How is going to Costa Rica at the beginning of October? Is there too much rain to enjoy both the rain forest as well as the beach?

It depends on what part of the country you want to visit. Places like the Osa and Manuel Antonio tend to get a lot of rain in September, while it tends to be drier in someplace like Tortuguero on the Carib. side.

Volcanogurl nailed it. Go to Cahuita. Better yet. Come in July.

weather2travel.com climate guides CR
Guanacaste hotelcapitansuizo.com for
least rain then personally do not travel
at all in CA in fall way too much rain.
konaweb.com Kohala Coast Big I my fav then
for beach. CRis great in winter. "Rain" aka
as "Green" season begins in May.

Happy Planning!

It is a common misperception that it rains less in the fall
on the Carib side usually NOT the case.When there last in fall a couple of years ago at albylodge.com the bridge washed out tens of thousands homeless massive floods Oct/Nov. LOTS
of years.

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html shows a guideline of weather patterns although it's not entirely predictable. Mouse over the areas you're interested in.

There is a reason the prices are lower in October. A year ago I arrived in early November only to have the entire country virtually shut down by floods and road closures from Tomas. I understand this year it wasn't great during the fall, either.

Pick a different country or a different month.

Thanks for the input!!!

We were in CR during and after Hurricane Tomas. It was rainy around SJ and Poas....The Caribbean side was not rainy - and mild temperatures. Awesome!!!!