Last updated: August 21, 2025
October in San Jose, Costa Rica brings a blend of mild temperatures and abundant rainfall, making it a unique time of year. With maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (78°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), days remain comfortable, while the nights can cool down to about 14°C (58°F). This month is characterized by its high humidity levels of around 80%, contributing to the lush landscapes that define the region. Rainfall is significant, with 517 mm (20.4 in) expected over approximately 29 days, ensuring a vibrant, green backdrop that attracts nature lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you're exploring the city's culture or heading out to experience the breathtaking scenery, October offers a refreshing and dynamic climate for all.
In October, San Jose, Costa Rica experiences a pleasant climate characterized by mild temperatures that underscore the charm of the season. With minimums hovering around 14°C (58°F) and daytime highs reaching 25°C (78°F), the weather is both comfortable and inviting. The average temperature remains steady at 19°C (66°F), reminiscent of the previous months' temperatures, which reinforces a sense of consistency throughout the year. As the rainy season begins to wane, October offers a delightful blend of fresh, cool morning air and warmer afternoons, making it an ideal time for outdoor explorations in this vibrant city.
October marks a significant peak in precipitation for San Jose, Costa Rica, with an impressive 517 mm (20.4 in) of rain, making it one of the wettest months of the year. Rainfall is not just abundant; it falls on approximately 29 days, keeping the skies often overcast and contributing to a lush, vibrant landscape. This surge in precipitation follows the previous month's totals, which, while substantial, pale in comparison. The rainy season reaches its climax in October, indicating a trend of increasing rainfall as the year progresses. As the capital experiences this deluge, it’s a reminder of the dynamic weather patterns that define the region, offering both challenges and a rich tapestry of natural beauty.
October in San Jose, Costa Rica, continues the trend of elevated humidity that peaks during the rainy season. With an average humidity of 80%, October experiences a slight decrease from the previous months, maintaining a balance between the cooler temperatures and the lingering tropical moisture. The city's humidity typically rises from the dry beginning of the year, with June and July seeing the most saturation at 84% and 85%, respectively. As the year progresses toward November, the humidity stabilizes, indicating the start of a gradual transition to drier conditions. Overall, October's humidity reflects the lush and vibrant environment of San Jose, making it a captivating time for visitors and locals alike.
In October, San Jose, Costa Rica, experiences a UV Index of 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This month continues the year’s trend of elevated UV levels, peaking in April at 16 but remaining consistently high throughout the season, particularly from January through August when it frequently hits 14. As the rainy season begins to wind down, October still calls for diligent sun protection. Whether you're exploring the city's vibrant culture or immersing yourself in its stunning nature, being aware of the UV Index is crucial. Stay informed and safe by checking the detailed readings at San Jose UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
October brings a pleasant respite of 234 hours of sunshine to San Jose, Costa Rica, as the city transitions into the heart of the rainy season. This month reflects a notable dip from the sun-drenched heights of March with its impressive 329 hours, but it continues to showcase a reliable ambiance of daylight that remains higher than the summer months of July and August. Following a trend seen throughout the year, October’s sunshine figures seamlessly fit into a pattern where, despite the occasional rainfall, the city enjoys a steady flow of light. As residents embrace the softer sunshine, the inviting climate fosters an atmosphere perfect for exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes that San Jose has to offer.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in October in San Jose, Costa Rica, it's useful to note a notable trend in monthly sunshine probabilities. October has a 13% chance of sunny days, placing it among the months with lower sunshine potential, alongside the likes of June and August. In a broader look at the year, the sunniest months tend to be from January to March, boasting percentages above 40%, while October's likelihood falls sharply after the vibrant dry season. As the rainy season peaks, October reflects a gradual transition towards sunnier conditions, which emerge again in November, rising to 22%. Thus, while October may not be the sunniest month, it sets the stage for the brighter days that follow.
In San Jose, Costa Rica, the daylight duration showcases a beautiful ebb and flow throughout the year. January and February each bask in 11 hours of sunlight, setting a consistent tone at the start of the year. As spring approaches in March, the days stretch slightly longer, offering 12 hours of daylight that persists through the delightful months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. However, as October arrives, the daylight dips back to 11 hours, echoing a gradual retreat towards the shorter days of November and December. This pattern highlights a rhythmic transition between the vibrant, sun-drenched seasons and the more subdued, cozy months of the year, making each phase a unique experience in this tropical paradise.
As October sweeps into San Jose, Costa Rica, the winds continue to settle into a gentle rhythm, with an average speed of just 1.1 m/s (3 mph). This slight breeze marks a noticeable decline from the more spirited winds of earlier months, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for enjoying the lush surroundings. The pattern of decreasing wind speed from April’s 1.7 m/s to October reflects the transition into the rainy season, where the air becomes stiller and heavier with moisture. By comparison, the winds begin to pick up again in November, hinting at the dynamic shifts in weather that lie just around the corner. This serene October air invites relaxation and introspection, a fitting backdrop for the vibrant culture of this charming city.
Weather in San Jose varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares October’s weather to other months in San Jose, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
October and January in San Jose present distinct weather patterns. October is characterized by milder temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F), reaching a maximum of 25°C (78°F). Notably, this month experiences heavy rainfall, totaling 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, and a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, January offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 24°C (76°F). The precipitation is substantially lower in January, with only 93 mm (3.7 in) over 11 days and a humidity level of 68%. For more detailed information, you can check San Jose weather in January.
In comparing the weather of October and February, October features slightly warmer temperatures, with averages reaching 19°C (66°F) and highs of up to 25°C (78°F), while February offers a cooler average of 17°C (64°F). October is notably wetter, experiencing significant rainfall of 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, compared to February's minimal precipitation of only 43 mm (1.7 in) across 12 days. Additionally, October's humidity is higher at 80%, while February sees a more comfortable 68%. For a closer look at February's conditions, you can visit San Jose weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, October brings warmer temperatures overall, with an average of 19°C (66°F), while March has a slightly lower average temperature of 18°C (64°F). Both months share a maximum temperature of 25°C (76°F), but October experiences significantly more rainfall, with 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, compared to March's 49 mm (1.9 in) across 14 days. Additionally, October's humidity is higher at 80%, in contrast to the 66% humidity seen in March. For a detailed look at March weather, you can visit San Jose weather in March.
When comparing October and April weather, both months feature similar average temperatures, hovering around 19°C (66°F), with October experiencing slightly higher maximum temperatures at 25°C (78°F) compared to April’s 26°C (80°F). However, October is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, while April sees much less rainfall at just 113 mm (4.4 in) across 23 days. Additionally, October's humidity level is notably higher at 80%, compared to April's 67%, making the former feel more humid and damp. For more details, you can check out San Jose weather in April.
In October, the weather features a similar temperature range to May, with minimums around 14°C (58°F) and averages of 19°C (66°F), but it tends to be slightly cooler at maximums of 25°C (78°F). However, October is significantly wetter, receiving an average of 517 mm (20.4 in) of rain over 29 days, compared to May's 425 mm (16.7 in) during the same number of days. The humidity levels also differ, with October at 80%, making it feel more humid compared to May's 69%. For more detailed information, you can check San Jose weather in May.
In comparing the weather of October and June, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, with June slightly warmer at a maximum of 26°C (78°F) compared to October’s 25°C (78°F). However, October stands out due to its significantly higher precipitation, receiving 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, while June sees 341 mm (13.4 in) across 28 days. The humidity in October is also slightly lower at 80%, compared to June's 84%. For a more detailed look at June weather, you can check San Jose weather in June.
When comparing the weather in October and July, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, generally hovering around 19°C (66°F) with maximum temperatures reaching 25°C (78°F). However, October experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 517 mm (20.4 in) of rainfall over 29 days, compared to July's 266 mm (10.5 in) across 28 days. Furthermore, while July has a humidity level of 85%, October's humidity is slightly lower at 80%. This makes October feel wetter and rainier, whereas July offers a milder, albeit more humid, experience. For a detailed look at July weather, visit San Jose weather in July.
When comparing the weather in October and August, we see that both months have similar average temperatures, with October having a minimum of 14°C (58°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while August ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (79°F). However, October is significantly wetter, receiving 517 mm (20.4 in) of precipitation over 29 days compared to August's 304 mm (12.0 in) over 28 days. The humidity levels are close, with October at 80% and August slightly higher at 82%. For more detailed information about August weather, you can visit San Jose weather in August.
In comparing the weather patterns of September and October, we observe that both months have similar temperature ranges, with minimums of 14°C (58°F), averages of 19°C (66°F), and maximums of 25°C (78°F). However, October experiences significantly higher precipitation, with 517 mm (20.4 in) of rainfall compared to September's 379 mm (14.9 in). Despite both months having 29 rainy days, October's humidity level is slightly lower at 80%, while September stands at 81%. For more detailed information, you can check San Jose weather in September.
October and November in San Jose exhibit some similarities, particularly in humidity, which remains consistently high at 80% for both months. However, October tends to be warmer, with average temperatures reaching 19°C (66°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), compared to November's averages of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). When it comes to precipitation, October is significantly wetter, receiving 517 mm (20.4 in) over 29 days, while November sees a reduced rainfall of 260 mm (10.3 in) across 24 days. This shift indicates a gradual transition toward drier conditions as the rainy season wanes. For more details on the weather in November, visit San Jose weather in November.
In comparing the weather between October and December, October tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while December shows a bit of a drop, with a minimum of 12°C (55°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, October is much wetter, receiving 517 mm (20.4 in) of precipitation over 29 days, whereas December has a much lighter rainfall of 156 mm (6.1 in) over 16 days. Humidity levels also decrease slightly in December, dropping to 72% compared to October's 80%. For a detailed look at December's climate, you can check San Jose weather in December.
October in San Jose showcases a notable shift in weather as the city welcomes its wettest month of the year. While temperatures remain pleasantly mild, averaging around 19°C (66°F), the ambiance is heightened by increased humidity, giving the air a richer, more vibrant feel. With nearly every day receiving some level of precipitation, it's a time when lush greenery flourishes, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle. This contrasts with the drier months that precede and follow October, making it a unique period that captures the essence of Costa Rica's tropical charm. For more detailed insights on weather patterns throughout the year, visit San Jose Climate.