Things to Do in Costa Rica in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Costa Rica
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season peak means waterfalls are absolutely roaring - places like La Fortuna and Nauyaca Falls are at their most dramatic with 10-15 times more water volume than dry season. The whole country is lush and vibrant in ways you just don't see January through April.
- Genuine low season pricing - you'll find hotels 30-50% cheaper than December rates, and you can actually negotiate walk-in prices at mid-range places. Flight prices from North America typically drop $150-300 compared to peak winter months.
- Wildlife viewing is surprisingly excellent because animals congregate around remaining water sources and fruiting trees. October is prime time for sea turtle nesting on both coasts, and migratory birds start arriving from North America, overlapping with resident species.
- Far fewer crowds at major attractions - you might have entire sections of Manuel Antonio or Monteverde cloud forest trails nearly to yourself. No fighting for photos at Rio Celeste or waiting in lines at hot springs. Tour groups are smaller and guides have more time for questions.
Considerations
- October sits right in the heart of rainy season, typically the wettest or second-wettest month depending on the region. Caribbean coast gets absolutely hammered with 300-400 mm (12-16 inches) of rain. Afternoon downpours are essentially guaranteed, and some days you'll get morning rain too.
- Road conditions deteriorate significantly - unpaved roads to places like Montezuma, southern Nicoya Peninsula, and remote parts of Osa can become genuinely challenging or temporarily impassable. You'll need 4WD for many destinations, and even paved mountain roads get sketchy with mudslides.
- Some beach towns and tour operators actually close in October - it's the slowest month, so smaller businesses in places like Santa Teresa or Samara might shut down for maintenance. Boat tours to Tortuga Island or certain Pacific coast destinations get cancelled more frequently due to rough seas.
Best Activities in October
Arenal Volcano hot springs and rainforest exploration
October rain keeps the rainforest canopy dripping and alive, creating that proper jungle atmosphere you're probably imagining. The hot springs feel especially good when it's cooler and misty, and you'll have pools mostly to yourself compared to the December-April crowds. Morning hikes before 10am usually stay dry, and even if you get caught in afternoon rain, you're heading to hot water anyway. Wildlife is active - sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys are easier to spot when they're not hiding from heat.
Monteverde and Santa Elena cloud forest reserves
October is actually ideal for cloud forest because, well, you want clouds and mist - that's the whole ecosystem. The forests are at peak lushness, and the cooler, wetter conditions mean you're seeing the environment as it's meant to be. Resplendent quetzals are starting their breeding season, and October has some of the best sighting rates of the year. The famous hanging bridges are less crowded, and that mystical fog-through-the-canopy experience is pretty much guaranteed.
Tortuguero canals and sea turtle nesting tours
October is prime nesting season for green sea turtles on the Caribbean coast, with peak activity happening right now. The canals are high and navigable, making wildlife spotting from boats excellent - caimans, river otters, three-toed sloths, and over 300 bird species. Yes, it rains a lot here in October, but you're already in a rainforest on a boat, and the rain actually makes animals more active. Night turtle tours are tightly regulated and genuinely special.
Manuel Antonio National Park beach and rainforest combination
October crowds are minimal compared to the zoo-like conditions December through March. You'll actually be able to walk the trails without bumping into tour groups every 30 meters (98 feet). The park limits daily visitors to 600, but in October you might see half that. Morning weather is generally cooperative until about 1pm, giving you solid time for both beach and trails. Wildlife viewing is good because animals aren't stressed by crowds and heat.
Whitewater rafting on Pacuare or Sarapiqui rivers
October water levels are high and exciting - Class III-IV rapids are running strong but still safely navigable. The Pacuare River gorge is spectacularly lush right now, with waterfalls pouring off canyon walls directly into the river. You're going to get wet anyway, so October rain doesn't matter, and the cooler temperatures actually make the physical activity more comfortable. River companies are running smaller groups, meaning better guide attention.
San Jose cultural sites and Central Valley coffee tours
October is perfect for indoor cultural experiences when afternoon rain hits. The National Museum, Gold Museum, and Jade Museum are genuinely interesting and air-conditioned. Central Valley coffee tours are ideal now because October sits between harvests, so farms are less hectic and guides have more time. The plantations are lush and green, temperatures in the highlands are comfortable at 18-22°C (64-72°F), and you'll learn the full process without harvest chaos.
October Events & Festivals
Dia de la Cultura (Day of Cultures)
October 12th is a national holiday celebrating Costa Rica's cultural diversity, particularly Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean heritage. You'll find parades, traditional music, and cultural events especially prominent in Limon on the Caribbean coast and in San Jose. It's a good opportunity to see traditional dances, try Caribbean-influenced Costa Rican food, and experience a side of the country that doesn't make it into most tourist itineraries. Banks and government offices close, but tourist services generally stay open.