Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in San Jose, Costa Rica is characterized by a warm and humid climate, with maximum temperatures reaching around 30°C (85°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F). The month sees a minimum temperature of 22°C (73°F), making nights comfortably warm. However, visitors should be prepared for significant rainfall, as May accumulates an average of 297 mm (11.7 in) of precipitation over about 28 days, reflecting the onset of the rainy season. With a humidity level of 63%, it's the perfect time to experience the lush green landscapes, though an umbrella is essential for exploring this vibrant city.
In May, San Jose, Costa Rica, experiences consistently warm temperatures, with minimums hovering around 22°C (73°F) and averages reaching 26°C (78°F). The maximum temperature can soar to 30°C (85°F), mirroring the warmth seen in the previous month, April. This pattern marks a transition into the more humid season, as the increasing temperatures herald the onset of the rainy months. Notably, the weather remains pleasantly stable, offering visitors a delightful balance of warmth without the intense heat experienced in other regions. As you explore the city, expect a mix of sunny days and the gentle onset of afternoon showers, characteristic of the lush, vibrant atmosphere that May brings to this beautiful destination.
May in San Jose, Costa Rica, marks a significant shift in precipitation patterns, with an impressive 297 mm (11.7 in) of rain falling over 28 days. This substantial increase sets the tone for the rainy season, as May typically sees some of the highest rainfall for the year. The clouds gather more frequently, paving the way for a transition from the lighter rains of the preceding months, such as April's 75 mm (2.9 in). The sky often remains overcast, and the lush landscapes thrive under the nourishing downpours. As we move into June, the rain continues to intensify, peaking with 337 mm (13.3 in) and further establishing May as the gateway to San Jose's vibrant green season.
As May sets in, San Jose, Costa Rica experiences a steady humidity level of 63%, mirroring the conditions of the previous month, April. This consistent humidity helps create a comfortable atmosphere as the region transitions into the wet season. In contrast, the months that follow bring a notable increase, with humidity levels soaring to 74% in June and climbing even higher through July and August. Interestingly, the beginning of the year showcases slightly lower humidity levels, peaking at 66% in January and gradually decreasing to 63% by May, before the inevitable rise as the rainy season takes hold. This trend highlights the unique climatic rhythm of San Jose, where lush greenery flourishes under the increasing moisture of the oncoming months.
In May, San Jose, Costa Rica, continues its streak of extreme UV levels, maintaining a UV Index of 14—the same as the previous month. This trend of elevated UV radiation, which started as far back as January, emphasizes the importance of sun safety, as even brief exposure of just 10 minutes can lead to skin damage. Following a peak in March and April, the UV Index remains steadfast at 14 in May, indicating that outdoor enthusiasts should be particularly vigilant. As the dry season winds down, it’s crucial to stay informed about UV trends, ensuring protection when venturing outdoors. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, visit San Jose UV Index.
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May brings a delightful embrace of sunshine to San Jose, Costa Rica, with 293 hours of radiant daylight, continuing the trend of vibrant skies established in April. This month showcases a slight dip from the previous month, yet it still stands tall against the lush backdrop of Central America. As we transition from the sun-kissed days of early spring, May holds its own alongside the sturdy June and August totals, reflecting a consistent climate that enchants both locals and visitors alike. With this pattern, the residents of San Jose anticipate the embrace of warm weather, fostering an atmosphere ripe for outdoor adventures and the vibrant culture that flourishes under the Costa Rican sun.
As we transition into May in San Jose, Costa Rica, the likelihood of sunny weather noticeably declines, with only a 23% chance of sun. This drop is part of a clear trend observed as the dry season gives way to the wetter months, with April already experiencing a significant dip to 29%. The shift marks a departure from the more promising conditions earlier in the year, where February showcases the highest chance of sunshine at 51%. Following May, the outlook continues to darken, with June and July seeing even less likelihood of clear skies, at just 17% and 19%, respectively. If you’re planning a visit, it's best to embrace the unpredictability of May's weather and keep an umbrella handy!
In San Jose, Costa Rica, May brings an enduring embrace of daylight, lasting 12 hours—a pattern that persists from March through June. As the year begins, daylight starts at 11 hours in January and February, before gradually extending into the spring months. This consistent 12-hour duration offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the vibrant life of the city. As the year wanes into October, daylight begins to recede back to 11 hours, highlighting a seasonal rhythm that characterizes the tropical climate. Throughout the year, the shift in daylight length not only marks time but also enhances the beauty of everyday life in this lush locale.
In May, the winds in San Jose, Costa Rica exhibit a gentle consistency, with an average speed of 4.5 m/s (10 mph), mirroring the calm breezes of April. This slight dip in wind intensity from the earlier months of January through March, which boast higher averages between 5.1 and 5.7 m/s, reflects the transition into the calmer, warmer months. As the rainy season approaches, the winds begin to taper off, further evidenced by the subsequent months of June and August, where speeds drop to a breezy 3.3 and 3.0 m/s, respectively. Overall, May acts as a pivotal point, bridging the brisk winds of the first quarter with the softer breezes of midsummer, creating a serene atmosphere that residents and visitors alike cherish.
Weather in San Jose varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in San Jose, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparison to January, May experiences warmer temperatures, with averages reaching up to 26°C (78°F) and maximums hitting 30°C (85°F), while January's average is slightly cooler at 24°C (75°F). May also sees a higher level of precipitation, accumulating 297 mm (11.7 in) across 28 days, compared to January's 148 mm (5.8 in) over 22 days. Additionally, the humidity in January is marginally higher at 66%, while May registers at 63%. For more details, you can check San Jose weather in January.
In contrast to February's milder climate, May experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), peaking at 30°C (85°F). February, on the other hand, has a more moderate range, with temperatures starting at 20°C (68°F) and averaging 24°C (76°F) with a maximum of 28°C (83°F). Additionally, May sees significantly higher precipitation, with 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, compared to February’s 96 mm (3.8 in) across 20 days. Humidity levels remain quite similar, with February at 64% and May slightly lower at 63%. For more detailed information on February weather, visit San Jose weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we see a noticeable increase in temperatures during May. May has a minimum temperature of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), while March registers slightly lower with a minimum of 21°C (69°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F). Additionally, May experiences higher maximum temperatures, reaching 30°C (85°F) compared to March’s maximum of 28°C (83°F). However, May also sees significantly more precipitation, totaling 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, in contrast to March’s 102 mm (4.0 in) spread across 23 days. Both months maintain the same humidity level of 63%. For more detailed information, check out San Jose weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see some interesting distinctions. Both months share similar average temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and maximum of 30°C (85°F), but May experiences significantly higher precipitation levels, recording 297 mm (11.7 in) of rain over 28 days, compared to April's 75 mm (2.9 in) over 19 days. Despite the increased rainfall, humidity remains constant at 63% for both months, creating a muggy atmosphere. This noticeable difference in rainfall suggests that those planning activities in May should be prepared for wetter conditions. For more detailed insights into April's weather specifics, you can visit San Jose weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, both months exhibit warm temperatures typical of the season. May sees a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), peaking at 30°C (85°F). However, it is also characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, with a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), but it also brings increased precipitation, reaching 337 mm (13.3 in) over 30 days and higher humidity at 74%. This trend indicates that while both months are warm, June is both wetter and more humid, offering a different type of tropical experience. For more information, you can visit San Jose weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, both months experience relatively warm temperatures, with May having slightly higher averages. In May, the minimum temperature is around 22°C (73°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F) and a maximum of 30°C (85°F). In contrast, July sees a slightly lower range, with minimums at 22°C (73°F), averages of 25°C (77°F), and maximums peaking at 28°C (84°F). However, July is notably more humid at 85% compared to May's 63%. Precipitation levels are also quite close, with May receiving 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, while July has 270 mm (10.6 in) over 30 days, indicating a wetter July. For more details on the weather specifics, check out San Jose weather in July.
In May, the temperatures typically range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 30°C (85°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with about 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, contributing to a humidity level of 63%.
Conversely, August has slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 25°C (77°F). Precipitation remains substantial, totaling 286 mm (11.2 in) over 30 days, but the humidity is higher at 82%. This difference in humidity can make August feel more oppressive compared to May. For more details, you can check San Jose weather in August.
May and September exhibit similar minimum temperatures, both starting at 22°C (73°F), but September generally feels a bit cooler with an average temperature of 25°C (78°F) compared to May's 26°C (78°F). While May has slightly higher maximum temperatures, peaking at 30°C (85°F), the overall weather in September is marked by increased humidity, reaching 80% compared to May's 63%. Additionally, both months experience substantial rainfall, though May sees slightly more precipitation at 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, compared to September's 272 mm (10.7 in) over 29 days. For more detailed insights, check out San Jose weather in September.
In comparing the weather between May and October, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with May experiencing slightly higher averages. May sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 30°C (85°F), while October's temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is more pronounced in October, with 387 mm (15.2 in) compared to May's 297 mm (11.7 in), leading to an increase in humidity from 63% in May to 79% in October. With 28 days of precipitation in both months, those planning outdoor activities should be aware of the wetter conditions in October. For more details, visit San Jose weather in October.
When comparing the weather in May and November, both months exhibit warm temperatures, with May slightly edging out in maximum temperatures ranging from 30°C (85°F) as opposed to November's peak of 28°C (82°F). However, November sees an increase in humidity at 79%, compared to May's 63%, which can make the air feel heavier. Precipitation is nearly similar, with May experiencing 297 mm (11.7 in) over 28 days, while November receives slightly more at 306 mm (12.0 in) over the same number of days. For a more detailed look at November weather specifically, you can visit San Jose weather in November.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) to a maximum of 30°C (85°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, with a total precipitation of 297 mm (11.7 in) spread over 28 days, and the humidity hovers around 63%. In contrast, December sees slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, December has lower precipitation levels at 212 mm (8.3 in) across 27 days, but it does have a higher humidity at 70%. For more details, you can check the San Jose weather in December.
As May unfolds in San Jose, the city's weather stands out with its unique blend of warmth and frequent rainfall. Unlike the drier months, May sees an increase in precipitation, manifesting in nearly every day, which contributes to a lush and vibrant landscape. The temperatures, while warm, are usually tempered by the humidity, creating a tropical ambiance that feels distinctly different from the hotter, drier periods before and after. This transitional month serves as a reminder of nature's cyclic rhythm, making it a fascinating time to experience the lively atmosphere of the city. For more insights on San Jose's climate, visit San Jose Climate.