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If you’re looking to explore Costa Rica without the crowds—October in Costa Rica is the perfect time to visit! October is one of Costa Rica’s rainiest months, so it’s an ideal time to explore the country if you don’t mind trading the dry season’s sunny weather for lower prices on flights, accommodations, and activities.
Before traveling to Costa Rica in October, here’s everything you should know—including the best things to do in Costa Rica during this month to plan the perfect trip.
Rainy weather brings refreshing temperatures
October is one of the last months in Costa Rica’s rainy season (also known as the “green season”) and is often considered the country’s wettest month. However, the benefit of planning a trip to Costa Rica during the rainy season is that the countryside is lush, green, and in full bloom due to the increased rainfall. Because of the frequent showers, visitors can also enjoy cooler temperatures.
A Regional Breakdown of Costa Rica’s Rainy Season
While most of the country experiences heavy rains in the green season, some regions enjoy drier days with more sun in October. For example, the Caribbean coast experiences some of its best weather of the year in October.
Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast
October weather on the southern and central Pacific coast means rain. Lots of rain. The good news is that the rainiest month is often a tale of two days, with sun in the mornings giving way to clouds and rain.
This means you can do a number of outdoor activities in the coastal areas, making an October visit a rewarding experience even of you can expect rain in the afternoons. Usually, more severe weather marches into the West Coast shortly after noon, which can include heavy rainfall, and then tapers off by late afternoon.
Frequent rains lead to lush greenery, and the sunsets that explode out of the clearing weather are nothing short of world class.
The Rainforest
What do you expect in a rainforest? In the rainy month of October, you’ll likely need a rain jacket more often than the dry season. But, the downpours don’t seem to last as long as other regions of Costa Rica – typically only about an hour at a time.
October in Costa Rica’s rainforest can feel a lot like it does the rest of the year – the national parks beckon with abundant wildlife, white water rafting, and hot springs – with high humidity and more rain in the late afternoons.
Even during the rainy season, this time of year is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica and its rainforests.
The Cloud Forest of Costa Rica
October falls in the wettest time of the year, and the cloud forests can be the wettest place around Costa Rica. From early October through Columbus Day and beyond, heavy rains aren’t that common, but all-day-long rain is.
Tour operators may cancel some tours in October (so check the status often), but the beauty of the cloud forest is fantastic. Places like Monteverde provide a unique and rewarding experience year round, but seem to be in their element when the crowds are low and the high season is in the past.
With misty rain and fog shrouding the cloud forest canopy, the weather is perfect to experience Costa Rica in October.
The Caribbean Side in October
Talk about Central America opposites. While the Pacific side of Costa Rica is rainiest from September through October, the Caribbean coast revels in its best month of the year. With great weather, less rainfall than any other month, and the warmest temps of the year, this is the high season for the Caribbean.
This side of Costa Rica offers a steady supply of delicious food and drinks, the vibrant Afro Caribbean culture, street fair after street fair, and a chance to see baby turtles and other wildlife. To visit Costa Rica in the green season means something completely different over here in the east.
It is also close enough to the central valley, hot springs in the mountains, and trekking through the rain in different national parks. But, with weather like this, you’d be forgiven if you choose to stay put in the sunshine, with a tropical drink in your hand and your toes in the sand.
The Pros and Cons of Traveling to Costa Rica in October
The Pros
Minimal crowds, lush scenery, and affordable costs
Since October in Costa Rica is the peak of the country’s green season, visitors can enjoy lower prices on domestic and international flights into San José. Typically, rentals on the Pacific Coast are cheaper, too, since this side of the country experiences so much rain in October.
If you want to explore famous locations on the western side of the country, like Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve without the crowds, October is a great time to visit. You’ll dodge the masses common in the dry season, and many Costa Rica tours offer steep discounts.
I bet you’ve never seen so many shades of green as you will if you visit Costa Rica in October. The rains draw out so many tones from the lush greenery, from the cloud forests of the central valley to the jungles of the South Pacific coastal areas.
And, as mentioned above, the Caribbean coast is at its prime during October.
The Cons
The first downside is obvious: too much rain. From the Osa Peninsula to the Nicoya Peninsula, the Pacific side and much of the country to the east is pummeled by downpours almost every day in October. Travel can be significantly affected, and the outdoor activities you may want to do might be off the table, which can really be a disappointment.
Also, some tourists enjoy the crowds, meeting other people on their travels and thriving in vibrant beach towns. Those same towns go silent in October, meaning a lot of down time and quiet days and nights.
Many hotels and vacation rentals on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica book out far in advance for October since the weather is ideal on this side of the country. If you’re visiting Costa Rica in October and staying on the Caribbean Coast, start planning your trip months in advance to secure a reasonable rate on a vacation rental. For reservations, October can be tough.
Some resorts in the Central Pacific and South Pacific regions tend to do updates and remodels during the low season, too.
Top things to do in Costa Rica in October
#1
Explore Tortuguero National Park
October is the last month of turtle nesting season in Tortuguero National Park, which lasts from July to mid-October. This national park is ideal for seeing leatherback, olive ridley, and green sea turtles in October.
While you’re here, you can also explore the park’s freshwater creeks and lagoons via kayak or canoe or visit the surrounding rainforest to spot wildlife, like monkeys and birds.
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#2
Experience Caribbean Carnival
Starting on Columbus Day, Costa Ricans in Limón Province, including the surfing town of Puerto Viejo, celebrate carnival—a 12-day celebration that honors Afro-Caribbean heritage. If you plan your trip to Costa Rica during this festival, you can enjoy street dancing, parades, live music, regional cuisine, and more.
#3
Go scuba diving
Many places in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, like the Bat Islands and Catalina Islands, offer the best conditions for experienced scuba divers to see pelagic species, like sharks, in October.
If you’re staying on the Caribbean side, you can enjoy snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles at Cahuita National Park in October or head down to the Southern Caribbean Coast for scuba diving at Uvita Island.
#4
Try surfing
Costa Rica’s shores are a great place to find killer waves in October. Travelers staying on the Pacific side of Costa Rica should head to the Puntarenas Province, like Jaco Beach and Santa Teresa Beach, for the best surfing conditions during their trip to Costa Rica.
On the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, experienced surfers can try riding Salsa Brava—one of the top surf breaks in the world.
#5
Go on a whitewater rafting adventure
If rafting on fast and furious rapids sounds thrilling, a trip to Costa Rica in October is ideal. Unlike the calmer rapids during the dry season, travelers can enjoy Class III, IV, and V rapids from coast to coast, spanning from the South Caribbean to the North Pacific Coast.
Rincón de la Vieja, La Fortuna, and Turrialba, a small city outside of San José, offer excellent rafting experiences in Costa Rica.
#6
Relax on the beautiful beaches
Costa Rica is known for its 300+ gorgeous beaches, and the ones in the Guanacaste Province and along the Caribbean Coast shine in October.
Playa Cocles, Playa Negra, Punta Uva, Playa Flamingo, and Playa Tamarindo are all great beaches to explore during October travel to Costa Rica.
Plan the Perfect Visit to Costa Rica in October
If you plan a trip to Costa Rica in October, you’re bound to have a fantastic time—regardless of the rain.
If you’re looking to avoid the high prices on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast but would still like to enjoy a drier climate, we recommend checking out our wide range of vacation rentals in the Guanacaste Province. Special Places of Costa Rica offers all types of properties, from practical condos to luxury beachfront villas, so you’re sure to find something to match your budget and style for your vacation.
Browse our vacation rentals to see the properties we have available during your trip.
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One Response
I enjoyed the article and plan to go to Costa Rica in October. I was somewhat apprehensive about going during that time because of the weather consideration. But after reading your article I’m much more enthusiastic about my planned trip.
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