When to go · Cartago

Cartago in May

Mixed month. Outside the best window (Dec–Apr (dry season, clearest volcano views)). Across Costa Rica: Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon storms, lower prices.

Key facts

Verdict: Mixed
Temperature: 26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C) / 16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C); average high / low
Rain days: 17
Crowds: Low; Costa Rica overall
Prices: Low; Costa Rica overall

Plan around it

Verdict

MixedCosta Rica month rating

Outside the best window (Dec–Apr (dry season, clearest volcano views)). Across Costa Rica: Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon storms, lower prices.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages

CartagoHighs around 26 °C (79 °F), lows around 16 °C (61 °F), rain on about 17 daysHighs around 79 °F (26 °C), lows around 61 °F (16 °C), rain on about 17 days

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Costa Rica overall: Low
Prices · Costa Rica overall: Low

Costa Rica overall: Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon storms, lower prices.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Cartago, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 26 °C (79 °F)79 °F (26 °C)
Jan: 24 °C (75 °F)75 °F (24 °C)
Night low
May: 16 °C (61 °F)61 °F (16 °C)
Jan: 14 °C (57 °F)57 °F (14 °C)
Rain days
May: 17
Jan: 6 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 0

May: Outside the best window (Dec–Apr (dry season, clearest volcano views)). Across Costa Rica: Green season starts: sunny mornings, afternoon storms, lower prices.

January: Inside Cartago's best window: Dec–Apr (dry season, clearest volcano views).

Cartago: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Costa Rica in May →