Weather in Costa Rica in June

October falls right in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season, so you can definitely expect regular afternoon and evening showers, and the humidity can be pretty intense. But how rainy it gets really depends on where you are. Here's our guide to the weather in Costa Rica in October.

Costa Rica in October at a glance

• Average temperatures range from 70-85°F (21-29°C) across most regions, with cooler temperatures in the highlands.
• October works well for budget travelers or anyone who doesn't mind the occasional rain shower. While it’s still rainy, it’s not the wettest time of the year.
• With fewer tourists around, it’s a good chance to experience Costa Rica without the crowds.
• It’s also one of the most affordable times to visit

What’s the weather like in Costa Rica in October?

October falls right in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season, which the locals call the "green season." On the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley, you can expect daily afternoon showers and sometimes heavier downpours. You’ll get around 12-15 inches (300-380mm) of rain on the Pacific side. The Caribbean coast, on the other hand, has its driest period in October, with only 8-10 inches (200-250mm) of rain.

The rain might seem like a hassle, but it does make the landscape really lush and green, with plenty of waterfalls and active wildlife. Mornings are usually the best time to be out and about, as that’s when it’s driest. Since it’s low season, popular places won’t be as crowded, which can be a nice change. Keep in mind that some rural roads can get tricky to navigate after heavy rain, so it's good to stay flexible with your plans.

Average daily temperatures in October

In October, you’ll find warm temperatures throughout most of Costa Rica. Daytime highs are generally between 80-87°F (27-31°C), and nights cool down to around 65°F (18°C). Ocean temperatures hover around 82-84°F (28-29°C), which makes for comfortable swimming when the sun is out. Costa Rica gets about 12 hours of daylight this month, with sunrise around 5:30 AM and sunset around 5:30 PM.  For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita)

October is actually one of the better times to visit the Caribbean coast. While the rest of the country is getting drenched, the Caribbean side gets a little break from the rain. You can expect sunny mornings and the chance of a quick shower in the afternoon. Places like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita stay at about 75-87°F (24-31°C), with high humidity that’s usually tolerable thanks to the breeze off the coast. The calm waters here make it a great time for snorkeling at Cahuita National Park, with better underwater visibility. The quieter period also means more wildlife activity (more on that in our guide to Costa Rica wildlife). 

Central Valley (San José, Alajuela)

In the Central Valley, where cities like San José and Alajuela are located, you’ll see more moderate rainfall in October. The mornings are often clear, but the clouds roll in for afternoon storms. It’s pretty comfortable, with daytime highs around 75-80°F (24-27°C) and cooler nights at 65°F (18°C). The surrounding coffee plantations and volcanic landscapes really stand out with their vibrant green color during this time. The fresh air and clean skies also make for great mountain views when the weather clears up. 

Pacific Coast (Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo)

The Pacific coast gets the heaviest rain in October, with places like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo experiencing daily downpours, especially in the afternoons. While mornings are usually clear, you’ll need to plan around the afternoon showers. Temperatures stay warm at 80-87°F (27-31°C), but the high humidity can make it feel even hotter. The rain makes the jungle more vibrant, and waterfalls are flowing at full strength. Surfing conditions can be a bit unpredictable, as big swells sometimes come from distant storms.

Is October a good time to visit Costa Rica?

October is right in the heart of Costa Rica’s rainy season, or "green season," so expect regular afternoon downpours, especially along the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. Morning activities are generally safer from rain, so if you're planning on hiking, watching Costa Rica wildlife, or other outdoor pursuits, it’s a good idea to start early.

Despite the rain, October has some unique advantages.  Many animals are more active, and you can even catch nesting sea turtles at Tortuguero National Park. Whitewater rafting is at its peak, with rivers swollen from the rains. Birdwatchers will also find October to be a great time, with more bird activity.  See more in our guide to Costa Rica wildlife. The Arenal region, known for its volcano, is still accessible, and you’ll often get the clearest views in the mornings. 

What about the crowd & cost?

October is the low season in Costa Rica, which means fewer crowds and lower prices. You’ll find beaches and national parks far less crowded, with popular spots like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo running at about 30-40% of their peak season capacity. This is perfect if you’re after a more peaceful experience. 
With fewer tourists around, you’ll also see discounts on accommodation, tours, and even some restaurants.

If you're more concerned about the rain, February and March offer drier conditions, though they’re also part of the peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.  See more in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. 

Where to go in Costa Rica in October

The weather in Costa Rica in October remains very wet in most of the country, but it’s one of the driest and most pleasant months on the Caribbean coast.

Arenal Volcano Region

Arenal is a great base in October. Mornings are usually dry and clear, so that’s your window for hikes, zipper-lining, or looking for wildlife. By the time the rain rolls in during the afternoon, it’s a good excuse to head to the hot springs —they’re especially nice when the air is cool and misty. The forest around the volcano is as green as it gets this time of year, and if the clouds break, you’ll get some dramatic views of the volcano. Local guides are really good at reading the weather and know the best times and spots to go.

Tortuguero National Park

October works surprisingly well for visiting Tortuguero. It usually rains less here than in other parts of the country this month, and the canals are high, which makes boat travel smooth and easy. This is one of the last chances in the year to see nesting sea turtles, especially leatherbacks. The whole area is only accessible by boat or small plane, so it stays quiet even in the high season — and in October, you’ll often have trails and boat tours practically to yourself. You’ll likely see monkeys, caimans, and tons of birdlife without needing to go far.

Sarapiquí Region

Sarapiquí is a good inland pick for October. It still rains, but not as much as on the coasts, and there’s plenty to do. The La Selva Biological Station is worth checking out if you're into wildlife — scientists work on site, and you can walk the trails or join a guided tour. The area is also known for cacao farms that run small tours. It’s a good way to spend a cooler afternoon, and yes, there’s chocolate to taste. Rivers are running high in October, so rafting is also an option if you’re up for something more active. And if you’re planning on birding, this is one of the better spots.
 

What to do in Costa Rica in October

October falls in the middle of Costa Rica’s rainy season, so you’ll want to plan around the weather a bit. If you’re up early, you can fit in outdoor activities before the rain sets in, then take the afternoon to relax or explore indoors.

Limón Carnival

Limón Carnival happens every October along the Caribbean coast and lines up with Día de las Culturas. It’s one of the few times you’ll see the whole town shut down to celebrate. There are street parades, live calypso and reggae, dancing, and a lot of Caribbean food being cooked right on the street. The atmosphere is welcoming, and you don’t need a plan—just show up and follow the music. It’s a great way to experience the Afro-Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

Visit museums and cultural sites in San José

If you’re in San José when the rain hits, the city has a few solid spots to duck into. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and does a good job explaining how they were used. Right nearby, the Jade Museum spans several floors and digs into the history of pre-Columbian cultures across Costa Rica. The National Theater is also worth checking out—it’s right in the center and doesn’t take long to explore. In between, you can stop into one of the cafés nearby. 

Visit the sloth sanctuary near Cahuita

Just outside Cahuita on the Caribbean coast, the Sloth Sanctuary gives you a closer look at these animals in a quiet, respectful setting. They rescue and rehabilitate sloths that can’t survive in the wild, and the guided tours walk you through what they do and why it matters. Most of the tour is either indoors or under cover, so it’s a good choice for a rainy day. The Caribbean side tends to have better weather in October than the Pacific, which makes this an even more appealing stop if you’re in the area. This is a great thing to do in Costa Rica with kids.
 

Planning your trip to Costa Rica in October

Here are a few quick Costa Rica travel tips for your trip in October:

What to pack

This is the month you’ll want to double down on keeping things dry. Bring a real rain jacket, not just a windbreaker. Dry bags or packing cubes with waterproof lining help keep your clothes from staying damp for days. Anything electronic—camera, phone, chargers—should go in sealable plastic bags or a waterproof pouch, even inside your bag.

Pack quick-drying clothes and expect to re-wear stuff, since drying laundry can be tricky. A few silica packets or a small dehumidifier pouch in your luggage can help with that musty smell everything gets. Headlamp or flashlight is a must—power can cut out during heavy storms, especially in remote areas.
If you're heading to Tortuguero for turtle nesting, bring dark, lightweight clothing that won’t stand out at night

Planning your itinerary

If you’re traveling to Costa Rica in October, it’s a good idea to start with an itinerary. Here are a few options to help you plan:

• Costa Rica itinerary 5 days: Start in San José for the cultural sights, then head to La Fortuna for hiking trails and waterfalls. Explore Arenal Volcano and soak in the hot springs, then finish your trip in Monteverde’s misty cloud forest and hanging bridges, with a coffee farm tour in San José.
• Costa Rica itinerary 7 days: Begin in San José, then enjoy a few days in Manuel Antonio’s beaches and rainforests. After that, head to Monteverde for zipper-lining and hanging bridges, then wrap up in La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano’s trails, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Costa Rica itinerary 10 days: Start in San José, then explore Tortuguero’s canals for wildlife. Afterward, head to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, spend time in Manuel Antonio’s wildlife-rich park, and finish at Jaco Beach with surfing and sunsets.
• Costa Rica itinerary 14 days: Start in San José, followed by Tortuguero’s canals, Puerto Viejo’s Caribbean culture, and Cahuita’s coral reefs. Visit La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, then explore Monteverde’s cloud forests, ending at Manuel Antonio’s beaches and wildlife.

When to book

October is usually the rainiest month on the Pacific side, but that also means you’ll find low prices and very few tourists. If you're looking for sun, the Caribbean coast is your best bet—it tends to stay dry while the rest of the country is wet.

Places across the country often run deals, and you’ll see a lot of availability. For the Caribbean, it's still smart to book about one to two months out. On the Pacific side, you can usually book with shorter notice. Turtle hatching tours in Tortuguero are still happening now, and it’s good to book those at least a few weeks in advance (see our favorite Costa Rica rainforest tour).

Emergency weather information

If you’re anywhere near the coast, particularly the Pacific side, stay alert—this is prime time for heavy rain and storms. Flooded roads and washed-out bridges aren’t rare, so take those road closure signs seriously. Don’t try to “just get through”—you won’t win that fight.

Extended power outages are more likely now, and when the power’s out, water systems in some areas can take a hit too. Best move? Keep a stash of bottled water on hand just in case. If you’re staying near the beach, keep an eye on storm surge alerts—if your property manager says to evacuate, do it without hesitation.

October usually brings the peak of the rainy season, which means several days of downpours aren’t unusual. Conditions can get progressively worse, and the national parks (managed by SINAC) may close during extreme weather.

 For more travel inspiration, see our guide to creating your own Costa Rica itinerary, with tips from local travel experts, or find extra ideas in our Costa Rica travel guide and tailored Costa Rica trips.