Why October Is The Best Time To Visit Spain
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If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Spain is, I’m here to tell you that Spain in Autumn is the absolute best. The Mediterranean in general, is amazing this time of year. But Spain truly shines in October, and here’s why.
Spain in October is unbeatable. Mild sunny weather, fewer tourists, cheaper travel, and lively festivals. Pack layers, slow down, and savor autumn in Spain.
Why Visit Spain in October
First, you simply cannot beat the weather. The extreme heat and humidity of summer have passed (especially towards the latter half of October), making it the absolute sweet spot for comfortable temperatures.
While Spain never truly rests, you will enjoy smaller crowds for sure. Tourist areas tend to empty, and the pace of life in general starts to slow down from the hectic pace of summer.
Prices on just about everything come down. While some of the restaurants on the tourist strips always charge the same high prices, you’ll find that pretty much everything else is far more affordable. Even flights and accommodations are far more affordable this time of year.
Weather in Spain During October
There is a reason October is the best month to visit Spain, and that reason is, the weather. Here’s what I mean…
October Temperatures by Region
| Region / City / Autonomous Community | Approx. Average Temperatures in October* | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Spain (Andalucía: e.g. Seville, Córdoba, Málaga) | 73–79 °F ( 23-26 °C) daytime; averages 75–77 °F (24-25 °C) in many areas | Inland heat still strong early in October; coastal parts are slightly cooler. |
| Murcia (region) | 77–79 °F (25-26 °C) daytime highs; overall warm autumn weather with mild nights | One of the warmest in October. |
| Madrid / Central Spain | 64–72 °F (18-20-22 °C) daytime; average somewhat lower toward month’s end; nights cooler | Central plateau sees more variation; also more cooling in mornings/evenings. |
| Valencian Community / Mediterranean coast | 72–75 °F (22-24 °C) daytime; sea moderates extremes | Areas like Valencia, Alicante etc. remain fairly warm. |
| Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) | 59–68 °F (15-18-20 °C) daytime; cooler and more rainfall; nights noticeably cooler. | Because of oceanic influence. |
| Balearic Islands | 64–73 °F (18-23 °C) daytime; sea still warm; pleasant weather for outdoors. | Palma, Ibiza etc. |
| Canary Islands | 72–77 °F (22-25 °C) average; subtropical climate keeps October warm and mild. | Less variation, especially on the southern side. |
| Inland / mountainous areas (e.g. Castilla-y-León, Aragón interior, etc.) | 54–72 °F (12-18-22 °C) depending on altitude; cooler at night; greater diurnal range. | Elevation matters a lot; the higher you go, the more cooling. |
“Average temperature” here refers roughly to daytime high-averages or “mean daily temperature” for October, depending on source. It includes both high and low but is weighted toward the warmer daytime side in many travel/climate-summary sources.
October Sunshine and Rain by Region
| Region | Sunshine / Sunny Days | Rain / Rainy Days |
|---|
| Andalucía (southern Spain, e.g. Málaga, Seville, Córdoba) | Quite a lot of sun. Many clear days; likely ~ 7-9 hours of sun per day in many coastal parts. | Relatively low rainfall. Maybe 3-6 days with measurable rain. Totals moderate (~ 50-60 mm in many coastal areas). |
| Murcia / southern Mediterranean coast | Very sunny; similar to Andalucía’s coast. Bright days common. | Rain uncommon; a few showers might occur but not many rainy days. Possibly 3-5 days of rain. |
| Madrid / Central Spain | Moderate sunshine. Some clear days, but more mixture (clouds + sun). | More frequent rain than south, though not extreme. Expect about 7-8 rainy days in October. |
| Valencian Community / Mediterranean coast | Good sunshine; many days with sun and mild weather. | Rain more than southernmost coast but less than “green north.” Around 5-7 rainy days, possibly ~ 60-75 mm depending on the location. |
| Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country) | Less sunshine; more cloud cover, more overcast days. Sunny breaks happen but not as reliably. | High rainfall. Many rainy days (~ 10-12 days), and significant monthly precipitation. E.g. Santiago de Compostela ~ 150 mm; Bilbao ~ 110-130 mm in typical Octobers. |
| Balearic Islands | Moderate to good sun; plenty of sunny or partly sunny days with pleasant weather. | Rainier than summer; October is one of the wetter months. Expect 6-8 days with rain; amounts moderate but occasional heavy showers. |
| Canary Islands | Very good sunshine; one of the best in Spain in terms of consistency. Clear to partly clear skies common. | Very little rain. Maybe ~2-4 rainy days in the month. Overall rainfall low. |
| Inland / mountainous areas (Castilla y León, Aragón interior, etc.) | More variable: some bright days but also cloud; likely less sunshine than coastal Mediterranean regions, especially as you go up. | More frequent rain/cloud in some zones, especially on wind-facing mountain slopes. Perhaps 7-10 rainy days; amounts can vary a lot. Snow at altitude is rare, but precipitation could fall as sleet in high parts later in the month. |
Top Destinations for October Travel in Spain
So what are the top destinations in Spain in the month of October?
Think: “Big Cities”. Places like Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla if you love the city life. These places are alive around the clock (quite literally), and you won’t be overrun with heat and tourist traffic. October is the absolute perfect time to visit these types of larger cities.
Northern Spain is also a great choice. Towns such as Oviedo, Bilbao, and Santiago will give you that crisp autumn vibe that many people live for each year. You’ll get some changing leaves, and you’ll be near the coast if you are there on a surprise warm day.
If you still want warmer weather this time of year and prefer and island vibe, try the Canary Islands. You can’t go wrong with the sun and surf there this time of year.
What to Pack for Spain in October
October in Spain (no matter what region you visit), is all about layers. You’ll want light layers for the day and warmer evenings, some rain gear (especially for northern Spain), and comfortable shoes for exploring cities and, with any luck, some festivals as well.
October Festivals in Spain
If you are interested in festivals that happen in October in Spain, I’ve collected a few verified festivals that happens each year. As I find more, I’ll add more. Here is the free download of festivals I have so far.
The Lazy Girl Travel Approach
If you come this time of year, make sure you don’t overbook yourself. One of the best ways to enjoy Spain is to slow down. Spend more time in fewer places. October is the perfect month for unhurried, slow travel in Spain.
Sip some wine during harvest season, wander less-crowded cobblestone streets, and enjoy a cozy autumn day of tapas and ancient architecture. Breathe, relax, and enjoy.
