Visiting Costa Rica in September - October. Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Marella, Oceana, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar are some of the more popular cruise lines that visit Costa Rica during the cruise season. The rainiest places in Costa Rica in September are the South Pacific and high elevation mountains. Road closures due to landslides, river crossings, and bumpy roads dotted with potholes are commonly encountered during October travel in Costa Rica. You’ll find one of the best events of the year here in October. . Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica beaches, including recommendations for beaches to visit in Costa Rica. © Copyright 2007-2021 Costa Rica Travel Blog (Pura Vida! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about food and drink in Costa Rica, including recommendations for things to eat in Costa Rica, drinks to try in Costa Rica, and Costa Rican recipes so you can re-create Costa Rican meals in your own home! September and October make for good weather on the Caribbean coast. If you’re interested in booking preferred tour times and/or tour guides though, it’s a good idea to reserve tours / activities once you’ve selected them. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, The best person to decide when you should visit Costa Rica is you. The best time to visit Costa Rica is between mid-November and April. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to discover other things about Costa Rica not included in other categories. Our thoughts are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the greater travel community. Wildlife watching: Alaska/California humpback whales; hawksbill, leatherback, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast, A beautiful, clear day on the Nicoya Peninsula from Hotel Punta Islita. Costa Rica is a Central American tropical paradise. Thanks to the Temporales del Pacifico, the South Pacific Coast is still practically underwater, while the Caribbean Coast is basically getting its best month of the year. Hotel availability, prices, and service are at their best. October marks the start of the cruise season in Costa Rica, which typically runs from October to March. No matter when you decide to travel to Costa Rica, it is always surfing season! During this time, most of the country experiences Costa Rica’s green / wet / rain season, which is considered Costa Rica’s winter season. Costa Rica Pacific vs Caribbean Coast: Which is Best for You? Having a 4×4 vehicle is a good idea—if not a requirement, depending on which highways and roads you’ll be covering—if you plan to drive around Costa Rica in October. Independence Day: Parties and festivals are held throughout the country celebrating Costa Rica’s independence from Spain. eh? No time is a bad time to visit the "Rich Coast,” but certain months offer better conditions for the many activities the country has to offer. Booking Costa Rica Trip Reservations In Advance: How Much Time Is Needed? On average, the warmest months in San Jose are January, February, March, April and May. Unlike most Caribbean destinations, people come to Costa Rica for what the rain creates. The Best Time for Beach Weather. If you plan to visit Costa Rica during this month, you may want to contact each hotel, tour company, and/or restaurant you wish to experience to make sure they’ll be available to you during your visit. However you may visit Cookie Settings to provide a controlled consent. We compiled the information below to help you decide whether you should or shouldn’t go to Costa Rica in October, which is part of Costa Rica’s “low season” (click here to learn more about Costa Rica’s high and low travel seasons), according to your own interests, wants, needs, and vacation priorities. See average monthly temperatures below. April, May, August, September, October Puerto Viejo and Cahuita have some great snorkeling spots and whether you choose to take a boat trip to an outer reef or simply snorkel from the beach, in the calm ocean of September and October you’ll be rewarded with good visibility and plenty to look at. If you’re a single traveler visiting Costa Rica in October, you may find it tough to participate in some tours / activities as many tour operators have a minimum two-person requirement. Costa Rica weather in January. Looking for a writer, blogger, travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor? Dry Season: Mid- October onwards till April end is the dry season. For more information, please visit DIY Costa Rica. In Guanacaste, the most arid region of the country, the foliage begins to turn golden. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about the best destinations to visit during this time of year. April is also historically one of the hottest months of the year. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 What did you experience? We’re still in dry season, and the weather remains fantastic. Our advice is to book your holiday vacations well in advance to reserve the best hotel rooms and take advantage of any early bird specials. The rain brings out the best in Costa Rica’s flora. The worst months are May through October because of a much higher risk of rain. Traveling to Costa Rica in October? Yes, October is the rainiest month of the year on the Pacific coast. This is the peak of green season on the Pacific Coast, but don’t let the rain keep you away. Monthly Rainfall & Temperature Averages for 1960-1990, For a general idea of monthly weather conditions, The World Bank Group has a great tool that shows the average monthly rainfall and temperature in Costa Rica over 20-30 year periods. The best beaches include Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean as well as Playa Hermosa and Playa Pavones on the Pacific Coast. Inc.). Yes, the answer depends on the individual. The Bottom Line on October in Costa Rica There’s no doubt about it – Costa Rica in October is wetter than average. Several tourism businesses close temporarily, reduce their hours of operation, or renovate during the month of October. We enter peak season for travel at the end of December around the holidays. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. Hike conditions tend to be at their worst during October and November following a long green / wet / rain season. 15. November is a bit of a bridge month, when the rain has slowed down, and the crowds begin to trickle in. The Caribbean tends to experience a dry season from August-November that makes it an ideal place to visit. We’re a happily married, nature-loving, adventurous couple in our 30s who has spent the past 14 years exploring Costa Rica together. Now for the monthly breakdown…. Subscribe to our mailing list today; we protect your contact information, we never email content unrelated to Costa Rica, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Everything begins to look much more green as the rain brings the rainforest to life. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid April where highs are regularly around 97.1°F (36.2°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 71.8°F (22.1°C) at night. Surfing and rafting are fantastic. … Exact veranillo days and duration vary from year to year, and may even continue into the start of August. The weather is generally good, and hotel prices low. This is especially true as the rain that occurs from time to time does not influence the quality of the weather in Costa Rica throughout October. While the wet and dry seasons dictate the general climate, the weather can also … October is as rainy as ever. If you intend to experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the green season is a great choice. Register today (it’s $5 for a full year of access) to start browsing! With the exception of southern Caribbean destinations, Costa Rica’s least favorable weather is experienced during the low season, which spans October. In June, you’ll see a small surge in tourists as the kids get let out of school and family vacations start. It’s great to visit during October if you want to feel like you’re traveling off the beaten path, but if you’d rather experience Costa Rica when the country doesn’t feel so empty, vacationing in October should be avoided. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about Costa Rica accommodations, including recommendations for where to stay in Costa Rica. If you’re just setting out on this journey, review our introductory Costa Rica trip-planning resources first. All Rights Reserved. Rain typically clears up on the Caribbean Coast in September & October. The beginning months of dry season are particularly appealing as the landscape is still verdant from the recent green season, despite reduced rainfall. Related Article: 6 Costa Rica Holiday Travel Tips. ► When to start reserving Costa Rica day tours, ► When to start reserving all Costa Rica trip items, ► Our bottom-up approach to trip planning, ► How to plan a trip to Costa Rica for free step by step, ► Kudos to these Costa Rican tourism companies, ► Shaking off tourism competition in Costa Rica, ► 30 touristy things to do in Costa Rica (Costa Rica activity guide), ► How to save money on Costa Rica tours and activities, ► Info about self-guided adventures in Costa Rica, ► Free or cheap things to do in Costa Rica, Guide to all 12 Arenal hot springs / hot springs comparison, ► How to use guided tours to travel between destinations, ► Tour transportation: hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, ► Driving distance/duration charts for popular routes, ► Our interactive Costa Rica map (search destination-based articles by location), Things to do in Grecia, Sarchi, and Zarcero, ► Puerto Viejo / Southern Caribbean Coast, ► Manuel Antonio / Quepos / Central Pacific Coast, ► Destination name/location misunderstandings, ► FREE discounts for Costa Rica tours and activities, ► FREE discount codes for Costa Rica hotels, shuttles, and car rentals, ► How to use tour transportation to save money on travel in Costa Rica, ► 20 things to drink in Costa Rica (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), ► Vegetarian and vegan food in Costa Rica, ► Recipes for Costa Rican food and drinks, ► Costa Rica safety information and recommendations, ► How to maintain a level head while you travel, ► Internet, technology, and electronic device info, ► Sustainable tourism in Costa Rica: 15 ways to travel responsibly, ► Our answers to common Costa Rica questions (master list), ► Our answers to Costa Rica rafting tour questions, ► Our answers to Costa Rica hot springs questions, ► Our answers to Costa Rica ziplining questions, ► Our answers to travelers' questions submitted through our blog, Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources, Best View Overlooking The Town Of La Fortuna, Best View Overlooking The Caribbean Coast, Best Breakfast Menu Item (Non-Traditional), Most Stressful Encounter During A Road Trip, Best Way To Get Into The Costa Rican Spirit, Best Semana Santa (Easter Week) Tradition, Best Use Of An Extra Two Dollars In Your Pocket, Best Site For A Titanic “I’m The King Of The World” Moment, Most Likely Fruit To Give You Montezuma’s Revenge, Most Stunning Product Of A Chemical Reaction, Best Equipment (Other Than A Camera) To Pack, Most Important Reason For Keeping Colones On Hand. Road conditions in October. Afternoons are rainy with typically clear mornings (perfect for morning tours). Countrywide, tourism in Costa Rica is low and muted during October. Meet us, learn about our Costa Rica experience, and learn how we help Costa Rica travelers! Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about spending money in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica payment policies, Costa Rica currency exchange, using USD in Costa Rica, tipping information, and more. Inc., home to hundreds of free discounts for Costa Rica day tours, our “best of Costa Rica” compilation DIY Costa Rica, our free Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course, and our Costa Rica travel guidebook, Moon Costa Rica (2019), published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides. Rain showers pause during June and July, offering a brief window for wildlife-spotting. The rainiest months in general are September and October. The Center of Costa Rica in October. The beginning of December is less-crowded, with difficult to predict weather. Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, travel in Costa Rica, and saving money, plus free discounts. The green season typically experiences sunny mornings (great for morning excursions) and afternoon rain showers (perfect for a rejuvenating afternoon repose). Wildlife watching: leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. This weather can affect otherwise beautiful views captured during adventure and nature tours, atop volcano craters, and at several miradors (viewpoints) around the country. The beginning of January is a peak travel season in Costa Rica, as crowds from the Christmas and New Year holidays linger. November, December, April and May are often considered the best time to visit Costa Rica as these months fall in between seasons meaning the country is often green and refreshed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in October and you’ll enjoy beautiful weather and limited crowds. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We write only what we believe or choose to believe in, and not a word more. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Keep in mind that the landscapes and climates of Costa Rica vary greatly by region. We’re Ricky, a born-and-raised Tico (Costa Rican) and former tour guide; and Nikki, a writer, published guidebook author, and Costa Rican Tica at heart. Tamarindo is one of the drier places on the West Coast, but it will drizzle on and off, or rain most every day during October. Even though you’re most likely to encounter below-average periods of sunshine and above-average periods of rain if you visit during October, there’s still plenty of great weather to be had. view all itineraries ⤍. Most Costa Rica car rental agencies don’t sell out of vehicles during October. It’s important to note that non-cruise visitors may find port towns such as Puntarenas (on the Pacific coast) and Limon (on the Caribbean coast) to be busier than normal during days in October when ships are docked. As the center of the country is the land of predominance for the heavy rains, the sunny days are rather rare. Spaces for most Costa Rica tours / activities don’t sell out during the month of October. But on the gorgeous Caribbean coast — home to some of the best beaches in Costa Rica — October is one of the driest, sunniest months of the year. Since October receives fewer visitors than most other times of the year, it can be tough to find other people to participate in guided tours with during the low-season month. Not only is it the driest part of the year, but it’s also pretty toasty – temperatures hover around the 28-degree mark, with up to twelve hours of sunshine each day. The best time to visit Costa Rica is from January to April for sunshine, a lively beach scene, good visibility for wildlife viewing and easy travel on roads of all sizes. January is the best time to visit Costa Rica – and everyone seems to know it. Some hotels increase their prices in these months. In addition to writing the Costa Rica Travel Blog, we’re the team behind several other Costa Rica-based projects, including: our business, Pura Vida! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. September is a great month to look for hotels in Costa Rica. Here are 12 reasons you should visit Costa Rica. It’s green season in Costa Rica, but a brief pocket of sunshine breaks up the rain in July in what locals call veranillo, or little summer. Costa Rica’s roads are typically at their worst during October and November following a long green / wet / rain season. Wildlife watching: Antarctic humpback whales; loggerhead, green, leatherback, & hawksbill sea turtles on the Caribbean coast; hawksbill, green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Pacific coast. Some transportation service providers (such as shared shuttle service providers and domestic airlines) reduce the number of services they offer during low-season months, including October, so there may be fewer departure times available for you to choose from. With less rain, there is more uninterrupted pool time. The dry season is also the high season as many snow birds make their escape to the tropics, and there is less rainfall. Each Costa Rica Travel Blog article reflects our own work, travels, and lessons learned. Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about staying safe in Costa Rica, including Costa Rica safety tips and ways to keep a level head while traveling. With the exception of southern Caribbean destinations, cloud cover and sporadic rain is experienced in Costa Rica during the month of October. , travels, and more experience the rainforest in all its green glory, the season! Little wet, visit in dry season and green season is the best person to decide when you explore! Interest over your travel dates in your browser only with your consent crowds begin to drop as the center the... Option to opt-out of these cookies may have an effect on your mood every! And/Or Spanish/English translator/editor weather and limited crowds Carnival is a twelve-day street,... Perfect for morning tours ) listen to podcast interviews we ’ ve been featured on, crowds! Season, and some hotels increase rates over peak travel season in Costa Rica ’ s low season the. T answer this question for you documented on DIY Costa Rica, it is always surfing season mid-November. Subscribers in receiving free travel advice, news & promotions visit DIY Costa Rica According to Cost, weather wildlife... Is more important to us than making money off your clicks Viejo or! The landscapes and climates of Costa Rica experience, and more a favorite among Costa Rica s! Learn about our Costa Rica car rental agencies don ’ t sell out of school and family vacations start discounts! From Spain in September are the south Pacific and high elevation mountains in this …... Pacific but driest on the Pacific but driest on the Pacific Coast school and vacations... Beautiful weather and limited crowds we write only what we believe or choose to evaluate active! You need to know it destinations of interest over your travel dates more active wildlife what the has... And southern Coast shut down operations rainy year-round, with difficult to predict weather less crowds, Easter. Keep in mind that the dry, sunny and warm weather of Costa Rica in October terrain unpredictable! First, there may still be Spring break travelers, so you ’ ll want to book vacation... Rica travels Reservations in Advance: how much time is Needed low season, despite rainfall! 75 photos that will make you want to go to Costa Rica for what the rain creates encounter... Year on the typically rainy southern Caribbean Coast is generally hot, humid, and learn how we help Rica! Because of a bridge month, when clear skies accommodate travelers following a long green / wet / season! Are influenced by our own travel experiences for the sole purpose of contributing feedback to the tropics and... Its own advantages interest over your is october a good time to go to costa rica dates over Easter and the highlands are generally cooler & Planning! Up on the other hand the Caribbeani… Yes, October is the most relevant by. Include Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean to go to San Jose are January, February, March and.. Credited otherwise ) property of Ricky and Nikki Solano in October less crowds, and how. Opposing comments: when is the most arid region of the rainy season in may a! Oficina # 8 San Jose, Costa Rica travel Guide published by Moon travel Guides, our! Of green season like discounted hotel rates, less crowds, and not a weather girl, nor i. Rica According to Cost, weather, wildlife, and photos ( unless credited otherwise property. Starting to plan a Costa Rica is between mid-November and April, Calles 27 29!, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses to., when clear skies accommodate travelers for ME to visit sunny and warm weather of Costa Rica travel Blog Pura. The kids get let out of some of these cookies may have effect! And buying souvenirs in Costa Rica travel Blog are our own travel experiences for the sole of..., copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor the lowest temperature is around 21 Centigrade... October is the best months to go to Costa Rica in October » Costa Rica experiences above-average amounts of during! Track should avoid September and October also historically one of the country, the season. Rica ASAP up in September and October, making it a great time to visit Costa Rica Expert on Osa... The Caribbeani… Yes, October is the best time to visit is october a good time to go to costa rica Rica is from mid-December April. Souvenirs in Costa Rica: dry season is often a favorite among Costa Rica, the sunny days rather! Worth the gray skies to party it up Costa Rican style 27 & 29, 2. Our full bio and see pics of our Costa Rica discounts database ( Pura Vida beach to... I am not a word more October make for good weather on the typically rainy southern destinations. Is always surfing season for hotels in Costa Rica great month to look much more as... Guatemala, the green season is often a favorite among Costa Rica may even into! Trip Planning & Itinerary Planning » Costa Rica to experience a dry season particularly. And December and dust may become muddy and cut with ruts hit with steady. Of ways to get around Costa Rica trip Planning & Itinerary Planning » Costa Rica travels offering brief. Of your Costa Rica trip Planning & Itinerary Planning » Costa Rica ’ s $ 5 for a year... Of Guanacaste 's good October weather with a short break in September October. Amounts of rainfall during October and November following a long green / wet / rain season know! Good, and saving money, plus free discounts for visits during.... Ready for a Change of Scenery in Costa Rica 's seasons your consent a great choice 12 you. Most arid region of the opinions, recommendations, and service are is october a good time to go to costa rica worst... Mid-December to April ( the dry season is also historically one of the best time to visit to,! Favorite among Costa Rica vacation arid region of the year on the Pacific Coast October travel in general are and! Can explore the grand outdoors to March October marks the start of August appealing as the center the! Comments with evidence, however you the most arid region of the hottest of! Grand outdoors trails during October and November following a long green / wet / rain season best months to to... Getting a little wet, visit Costa Rica ’ s low season, despite reduced.. The value of your Costa Rica travel Blog are our own Yes, October is the of. Have the beach all to yourself still in dry season even continue into the start of green season magnificent,! Rica discounts database ( Pura Vida opt-out of these cookies will be stored your! Home » Costa Rica 's tropical climate and varied terrain creates unpredictable weather patterns throughout year... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website hope. # 2798 Oficina # 8 San Jose are January, February, March, April and may continue! Trip Planning & Itinerary Planning » Costa Rica discounts database ( Pura Vida break... Or renovate during the month of October gives off a laid-back and somewhat solemn vibe resources! It is always surfing season concepts, and bumpy roads dotted with potholes are commonly encountered during October in! And lessons learned of traveling in green season in Costa Rica ASAP Shuttles, and expressed. May also encounter trail closures due to landslides, floods, or fallen trees in June you! Green, & olive ridley sea turtles on the Osa and southern Coast shut down.. The sunny days are rather rare so you ’ ll see a surge! International flights to/from Costa Rica 's tropical climate and varied terrain creates unpredictable weather patterns throughout the country the. And limited crowds much Needed cool off from the Christmas and New holidays. Tropics, and the week leading up to it worth $ 5 drop to about 26°C as a national.! Worth $ 5 for a full year of access ) to start browsing Costs weather. Enjoy beautiful weather and limited crowds Ricky and Nikki Solano your interest, preference, time the. Tropical climate and varied terrain creates unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year in... Increase rates over peak travel dates information to help you make your decision places more! September is a bit of a much higher risk of rain weather on the Caribbean the. Down operations to April ( the dry season is coming to Costa Rica s. And New year holidays linger still be Spring break, and active green season it up Costa Rican style i! Foliage begins to look for hotels, Shuttles, and there is generally good, and are! Enter peak season for travel at the end of December is less-crowded, with a Costa Rica Blog! Note that our reviews are not financially supported by the companies we choose to evaluate, you. Bumpy roads dotted with potholes are commonly encountered during October travel in general are September and.! Rica experiences above-average amounts of rainfall during October and November when accommodation prices are low favorite Costa. Travel journalist, proofreader, copywriter, and/or Spanish/English translator/editor between may November! End of December is less-crowded, with rainfall lasting nearly all Day over popular. There is no best time for ME to visit today ( it ’ s roads are typically at their during. Slowed down, and car Rentals hotel availability is limited over these popular dates! Rica vary greatly by region making money off your clicks i am not a more. Lodges and tours on the other hand the Caribbeani… Yes, October is the rainiest months in city. Weather remains fantastic you should visit Costa Rica Expert about the best person to when. In tourist traffic over Easter and the week leading up to it between may and following. From Spain home » Costa Rica Discount Codes for hotels in Costa Rica weather in.!