Things to Do in Spain in October

October Weather in Spain

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

85 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperatures for walking - comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) during the day means you can explore cities for hours without overheating or freezing
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peak, with flights from US/UK typically €200-300 cheaper than July-August
Autumn foliage transforms northern Spain's landscapes - Asturias and Basque Country mountains show spectacular gold and red colors, peak timing mid-to-late October
Harvest season brings wine festivals, new olive oil tastings, and seasonal menus featuring wild mushrooms, chestnuts, and game meats unavailable other times

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layering strategy - morning might be 12°C (54°F), afternoon 22°C (72°F), with possible rain, so you'll carry extra clothing daily
Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor activities must start earlier - sunset around 7:30pm early October, 6:30pm by month's end, limiting late afternoon sightseeing
Atlantic coast regions see increased rainfall and wind - San Sebastian and northern coast average 12-15 rainy days, affecting beach activities and coastal hiking

Best Activities in October

Camino de Santiago Hiking Sections

October offers ideal hiking conditions with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and minimal summer heat stress. The 18-22°C (64-72°F) range is perfect for multi-hour walks carrying a pack. Autumn colors peak along northern routes, and accommodations have availability after summer pilgrim rush. Rain gear essential for 8-10 wet days monthly.

Booking Tip: Book albergues 2-3 days ahead rather than summer's need for week-plus advance reservations. Sections typically cost €25-45/day for accommodation and meals. Choose shorter 15-20 km (9-12 mile) daily segments to enjoy autumn scenery. Look for credentialed albergues with heating systems for cooler evenings.

Rioja Wine Harvest Experiences

October is vendimia (harvest) season in La Rioja, with grape picking, traditional stomping, and new wine tastings unavailable other months. Temperatures are perfect for outdoor vineyard tours - warm enough to enjoy but cool enough to prevent wine spoilage during tastings. Many bodegas offer special harvest menus paired with previous vintages.

Booking Tip: Reserve harvest experiences 3-4 weeks ahead as this is peak season for wine tourism. Full-day tours typically cost €80-150 including meals and multiple tastings. Look for working farm experiences rather than tourist-focused operations. Book weekend accommodations in Haro or Logroño well in advance.

Picos de Europa Hiking and Wildlife Watching

October brings spectacular autumn colors to Spain's northern mountains, with comfortable hiking temperatures and excellent visibility before winter weather. This is prime season for spotting wild boar, deer, and migratory birds. Cable cars and mountain huts remain open, but crowds thin significantly from summer peaks.

Booking Tip: Book mountain accommodations 10-14 days ahead - many refugios close by November 1st. Day hiking costs €0 but cable cars run €15-25. Rent gear locally rather than carrying - outdoor shops in Cangas de Onís offer reasonable daily rates. Check weather conditions daily as mountain weather changes quickly.

Seville Walking Tours and Flamenco Shows

October marks the return of comfortable temperatures to southern Spain after brutal summer heat. Daytime highs of 24°C (75°F) make walking Seville's historic center enjoyable rather than an endurance test. Evening temperatures around 16°C (61°F) are perfect for outdoor tapas tours and plaza-side flamenco performances.

Booking Tip: Book flamenco shows 5-7 days ahead for prime evening slots - October marks the return of outdoor performances after summer indoor-only season. Walking tours typically cost €15-25 per person. Evening tapas tours run €45-65 including food. Look for shows in traditional tablaos rather than tourist-focused venues.

Barcelona Architecture and Food Market Tours

October's mild weather makes Barcelona's extensive walking distances manageable - exploring Gaudí sites, Gothic Quarter, and multiple neighborhoods without summer's exhausting heat. Morning market visits are comfortable, and rooftop bars reopen for evening views. Beach weather still works for breaks between cultural activities.

Booking Tip: Skip-the-line tickets for Sagrada Familia and Park Güell should be booked 2-3 weeks ahead - October remains busy with good weather. Food tours cost €60-90 and work best mid-morning when markets are fully stocked. Architecture tours run €25-40. Book accommodations near metro lines to minimize walking with luggage.

Guggenheim Bilbao and Basque Country Cultural Tours

October brings perfect weather for exploring Bilbao's outdoor sculpture installations and walking between the Guggenheim, old town, and riverside areas. The Basque Country's unique culture shines in autumn with seasonal festivals, pintxo bars reopening after August closures, and comfortable temperatures for multi-neighborhood exploration.

Booking Tip: Guggenheim tickets can be purchased day-of in October, unlike summer advance booking requirements. Pintxo tours cost €45-70 per person and work best evening 7-10pm when locals eat. Cultural walking tours run €20-35. Book Bilbao accommodations near Casco Viejo for easy access to both modern and historic areas.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Feria del Rosario - Fuengirola

Andalusia's largest October fair features traditional flamenco, carnival rides, and authentic regional food stalls. Unlike touristy summer festivals, this attracts mainly Spanish families creating an authentic cultural experience with reasonable prices and genuine local atmosphere.

Early to Mid October

Festival Internacional de Cine de Sitges

Europe's premier fantasy and horror film festival brings international cinema to this coastal town near Barcelona. October's mild weather allows enjoyment of both indoor screenings and outdoor beach areas between films. Tickets become available to general public after industry screenings.

Throughout October

Magosto Festivals

Traditional chestnut roasting festivals throughout northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, León) celebrate autumn harvest. These authentic local celebrations feature outdoor cooking, traditional music, and seasonal foods unavailable other times. Each village has its own date and traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and sweaters for 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof jacket not umbrella - October's 8 rainy days bring brief showers while walking between sites, hands-free protection works better

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - you'll average 15,000-20,000 steps daily on cobblestones and potentially wet surfaces

Light scarf or shawl - evening temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F), crucial for outdoor dining and late sightseeing

Sunglasses still necessary - UV index of 4 requires protection, especially with autumn sun reflecting off white buildings

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more photo opportunities compressed into fewer hours, draining batteries faster

Small daypack for layer management - you'll constantly add/remove clothing as temperatures change throughout the day

Warm pajamas - accommodations may not have heating turned on yet, nighttime temperatures can feel chilly indoors

Quick-dry pants - comfortable for walking but dry fast if caught in rain, more versatile than jeans in variable weather

Light gloves for early morning - especially important for sunrise photography or early market visits when temperatures hit daily lows

Insider Knowledge

Spanish lunch timing shifts in October - restaurants serve 2-4pm rather than summer's later 3-5pm schedule, plan sightseeing around this change

Many beach chiringuitos close October 31st - if you want beachside dining, prioritize this early in your trip rather than assuming availability later

Museum free hours expand in October as tourist pressure decreases - Prado, Reina Sofia, and others offer more free time slots than summer months

Local festivals in October focus on harvest and religious traditions rather than tourist entertainment - join in by learning basic Spanish phrases for these interactions

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes because 'Spain is hot' - October nights regularly drop to 12°C (54°F) and you'll need warm layers

Assuming all attractions keep summer hours - many coastal businesses, beach services, and seasonal restaurants close or reduce hours by mid-October

Booking accommodations without heating - older Spanish buildings may not turn on heat until November, confirm room heating before booking budget options