Things to Do in Nicaragua in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Nicaragua
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season landscapes are genuinely stunning - the countryside around Granada and Ometepe is impossibly lush after months of rain, with waterfalls running at full force and vegetation so thick it looks computer-generated. October typically marks the tail end of the rainy season, so you get the scenery without the worst of the downpours.
- Crowds are minimal at major sites - you'll actually have Masaya Volcano and the colonial churches in León mostly to yourself. International arrivals drop by roughly 40% compared to December-January, which means better service at restaurants, easier bus seat availability, and no jostling for photos at Instagram spots.
- Accommodation prices drop 25-35% from peak season rates - that boutique hotel in Granada that costs 120 USD in January? You're looking at 75-85 USD in October. Same room, same service, just fewer North American winter escapees. Book 2-3 weeks ahead and you'll have your pick of places.
- Pacific surf is transitioning into its prime season - the southern swells start building through October, particularly around San Juan del Sur and Popoyo. Water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), and you're beating the December-March crowds who show up when every surf blog tells them to. Early October can still see some wind chop, but by late month the conditions are genuinely excellent.
Considerations
- Rain still happens, though it's winding down - you're looking at roughly 10 days with measurable rainfall, usually concentrated in afternoon thunderstorms that last 45-90 minutes. The unpredictability is the annoying part. Some years October is nearly dry, other years you get surprise all-day soakers. Pack accordingly and keep indoor backup plans ready.
- Caribbean coast remains challenging - the eastern side of Nicaragua (Corn Islands, Pearl Lagoon) is still in the thick of hurricane season through October. While direct hits are relatively rare, the weather is genuinely unpredictable, flights get cancelled with little notice, and boat transfers can be rough or impossible. If Caribbean beaches are your priority, honestly consider visiting another month.
- Some rural roads become difficult after heavy rain - the unpaved routes to places like Laguna de Apoyo's less-developed areas or remote coffee fincas in the northern highlands can turn into mud challenges. Standard rental sedans struggle. You'll want 4WD for anything beyond the main tourist circuit, which adds 20-30 USD per day to vehicle costs.
Best Activities in October
Volcano hiking on Masaya and Cerro Negro
October weather is actually ideal for volcano treks - temperatures are warm but not scorching like March-April, and the afternoon rain pattern means you can plan morning hikes with reasonable confidence. Masaya's lava lake glows brightest at night, and October's reduced tourist numbers mean you're not stuck in a crowd at the rim. Cerro Negro volcano boarding runs year-round, but October's slightly damp sand actually provides better control on the descent. Temperatures at the summit hover around 25°C (77°F) in early morning, climbing to 28-30°C (82-86°F) by midday.
Colonial city walking tours in Granada and León
The rainy season keeps these colonial cities noticeably cooler than the brutal heat of dry season - you can actually walk Granada's Calle La Calzada at 2pm without melting, though mornings are still more comfortable. The reduced crowds mean you can properly appreciate the architecture without dodging selfie sticks. León's revolutionary murals and cathedral are best experienced in the softer October light. Rain typically holds off until 3-4pm, giving you solid morning and early afternoon exploration time.
Coffee farm tours in the northern highlands
October sits right at the beginning of coffee harvest season in regions like Matagalpa and Jinotega - you'll see the actual picking process rather than just walking through static plantations. The highlands are misty and atmospheric this time of year, with temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F) that feel genuinely refreshing after the lowland heat. The rain keeps everything brilliantly green, though it also means those unpaved access roads can be challenging. Worth noting that some smaller farms don't start harvest until late October or early November.
Ometepe Island biking and kayaking
The twin-volcano island is spectacularly lush in October, with trails through monkey-filled forests and past waterfalls running strong from months of rain. The lake waters are calm most mornings, perfect for kayaking before afternoon winds pick up. Biking the island's dirt roads is feasible but muddy in spots - you'll want a mountain bike, not a beach cruiser. Temperatures hover around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during the day with decent humidity, so early starts make sense. The tourist count is low enough that you'll have beaches and petroglyphs sites largely to yourself.
Pacific coast surfing and beach time
October marks the transition into Nicaragua's prime surf season, with southern hemisphere swells starting to arrive at breaks around San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas, and Popoyo. Early October can still see some onshore winds, but by late month the conditions improve noticeably. Water sits around 27°C (81°F) - boardshorts and bikini weather. The beaches are genuinely empty compared to December-March madness. Rain is possible but typically brief afternoon showers that clear quickly. If you're a beginner, the smaller October swells are actually more forgiving than the bigger winter waves.
Laguna de Apoyo swimming and kayaking
This volcanic crater lake maintains a consistent 26-28°C (79-82°F) water temperature year-round, making it perfect for extended swimming sessions. October's reduced crowds mean the lakeside hostels and day-use areas are peaceful rather than packed. The surrounding forest is lush from rainy season, and the water clarity is typically excellent. Located just 20 km (12 miles) from Granada, it makes an easy day trip or overnight escape. The lake sits at 71 m (233 ft) below the crater rim, so the hike down is manageable but the climb back up gets your heart rate going in the humidity.
October Events & Festivals
San Jerónimo Festival in Masaya
This traditional festival honoring the patron saint of Masaya typically runs for several weeks starting in late September and extending into early October. You'll see elaborate street processions, traditional dancing, live music, and the famous Torovenado - a person dressed as a bull running through crowds while covered in fireworks. It's genuinely chaotic and spectacular. The main events usually concentrate in the last days of September, but celebrations continue into the first week of October with varying intensity depending on the year.
Beginning of coffee harvest season
While not a festival, the coffee harvest starting in October transforms the northern highlands. Many farms welcome visitors to participate in picking, and you'll see the entire process from cherry to bean. Some cooperatives organize harvest celebrations with traditional foods and music. The exact start date varies by elevation and microclimate - higher farms around Jinotega might start late October, while lower elevations begin earlier. It's worth contacting specific farms ahead of time to confirm harvest timing.