Puntarenas Weather in May
During May, Puntarenas experiences high daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and cooler nights around 25°C (77°F). May sits within the rainy season, so expect regular and often heavy rainfall.
Rainfall in Puntarenas in May
Puntarenas is in the rainy season in May, with rain on around 17 days and an average of 389 mm (15 in). Showers during the rainy season tend to be heavy and can come down intensely. An umbrella is often not enough, so a poncho or waterproof jacket is a better choice.
Temperature in Puntarenas in May
Daytime highs in Puntarenas in May reach 30°C (86°F), with nights around 25°C (77°F). This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. Nights stay warm at around 25°C (77°F), so light bedding and good ventilation are worth thinking about.
Sunshine in Puntarenas in May
The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 203 hours of sunshine. Rain is often only seen in the afternoon or evening, leaving clear skies for most of the day. This results in rainy months that still feel bright and are suitable for travel.
Wind Speed in Puntarenas in May
May has wind speeds averaging 1 m/s (2 knots). You can expect very gentle conditions with light air movement on typical days. Since this is an average, daily weather varies from perfectly still moments to some breezier days.May in Puntarenas has its charm, but if you're looking for destinations with pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, our weather planner can help you explore other options in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Costa Rica, check out our Puntarenas's climate page.
Puntarenas Temperature in May
Min Temperature
25°C (77°F)
Max Temperature
30°C (86°F)
Chance of Rain
57%
Precipitation
389 mm (15 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Windspeed
1 m/s (2 knots)
Sunshine
203 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
43-year average (1977-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Puntarenas typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 30°C (86°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 20°C (68°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
43-year average (1977-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Puntarenas in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Puntarenas spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Puntarenas historical weather extremes in May
Based on weather observations in Puntarenas between 1997 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.
- On May 16, 1998, temperatures climbed to 37°C (99°F), marking the warmest May day on record.
- On May 29, 2008, Puntarenas saw its coldest May day with temperatures maxing out at 19°C (66°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 16°C (61°F) on May 7, 2013, marking the coldest May night on record.
- The wettest May day on record brought 156 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation to Puntarenas (May 15, 2001).
Best Places in Costa Rica in May
Find out more about the weather in Costa Rica and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Costa Rica in May →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Puntarenas in May
Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in May. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Puntarenas in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Costa Rica, check out our Puntarenas's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Wind Speed
See the full Puntarenas climate overview or explore weather in Costa Rica.
