Costa Rica in October is lush, vibrant, and wet — it’s smack in the middle of the green (aka rainy) season. While the Caribbean coast can be sunnier, most of the country experiences daily downpours, humid heat, and muddy adventure terrain. But that’s part of the magic: waterfalls at full force, fewer tourists, and flourishing rainforests. This Costa Rica October packing list ensures you’re ready for rain, trails, volcanoes, wildlife — and beach cocktails too.
Weather Overview 🌡️
- Temperatures: 72–85°F (22–29°C)
- Rain: Daily — usually heavy afternoon or evening storms
- Humidity: Very high — pack breathable, quick-dry items
- UV Index: High even when cloudy
- Regions vary: The Caribbean side (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita) is drier; the Pacific side (Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio) is wetter
What to Pack for Costa Rica in October 🎒
You’ll need a balance of rugged and relaxed: rain-ready layers, quick-dry fabrics, insect protection, and easygoing beachwear. Footwear matters — mud is real.
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- 🧳 Water-resistant suitcase or duffel (1) – Mud, puddles, and bumpy roads demand durability
- 🎒 Daypack with rain cover (1) – Essential for hikes and day tours
- 🧼 Waterproof toiletry bag (1) – Heat and rain = leaks happen
- 💼 Packing cubes (4–5) – Separate wet/dry, beach/hike
- 🥿 Shoe bags (1–2) – Keep mud out of your main bag
- 🧺 Laundry bag (1) – For muddy, sweaty, or soaked clothes
- 📁 Travel wallet or waterproof pouch (1) – Keep documents dry
- 🛍️ Foldable shopping tote (1) – Great for groceries or souvenirs
- 💧 Quick-dry towel (1) – For beach, waterfalls, or rain surprises
- 💤 Neck pillow + eye mask – For long bumpy bus rides
👗 Clothes
- 👚 Moisture-wicking tops (3–4) – Lightweight and breathable
- 🧥 Light rain jacket / poncho (1–2) – Must-have for daily storms
- 👖 Quick-dry hiking pants or leggings (1–2 pairs) – Mud-friendly
- 🩳 Shorts (2–3 pairs) – For hiking and beach
- 👗 Casual sundresses or romper (1–2) – For town or beach bars
- 👘 Swim cover-up (1) – Lightweight and easy to dry
- 👙 Swimsuits (2–3) – Beaches, rivers, hot springs
- 🧘♀️ Activewear (1–2 sets) – For yoga or rainforest treks
- 🛌 Sleepwear / loungewear (1–2 sets) – Breathable and light
- 🧥 Light hoodie or sweater (1) – For A/C buses or chilly mornings
- 👙 Undergarments (1 per day)
- 👙 Sports bras (2–3) – For hiking or active days
- 🧦 Quick-dry or wool socks (4–5 pairs) – Jungle-approved
- 🧤 Modest outfit (1) – For churches or conservative towns
💆 Skincare
- 🌞 Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Required for ocean and jungle
- 💧 Hydrating moisturizer – After-sun and post-humidity must
- 🧴 After-sun lotion or aloe gel – Trust us
- 🧼 Micellar water / facial wipes – Fast face refresh
- 💋 SPF lip balm – Prevent chapping and sunburn
- 💥 Spot treatment – For humidity breakouts
- ❄️ Cooling facial mist (optional) – Mid-hike refresh
💄 Makeup
- 💧 Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – Minimal coverage
- 🖌️ Concealer – For post-flight or jungle fatigue
- 🌸 Cream blush + highlighter – Dewy and heat-friendly
- 🖊️ Waterproof mascara – Rain + sweat approved
- 💄 Lip balm or tint (1–2) – Skip heavy lipsticks
- 💦 Mini setting spray (optional) – If you wear makeup
💇 Hair
- 💇 Brush or wide-tooth comb – Jungle = tangles
- 🧴 Leave-in conditioner or frizz serum – A must
- 🌬️ Dry shampoo (optional) – Humidity makes hair tricky
- 🧷 Hair ties / clips / headband – Multiple spares
- 👒 Sun hat or cap (1) – For beach and hikes
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 🥾 Waterproof hiking shoes or trail runners (1 pair) – Jungle-ready
- 🩴 Flip-flops or slides (1 pair) – Showers, beach, easy days
- 🥿 Casual sandals (1 pair) – Walkable and breathable
- 🧦 Bug-proof socks (optional) – Especially for early hikes
- ☔ Compact umbrella or poncho (1) – For town strolls
- 🕶️ Polarized sunglasses (1 pair) – Cut glare, protect eyes
- 🎒 Dry bag (1) – For phones and cameras during excursions
- 👜 Crossbody or waterproof bag (1) – Easy and secure
- ⌚ Waterproof watch or tracker – Good for timing treks
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport + printed + digital copies
- 💳 Credit cards + debit card – Notify your bank
- 💵 USD cash + Costa Rican colones – ATMs not always accessible
- 📱 Phone with offline maps, Spanish translator, WhatsApp
- 🏨 Printed hotel / Airbnb / tour confirmations
- 📁 Travel insurance + emergency contacts
- ✍️ Notebook + pen – For trip notes, receipts, or Spanish phrases
🩹 First Aid
- 🩹 Bandaids + blister pads – For hikes or sandals
- 💊 Motion sickness pills – For winding roads or boats
- 💊 Pain relievers / allergy meds – For bites, bugs, and bumps
- 🧴 Bug spray (DEET or natural) – Essential in jungle zones
- 🧼 Hand sanitizer + antibacterial wipes – For on-the-go use
- 🧻 Toilet paper or tissues – Not always provided in public places
💊 Health & Hygiene
- 💊 Prescription meds (clearly labeled)
- 🧼 Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss
- 🧴 Body wash, razor, deodorant
- 🧽 Shaving cream + mirror (travel size)
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Bring your preferred type
- 💅 Nail clippers + file
- 🧴 Perfume / body spray (travel size)
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger + waterproof case
- 🔌 Type A/B plugs — no adapter needed if you’re from the U.S.
- 🎧 Bluetooth headphones / waterproof earbuds
- 📷 Camera or GoPro – Perfect for ziplining or waterfall shots
- 📲 Offline apps: maps, translation, currency converter
- 💻 Tablet or e-reader (optional)
🎧 Entertainment
- 📚 Book or Kindle – For hammock reading
- 🎧 Downloaded playlists or podcasts – Wi-Fi is spotty
- 🎥 Downloaded shows or movies – For jungle lodge downtime
- 🃏 Card games or journal – Great for unplugged evenings
🎒 Extras
- 💧 Reusable water bottle with filter – Stay hydrated and safe
- 🥾 Gaiters or tall socks – For muddy trails (optional)
- 🧼 Travel detergent (packets) – Wash on the go
- 🧴 Cooling towel or mini fan – Helpful in thick heat
- 💤 Melatonin or sleep aid – For jet lag or loud jungle nights
- 👃 Shoe deodorizer – Trust us, it helps
- 🔦 Headlamp or flashlight – Power outages are common in rural areas
✈️ Travel Tips
- ☔ Expect rain every day — plan around early mornings for sun
- 🧼 Don’t rely on hotel toiletries — bring your own eco-friendly versions
- 🚐 Book shuttles or drivers early if traveling between cities
- 🧥 Wear quick-dry fabrics daily — nothing stays dry long
- 📶 Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable — download offline essentials before you go
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
- 🧥 Rain jacket + quick-dry clothes
- 🥾 Waterproof hiking shoes + dry bag
- 🧴 Sunscreen + bug spray + after-sun
- 💧 Reusable filtered water bottle
- 🎒 Waterproof daypack for excursions
- 📱 Phone with offline maps + charger
👍 Good-to-Have Items
- 📸 GoPro or waterproof camera
- 🧼 Laundry line or sink stopper for rinsing clothes
- 📔 Spanish phrasebook or translation cheat sheet
- 🧴 Rehydration salts or electrolyte tabs
- 💤 Travel hammock for relaxing anywhere
