When to go · Costa Rica
Costa Rica in October
Avoid month. Heavy Pacific rain, landslides; Osa lodges may close; Caribbean at its best.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Crowds
- Low
- Costa Rica
- Prices
- Low
- Costa Rica
Verdict
Heavy Pacific rain, landslides; Osa lodges may close; Caribbean at its best.
Weather in October
- Guanacaste and the north Pacific · Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresarainy
The driest region: brown hills and hot days Dec–Apr; a short dry spell (veranillo) in July.
- Central and south Pacific · Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Osa, Corcovadorainy
Very wet Sep–Oct; some Osa lodges close and Corcovado can shut in October (check).
- Central Valley and mountains · San José, Monteverde, Poás, Irazúrainy
Spring-like 18–26 °C; Monteverde is cool, windy and misty — pack a fleece.
- Northern plains · La Fortuna, Arenalfine
Rain any month; Arenal's cone is often in cloud — mornings are clearest.
- Caribbean · Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguerobest weather
Reverse pattern: September–October are the driest months; Nov–Jan the wettest.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Costa Rica
- Low
- Prices · Costa Rica
- Low
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
Where to go in October
Rated best or good this month
Caribbean
Best weather of the year (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero)