San José Weather in May
May in San José brings high temperatures around 25°C (77°F) during the day, dropping to 17°C (63°F) at night, and as part of the rainy season, heavy rainfall is common.
Rainfall in San José in May
As part of the rainy season, San José sees around 19 days of rain in May, with an average of 403 mm (16 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 San José in May
May in San José brings typical temperatures with highs around 25°C (77°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. With overnight lows of 17°C (63°F), evenings can feel noticeably cooler than the daytime. An extra layer is a good idea, though the cool air makes for a good night's sleep.
Sunshine in San José in May
The area enjoys a balanced 183 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too rainy nor too sunny.If you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit San José. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
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 San José's climate page.
San José Temperature in May
Min Temperature
17°C (63°F)
Max Temperature
25°C (77°F)
Chance of Rain
64%
Precipitation
403 mm (16 in)
Rainy days
19 days
Humidity
77%
Sunshine
183 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
43-year average (1977-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in San José typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 25°C (77°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 San José in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for San José spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
San José historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for San José spans 1997 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in San José reached 32°C (90°F) (May 15, 2002).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 19°C (66°F), recorded on May 29, 2008.
- San José registered its coldest May night on May 2, 2006, with temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F).
- Peak precipitation in May occurred on May 15, 2001, when 156 mm (6.1 in) of precipitation was measured.
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 →
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What to Wear in San José in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in San José 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 San José's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full San José climate overview or explore weather in Costa Rica.
