Bolivia in October: Weather, Tips and More

October is the last month of the dry season in Bolivia, making it the perfect time to visit to experience clear skies and pleasant temperatures. But Bolivia is a large country with diverse landscapes and microclimates, so it is best to research the weather of the region you intend to visit in Bolivia in October.

This is a great month to explore the Amazon because the temperatures are still favorable, hovering between  26°C and 32°C (80°F–90 °F), although you may encounter some rain showers that are usually brief. You will find the best weather in the savanna region. Santa Cruz sees an average temperature range between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F), making it the perfect time to sandboard on the dunes of Parque Regional Lomas de Arena.

The city of La Paz, situated in the valleys of the Andes, is cold with maximum highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). Expect colder weather if you are venturing high up in the Andes to destinations such as Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca. The weather in Cochabamba Bolivia in October ranges from 29°C (84.2° F) and 11°C (51.8° F).

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Bolivia.

Planning a trip to Bolivia in October is your last chance of the year to explore the country without having to worry much about inclement weather. Here are some more reasons why you should plan a trip to this South American country this month:

• Outdoor activities: With the pleasant weather that October brings, this is the perfect month to explore all of the outdoor activities around Bolivia. Cycling across the Uyuni Salt Flats in October offers an unforgettable experience. The moderate temperatures and unique reflection of the blue sky on the salt flats make October an ideal time to visit this unique destination. Nearby the Uyuni Salt Flats, you can visit Laguna Colorada to see the hundreds of wild flamingos living in the blood-red lagoon. October is also a great time to explore Lake Titicaca. The desirable weather and fewer crowds make this the perfect time to explore the floating islands. You can check out our Bolivia adventure and sport tours for more outdoor options.
• Fewer crowds and better rates: October is a month of transition from dry to wet season, meaning most of the high season crowds will be long gone if you visit the country this month. While there are chances of some scattered rain showers throughout the month, they are typically brief. You can easily work around the weather and enjoy all the sites and destinations without having to contend with tourist crowds. With fewer visitors around, prices for accommodations and activities also drop.
• Vibrant festivals: Bolivia celebrates Feria del Charango in Aiquile in October. This annual cultural event celebrates the Andean instrument called the charango, which resembles a guitar and produces a unique and lively sound. To celebrate the festival, musicians from all over Bolivia join together in Aiquile to celebrate and perform traditional music. You will also find the town of Concepción celebrating the Orchid Festival in October. You can enjoy traditional shows and delicious cuisine when visiting the Orchid Festival or ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’ is also observed this month, with religious processions, music and dance across the country.

Bolivia in October sets the perfect scene for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is largely favorable across the country, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin and everything in between.

Visit the city of La Paz high up in the Andes to explore the local culture and its unique markets. To escape the urban bustle, head toward Uyuni Salt Flats, one of Bolivia’s top tourist attractions, famed for its “mirror effect”, where there is a reflection of the sky on the salt crust.

Cochabamba is another great destination that you should visit during your Bolivia trip in October. The city’s most famous monument, Cristo de la Concordia, a looming Christ statue atop San Pedro Hill, is accessible by cable car or a hike up the stunning staircase. With the cool temperatures of October, the stair climb is incredibly rewarding. Cochabamba is also a great place to explore Bolivia’s pre-Columbian era history and authentic cuisine.

Lake Titicaca is another bucket list destination that you should not miss on your Bolivian adventure. With the summer crowds thinning and the weather still pleasant, October is the best time to take a trip to the floating islands and enjoy the sunset over the glistening lake.

Laguna Colorada is another destination that you must visit in Bolivia. It is one of the strangest places on Earth, famed for its blood-red shallow salt lake where hundreds of flamingos reside. While the dry season is the best weather in this region, the wet season is when there is an abundance of flamingos. Plan your visit toward the end of October, when the region starts to see rainfall.

Take advantage of the dry conditions of early October to visit the Amazon rainforest and see its incredibly diverse wildlife. Madidi National Park is a fantastic place to visit if you want to check out unique wildlife and plant species. rainfall makes river expeditions safer. If you’re looking to take a stroll around the Bolivian cities, you can try our Bolivia city sightseeing tours.

October throughout Bolivia is often warmer during the day and chilly at night, so it is important to bring layers for your trip. Also, pack rain gear and waterproof boots, as the month also sees some rain showers. If you are visiting the high Andes mountains, make sure to bring medicines for high altitude sickness and sunscreen and UV protection sunglasses.

Visiting Bolivia in October is one of the best months due to the pleasant temperatures throughout the country and low tourist crowds. There are amazing experiences to be had throughout the country, from celebrating Feria del Charango to hiking in the Andes to to sandboarding the dunes in Parque Regional Lomas de Arena.

Booking a customized trip to Bolivia with us gives you the best chance to explore all the wonders that Bolivia has to offer in October.