From pleasant weather to fewer crowds and exciting local festivals, October in Valencia beckons adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and sun-seekers alike. With the intense summer heat a thing of the past and the colder winter days still on the horizon, October is the perfect time to discover Valencia’s attractions and hidden gems. But is Valencia still hot in October? What’s on? And what should you wear? Below I’ll answer all these questions so you can plan your October trip to Valencia with confidence.
In This Article
Is October a good time to visit Valencia?
October is my favorite month in Valencia, next to May. This is due mainly to the weather, but there are other factors as well.
October in Valencia brings some of the most pleasant temperatures you can experience throughout the year. The scorching summer heat has faded, and the chillier winter temperatures have not yet set in.
While the occasional rain shower is not out of the question and evenings can be a bit chilly, sunny days are the norm rather than the exception.
Generally speaking, October is considered a shoulder season in Valencia. This means fewer tourists compared to July, August and the bustling Christmas season.
So you can expect shorter lines at popular attractions and more availability at hotels and restaurants. All in all, October is a great month to explore the city without the crowds.
On top of that, one of the most important festivals in Valencia takes place on October 9th. It’s an exciting day filled with events and a good opportunity to experience the local culture.
While October can still be warm enough to enjoy the beaches in Valencia, the water may be a bit cooler for swimming. However, October is an excellent time for walking along the shoreline, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery.
On the flip side, Valencia doesn’t have vibrant autumn foliage. The leaves tend to transition directly from green to a rather dull brown. Any variation in color you may see in parks and gardens largely hinges on the specific species of each tree.
So while you might serendipitously come across a tree displaying bright yellow or red foliage, this is not very common. If you want to see autumn leaves, going on a day trip outside Valencia might be your best bet.
Accommodation and flights to Valencia tend to be more affordable in October and you can often find better deals during this time. I highly recommend you check out these boutique hotels in Valencia for an exceptional experience.
Overall, October is an exciting month to visit Valencia, explore its museums, marvel at its churches, and enjoy a cup of coffee on a sidewalk terrace while soaking up the cozy autumn sun.
Also read: Best Time to Visit Valencia: A Month-by-Month Weather and Activities Guide
Weather in Valencia in October
Valencia experiences pleasant and mild weather in October, with little variability throughout the month. Maximum daytime temperatures usually reach around 25°C (77°F), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Minimum temperatures during the night, however, drop to around 17ºC (62ºF). Evenings can be slightly chilly and it’s likely that you’ll need to cover yourself with a light duvet to stay warm and cozy during the night.
October in Valencia is generally considered a dry month. Historically, Valencia only gets a couple of rainy days in October, but of course, the weather can be moody and no two years are the same.
While you might not necessarily need an umbrella, what I do advise is to check the weather forecast every morning to avoid any unexpected weather changes catching you off guard.
Humidity levels typically remain at moderate and comfortable levels during October in Valencia.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the days are getting shorter as the month progresses. Yet, days are still approximately 11 hours long, which is plenty of time to enjoy all the best activities in Valencia.
One of the many cool things about this city is that it doesn’t go to sleep as soon as night falls, not even during the autumn and winter months. So you can continue to hang out in tapas bars and restaurants until close to midnight.
What’s on in Valencia in October
Day of the Valencian Community
October 9th
October 9th marks the Day of the Valencian Community and locals go all out to celebrate it. The day is filled with various events, including breathtaking fireworks, an exciting medieval market, and a dazzling Moros y Cristianos parade, which commemorates the victory of King Jaime I and his army over the Moors back in 1238.
Día de San Dionís
October 9th
October 9th is also when Valencia celebrates Día de San Dionís, or Lover’s Day, which is similar in essence to Valentine’s Day. On this day, it’s customary for men to give their lovers marzipan sweets wrapped in a handkerchief called mocaorà. This celebration has its origins in the 18th century.
Open House Valencia
Varying dates – October 21st & 22nd, 2023
The architecture festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Valencia behind the veil. It takes place over two days every October, time during which you can visit 50+ buildings that are typically off-limits to the public. Additionally, a number of other cultural activities take place, such as conferences and guided tours.
October bank holidays in Valencia
Valencia has two public holidays in October – October 9th and October 12th. Most of Valencia’s markets, supermarkets, and shops are closed on these days. Some major brands and department stores might operate with reduced hours on October 12th. See the best shopping areas in Valencia.
What to wear in Valencia in October
When planning a visit to Valencia in October, I recommend you pack in layers.
T-shirts and lightweight long-sleeved shirts will likely be your go-to clothes during noon hours.
Since mornings and evenings are usually on the cooler side, you’ll probably end up adding or removing layers throughout the day. So a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan can come in handy as well.
For the lower body, pack some comfortable jeans or lightweight trousers that you can dress up or down as needed. Not only will these keep you warm but they are versatile for all kinds of activities.
Valencia is a super walkable city. So I can’t stress enough the importance of packing comfortable shoes. Sneakers and loafers are a great choice.
Also, don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen as the October sun can still be quite strong in Valencia. A reusable water bottle with a filter can also come in handy.
