Nicoya Peninsula Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica in May.

Are you planning a trip a to the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica in May and wondering what kind of weather to expect? This page has all the details you need.

What to Expect in the Nicoya Peninsula in May

The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica is a region in Costa Rica. May in the Nicoya Peninsula generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

The average maximum daytime temperatures vary from warm in Cóbano at 29°C (84°F) to very warm in Nicoya at 33°C (91°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 24°C (75°F) in Nicoya and 26°C (79°F) in Cóbano. The temperatures mentioned for both day and night are typical averages. However some days might get even hotter. It's best to stay prepared by wearing cloths suitable for the warmth.

For a closer look at conditions across the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, refer to the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Tamarindo with an average of 242 mm (9.5 in) to heavy rainfall in Sámara with 359 mm (14 in).

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in May. Tamarindo typically receives 204 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore the Nicoya Peninsula by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in the Nicoya Peninsula — and find the best time to visit. (based on Tamarindo)

Best Places to Visit in the Nicoya Peninsula in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the Nicoya Peninsula.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in the Nicoya Peninsula

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica?

Temperature range in the Nicoya Peninsula (May)

Precipitation variation in the Nicoya Peninsula (May)

Tamarindo

In May Tamarindo generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 32°C (90°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
33°C (91°F)
32°C (90°F)
31°C (88°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
265 hours
204 hours
167 hours
Monthly rainfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
242 mm (9.5 in)
286 mm (11 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
17 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Sámara

In May Sámara generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
24°C (75°F)
Monthly rainfall
93 mm (3.7 in)
359 mm (14 in)
397 mm (16 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
17 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Nosara

In May Nosara generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
32°C (90°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly rainfall
80 mm (3.1 in)
346 mm (14 in)
383 mm (15 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
17 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Cóbano

In May Cóbano generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly sun hours
255 hours
203 hours
156 hours
Monthly rainfall
74 mm (2.9 in)
329 mm (13 in)
343 mm (14 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
17 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Nicoya

In May Nicoya generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 33°C (91°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
36°C (97°F)
33°C (91°F)
32°C (90°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
23°C (73°F)
Monthly sun hours
265 hours
204 hours
167 hours
Monthly rainfall
68 mm (2.7 in)
313 mm (12 in)
372 mm (15 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
17 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica.

In our records: Costa Rica May extremes

Notable May records observed across cities in Costa Rica in our climate database (1994 – 2026). Historic readings can vary in quality, so treat these as illustrative.

  • In our records, the warmest May day in Costa Rica reached 40°C (104°F) in Sámara on May 13, 1998.
  • In our records, the coldest May daytime high in Costa Rica was 19°C (66°F) in Puntarenas on May 29, 2008.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the Nicoya Peninsula in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Tamarindo 32°C (90°F) 26°C (79°F) 242 mm (9.5 in)
Sámara 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 359 mm (14 in)
Nosara 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 346 mm (14 in)
Cóbano 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 329 mm (13 in)
Nicoya 33°C (91°F) 24°C (75°F) 313 mm (12 in)

The Nicoya Peninsula weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica in May?

the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica typically experiences poor weather in May, part of the season. Daytime highs in Tamarindo average around 32°C (90°F), and temperatures drop to about 26°C (79°F) at night.

What is the average temperature in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica in May?

Tamarindo averages a daytime maximum of 32°C (90°F) in May, with overnight lows close to 26°C (79°F).

Does the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica get a lot of rain in May?

Yes. May brings heavy rainfall to the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, with Tamarindo averaging around 242 mm (9.5 in). Expect frequent showers and pack accordingly.

Is May a Good Time to Visit the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica?

In our view, May might not be the best time to travel to the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica with often poor weather in Tamarindo.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in January and December offering mostly pleasant weather in Tamarindo. The weather in May, June, July, August, September and October, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Nicoya Peninsula.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Costa Rica? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Costa Rica.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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