Month guide · San José · Costa Rica
San José in May
What May is really like in San José: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Puroticorico, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
May is a good-value shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 19 rainy days and roughly 12.6 hours of daylight. The rainy season begins: sunny mornings followed by afternoon downpours; landscapes turn green.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 19
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in May
May is the 2nd-warmest month in San José: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 19 of its 31 days. Compared with April (27°C (81°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 26°C (79°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:15
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 17:50
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
Dry season (December–February). Sunny, breezy and pleasant, with highs around 24–25 °C, festive events and peak demand for tours and hotels.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in December). That makes May one of the better-value months to book.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in San José, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Gallery · Barrio Amón
Centro Nacional de la Cultura (CENAC)
Check what is on at the contemporary art museum, and look into the courtyards of the old factory buildings.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Architecture
- Rainy day
- Off the beaten path
Museum · Barrio Amón
Museo de los Niños
The children's museum occupies a former penitentiary, a castle-like building north of the centre.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Rainy day
- History
Street · Centro
Avenida Central
Walk it from west to east, starting at the market and ending at the Teatro Nacional for a coffee.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
Landmark · Centro
Plaza de la Democracia
The stepped public square in front of the Museo Nacional commemorates the abolition of the army and the 1948 events, with views towards the mountains around the valley.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Shopping
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 17°C and 19 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit San José?
A good-value shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, December–April are better overall. Compare every month.
San José in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit San José?
It is a good-value shoulder-season month. The rainy season begins: sunny mornings followed by afternoon downpours; landscapes turn green.
+How warm is San José in May?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San José in May?
Expect rain on about 19 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.