October in Europe is a month of transition, where the last traces of summer fade into crisp autumn days, golden landscapes, and cooler temperatures. This is an excellent time to visit the continent as tourist crowds have thinned, accommodation prices drop, and the vibrant autumn foliage paints cities, forests, and vineyards in breathtaking colors. Southern Europe still enjoys mild and sunny days while Western and Central Europe welcome the heart of autumn with cooler temperatures, misty mornings, and increased rainfall. Northern Europe begins to feel the bite of early winter, with shorter daylight hours and the first glimpses of snow and Eastern Europe offers a mix of warm days and crisp nights, with scenic autumn landscapes and rich cultural festivals.
While lower prices, stunning scenery, and cultural experiences make it a rewarding time to visit, some destinations experience frequent rainfall, shorter daylight hours, and early snowfall in mountainous regions. Some summer beach destinations begin shutting down, ferry services to islands are reduced, and high-altitude trails close due to snow.
1. Southern Europe in October
Countries: Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Southern France, Croatia, Malta
Southern Europe transitions from summer warmth to autumn coolness in October, creating a mix of warm sunny days and occasional rainfall. Temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C (59°F - 77°F), with coastal areas staying warmer than inland regions. The Mediterranean remains warm enough for swimming, especially in Greece, southern Spain, and the Algarve in Portugal.
Rainfall starts increasing in Italy, Northern Spain, and the French Riviera, but overall, the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winds can be a factor, especially with the Mistral winds in Southern France and the Meltemi winds in Greece, which can affect ferry services.
October is a perfect time to visit cities like Rome, Seville, Athens, and Lisbon, where summer crowds have disappeared, and the weather is comfortable for long walks and sightseeing. It is also grape harvest season in Tuscany, Bordeaux, and Portugal’s Douro Valley, making it a great time for wine tours and food festivals. However, many seasonal beach resorts start closing down, and island ferry services become limited, so beach lovers should plan accordingly.
2. Western Europe in October
Countries: France, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands
Western Europe fully embraces autumn in October, bringing cooler temperatures, frequent rainfall, and breezy conditions along the coast. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F - 64°F), with some days feeling chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Rainfall is common, particularly in the UK, Ireland, and Northern France, where overcast skies and drizzles become a regular part of daily life. Winds along the Atlantic coastline in Brittany, Cornwall, and the Netherlands make it an excellent time for windsurfing and storm-watching.
Despite the rain, this is a fantastic time to explore cultural cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam, where museums, cafés, and historic sites are bustling with life. The autumn colors in parks, vineyards, and forests across France and Belgium are spectacular, making countryside road trips a great option. However, outdoor activities may be affected by frequent showers and shorter daylight hours.
3. Central Europe in October
Countries: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary
Central Europe begins to feel the approach of winter, with temperatures dropping to 5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F). Mornings are often foggy, and rainfall increases, particularly in mountain regions. By late October, higher altitudes in the Alps may see early snowfall, marking the beginning of ski season preparations.
Despite the cooler weather, Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany and Austria bring lively atmospheres in the first half of the month. The Swiss Alps and Austrian countryside display breathtaking autumn foliage, making it a perfect time for scenic train rides like the Glacier Express. However, some mountain hiking trails close by mid-to-late October due to snowfall.
4. Northern Europe in October
Countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Scotland
Northern Europe enters early winter in October, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C (32°F - 54°F). Rainfall increases across the region, and wind speeds pick up, particularly along the North Sea and Atlantic coasts.
The Northern Lights become visible in Iceland, Norway, and Finland, making it one of the best months for aurora hunting before the deep cold of winter sets in. The fjords of Norway and Scottish Highlands glow with autumn colors, creating stunning landscapes for road trips.
By late October, some parts of Lapland and Iceland may experience snowfall, affecting accessibility to certain remote areas. Shorter daylight hours also mean less sightseeing time, but cozy cafés, saunas, and traditional Nordic experiences make up for it.
5. Eastern Europe in October
Countries:Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Baltic States, Hungary, Poland
Eastern Europe offers a mix of mild and cool temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F - 68°F), depending on the location. The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria and Romania remains warm, while cities like Krakow, Budapest, and Riga begin to cool down significantly.
Rainfall is moderate, with occasional early snowfall in mountainous areas like the Carpathians and Tatra Mountains. The wine harvest season is in full swing in Moldova, Hungary, and Bulgaria, making it a great time for wine lovers. Halloween celebrations in Romania’s Transylvania region attract travelers seeking gothic castles and spooky experiences.
By late October, some outdoor activities in the mountains start winding down, and ferry services along the Baltic Sea become limited. However, city tourism, food festivals, and cultural events make up for the changing weather.
October is one of the best months to visit Europe, offering a perfect blend of pleasant weather, cultural events, and stunning autumn landscapes. While rain and shorter daylight hours can be drawbacks, the lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal experiences make up for it. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, wine harvest festivals, or the Northern Lights, October in Europe is an incredible time to explore!
