Spain Weather in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Spain's weather in October is warm and perfect for sightseeing. We recommend spending some time in Valencia, Toledo, San Sebastián, and the capital, Madrid. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for October.

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• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Spain Weather in October: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 15–23°C (59–73°F)
• Rainfall: 8 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 7
• Sunshine hours/day: 7
• Humidity: around 68% (a little damp throughout the country)

October sees a move towards milder warm weather rather than the hotter summer weather seen in September, August and July. Temperatures in the south of the country are still warm, with the rest of the country being milder, making Spain a great destination for those looking to extend their summer in October.

Spain sees around 7 hours of sunshine per day in October, with approximately 7 rainy days that see a total of 8 cm or 3 inches of rain on average.

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The Best Places to Visit in Spain in October

October is a mild to warm time of the year to visit Spain, with plenty of great weather for sightseeing, walking around, and exploring the country. It's a perfect time of the year to visit, after the busy summer rush.

For visitors to Spain in October we recommend visiting Madrid, Valencia, Toledo, and San Sebastián. Read on for more information about the sights to see in these different cities.

Our experts could put together the ideal itinerary for your trip. Get in touch with one of our Spain experts, and let them know what your interests are for your time in Spain. This way our experts can give you suggestions and you can enjoy Spain without the stress of planning. Contact us to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime Spain trip.

1. Visit Madrid and Hike to Slopes of its Highest Summit

Madrid is full of beautiful sights to see, and the surrounding area is also home to some beautiful spots for hiking. We would recommend spending a few days sightseeing around the city, which you can read more about in our articles about visiting Spain in May and August.

October is a great time of the year for a hike near Madrid, with milder temperatures than in the summer months. For intermediate hikers we recommend Peñalara, which is a circular route that takes you to the slopes of Madrid's highest summit. There you'll be able to see crisp glacial lakes and beautiful U-shaped valleys formed by glacial movement and erosion.

For an easy hike, why not check out Camino de los Campamentos in Cercedilla? This small town is in the mountains around 50 kilometers (30 miles) outside of Madrid. The circular route is a tranquil escape from the city, and a great walk for adults and kids alike!

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2. Celebrate Valencia Day in Valencia

October 9 marks Valencia Day, with lots of celebrations taking place in Valencia. The celebration marks the anniversary of King James I of Aragon's capture of Valencia, where the Moorish forces had ruled until 1238. The independent country he created then, the Kingdom of Valencia, didn't join the Kingdom of Spain until 1707.

On this day, there is a procession with people dressed in traditional medieval costumes, which usually end in a feast or communal meal. During the procession the Valencian flag is brought from the Valencia City Hall to the Metropolitan Church Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria.

If you arrive on October 8, you will also be able to enjoy the fireworks the night before.

For more information about other activities to do in Valencia, because there is a whole lot more to see, check out this piece about visiting Spain in February.

3. Spend a Day Exploring Toledo's Cathedral

Toledo is a great destination to visit from Madrid, being connected by high-speed train. This makes it super easy to spend just a day there, or a night for two days away from Madrid.

The old center of Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful medieval narrow alleys make it an interesting city to walk around in. We recommend wandering around and having a nice lunch on one of the patio restaurants in the center.

Top sights to see include the Catedral Primeda de Toledo, the main cathedral in the city, as well as Mirador del Valle, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, San Martin's Bridge, and Puerta de Bisagra. You'll be able to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains, and the descriptions at the sites give you some more insight into Toledo's interesting history.

Global Highlights is able to help you arrange your trip to Toledo from Madrid, including transport, accommodation, must-see sights, and local restaurants. For more information, contact us.

4. Eat Your Way Through San Sebastián, Then Hike it Off by Castle Ruins

San Sebastián has some of the best restaurants in the world, and while you will find tapas in the rest of Spain, San Sebastián is in Basque Country, and home to pintxos. Pintxos are small snacks served in bars and tavernas, usually found on a small piece of bread.

Usually, pintxos are eaten with a drink before dinner, but instead of going for dinner, visitors to San Sebastián are recommended to sample these snacks and go bar hopping. Try the different toppings of goat cheese, Spanish ham, or even anchovies.

The next day, hike it off with a walk up Monte Urgull. This is home to the ruins of Castillo de la Mota, and there are numerous different paths that can take you to the top. Finish off your trip to San Sebastián with a visit to the San Telmo Museum, a museum about Basque culture, art, and history.

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Crowds and Costs for Traveling in October

October does not fall in the high tourism season in Spain. As a result, there will be fewer crowds at the bigger tourist sites, although it is good to bear in mind that Spain is a very popular destination for tourists and thus always has some crowds. Prices in October might be lower too, especially if you book ahead of time.

On October 12 Spain celebrates National Day, with some closures throughout the country. It is worth keeping this in mind ahead of your travels to Spain in October.

What to Wear in October

October's weather is mostly mild to warm, with a little bit of humidity and a small chance of rain. As a result, we would recommend bringing plenty of layers and options, such as jeans as well as shorts, and some t-shirts and a light jacket or a jumper depending on where in Spain you go. Bringing a few options or layers will ensure you always feel warm, even in the evenings.

We also recommend comfortable footwear, and bringing sunscreen if you are planning on spending a lot of time outdoors or even by the coast.

Top Spain Tours for October

Global Highlights can help you put together your ideal itinerary, based exactly on what you would like to see and do for you and/or your family. We also have some tours for the top sights that are perfect to take in October:

• 7-Day Spain Essence Tour
• 7-Day Madrid and Barcelona Tour for Families
• 7-Day Spain Food Tour around San Sebastián