prepares for the arrival of more intense rainfall in June. Interestingly, January through April showcase relatively lower humidity, consistently hovering between 68% and 71%. However, as the year progresses into the heart of the rainy season from June to August, humidity dramatically rises, peaking at 88% in July. This shift highlights La Fortuna's climatic pattern, where the dry charm of the earlier months gives way to a lush, green landscape as humidity levels climb with the summer rains.
In May, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, continues to experience an extreme UV Index of 14, consistent with the patterns seen in preceding months. This prolonged elevation signifies a serious need for sun safety, as the landscape remains inviting yet perilous, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition through the dry season into the onset of the rainy months, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant, ensuring adequate sun protection throughout the day. The UV Index trends in La Fortuna reveal a remarkable stability, with values hovering between 13 and 15 from February to April, before slightly tapering in the latter half of the year. For more detailed insights, check out La Fortuna UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, May experiences a delightful blend of sunshine and rain as it transitions from the dry season into the early stages of the wet season. With 256 hours of sunshine, May maintains a robust sunlit ambiance, slightly lower than the preceding months of March and April, which boast over 300 hours each. This gradual decrease signals the onset of more frequent afternoon showers, yet the overall warmth remains inviting. Following May, sunshine hours dip marginally in June and August, hovering around the 250-hour mark, while the sunshine gradually increases again towards the end of the year, especially in November and December, offering a rich tapestry of weather patterns that keeps La Fortuna vibrant and lush throughout the year.
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a notable dip as May approaches, with only a 16% chance of sunshine. After enjoying more promising conditions earlier in the year, particularly in January and February when sun chances exceed 40%, the transition into the rainy season becomes evident. April already shows a decrease to 21%, and by May, the days become increasingly clouded, foreshadowing the wet months ahead. This trend indicates that while visitors can still savor some sunny moments, they should be prepared for the lush greenery that follows the arrival of frequent rains in the subsequent months.
In La Fortuna, Costa Rica, the duration of daylight presents a fascinating rhythm throughout the year. From January to February, residents and visitors enjoy approximately 11 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for vibrant beginnings. As spring approaches in March and continues into April, daylight stretches to 12 hours, providing ample time for outdoor exploration and adventure. This trend of consistent 12-hour days continues through the heart of the rainy season from May to August, allowing for long afternoons filled with lush greenery and stunning landscapes. As we transition into October and the rest of the year, daylight gradually recedes back to 11 hours, creating a cozy atmosphere as the days become shorter once again. Overall, La Fortuna’s daylight variation beautifully complements its captivating natural charm, inviting everyone to revel in each season’s unique offerings.
In May, La Fortuna experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.2 m/s (5 mph), marking a slight decline from the previous months. This tranquil atmosphere contrasts with the breezier months of January through April, where wind speeds hovered between 2.5 to 3.5 m/s (6 to 8 mph). As the region transitions into the wetter season, the calming winds of May prepare visitors for the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife that thrive after April’s showers. Notably, the trend of decreasing wind speeds continues into the early months of the rainy season, eventually reaching a low of 1.4 m/s (3 mph) in August and September. Overall, May offers a serene experience in La Fortuna, making it an ideal time for nature lovers to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Costa Rica's landscape.
Weather in La Fortuna varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in La Fortuna, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January offer distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). The month is characterized by heavy rainfall, accumulating 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, while humidity hovers around 70%. In contrast, January boasts milder temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is significantly less, at 99 mm (3.9 in) over just 13 days, and humidity remains similar at 71%. For a detailed overview, you can check La Fortuna weather in January.
The weather in May is notably warmer and wetter compared to February. With temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F), May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days. In contrast, February features slightly cooler temperatures, with a range of 16°C (62°F) to 31°C (88°F), and far less rain, recording just 23 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days. Despite both months having the same humidity level at 70%, the overall experience in May tends to be much more humid and rainy. For more details, you can check out La Fortuna weather in February.
In comparing the weather of May and March, May tends to be warmer and wetter. The average temperature in May reaches around 24°C (76°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at 32°C (91°F), while March has a slightly lower average of 23°C (74°F) and maxima of 30°C (87°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, with about 308 mm (12.1 in) of rain over 26 days, compared to March's relatively dry 28 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days. Humidity levels are also similar, with May at 70% and March at 68%. For a closer look at March weather specifics, you can visit La Fortuna weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see some notable differences. Both months have similar average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) to 19°C (67°F) and maximums of 32°C (90°F in April and 91°F in May). However, May is significantly wetter, with 308 mm (12.1 in) of precipitation over 26 days, while April sees only 72 mm (2.8 in) over 13 days. Humidity levels remain comparable, with April at 69% and May slightly higher at 70%. This increase in rainfall and humidity in May might create a different atmosphere for visitors. For more detailed insights into the April climate, you can check La Fortuna weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, we see a slight increase in minimum temperatures, with June starting at 20°C (68°F) compared to May's 19°C (67°F). Both months share the same average temperature of 24°C (76°F), but June's maximum temperature is a bit lower at 31°C (88°F) versus May's peak of 32°C (91°F). Precipitation is quite similar, with June experiencing 312 mm (12.3 in) over 29 days, slightly more than May's 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days. Notably, humidity rises in June to 81%, compared to May's 70%, contributing to a more muggy atmosphere. For more detailed insights into June weather, visit La Fortuna weather in June.
May and July both showcase warm temperatures, but their characteristics differ notably. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F), with an average of 24°C (76°F). The month is also marked by significant precipitation, totaling 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, and a humidity level of 70%. Conversely, July experiences slightly higher minimum temperatures at 20°C (68°F) and a lower maximum of 30°C (87°F), maintaining an average of 24°C (75°F). The rainfall in July is less intense, accumulating 253 mm (10.0 in) over 28 days, but the humidity increases to a notable 88%. For more insights into July’s weather conditions, you can check La Fortuna weather in July.
May and August share similar average temperatures, with May experiencing a slightly broader range—from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 32°C (91°F)—while August has a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Both months experience high humidity, but August is notably more humid at 85% compared to May's 70%. Precipitation levels are also quite high in both months; May sees 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, while August has slightly less at 295 mm (11.6 in) across 29 days. For more specific details regarding the weather patterns in La Fortuna, check out La Fortuna weather in August.
May and September share similar average temperatures, hovering around 24°C (76°F), but differ in their overall climate characteristics. In May, the weather begins to warm, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (91°F), while September offers slightly cooler highs at 31°C (88°F). Rainfall is more pronounced in May, with 308 mm (12.1 in) spread across 26 days, compared to September's 277 mm (10.9 in) over 29 days. Notably, September experiences higher humidity at 84%, compared to May's 70%. For a detailed look at September weather specifics, check out La Fortuna weather in September.
In comparing the weather of May and October, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with May showing a slightly lower average maximum of 32°C (91°F) compared to October's 30°C (86°F). May has a minimum temperature of 19°C (67°F), while October starts off slightly warmer at 20°C (67°F). However, October is notably wetter, receiving 398 mm (15.7 in) of precipitation over 29 days, compared to May's 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, and it also presents higher humidity levels at 82% versus May's 70%. For more detailed insights into October weather, you can visit La Fortuna weather in October.
May and November showcase similar warm temperatures in La Fortuna, with both months having a minimum temperature around 19°C (66°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer with an average temperature of 24°C (76°F) compared to November's average of 23°C (74°F). The maximum temperatures in May can reach 32°C (91°F), whereas November peaks at 29°C (84°F).
In terms of precipitation, May is significantly wetter, receiving 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, compared to November's 259 mm (10.2 in) across 27 days. The humidity is also higher in November at 81%, compared to May’s 70%. For more detailed insights, you can check La Fortuna weather in November.
May and December both offer warm temperatures, but May tends to be slightly hotter on average, with daytime highs reaching up to 32°C (91°F) compared to December's maximum of 29°C (84°F). While December enjoys a slightly lower average temperature of 23°C (73°F), it still remains humid with levels around 74%, similar to May's humidity of 70%. In terms of rainfall, May is significantly wetter with 308 mm (12.1 in) over 26 days, while December sees just 180 mm (7.1 in) across 22 days, making December a drier month overall. For more detailed insights about December weather, you can refer to La Fortuna weather in December.
In May, La Fortuna experiences a vibrant transformation as the region transitions into the rainy season. This month stands out with its higher rainfall, featuring more precipitation days compared to drier months, creating a lush, tropical landscape. The temperatures remain warm, with an average of 24°C, making it a comfortable yet humid period with average humidity around 70%. While the evenings may bring a refreshing coolness, the frequent showers enrich the surroundings, making May a unique time to experience the beauty of La Fortuna. For more on the weather patterns throughout the year, visit La Fortuna Climate.