October repeats September’s inversion and finishes it. The Pacific stays at about 290 mm with much of the coast still shut; the Caribbean stays in its dry window at 200 mm. It is the second-cheapest month, the last of the arribadas, and the point at which the whole country turns back towards the dry season.
The rain map
The Caribbean is still the answer
October keeps the Caribbean advantage, though slightly less pronounced than September. Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Manzanillo remain the sensible base, with the best sun and sea conditions of their year and almost no visitors.
The Caribbean’s own festival falls now: 12 October is Día de las Culturas – a national public holiday, in 2027 a Tuesday – which in Limón becomes the week-long Carnaval de Limón, the province’s big Afro-Caribbean celebration with parades, calypso and street food. It is the one time of year the Caribbean coast is genuinely busy, and rooms in Limón and Puerto Viejo get scarce.
The last arribadas
Continue planning your Costa Rica trip
Olive ridley mass nestings at Ostional continue through October, with some of the year’s largest events. The same caveats apply: unpredictable timing announced only days ahead, controlled access, a required local guide, and access roads with river crossings that get harder in the rains.
Still closed on the Pacific
The September warning holds through October. Many Pacific lodges, operators and restaurants remain shut for their annual break, and some park trails are closed. Confirm your specific accommodation and the specific park are open rather than assuming. Manuel Antonio, the Osa peninsula and the smaller Nicoya towns are the most affected.
What still works
- The Caribbean coast – the whole point of October.
- Tortuguero – green turtle season runs to about the end of October, and hatchlings are emerging.
- The Central Valley and Arenal – open and functioning, wetter than the dry season but not closed.
- Whales – the southern humpback season runs to about November.
- Rafting – rivers at their highest of the year, which suits experienced rafters and not beginners.
Prices and crowds
Second only to September for value. The exception is Limón during carnival week. Rates begin climbing again from mid-November. See what a trip to Costa Rica costs.
What to pack
Serious rain gear if you are going anywhere near the Pacific – October rain there is sustained rather than a passing shower. Quick-drying clothes, waterproof footwear, a dry bag, insect repellent. Lighter kit if you are staying Caribbean-side.
The October 2027 calendar
- Through October – Pacific still at about 290 mm with many businesses closed; Caribbean in its dry window at 200 mm.
- Through October – the year’s largest olive ridley arribadas are often now, at Ostional.
- Tuesday 12 October – Día de las Culturas, a national public holiday, and the centre of Carnaval de Limón week.
- To end October – green turtle season closes at Tortuguero; hatchlings emerging.
- Through October – rivers at their highest; whale season continuing.
Read alongside
- Costa Rica in September – the sharpest version of the inversion.
- Costa Rica in November – the Pacific dries and the country turns.
- Costa Rica in December – dry season and peak prices.
- Best time to visit Costa Rica – all twelve months compared.
- Costa Rica in 10 days – how the regions connect.
- Costa Rica travel guide – coasts, volcanoes and cloud forest.
- Trip to Costa Rica cost – low-season numbers.
Frequently asked
Is October a bad time to visit Costa Rica?
On the Pacific, yes – wet, and with many businesses closed for their annual break. On the Caribbean it is one of the two best months of the year.
What is Día de las Culturas?
A national public holiday on 12 October recognising Costa Rica’s Indigenous, African and European heritage. In Limón it becomes a week-long Afro-Caribbean carnival with parades and calypso – the one time the Caribbean coast is busy.
Are the arribadas still happening in October?
Yes, and some of the year’s largest are in October. Timing is announced only days ahead, access is controlled and a local guide is required.
Is Tortuguero still worth it in October?
Yes – green turtle season runs to about the end of the month, and hatchlings are emerging from the earlier nests.
Are Pacific lodges closed in October?
Many are, particularly around Manuel Antonio, Osa and the smaller Nicoya towns. Confirm your specific booking and park are open before travelling.
Can you raft in October?
Yes, and the rivers are at their highest of the year. That suits experienced rafters rather than first-timers.
Is October cheap?
Second only to September. The exception is Limón during carnival week, when rooms on the Caribbean coast get scarce.
When do prices start rising again?
From about mid-November, as the Pacific dries and the high season approaches.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.
