I have a 2005 vw beetle that's been having trouble starting. Once it starts, it shakes then it dies

This could be a number of issue,s,may be bad gas,fuel filter,bad fuel pump,plug,s and or wire,s,if the engine light is on have it scanned to find the issue.

doesnt do it all the time. we thought it could be from getting wet ? seemed like it was doing it more offten when it rained or snowed

Check the plug wire,s and coil,if it does it when damp outside.

thanks this helps alot

You are welcome,

does your car have the anti theft installed in it? a common inssue with vw cars is the key becomes unsynced to the system and the immobilizer gets confused and shuts your car back off. if your car has the little key icon on your dash that stays on during the power on phase you most likely have an immobilizer. A quick way to fix this is put your key in turn it to power on leave it for 15 minutes then shut it off and start. This should re-sync the key if not you may need to go for a reprogram.