Things to Do in Sanjose in May

May Weather in Sanjose

34°C (93°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - dry season continues with comfortable temperatures for exploring Cerro de la Muerte and cloud forest reserves, averaging 22°C (72°F) at altitude
Peak wildlife season - sea turtle nesting begins on Pacific beaches, resplendent quetzal mating displays in Monteverde, and migrant birds still present before heading north
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% after Easter week, with excellent availability at boutique hotels in Manuel Antonio and Arenal
Optimal adventure conditions - consistent trade winds make this ideal for zip-lining, white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, and volcano hiking with clear summit views

Considerations

Transition period unpredictability - while mostly dry, occasional Pacific storm systems can bring 2-3 days of heavy rain with little warning, disrupting beach plans
Rising humidity levels - as rainy season approaches, humidity climbs from 60% to 70%, making midday activities feel more strenuous than earlier dry months
Limited bird diversity - many migratory species have departed by mid-May, reducing species counts at hotspots like La Selva Biological Station by 15-20%

Best Activities in May

Manuel Antonio National Park Beach and Wildlife Tours

May offers the perfect balance for Costa Rica's most accessible national park - warm 29°C (84°F) temperatures ideal for beach time, but low 70% humidity makes wildlife spotting comfortable. Three-toed sloths are most active in early morning, and capuchin monkeys frequent the beaches. Tourist crowds are 40% lower than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book park entry 2-3 weeks ahead online (₡1,600 for foreigners). Tours typically cost $45-65 per person and include transportation from San José. Choose morning departures for best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.

Arenal Volcano Adventure Activities

May's dry conditions provide excellent visibility for volcano viewing and adventure sports. Zip-lining through cloud forest canopies benefits from stable weather, while the Arenal Observatory Lodge area offers clear views of the perfectly conical volcano. Tabacón Hot Springs are particularly enjoyable before the rainy season crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Multi-activity packages cost $80-120 per person and should be booked 10-14 days ahead. Look for operators that include transport from La Fortuna. Morning activities offer clearest volcano views before afternoon clouds form.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Birdwatching

The dry season's end creates perfect conditions for spotting resplendent quetzals during their mating season. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) and minimal rainfall make hiking the reserve's 13 km (8 miles) of trails comfortable. May is optimal for photographing the emerald toucanet and three-wattled bellbird.

Booking Tip: Reserve entrance costs $25 per person and should be purchased online 7-10 days ahead. Guided birding tours range $40-60 per person for 3-hour experiences. Start at 6am for peak bird activity before tourist groups arrive.

Pacuare River White-Water Rafting

May water levels are ideal for Class III-IV rapids - high enough from residual wet season flow but not dangerous from current rains. The 27 km (17 mile) full-day descent offers perfect 26°C (79°F) air temperatures and stunning views of primary rainforest. River conditions are most predictable during this transition month.

Booking Tip: Full-day rafting costs $95-135 per person including meals and transport from San José. Book with certified operators 5-7 days ahead. Two-day packages with riverside camping run $180-220 per person.

Tortuguero National Park Canal Tours

May marks the beginning of green sea turtle nesting season, with first arrivals on Caribbean beaches. Canal boat tours through 15 km (9 miles) of waterways offer excellent wildlife viewing in comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures. Caiman, three-toed sloths, and over 300 bird species are easily spotted from boats.

Booking Tip: Two-day packages including boat transport, meals, and accommodation range $140-200 per person from San José. Book 14-21 days ahead as access is limited to boats and small planes. Evening turtle watching tours cost additional $15-20.

San Gerardo de Dota Quetzal Watching

This lesser-known cloud forest region at 2,200m (7,218 ft) elevation offers the best quetzal viewing opportunities during May breeding season. Cool 15°C (59°F) morning temperatures and clear skies provide ideal conditions for photographing these sacred Maya birds. The drive up Cerro de la Muerte offers spectacular mountain vistas.

Booking Tip: Guided quetzal tours cost $35-50 per person for half-day experiences. Book through eco-lodges in the area 7-10 days ahead. Self-drivers should allow 3-4 hours from San José via Route 2. Early morning starts at 5:30am provide best sighting success.

May Events & Festivals

May 15

Día de San Isidro Labrador

Costa Rica's patron saint of farmers is celebrated with oxcart parades, traditional folk dancing, and blessing of crops ceremonies. The largest celebration occurs in San Isidro de El General with colorful processions and local food vendors serving traditional gallo pinto and casado meals.

Late May

Festival de las Artes

San José's premier arts festival transforms downtown streets into outdoor galleries featuring Costa Rican painters, sculptors, and artisans. Evening concerts in Plaza de la Cultura showcase contemporary Latin music alongside traditional marimba performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers occur on 10 days in May, typically lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at sea level, 10+ at volcano elevations above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Moisture-wicking shirts - avoid cotton in 70% humidity; synthetic or merino wool dry faster during activity

Waterproof daypack cover - essential for electronics during sudden tropical downpours while hiking

Broken-in hiking boots - for cloud forest trails and volcano hikes up to 1,600m (5,249 ft) elevation

Insect repellent with 25% DEET - Aedes mosquitoes are most active during May's warm evenings

Packable down jacket - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in mountain regions like Monteverde after sunset

Quick-dry pants - essential for boat tours and river activities where splashing is inevitable

Waterproof phone case - crucial for wildlife photography during humid conditions and water activities

Binoculars 8x42 - compact size ideal for wildlife viewing while hiking; waterproof coating recommended

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to regional airports like Liberia or Tortuguero by early April - small aircraft fill quickly as tour operators secure May capacity for shoulder season packages

Many sodas (local restaurants) switch to lighter fare during May's warmer weather - try ceviche and fresh fruit batidos instead of heavy casados during midday heat

Use May's lower occupancy to negotiate direct rates with boutique hotels - many offer 15-20% discounts for stays booked directly rather than through booking platforms

Local guides become more available in May after Easter crowds depart - this is the best month to arrange private naturalist tours at standard group rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all tours run during brief afternoon showers - many zip-line and canopy operations suspend activities for safety, so book morning departures when possible

Over-packing for rain - May showers are brief and warm; heavy rain gear is unnecessary and creates more discomfort in humid conditions

Missing wildlife activity windows - many animals are most active 5:30-7:30am before temperatures rise; afternoon tours see significantly less activity