Barcelona is beautiful at any time of year, but October is one of the best months to visit the Catalan capital. The summer heat is already behind, and autumn has not yet had time to fully come into its own, only slightly decorating the colourful streets with golden foliage. Even minor vagaries of weather, which can happen in autumn, will not spoil the holiday with a child in Barcelona but only allow you to look at such a wonderful city in a different light.
Holidays in Barcelona in October: pros and cons
You can find various positive reviews about holidays in Barcelona in October on the Internet, but in general, there are several advantages of holidaying in the peak autumn:
- The weather remains warm in the first half of the month, ideal for exploring the city's cultural heritage and long walks in the fresh air.
- The sea water is still warm enough, there is no risk of burning under the hot sun, and the beaches are not crowded with tourists.
- Even on rainy days, do not be upset — organise your holiday according to the weather forecasts, and at this time visit museums.
- In autumn, accommodation prices drop a bit, so there is an opportunity to find a nice hotel near the centre at a reduced price. However, it is advisable to find a suitable option in advance on the Internet to avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses right before the trip.
Along with the advantages, you can always find the disadvantages of Barcelona in October, which you should know about in advance, so that no surprises do not spoil the long-awaited holiday:
- The weather can be unstable in autumn, but the rains do not last more than 2-5 days. Alternatively, you can visit museums and hike around the city on sunny days.
- The number of tourists is much less than in the high season, but popular routes and attractions are still packed with crowds of travellers who want to avoid the summer heat. The solution is to clearly plan your sightseeing programme and buy entrance tickets online in advance so as not to waste time at the ticket office.
The weather in Barcelona in October
The weather in October becomes autumnally unpredictable, with cloudy or even rainy days sometimes replacing sunny days.
Possible precipitation in no way means it will be cold, so you should only take a few warm clothes. A sweater or light jacket will be enough for evening walks in the fresh air.
The weather in early October is warmer and sunnier, so you can not only go sightseeing but also swim in the sea, which has not yet cooled down after the hot summer. Temperatures in Barcelona in mid-October are around 23°C during the day and around 13-15°C at night. Temperatures in Barcelona at the end of October can drop slightly, so it's worth considering a sightseeing holiday to avoid boredom on cool, cloudy days.
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Air and water temperature
Barcelona's mild Mediterranean climate is most favourable from May to September. At the beginning of the season, in May-June, you will not be bothered by unbearable heat; you can sunbathe, but the water in the sea will not be warm enough. At the height of summer, the sea warms up well, but there is a risk of sunburn. Walking around the city with children and excursions will cause fatigue due to the intense heat.
Autumn is best for those who want to combine beach holidays with a rich sightseeing programme.
Those who choose to travel in the second month of autumn should note that the weather is usually more favourable at the beginning of the month. At the same time, the temperature in Barcelona at the end of October becomes unpredictable and overcast.
Air temperature in Barcelona in October
October in Barcelona is characterised by a pleasant warmth in which you can feel the slight breath of autumn. In the first half of the month, temperatures usually rise to 21-23°C, occasionally to 28-29°C. It is still warm outside, but you will need a jacket for evening walks, especially at the end of the month, as the temperature drops to 13-19°C at night. There is less sunshine in October, and the winds increase noticeably, reminding us of the onset of autumn.
Sea temperature in Barcelona in October
At the beginning of the month, the sea off Barcelona is a little chilly but not yet cold. The average water temperature is around 21,9°C, gradually dropping to 19-21°C towards the end of the month. Suppose you want to get acquainted with the historical and cultural values of the capital of Catalonia but also to relax on the beach with children. In that case, planning your trip for the beginning of October is advisable.
Precipitation
October sees the start of the true Autumn colours in Barcelona, with possible precipitation and cloudy days. Humidity reaches up to 80%. Considering the annual average, it rains for about five days in October, with rainfall more often in the second half of the month. Therefore, it is better to choose the first week of the month for travelling.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
October is considered one of the cloudiest and rainiest months of the year. There is still plenty of sunshine, although the length of the day is significantly reduced. It rains for a few days in the month, and for another 7-10 days, the weather is cloudy, which in no way prevents you from having a good holiday in Barcelona, enjoying exciting walks in the fresh air.
Tour Holidays in October
October is one of the best months to explore the luxurious and unique Barcelona. In early October, you won't be bothered by the heat and rain is less frequent so that you can travel around the city by public transport or on foot. The middle and end of October are characterised by more cloudy weather, which will not hinder exploring the city.
If you're visiting Barcelona in October with children, the Catalan capital offers a wide range of activities:
- Ride around the city on big tourist buses with audio guides, and take colourful photos against the backdrop of legendary sights, each of which the bus will stop at. Children of all ages will have fun on the first floor of the bus.
- Take a cable car to the top of Mount Tibidabo for a small fee for a marvellous panorama of Barcelona. The mountain is home to Spain's oldest amusement park. Children can ride the carousel, the aerial steam train, and visit Barcelona's Automaton Museum. The park is only open on weekends in October, so it's worth planning a visit in advance.
- Take a trip to the Horta Maze Park. Adults will love the Romantic Garden, while children enjoy a fascinating journey through hedge mazes. The park is free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- It is worth visiting the Park Guell with children, created according to Gaudi's fantastic design in the last century. The park, with a total perimeter of 17 hectares, is a harmonious combination of gardens in which residential buildings are lost. Flexible benches, edible houses, strange plants and facilities with original shapes create a fairy tale feeling.
Barcelona continues to be a busy city in October. Still, some museums and amusement parks switch to winter opening hours and many water parks close, so you should plan to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Most museums are free for children under 16-18 years of age, which can save you a considerable amount of money.
Barcelona's museums and sights can be listed endlessly, but we will highlight the main highlights of the autumn programme:
- The city has thirteen creations of the mad architect Gaudi, the most popular among which is the Sagrada Familia, with its unique interiors. You can get there by metro; tickets should be bought in advance to avoid queues.
- The Blau Science Museum, with its particular area for interesting educational experiments, is a great place to stay for a few hours.
- Fans of fine art should familiarise themselves with the work of world-famous artists Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
- One of the largest aquariums in Europe is impressive, where you can see the marine inhabitants of different seas and oceans.
- The wax museum features replicas of many celebrities with whom you can take your picture.
- The Bishop's Palace, the Museum of Religious Art, the Archdeacon's House and many other ancient buildings will impress adults and children, allowing you to plunge into the legendary past.
Tip: Get a Barcelona Card and some discounts and bonuses to save your budget. There are several such cards in Barcelona; depending on your plans and sightseeing programme, you can choose the one that will save you the most money.
Beach Holidays
October is the end of the long beach season. If you want to spend time on the beach with your children, you should go early in the month to catch more sunny days. If you are lucky with the weather, you may even be able to go for a swim.
Holidays, events and festivals
In autumn, Barcelona becomes a centre of all kinds of festivities and entertainment. You can participate in exciting events whenever you come to this marvellous city. The festivities in Barcelona in October have a unique atmosphere.
The International Jazz Festival is one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world, starting in October and running until December. Every day, aspiring musicians and well-known jazz music stars gather at various venues and organise performances that can be enjoyed completely free of charge.
On 12 October, not only in Barcelona but all over Spain, the bank holiday el Puente del Pilar is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of Spain, Señora Pilar. The Sitges Film Festival takes place on the coast, with screenings of horror and sci-fi films. It is possible to see both new movies and retro films. During the festival, a massive flash mob — the Sitges Zombie Walk — is organised in the Town Hall Square area.
Cost of vacation
October in Barcelona is considered the end of the beach season, so you can expect a price reduction. Usually, the cost of packaged tours is reduced by 10-15%.
Airfares
To save on flights, it is better to book tickets in advance. Otherwise, the cost will be lower by only 8-10% compared to the high season. Alternatively, try to find cheaper flights with connecting flights.
Accommodations
Prices for accommodation in Barcelona in October are not much lower than in the summer months. But if you search well on the Internet, you can find inexpensive, quite comfortable hotels near the centre, for which you must pay approximately €100-€150 daily. In the suburbs, accommodation will cost even cheaper, but you will have to spend at least €200 for suites in the centre.
Transport
A popular mode of transport for tourists is a special double-decker bus with an open first floor, so even travellers with motion sickness will feel comfortable. To reach the final stop, walk along the Rambla boulevard towards the square. The tourist bus is the best option for visitors who want to see as many sights as possible.
The tourist bus makes many stops along the way; you can get off and board the next one at any point.
If you wish to plan your holiday, a public transport ticket will cost around €2. If you buy a special tourist card, the price of which depends on the validity period, you can use any public transport within the city. A taxi journey will cost around €2.55 for boarding and €1.3 for each kilometre.
Excursions
The price of excursions in Barcelona does not depend on the time of year. Entrance tickets to entertainment centres and museums can always be purchased in advance on the Internet, which will save not only much money but also the time spent waiting in line. The price of excursions by tourist bus is €33 for adults and €18 for children.
Package Tours
If you want to save money, you should buy a tour of Barcelona in October. Prices for package tours in this month fall by 13-15% compared to the cost of tours at the height of the summer season.
Tips for travellers with children
When choosing a time to travel to Barcelona, you should decide on the main purpose of your trip. If you are travelling with children of preschool age, it will be tiresome for kids to go on excursions all the time. A child will enjoy spending time on the beach for active games and swimming much more, so it is better to choose the first half of the month. With older children who already attend school and are interested in history and culture, you can go anytime.
Even in bad weather, you won't get bored in Barcelona, visiting numerous historical sights and museums, a selection of which Kidpassage offers. And if you have already planned everything, we suggest you find out what souvenirs to bring from Barcelona for your family and friends.
