Costa Rica · October
Low seasonCosta Rica · North America
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMAX | 28° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (83°) | 28° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (80°) |
MINMIN | 19° (67°) | 19° (67°) | 20° (67°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (67°) | 20° (68°) | 20° (67°) | 19° (67°) | 19° (67°) | 19° (67°) | 20° (67°) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h | 10h | 9h | 8h | 5h | 5h | 5h | 5h | 4h | 4h | 5h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 27° (80°) | 28° (81°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (85°) | 29° (85°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (85°) | 30° (85°) | 29° (83°) | 28° (82°) | 28° (81°) |
🌧Rain Days | 0d6mm (0.2") | 1d4mm (0.2") | 1d17mm (0.7") | 6d76mm (3.0") | 13d235mm (9.3") | 15d224mm (8.8") | 11d140mm (5.5") | 13d199mm (7.8") | 17d260mm (10.2") | 18d286mm (11.3") | 11d148mm (5.8") | 3d31mm (1.2") |
Best travel time current monthMonthly averages 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
October in Costa Rica offers acceptable conditions — but it's not among the top travel months. Those looking for ideal weather should visit in January, February, March, April, and December.
Daytime temperatures reach up to 26°C (79°F), cooling to 19°C (66°F) at night (daily average: 22°C (72°F)). With 4 sunshine hours per day and 18 rain days (286 mm (11.3 in)), this is one of the cloudier months. The water is a warm 28°C (82°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
An umbrella or waterproof jacket is essential. On rainy days, plan indoor activities like museums and markets.
Green season: rain every day, the hills turn lush and green, water birds everywhere. Surfers come for the Pacific waves. Lower prices and national parks in fresh green.
Packing list for Costa Rica in October
- T-shirts and shorts
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is October a good time to visit Costa Rica?
- October is not an optimal month for Costa Rica (Score: 42/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider January, February, March, April, and December.
- How warm is it in Costa Rica in October?
- In October, Costa Rica sees daily highs of 26°C (79°F). Nights cool to 19°C (66°F), with a daily average of 22°C (72°F).
- How much rain falls in Costa Rica in October?
- In October, Costa Rica receives an average of 286 mm (11.3 in) of rain over 18 rain days. With frequent rain days, waterproof clothing is recommended.
- How many sunshine hours does Costa Rica get in October?
- Costa Rica averages 4 sunshine hours per day in October — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Costa Rica in October?
- Water temperature in Costa Rica in October averages 28°C (82°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
