Costa Rica in October

Like September, October is not the best time to visit Costa Rica following months of rain which make some areas completely inaccessible, plus muddy roads making it hard to get around. With wildlife often sheltering from the worst of the downpours (or simply invisible in the driving rain), bad conditions for trekking and sunbathing, it’s not surprising that this is one of the quietest months for tourism to Costa Rica.

One of the main reasons to plan a holiday to Costa Rica in October is if you’re a fan of turtles. Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore on the Pacific Coast to nest this month, while Loggerhead turtles also nest on the Nicoya Peninsula from October – bear in mind this area can be cut off at times in bad weather, and the turtles do stick around until February. On the east coast at Tortuguero, it’s one of the last months for green sea turtles to lay their eggs, although there’s the possibility of tropical cyclones or hurricanes on the Caribbean coast this month.

You may still be able to spot humpback whales along the Pacific Coast too, but their migration sees them leaving from late September, and the weather conditions aren’t always the best for boat trips. If you’re not put off by the weather, you’ll have popular spots like Manuel Antonio almost to yourself as well.

Festivals: Head to San Jose on October 12 to celebrate Dia de la Raza, or Columbus Day, celebrating the explorer’s discovery of the Americas. Or in Puerto Limon, the Limon Carnival is also part of the Columbus Day celebration, with music, dancing and parades, all with an Afro-Caribbean flavour.

Best for: Turtles nesting, no crowds

 

Or perhaps you’re thinking of travelling on another month..?

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