Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
La Fortuna in May
La Fortuna edges cooler than April, with highs of 87°F (30°C), lows of 72°F (22°C) and about 7.7 in (195 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cloud cover.
- Avg high
- 87°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 72°F (22°C)
- Rain
- 7.7 in (195 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 83%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What May feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 87°F (30°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Even at night it stays warm, around 72°F (22°C).
With 82% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Expect regular rain: about 7.7 in (195 mm) falls in the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 83%.
Plan around May
May is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are January – March.
- Humidity season begins: 82% on average, up from 74% in April.
- Comfort slips from 64/100 in April to 41/100.
- Our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends Dec – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes87°F afternoons
- Sun hat and sunscreenmidday heat
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics82% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes7.7 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in La Fortuna in May
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Lava Lounge
Open-air bar and restaurant with cocktails.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 7.7 in of rain.
Soda Viquez
Local soda serving casados and gallo pinto.
Why now Easy to slot in when May's rain moves in.
Restaurante Don Rufino
Long-running grill in town for steak and local plates.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter May days.
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Bean-to-bar chocolate tour with tastings.
Arenal 1968
Private reserve with lava-field trails and lake views.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 87°F.
Nearby in May
- Monteverde in May~16 mi · highs 76°F, 7.4 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Manuel Antonio in May~82 mi · highs 85°F, 10.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~506 m to La Fortuna's ~253 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
La Fortuna in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit La Fortuna?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are January – March. Expect highs of 87°F (30°C) and 7.7 in (195 mm) of rain. Our Costa Rica Pura Vida route recommends Dec – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is La Fortuna in May?
Average highs are 87°F (30°C) and average lows 72°F (22°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in La Fortuna in May?
Yes: about 7.7 in (195 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 63.2 in (1605 mm).
What should I pack for La Fortuna in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (87°F afternoons), sun hat and sunscreen (midday heat), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (82% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (7.7 in of rain on average).
More on La Fortuna
Planning La Fortuna in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.