Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Cartago, Costa Rica brings a delightful mix of warmth and moisture, with maximum temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F) and dipping to a refreshing 14°C (57°F) at night. The average temperature settles at a comfortable 18°C (65°F), ideal for exploration. However, visitors should prepare for significant rainfall, as the region experiences an average of 532 mm (21.0 in) of precipitation spread over 29 days, contributing to a humidity level of 69%. The lush landscapes bloom vibrantly during this month, creating a picturesque backdrop for adventurers seeking both beauty and adventure.
In Cartago, Costa Rica, May ushers in a slight warming trend, as temperatures reach a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and a comfortable maximum of 26°C (79°F). With an average temperature hovering around 18°C (65°F), the month offers a pleasant climate that invites outdoor exploration. Transitioning from the cooler months of January through April, where temperatures gradually rose, May maintains the established warmth while hinting at the approaching rainy season. This month serves as the perfect balance of mild conditions, making it an ideal time for hiking and enjoying the lush landscapes of this picturesque region.
In May, Cartago, Costa Rica experiences a dramatic surge in precipitation, with 532 mm (21.0 in) recorded over an impressive 29 days of rainfall. This marks a significant increase compared to April's 155 mm (6.1 in), highlighting May as one of the wettest months of the year. The persistent downpours contribute to the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes that make this region so enchanting. As the rainy season peaks, May transitions the climate into an extended period of high humidity and frequent showers, setting the stage for a continuation of wet conditions in June and throughout the summer months.
In Cartago, Costa Rica, the month of May sees a slight uptick in humidity, reaching 69%, which marks a gradual increase from the previous months. As the dry season transitions to the wet season, humidity levels begin to elevate, setting the stage for the much more humid months ahead. Notably, May's humidity is just a 1% increase from April, but it foreshadows a significant leap into the mid-80s in the following months of June and July. This pattern highlights Cartago's shift from a mildly humid environment in the earlier months to a more tropical, lush atmosphere as the year progresses. With the arrival of summer rain, residents can expect the air to feel increasingly heavy, showcasing the region's vibrant ecological transformation.
As May rolls into Cartago, Costa Rica, the UV Index remains exceptionally high at 15, marking the month as part of an intense sun season that initiates early in the year. Consistently categorized as extreme, the UV exposure requires residents and visitors to take precautions, as the burning time remains a brief 10 minutes. Following the peaks of April at 16, May's UV Index slightly dips but still carries significant risk. The trend shows that this region experiences its highest UV levels from January through June, underscoring the need for vigilant sun protection during these months. For those looking to plan outdoor activities, a thorough look at the Cartago UV Index is essential to stay safe under the Central American sun.
UV Risk Categories
May embraces Cartago, Costa Rica, with a gentle transition into the rainy season, bringing an average of 223 sunshine hours. While this marks a dip from the sun-drenched heights of March's 331 hours, it still offers a delightful blend of sun and showers, creating a vibrant landscape. Following the steady warmth of the earlier months, May and its close companions—June and July—maintain consistent sunshine, hovering around the same mid-220s range. As the year unfolds, a gradual decline is visible, with the brightness of December's 300 hours feeling like a distant promise. In Cartago, May's softer sun still invites exploration, where nature flourishes and each day unveils new beauty.
As May approaches in Cartago, Costa Rica, the likelihood of basking in sunny weather takes a notable dip, with only a 12% chance of sun. This trend follows a steady decline from the preceding months, where January boasted a 54% chance and February remained relatively high at 48%. By April, the sun's appearance became increasingly elusive, dropping to just 18%. The rainy season that begins to unfold in May sets the stage for a shift toward cloudier days, with subsequent months like June and July offering little relief, with chances hovering around 13% and 15% respectively. It's clear that if you're dreaming of sunny May days in Cartago, you might be better off hoping for an unexpected break in the clouds!
In Cartago, Costa Rica, the daylight duration showcases a distinctive rhythm throughout the year, with consistent patterns emerging as the months unfold. January and February greet the year with 11 hours of daylight, paving the way for a notable shift in March and April, where sun-soaked days extend to 12 hours. This trend of prolonged daylight continues into May, June, July, and August, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and vibrant community life. As the year transitions, daylight begins to taper off again in September and October, returning to 11 hours as winter approaches. By the end of the year, daylight mirrors its beginning, evoking a sense of seasonal continuity in this beautiful Central American locale.
In Cartago, Costa Rica, the winds dance gently throughout the year, but May sees a notable lull, with an average wind speed of just 1.3 m/s (3 mph). As the dry season gives way to the impending rains, wind speeds gradually decrease, reaching their annual low while still maintaining a calm and serene atmosphere. This trend continues into the following months of June and August, where the breeze barely flirts above 1 m/s. Conversely, the year starts off with more spirited winds, peaking in the earlier months with speeds around 1.9 m/s (4 mph) in January. The consistent patterns reveal a shift from brisk breezes in the dry season to a tranquil stillness as the rainy season approaches, making May a perfect time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this picturesque region.
Weather in Cartago varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Cartago, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present notably different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). This month experiences significant precipitation, with 532 mm (21.0 in) spread over 29 days, resulting in a humid environment at 69% humidity. In contrast, January offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). The weather is much drier in January, with only 35 mm (1.4 in) of precipitation across just 6 days, and a humidity level of 68%. For more detailed information, check out Cartago weather in January.
May and February exhibit some notable differences in weather patterns. While both months share a similar average temperature of around 18°C (64°F), May experiences higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 26°C (79°F), compared to February's 25°C (76°F). Additionally, May is marked by significantly increased precipitation, with 532 mm (21.0 in) of rain spread over 29 days, whereas February sees a mere 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain over just 5 days. Humidity levels remain comparable, with May at 69% and February slightly lower at 68%. For a more detailed look into February's weather, you can visit Cartago weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, both months feature similar average temperatures at 18°C (65°F), but their ranges differ slightly. March experiences a cooler minimum temperature of 11°C (53°F) compared to May's 14°C (57°F), while both months see maximum temperatures close to each other at 25°C (77°F) in March and 26°C (79°F) in May. However, May is significantly wetter, with 532 mm (21.0 in) of precipitation falling over 29 days, while March has a much drier climate with only 28 mm (1.1 in) over just 6 days. As a result, the humidity levels are quite comparable, with March at 66% and May slightly higher at 69%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can check out Cartago weather in March.
When comparing the weather in May and April, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 18°C (65°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer, with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) compared to April's 13°C (55°F). The most significant difference lies in the precipitation levels: May experiences a staggering 532 mm (21.0 in) of rainfall over 29 days, which is a dramatic increase from April’s 155 mm (6.1 in) over 23 days. Additionally, humidity rises a bit in May to 69%, slightly above April’s 67%. For more detailed insights, you can check Cartago weather in April.
In comparing the weather between May and June, both months showcase a similar range of temperatures, with nighttime lows at 14°C (57°F) and average daytime highs slightly varying—May reaching up to 26°C (79°F) while June peaks at 25°C (76°F). However, June experiences a decrease in total precipitation, with 399 mm (15.7 in) compared to May's 532 mm (21.0 in), despite both months having rainfall on 29 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in June to 84%, surpassing May's 69%. For more detailed information, you can check Cartago weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, both months exhibit similar minimum temperatures, averaging around 14°C (57°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). However, May experiences a noticeably warmer maximum temperature of 26°C (79°F), in contrast to July's maximum of only 24°C (76°F). Precipitation is significantly higher in May, with 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days, while July sees 315 mm (12.4 in) across 28 days. The humidity level also increases in July to 85%, compared to May's more moderate 69%. For more specifics on July weather, you can visit Cartago weather in July.
May and August in Cartago exhibit similar temperature patterns, with both months featuring minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and average temperatures of 18°C (65°F). However, while May sees a slightly warmer maximum temperature of 26°C (79°F), August's maximum is just 25°C (78°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with May experiencing higher rainfall at 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days compared to August's 403 mm (15.9 in) across 30 days. Notably, humidity is higher in August at 82%, while May's humidity is at 69%. For more details on August weather, visit Cartago weather in August.
May and September exhibit similar temperature ranges, with both months featuring minimums of 14°C (57°F) and averages around 18°C (65°F). However, September tends to be slightly cooler on average, with a maximum temperature of 25°C (77°F) compared to May's peak of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is quite substantial in both months, with May receiving 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days and September receiving slightly less at 508 mm (20.0 in) over 30 days. Moreover, the humidity is noticeably higher in September at 81%, compared to May's 69%. For more details, check the Cartago weather in September.
In May, the weather features milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). However, it also experiences high levels of rainfall, totaling 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days, alongside a humidity level of 69%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum of 24°C (76°F), while maintaining an average of 18°C (64°F). October is characterized by even heavier rainfall, with 601 mm (23.7 in) of precipitation spread over 30 days and an increased humidity of 80%. This makes October relatively wetter and more humid compared to May. For more detailed insights, explore Cartago weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months feature an average temperature of around 18°C (64°F), but May tends to be warmer overall, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 26°C (79°F) compared to November's peak of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days, while November sees 272 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days. Humidity levels also vary slightly, with November being more humid at 80%, compared to May's 69%. For those interested in more details, check out Cartago weather in November.
May and December exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). This month is characterized by a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 532 mm (21.0 in) over 29 days, contributing to a humidity level of 69%. In contrast, December sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 17°C (64°F). The precipitation drops dramatically to 78 mm (3.1 in) across just 11 days, resulting in a higher humidity level of 72%. For more detailed information, you can check Cartago weather in December.
As May arrives in Cartago, it heralds a notable transition in weather patterns. This month is characterized by mild temperatures that are generally cooler compared to the warmer months preceding it, with average highs around 26°C and lows dipping to a refreshing 14°C. However, it's also the beginning of the rainy season, with significant precipitation accumulating over nearly the entire month, leading to lush greenery and a vibrant landscape. The high humidity levels—around 69%—can make the air feel more tropical, contrasting sharply with the drier conditions of earlier months. If you're keen to explore more about the overall climate of Cartago, check out Cartago Climate.