Average high temperature and rainfall for San Juan in October. © Scott S. Bateman

San Juan weather in October may not be the worst among the major Caribbean destinations, but it’s not quite the best either.

The capital city of Puerto Rico is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Its popularity is largely the result of the large number of cruise ships that visit there or in some cases embark and disembark there for southern and western Caribbean cruises.

Not surprisingly, the Caribbean weather in October is a major factor in the number of visitors—cruise and otherwise.

October is one of the worst months of the annual Caribbean hurricane season for many of the major destinations because of heavy rain and the risk of a tropical thunderstorm or nearby hurricane path.

San Juan is no different.

October Rain

San Juan has averaged about 5.6 inches of rain in October over the course of 30 years, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

That total is not the worst of the year—November has an average of 6.5 inches and is followed by September and a brief rainy season in May.

It also is not the worst in the region. Places such as Cancun, Cozumel and Dominica average as much as 10 inches.

Another way to look at San Juan’s weather in October is the number of days it rains each month.

On average, it rains about 18 days during the month, which is on par with the others months from July through January. November and December are slightly higher.

Again, the October total is about average for the rest of the region during the month.

San Juan Temperatures in October

The average high temperature for San Juan during October is 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31 Celsius, according to the NOAA. The average low is 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 Celsius.

But visitors should expect higher temperatures at the beginning of the month and lower ones toward the end as late fall and early winter approach.

For the most part, water temperatures feel comfortable enough for swimming, especially in the afternoon.

• San Juan weather in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

Is October a Good Time to Go?

Anyone thinking about going to the Caribbean for the first time should avoid it during October because of higher than normal chances of rain and tropical storms. That applies to San Juan as well.

But the risk of rain doesn’t stop some people from going because of lower hotel rates and last-minute vacations based on weather forecasts that look good in the days ahead.