Costa Rica enters the week with rising humidity, growing afternoon cloudiness, and isolated showers or thunderstorms across the Central and South Pacific, while Guanacaste stays hot and largely dry, according to our Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN).
The shift follows a nice weekend, when a dry air mass kept skies stable across most of the country. However, starting today, higher moisture flowing in from both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific is expected to bring clouds and scattered rainfall in several areas — basically, a clearer return to the May transition pattern between our dry and rainy seasons.
Around my neighborhood in the Central Valley, you can already feel the change: heavier air in the mornings, and that familiar stillness before the afternoon clouds start to stack up over the mountains. Mornings will be the most reliable stretch for anything outdoors, and the rain risk climbs as the afternoon wears on — especially along the Pacific coast.
Area by Area Outlook
In our Central Valley, including San José, mornings should be the steadiest part of the day. Skies are expected to turn from partly cloudy to overcast in the afternoon, with isolated showers or thunderstorms possible on several days. Temperatures in the capital should hold in a mild range by national standards — highs in the upper 70s to around 80°F (26–27°C) and lows in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C).
Guanacaste and the North Pacific as usual, remain the hottest part of our country. Liberia is forecast to see highs in the mid-to-upper 90s°F (around 34–36°C), and anyone spending extended time outdoors will feel the strong sun exposure quickly. Late morning through early afternoon will be the most demanding stretch, and hydration, shade and sun protection matter more than usual.
The Central Pacific, including Puntarenas and the surrounding beach area will stay warm and humid, with highs in the low-to-mid 90s°F (around 32–34°C) and increasing chances of afternoon rain as the week progresses. It is not an all-day rain pattern, but short, heavy downpours can disrupt road travel, tours, and ferry or coastal trips so plan accordingly.
The South Pacific is the most likely area to have full rainy-season conditions. Afternoon instability is likely to bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly near the coast and along the mountain foothills. From Dominical and Uvita down through Golfito and the Osa Peninsula, mornings will be the more workable window, with afternoons better treated as flexible. Golfito is expected to see lows near 73°F (23°C) and highs around 87°F (31°C).
Along our Caribbean coast and in the Northern Zone, brief morning showers are possible as clouds drift in off the Caribbean Sea. Early in the week, rainfall is likely to be more passing than persistent, though cloud cover should increase at times. Limón is forecast for lows near 72°F (22°C) and highs around 82°F (28°C); Ciudad Quesada in the Northern Zone should range from a cool 63°F (17°C) low to a high near 82°F (28°C).
Temps This Week
| Region / City | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| San José (Central Valley) | mid-60s°F / ~18°C | ~80°F / ~27°C |
| Liberia (Guanacaste) | mid-70s°F / ~24°C | mid-to-upper 90s°F / ~34–36°C |
| Puntarenas (Central Pacific) | mid-70s°F / ~24°C | low-to-mid 90s°F / ~32–34°C |
| Golfito (South Pacific) | 73°F / 23°C | 87°F / 31°C |
| Limón (Caribbean) | 72°F / 22°C | 82°F / 28°C |
| Ciudad Quesada (Northern Zone) | 63°F / 17°C | 82°F / 28°C |
Travel Planning
The week will feel different depending on where you are in the country. In Guanacaste, heat remains the main concern. In the Central Valley, afternoon showers grow more likely. In the Central and South Pacific, storms are expected to arrive more often later in the day. On the Caribbean side, passing showers and cloud cover remain part of the normal pattern.
May weather in Costa Rica typically delivers sunny or partly sunny mornings followed by heavier cloud cover and localized afternoon storms. Outdoor work, school runs, beach days, hikes and long drives generally go more smoothly before midday. Afternoons call for a little extra time on the road, especially in mountain areas or along routes prone to poor visibility during downpours.
Lightning, sudden downpours and slippery roads are the main short-term risks as the country moves deeper into its wetter May rhythm. For the latest updates before long drives, mountain travel, boat tours or any outdoor plans, check our forecast page.
