Last updated: August 21, 2025
Experience the vibrant October weather of Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, where temperatures soar to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), offering a warm tropical embrace. With an average temperature hovering around 26°C (79°F) and a minimum of 21°C (71°F), the month presents a comfortable climate ideal for exploration. However, visitors should prepare for the moisture-rich atmosphere, as humidity levels reach a notable 79%. Rainfall is a defining feature this month, with 407 mm (16.0 in) of precipitation spread over 29 days, creating a lush environment that enhances the region's natural beauty. Embrace the wet season, where every shower nourishes the vibrant landscape, making October a unique time to discover the heart of Costa Rica.
In October, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica experiences a subtle shift in temperatures as it transitions deeper into the wet season. Nighttime lows hover around a comfortable 21°C (71°F), while daytime averages settle at 26°C (79°F), making it a pleasant time for those who favor cooler days. The peak temperatures reach a serene 33°C (92°F), noticeably cooler than the scorching highs of earlier months. This moderate warmth, paired with increased rainfall, creates a refreshing atmosphere, ideal for exploring the lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife that thrive during this time. Overall, October strikes a delightful balance between warmth and refreshment, inviting visitors to enjoy both the tropical climate and the unique beauty of Costa Rica's natural surroundings.
In October, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, typically experiences its peak rainfall, with a staggering 407 mm (16.0 in) of precipitation over 29 days of the month. This surge in rainfall marks a significant increase from the preceding months, following the already high totals of September's 353 mm (13.9 in). October's relentless rain underscores the wet season's intensity, often saturating the lush landscapes that characterize the region. As the rains frequently make their presence felt, the vibrant ecosystems thrive, showcasing nature in its most abundant form. While the month is typically marked by heavy downpours, it is also a time of rejuvenation for the environment, laying the ground for the refreshing transition into the drier months ahead.
As we delve into October's humidity in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, we observe a continuation of the region's lush, tropical atmosphere. With humidity levels averaging 79%, October sits comfortably between the higher, more humid months of July (85%) and August (82%), and the drier spells at the beginning of the year. This noticeable increase in humidity during the rainy season, which peaks mid-year, is typical for this picturesque locale, often nurturing the vibrant flora and fauna that Costa Rica is famous for. While humidity remains relatively high, it begins to stabilize as the year approaches its end, showcasing a gradual transition towards the drier months that follow.
In October, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica continues to experience an extreme UV Index with a level of 13, maintaining the high standards witnessed throughout the previous months. This consistency emphasizes the importance of sun safety, as the burn time remains a swift 10 minutes. Following a pattern established from January through September, where the UV Index hovered between 11 and 14, it's clear that visitors and locals alike should prioritize protection against harmful UV rays. With daylight hours still plentiful and sunny skies overhead, staying informed is crucial. To learn more about UV levels and how they might impact your plans, check out Santa Cruz UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
October in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, brings a gentle transition in sunshine, with 245 hours of daylight, marking it as one of the less sun-soaked months of the year. Following the vibrant summer months, where sunshine peaked in March at 334 hours, October sees a noticeable dip, contrasting sharply with the bright days of February and April. This shift into October hints at the tail end of the dry season, as the lush landscapes start preparing for the imminent rainy season. While not the sunniest month, the milder light still beckons visitors to enjoy the calm beauty of the coastal surroundings, making it a delightful time for those seeking a quieter escape amidst nature's splendor.
In October, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, typically experiences a modest 19% chance of sunny weather, signaling the tail end of the rainy season. This percentage reflects an ongoing downward trend in sunshine likelihood, which begins noticeably in April and continues through to August with exceedingly low chances. Following this pattern, September offers only a slight improvement, but by November, the skies again brighten with a 41% chance of sun, suggesting a welcome shift as the dry season approaches. Travelers in October should prepare for a mix of rain and clouds, but with a bit of luck, they might still catch some delightful sunny moments amidst the lush tropical scenery.
In Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, October brings a slight dip in daylight hours, with 11 hours of sunlight gracing the region. This decrease mirrors the trend seen earlier in the year, as daylight gradually diminishes from the longer days of March through September, when the average stretches to a consistent 12 hours. Following the vibrant, sun-drenched months of mid-year, October signals the onset of shorter days, paving the way for the approaching seasonal changes. As the year winds down towards November and December, daylight levels stabilize, returning to 11 hours once more, creating a rhythmic ebb and flow in the tropical paradise.
In October, the winds in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, start to calm down as the rainy season approaches its end. With an average wind speed of 1.2 m/s (just 3 mph), October marks one of the quietest months for breezes along the coast. This gentle lull in wind is a departure from the breezier months earlier in the year, especially from March's peak of 4.0 m/s (9 mph). As the festive season nears, the tranquil winds create a serene backdrop for visitors and locals alike, offering a moment of reprieve before the winds pick up again in November. The shift highlights the rhythmic dance of nature, where the interplay of seasons profoundly shapes the coastal atmosphere.
Weather in Santa Cruz varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in Santa Cruz, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In October, the weather is characterized by warmer temperatures and higher humidity, with minimums around 21°C (71°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (92°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, averaging 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, resulting in a humid environment with a relative humidity of 79%. In contrast, January typically sees cooler temperatures, with minimums of 17°C (64°F) and maximums peaking at 36°C (97°F). Precipitation drops dramatically to just 12 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days, and the humidity levels are significantly lower at 66%. For a detailed look at January's weather, visit Santa Cruz weather in January.
October and February showcase a distinct contrast in weather patterns. October experiences relatively milder temperatures, with averages around 26°C (79°F) and highs reaching 33°C (92°F), but it is marked by heavy precipitation, totaling 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 79%. In contrast, February boasts warmer conditions, with average temperatures rising to 28°C (82°F) and maximums peaking at 37°C (99°F), yet it remains notably dry, recording just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain throughout the month and experiencing no rainy days, along with a lower humidity of 64%. For more detailed information, check out Santa Cruz weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, it's evident that October experiences significantly higher precipitation, with an average of 407 mm spread across 29 days, resulting in a much humid environment at 79%. In contrast, March boasts a drier climate with only 4 mm of rainfall and no rainy days, making it much more comfortable for outdoor activities, along with slightly higher average temperatures, peaking at a maximum of 37°C (99°F). This difference in rainfall and humidity makes October feel much more tropical and wet, while March offers a more arid and warm atmosphere. For detailed insights about the weather in March, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in March.
When comparing the weather in October and April, we see distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. October features temperatures ranging from a comfortable 21°C (71°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 26°C (79°F). However, it is also characterized by high humidity at 79% and significant rainfall, with 407 mm (16.0 in) spread over 29 days. In contrast, April experiences slightly higher minimum temperatures at 22°C (71°F) and peaks at a scorching 39°C (102°F), with a more moderate average of 29°C (84°F). Rain is scarce in April, totaling just 51 mm (2.0 in) over 9 days, coupled with a lower humidity level of 63%. For a deeper insight into the weather trends, you can check Santa Cruz weather in April.
In comparing the weather between October and May, October tends to be slightly cooler, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while May sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum reaching up to 38°C (101°F). October is also characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, compared to May's 286 mm (11.2 in) across 22 days, making it a wetter month. Moreover, humidity levels are higher in October at 79%, compared to 63% in May, which contributes to a more tropical feel during that time. For more details, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in May.
When comparing the weather in October and June, we see some notable differences. October typically has a temperature range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 26°C (79°F). In contrast, June experiences slightly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging around 27°C (80°F). Precipitation in October is also more abundant, with 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, compared to June's 359 mm (14.1 in) over 26 days. Additionally, October's humidity is higher at 79%, while June maintains a slightly lower humidity level of 74%. For a closer look at what June weather entails, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in June.
In October, the weather is characterized by slightly lower average temperatures compared to July, with an average of 26°C (79°F) versus July's 27°C (80°F). Both months share the same minimum temperature of 21°C (71°F), but October can be warmer at times, reaching a maximum of 33°C (92°F) compared to July's 35°C (95°F). However, October experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days, compared to July's 215 mm (8.4 in) over 23 days, leading to a more humid environment with an average humidity of 79% in October, slightly less than July's 85%. For more details on July weather patterns, you can refer to Santa Cruz weather in July.
In comparing the weather of October and August, we see some notable differences. October experiences slightly lower minimum and average temperatures, with a range from 21°C (71°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while August has a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and peaks at 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is considerably higher in October, with 407 mm (16.0 in) across 29 days, compared to August's 290 mm (11.4 in) over 25 days. Additionally, October has a humidity level of 79%, which is marginally lower than August's 82%. For a deeper look at August conditions, you can check Santa Cruz weather in August.
October's weather shows a slight increase in precipitation compared to September, receiving a total of 407 mm over 29 days, compared to September's 353 mm over 28 days. While both months have similar average temperatures, October's minimum temperature is slightly lower at 21°C (71°F) compared to September's 22°C (71°F), and its maximum temperature is also a degree cooler at 33°C (92°F) versus September's 34°C (93°F). Humidity remains consistent, with October at 79% and September at 80%. Overall, October tends to be wetter but slightly cooler than September. For more detailed insights, you can check Santa Cruz weather in September.
October and November in Santa Cruz exhibit similar temperatures, with both months having average highs around 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching 33°C (92-93°F). However, October is significantly wetter, receiving 407 mm (16.0 in) of precipitation over 29 days, while November sees a sharp decrease to just 130 mm (5.1 in) over 15 days. The humidity remains consistent at 79% in both months, contributing to the warm and tropical feel. For more detailed information, you can check Santa Cruz weather in November.
October and December exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 26°C (79°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 79% and significant rainfall, totaling 407 mm (16.0 in) over 29 days. In contrast, December experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), while maintaining a similar average of 27°C (80°F). However, December enjoys a much drier climate with only 31 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over just 4 days and lower humidity at 70%. For more detailed information, you can check Santa Cruz weather in December.
In October, Santa Cruz experiences a distinct shift in its weather patterns compared to other months. The combination of warmer temperatures and high humidity creates a tropical ambiance, while frequent rainfall transforms the landscape into a lush green haven. Unlike the drier months, October sees nearly daily precipitation, significantly contributing to the region's vibrant ecosystems. This month is a reminder of the balance between heat and moisture that characterizes the tropics, making it a unique time for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. For more details on the seasonal changes, explore Santa Cruz Climate.