Change trip
What to pack for Costa Rica in May
Typical May, built from ten years of weather
Some links are affiliate links. It keeps the site free.
Typical for your dates
Highs 79°F, lows 63°F, rain 27 of 31 days
monsoonwethumid
Sunset lands around 5:50pm. Wind averages 7 mph. There is paperwork on this one, so start with Before you go.
Packing for
Essentials
12 items · 0 packed
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
27 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
Swipe for all 5 options →
Sunscreen SPF 50
UV index of 8.3 burns skin fast even under cloud cover.
Polarized sunglasses
Water reflection off the coast intensifies glare in a way regular sunglasses won't block.
DEET or picaridin repellent
Jungle terrain and humidity breed mosquitoes year-round, especially in May.
Travel first aid kit
Bites, stings, and waterborne illness are common enough to warrant supplies.
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Limited outlets at jungle lodges mean a large battery extends phone life.
eSIM
Set it up before you land. Signal drops for long stretches outside cities.
Before you go
4 to sort
Recommended
12 items
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
Swimwear
Wide-brim sun hat
Permethrin-treated clothing spray
Oral rehydration salts