Tamarindo in May
Good time to visit
May offers a sweet spot of lower prices and manageable weather. You'll dodge the worst crowds while still getting plenty of beach time between rain showers.
Weather
The transition month arrives with sporadic afternoon thunderstorms that bring blessed relief from the heat. Mornings stay dry and sunny, but by 2pm you're watching the sky for rain clouds. Humidity jumps noticeably.
33°C high24°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$130/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Labor Day (May 1)
- •Día de San Isidro Labrador
May Tips
- •Pack a light rain jacket for afternoon downpours
- •This is shoulder season - negotiate hotel rates aggressively
- •Morning surf sessions are still excellent; afternoons get choppy with storms
All Months
December through April means guaranteed sunshine and consistent offshore winds that clean up the surf. This is high season, so expect crowds and prices to match. January and February offer the sweet spot: perfect weather without Christmas chaos. March brings the biggest swells of the dry season. But here's what guidebooks won't tell you: early rainy season (May-June) can be magical. Fewer tourists, green landscapes, and afternoon storms that clear quickly. Just avoid September and October when roads wash out and waves disappear. The transition months of November and late April give you decent weather with shoulder season prices.
Tamarindo Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
6/10
Luxury
7/10
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