Costa Rica in October: Weather, Spots to Visit, Things to Do

Are you wondering if you should visit Costa Rica in October? 

October is when the rain in Costa Rica can be at its worst. However, that means that everything will be lush green and there are fewer tourists than at other times of the year.  

We have lived in Costa Rica for several years and have been through many Octobers in this country. We now know the best things to do, places to visit, and places to avoid. 

So get ready to discover the weather during October in Costa Rica, and find out the most captivating destinations to visit during this time. 

Should You Visit Costa Rica in October?

Pros of Visiting in October

Although October is the peak rainy season in Costa Rica, there are still some perks to visiting at this time of year.

• Fewer Tourists: The beaches, national parks, and other attractions are often busy with other tourists. In October, you can have some of these places entirely to yourself. Trust us, it is a completely different experience than in the high season. 
• Lush Greenery: October is when the country is at its greenest. You can enjoy stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. There is something special about experiencing a jungle country like Costa Rica when it is actually completely lush. 
• Ideal Surfing Conditions: October is a great time for surfing, particularly for more advanced surfers.
• Lower Costs: Travel and accommodation costs tend to be lower in this off-peak season, making it a more affordable choice for budget travelers.
• Dry Weather on the Caribbean: Although the weather will be less than ideal on the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean Coast should be mostly dry and sunny.

Cons of Visiting in October

However, visiting Costa Rica in October also has its disadvantages:

• Rainfall: October is one of the wettest months in Costa Rica, which might disrupt your travel plans.
• Road Conditions: Keep in mind that the rains can affect road conditions from time to time. We’ve certainly seen our fair share of flooded roads in this country!
• Wildlife Spotting: The lush greenery is great for the wildlife, but spotting them might be a bit more challenging when there’s heavy rainfall.
• Limited Things to Do: When heavy rains hit, it’s possible that some outdoor activities may be unavailable or restricted. For instance, white water rafting might not be safe during this time of year.
• Business Closures: Just a heads up, some businesses, especially in beach areas, tend to close during the wet season because there are usually fewer tourists around.

Our Opinion

I don’t think October is a very good time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is just very difficult to predict and you might deal with several completely washed-out days.

However, if you are open to going to the Caribbean Coast you could have a very good experience with no rain.

Plus, there are some unique things that you can only experience at this time of year such as turtle nesting in Ostional.

For me, October is the month that I start to really crave cold weather. It’s as if this change of seasons is in my blood from growing up in New England. I crave apple pies, pumpkins, hayrides, and foliage haha.

We always make a trip to San Gerardo de Dota in October because it is cold and rainy and only 1.5 hours from San Jose. After about 4 days there I feel like I’ve gotten my fix of cold weather and can return to warm weather life. 

Weather in October by Area

The weather in Costa Rica can vary depending on which area of the country you are in. Let’s go through what you can expect in each region.

The sun rises in Costa Rica around 5:45 AM in October and sets around 6:00 PM each day. So no matter where you go, you’ll have plenty of time to explore all that this gorgeous country has to offer!

Also, keep in mind that Costa Rica does not change their clocks for daylight savings time in October like you may be used to.

Guanacaste Province

Guanacaste is notoriously the driest region in the country. If you would like to visit the Pacific Coast and are hoping that maybe you will have some decent weather, this is the area to go.

Expect afternoon showers and thunderstorms, but you shouldn’t have too many full days of overcast and rainy weather here.

The weather remains hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 78°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C).

• Rainfall: Expect frequent showers, with some areas receiving over 12 inches (300 mm) of rain.
• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 85°F (29°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 72°F (22°C)

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is home to the popular beach towns of Santa Teresa and Montezuma. This area also experiences significant rainfall in October. The beaches are less crowded, and the forested areas are thriving due to the abundant rain.

October is one of the wettest months, with heavy showers, particularly in the afternoons.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 84°F (29°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 73°F (23°C)

Central Pacific

The Central Pacific region, including popular destinations like Jaco and Manuel Antonio. The rain is frequent and often heavy in October, especially in the afternoons. But, the mornings can still be pleasant.

Expect over 15 inches (380 mm) of rain, with downpours mainly in the afternoon.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 82°F (28°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 70°F (21°C)

Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is particularly wet in October.

October can bring more than 20 inches (500 mm) of rain, especially in Corcovado National Park.

Note: The Sirena Park sector of Corcovado National Park is closed in October. However, the other entry points remain open.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 81°F (27°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 70°F (21°C)

Central Valley

The Central Valley, including San José, enjoys a cooler climate and less intense rain compared to the coastal regions.

One of the nice things about the Central Valley and San Jose area is that there are plenty of indoor activity options if the weather is bad. There are plenty of nice museums in San Jose, theaters, malls, and cinemas.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 77°F (25°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 62°F (17°C)

Northern Mountains (La Fortuna and Monteverde)

The Northern Mountain region, home to popular destinations like La Fortuna and Monteverde, experiences frequent rain in October.

The cloud forests in Monteverde are especially misty and green. You can expect almost constant rain here.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 75°F (24°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 64°F (18°C)

Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean Coast, including places like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero, is often drier in October compared to the rest of the country.

This region can offer a pleasant escape from the heavy rains of the Pacific side, with more sunny days.

Keep in mind that hurricanes are very rare in Costa Rica. However, if the country does get hit with a hurricane or tropical storm it will likely be the Caribbean Coast that is mostly affected.

• Average Daytime Temperature: Around 86°F (30°C)
• Average Evening Temperature: Approximately 74°F (23°C)

What to Pack for Costa Rica in October

When packing for Costa Rica in October, consider the following items:

• LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: You can drink the water here, but it is safer to buy bottled water. We like LifeStraw to filter out any extra bacteria or impurities.
• Insect Repellent: Once the sun goes down the mosquitos come out in full force. This is definitely more of a problem in the beach towns.
• The Anker Powerbox: A reliable battery pack to charge electronics if power goes out.
• Large Zip Lock Bags: Nothing ever dries in the rainy season. Zip locks are great for separating damp clothing in your luggage.
• Rain Jacket: I love the North Face Antora for women and the same jacket for men. Lightweight, breathable, efficient.
• Waterproof Backpack: We use ours year round because it is also great for the beach and boat trips, but especially good in the rainy season for potentially wet adventures.
• Motion Sickness Pills: You might want these year-round for navigating the crazy roads. However, they are especially helpful in the rainy season if you plan to do a boat trip when waves can be bigger.
• Headlamp: Again, useful all year round since the sun sets by 6 PM. Also great to have if the power goes out.

Check out our Complete Rainy Season Packing List on Amazon for All the Essentials

The Best Places to Visit / Places to Avoid in October

The Best Places to Visit in October

• Caribbean Coast: It most likely won’t be completely dry, but the Caribbean will be a bit more dry than the Pacific Coast. 
• Ostional: This is usually peak turtle nesting season. Ostional is difficult to get to at this time of year because the trip involves some river crossings (which can be flooded), but keep up with the turtle nesting schedule and visit if possible. 
• Pavones: If you are interested in surfing, the swells at Pavones are usually at their biggest around this time of year. 
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Despite the rain showers in October, the park’s beaches and hiking trails are less crowded than at any other time of the year. Trust us, sometimes this place gets so crowded that it is not even enjoyable to visit. In October, you won’t deal with that problem. Instead, you might have certain parts of the park all to yourself.

Places to Avoid in October

I wouldn’t say there are any areas you should completely avoid, but there are a few things you should be aware of.

For example, I would consider avoiding waterfalls at this time of year. They are still impressive, but most of them will be brown due to all the sediment from the heavy rains.

I would also consider avoiding certain activities that might be canceled. For example, white water rafting and boat tours tend to be canceled in October due to the weather.

Fun Things to Do in Costa Rica in October

• Try Some Traditional Food: I love finding nice restaurants and just having long lazy lunches. It’s fun to people-watch, talk, and just relax! Find a spot with a view and you can enjoy the comforts of being away from the rain while still seeing outside.
• Go to a Hot Spring: If you are in La Fortuna, I highly suggest visiting one of the local hot springs. You’ll be wet anyway while relaxing in the hot springs, so what’s a little more water if it rains? Check out our guide to La Fortuna hot springs for more info.
• See Some Sea Turtles: Playa Ostional is located just north of Nosara and south of Tamarindo. This area is known as a turtle nesting ground. October is usually peak season and you can sometimes see thousands of turtles at once. It’s insane! Check out our guide to Playa Ostional for more info.
• Check out a Museum: San Jose is home to several nice museums. The three top ones are the Jade Museum, the Children’s Museum, and the Museum of National History. All three museums are in the downtown San Jose area so you can easily check out more than one of them in one day.
• Check out a Day Spa: There are some really nice day spas throughout Costa Rica. Most day spas are at the big hotels, but you typically don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy some serious relaxation.
• Put Your Rain Gear on and Deal: The rain isn’t much fun, but sometimes you end up visiting during a rainy week, and you still want to enjoy your vacation. In that situation, we just bundle up in our rain gear and enjoy our time anyway. Don’t let the rain get you down!

Booking Transportation in October

When you’re traveling in Costa Rica, we highly recommend renting a car. It’s the best way to have the flexibility to get around and explore. 

If you’re visiting in October, renting a 4×4 vehicle is a good idea, especially if you’ll be in Monteverde, Nosara area, or any other remote town with steep hills.

Certain parts of the country have roads that may not be in the best condition, especially during the rainy season when dirt roads can become more challenging to navigate.

Keep in mind that there are river crossings in some areas like Nosara, Puerto Jimenez, and the back road between Mal Pais and Montezuma.

During the dry season, river crossings are usually not a problem as the water level is low. But in the rainy season, the water level can rise, and you may not be able to cross the rivers. 

Safety first, right?

By the way, we have an awesome recommendation for a local rental car company called Adobe. They’re our favorite!

#1 Pick

Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
• Free second driver
• 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
• Excellent customer service
• New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Check Prices and Availability!

In October, rental cars are usually more budget-friendly compared to the high season. Plus, we have an exclusive 10% discount and other amazing perks just for you! 

Check Availability and Book Your Rental Car with 10% Discount

Booking Hotels in October

In October, you’ll have plenty of hotel options to choose from as it’s not a peak travel time. 

This means you can score some great deals and enjoy the freedom to pick the perfect accommodation for your stay.

Just keep in mind that a few hotels might close temporarily during this period due to lower demand. 

We like booking hotels on Booking.com for a wide selection of places, great prices, and excellent cancellation policies. For vacation rentals, VRBO is always great.

Holiday & Festivals in October

October 12th is Dia de las Culturas in Costa Rica.

Dia de la Culturas or “Day of the Cultures” in English is celebrated as what you probably know as Columbus Day.

This day is not a big celebration in most of the country, however, if you are on the Caribbean coast there are fun Carnival festivities during the week leading up to this day.

Costa Ricans celebrate by enjoying festivities that include brightly colored traditional clothing, dancing, and cultural demonstrations.

Also, some schools are closed for a week in October. This usually coincides with Dia de la Culturas So, there might be an increase in domestic tourism in the beach towns.

Travel Tips for Visiting in October

• Watch out for flash flooding. Unfortunately, it does happen and can definitely be scary. If you see a stream or river suddenly turn muddy, that’s a sign to get out ASAP. A flash flood is likely on its way.
• Also, keep in mind that things can get slippery after a rainstorm. Just so you know, in some places, there might not be the same level of safety measures you’re used to back home. It’s up to you to use your judgment. For instance, at waterfalls, there’s often no fencing around the base or top. In the past, people have gotten seriously hurt or even killed by getting too close to the edge and slipping. So, take care out there! 
• Don’t forget to book travel insurance. This will cover you for if your travel plans change, you get injured, etc. We suggest booking your insurance with Heymondo, our go-to Costa Rica travel insurance company. 

Conclusion: Costa Rica in October

In conclusion, October in Costa Rica brings a unique set of pros and cons. It is a great time to visit if you are on a budget, but you will have to contend with daily rain.

If you have any questions about visiting at this time of year don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

You Should Also Check Out:

• Costa Rica in September: Plan Your Visit
• Costa Rica in November: Weather and What to Expect
• Costa Rica Dry Season: What to Expect
• Costa Rica Rainy Season: What to Expect
• Costa Rica Rainy Season Packing List