Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, May is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. The maximum temperature can soar to an impressive 38°C (101°F), while the average hovers around 28°C (82°F), making it a hot month overall. However, residents and visitors should be prepared for the minimums, dipping down to 23°C (73°F) during the cooler nights. With a staggering 286 mm (11.2 in) of precipitation spread over 22 days, May is one of the wetter months, contributing to the region’s lush green landscapes. The air is often laden with humidity, averaging 63%, creating a tropical environment that defines the essence of this vibrant locale.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, the temperatures in May showcase a delightful transition into the wet season, with average temperatures settling around 28°C (82°F). As the month progresses, the minimum temperature starts at a comfortable 23°C (73°F), while the maximum reaches a high of 38°C (101°F), indicating that despite the looming rains, the days can still feel quite warm. Compared to the warmer months of April and early May, temperatures are slightly tempered, yet the heat persists, reminiscent of the preceding months. As summer approaches, the daily temperatures indicate a gradual cooling trend, paving the way for refreshing showers that help rejuvenate the lush surroundings. Overall, May strikes a balance, providing visitors with warm days and cooling rains, ideal for enjoying the vibrant natural beauty of this tropical paradise.
May marks a significant shift in the precipitation landscape of Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, as it experiences a dramatic rise in rainfall compared to the earlier months. With 286 mm (11.2 in) of rain falling over 22 days, May serves as a prelude to the intense wet season that follows. This month’s downpours are a stark contrast to the minimal 12 mm (0.5 in) in January and just 2 mm (0.1 in) in February, indicating a clear trend towards increased rainfall as the year progresses. Notably, the rainfall in May is only surpassed by June and October, which further solidifies its position as a pivotal month in the region's climatological calendar. As nature awakens, the lush landscapes of Santa Cruz transform, highlighting the importance of May in sustaining the area's vibrant ecosystems.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, May ushers in a season marked by stable humidity levels, averaging around 63%. This slight dip from the earlier months of the year reflects a transition towards the wet season, but remains consistent with the lower humidity of prior months. As June approaches, a notable increase to 74% is observed, signaling the onset of the rainy season. Overall, the consistency in humidity levels from January to May suggests a relatively dry start to the year, while the gradual rise in subsequent months prepares the landscape for the lush vibrancy typical of Costa Rica's tropical climate.
In May, Santa Cruz experiences a consistently high UV Index of 14, placing it in the extreme exposure category. This marks the continuation of a trend established in the previous months—January through April all recorded the same index of 14. With a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, the sun's intensity calls for extra precautions. As the month progresses, sun-seekers should be particularly vigilant, embracing protective measures to enjoy the stunning Central American sunshine safely. For more insights into UV levels throughout the year, visit Santa Cruz UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, May brings a delightful array of 278 hours of sunshine, a refreshing dip from the peak of 334 hours in March and a slight decrease from April's 324 hours. This month maintains a notable brightness as it transitions into the greener months, with sunlight consistently gracing the skies amid fluctuating hours. Following May, June sees a modest uptick in sunshine at 282 hours, hinting at the region's lush allure that thrives under the tropical sun. While each month displays its own unique charm, the gentle decline in sunlight during May indicates a softening into the rainy season, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant landscapes awash in sunshine before the clouds eventually gather.
As May arrives in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, the likelihood of sunshine declines noticeably compared to the preceding months. With a mere 26% chance of sunny weather, May marks a significant drop from the brighter days of January and February, which boast chances of sunshine around 60% to 67%. This trend continues into the early rainy season, as April already shows a dip to 30%, and subsequent months like June and July further reduce the likelihood to 20% and 24% respectively. Travelers and locals alike may want to prepare for more cloud cover and refreshing showers, as the region transitions towards its lush, rainy environment.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, May ushers in the vibrant embrace of 12 hours of daylight, mirroring the longer days of the preceding months, specifically April and March. This steady daylight duration continues through June, July, and August, creating a season characterized by ample sunshine perfect for outdoor adventures. Interestingly, as the year transitions into the latter months, daylight begins to dwindle again, with October marking a reduction to 11 hours. This pattern of extended daylight in the middle of the year highlights the tropical climate's consistent rhythm and sets the stage for enjoying the lush landscapes and cultural festivities that define this beautiful region.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, the winds of May blow gently, averaging a modest 2.2 m/s (5 mph), making it one of the calmest months of the year. As we transition from the breezier conditions of early spring, where March peaks at 4.0 m/s (9 mph), the wind gradually subsides. April offers a brief lull, and May settles into a tranquil rhythm, highlighting a noticeable trend of diminishing wind speeds leading into the summer months. Following this serene May breeze, June experiences the lull of the season with even lighter winds at 1.5 m/s (3 mph). This gentle May wind is perfect for enjoying the region's natural beauty, providing a peaceful atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
Weather in Santa Cruz varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Santa Cruz, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather patterns in Santa Cruz. In May, temperatures soar with minimums around 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching up to 38°C (101°F), while the average temperature sits at 28°C (82°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 63%. Conversely, January is milder, with a minimum temperature of 17°C (64°F) and maximums of 36°C (97°F), alongside an average of 27°C (81°F). Rainfall is minimal during this month, only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days, and humidity remains slightly higher at 66%. For more detailed insights on January weather, check Santa Cruz weather in January.
When comparing the weather between May and February, May is characterized by significantly higher rainfall, with an average of 286 mm over 22 days compared to February's negligible 2 mm, making it a much drier month. Both months share similar average temperatures at 28°C (82°F), but May experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums reaching 23°C (73°F) and maximums soaring up to 38°C (101°F), while February’s temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F). Humidity levels are closely matched, with February at 64% and May at 63%, resulting in both months feeling warm and humid. For more details about February weather, you can refer to this link: Santa Cruz weather in February.
May and March offer a contrasting weather experience, despite their similar average temperatures, both hovering around 28°C (82°F). In March, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with remarkably low precipitation of just 4 mm and no rainy days, making it a dry month. In stark contrast, May sees higher extremes, with minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching up to 38°C (101°F). Additionally, May is characterized by significant rainfall of 286 mm spread over 22 days, resulting in a much wetter atmosphere. Both months maintain similar humidity levels at 63%, but the overall feel of March is more arid compared to the humid conditions of May. For more detailed insights on March weather, visit Santa Cruz weather in March.
Comparing the weather in April and May reveals some interesting contrasts. In April, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (71°F) to a maximum of 39°C (102°F), with an average of 29°C (84°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation, totaling just 51 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days, while maintaining a constant humidity level of 63%. In contrast, May brings slightly higher minimum temperatures at 23°C (73°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F), but it features a drop in maximum temperatures to 38°C (101°F). However, May is significantly wetter, experiencing 286 mm (11.2 in) of rain over 22 days, while humidity remains at 63%. For more detailed insights on April's weather, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we notice that both months maintain warm temperatures, but June tends to be slightly cooler overall. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 28°C (82°F). In contrast, June has a slightly lower average temperature of 27°C (80°F), with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F).
When it comes to precipitation, June is rainier than May, receiving 359 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days compared to May's 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days. Additionally, June has a higher humidity level at 74%, compared to May's 63%. For more specific details about June weather in Santa Cruz, you can check Santa Cruz weather in June.
In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F), peaking at 38°C (101°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days, along with a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, July presents slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). Although it receives less rainfall at 215 mm (8.4 in), July experiences a higher humidity, reaching 85% over 23 days. For more detailed insights into July's weather patterns, check out Santa Cruz weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we observe that both months feature relatively warm temperatures, with May having slightly higher averages. In May, the temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), while August sees a more moderate maximum of 35°C (95°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F). Both months experience substantial rainfall, with May receiving 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days and August slightly more, at 290 mm (11.4 in) over 25 days. Additionally, humidity is notably higher in August at 82%, compared to May's 63%. For a detailed look at what August weather brings, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in August.
May and September exhibit notable differences in weather patterns, particularly in temperature and precipitation. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 28°C (82°F). The month sees significant rainfall, with 286 mm (11.2 in) spread over 22 days and a relative humidity of 63%. In contrast, September experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 26°C (79°F). However, it is characterized by even higher rainfall, totaling 353 mm (13.9 in) over 28 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 80%. For more details, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in September.
When comparing the weather in May and October, it's evident that both months experience warm temperatures, but October tends to be slightly cooler overall. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 28°C (82°F). In contrast, October's temperatures are milder, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F).
However, October also brings significantly more rainfall, with a total precipitation of 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, compared to May's 286 mm (11.2 in) across 22 days. Additionally, October has higher humidity levels at 79%, compared to May's 63%. This increase in moisture can create a more humid and saturated atmosphere throughout the month. For more detailed insights on the weather in October, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in October.
In comparing the weather of May and November, one can observe notable differences in temperature and humidity. May typically experiences higher temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and an average around 28°C (82°F), peaking at a maximum of 38°C (101°F). In contrast, November sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 33°C (93°F). Additionally, May is much wetter, receiving 286 mm (11.2 in) of precipitation over 22 days, while November has significantly less, with 130 mm (5.1 in) over 15 days. Interestingly, November also has higher humidity levels at 79% compared to May's 63%, which can make the cooler temperatures feel more damp. For more information on November weather in Santa Cruz, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in November.
May and December showcase notable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). This month is characterized by high precipitation, totaling 286 mm (11.2 in) over 22 days, contributing to a humidity level of 63%. In contrast, December offers a milder climate with temperatures ranging from a low of 20°C (69°F) to a high of 35°C (95°F), averaging around 27°C (80°F). The rain is scarce in December, accumulating only 31 mm (1.2 in) over just 4 days, resulting in a slightly higher humidity level of 70%. For more detailed information, check Santa Cruz weather in December.
As May unfolds in Santa Cruz, it marks a transition from the dry season to the onset of the rainy period. With higher humidity and frequent rainfall, this month experiences a significant change in weather patterns compared to the preceding months. While temperatures remain warm, the increased precipitation—spanning over several days—adds a refreshing twist to the environment, nurturing the lush greenery that Costa Rica is renowned for. This blend of warmth and moisture creates a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal time to enjoy the diverse landscapes. For a deeper dive into how the climate shapes your experience, visit Santa Cruz Climate.