It's time to soften the harsh architectural lines and brutal concrete buildings of the German capital with warm, sunny days, the bright yellow of the parks and just plain good cheer. October can be capricious, but it tries to bring a bit of summer back into Berlin's autumnal routine with an immaculate cup of coffee and a leisurely family walk.
Holidays in Berlin in October: pros and cons
Tourist activity in Berlin in October is understandable: good weather and fun festivals. What more do travellers need? The second half of the month is a little cooler and quieter, but reviews of October holidays in Berlin only benefit from this: in mid-autumn it is possible to organise a trip to suit all tastes. What is so great about a family trip to Berlin in October?
- Indian summer can arrive in Germany's capital any day in October, delighting visitors to the city and offering wonderful walks in Berlin.
- The first half of the month is a busy holiday period, providing plenty of variety and good cheer.
- The second half of October is a quieter time, so those who like a quiet holiday can enjoy it to the full.
- An autumn holiday in Germany's capital is one to remember — there's plenty to see and do.
- Top family-friendly hotels in Berlin
- Where to go and what to see in Berlin
Travelling certainly has its own peculiarities, which will directly affect your choice of destination and time of year. Read more about them here.
- Despite the optimistic weather forecasts, October is still a capricious month. There could be persistent rain and cold and windy conditions. So take advantage of the short-term weather forecast and pack an umbrella and a warm jacket.
- You can plan your trip with your little one in the first half of the month, which is usually warmer. Don't forget about the influx of tourists at this time. If you're not ready for noisy crowds and queues, it's best to choose a different time to travel.
Source: https://kidpassage.com/en/publications/berlin-in-september
Source: https://kidpassage.com/en/publications/berlin-in-september
The weather in Berlin in October
The mid-autumn weather in the capital is very variable: sunshine alternates with rain, mild heat with a chilly breeze, and vice versa. One thing that never changes is the insatiable interest of tourists in this extraordinary city. So the weather in October and November, even if it's rainy and cool, won't stop you from enjoying your trip.
The weather is still warm in early October, and the Berliners themselves say it's their Indian summer.
Although nighttime temperatures can dip as low as +5°C, daytime temperatures can rise as high as +20°C. The temperatures in Berlin in mid-October may still be high, but the nights are getting colder, the rain is falling more often and the warmth is gradually disappearing. During the day, thermometers usually range between +7°C and +14°C.
The weather in Berlin at the end of the month is a reminder that November is approaching, and with it the cold, wind and rain.
Temperatures can rise to +9°C during the day and drop to 0°C at night. Pack a warm jumper if you're planning to travel at this time of year.
Air temperature
The temperate climate in which Berlin is located does not normally allow for snow or frost in mid-autumn. Although the lowest night-time temperature recorded during the survey period was -9°C, this is more of a story of anomalies. The average day temperature in Berlin in October is +13.2°C and the average night temperature is +8.7°C.
Air temperature in Berlin in October
Daytime temperatures vary widely throughout the month, ranging from +5°C to +20°C. At night, temperatures can drop to 0°C and reach a maximum of +14°C (at the beginning of the month).
Amount of precipitation
There are quite a few rainy days in October — around 11-14, which is to be expected as autumn has already entered its domain and sometimes needs to remind us of itself. Most of the time it is drizzle or morning mist, with a total rainfall of up to 34.4mm during the month. A useful tip: pack an umbrella and a raincoat in your suitcase so you don't get wet on your walks.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
October still spoils travellers with 8.7 days of sunshine. About 12 days are overcast and for another 9-10 days the sun is occasionally obscured by clouds. So if you're lucky, almost half the month will be sunny, and the chances of walking on a warm day will automatically increase.
Tour holidays: Where to go in October
Even during the coldest and most unwelcoming times of the year, the capital can offer an entertaining and educational programme. And early October is no exception! The golden crowns of the parks, with the sun still warm, beckon for a romantic stroll and a cup of coffee, and the many sights beckon for a closer look.
Berlin Cathedral
It is one of the most beautiful and majestic buildings with five domes, a real jewel of the city. Situated in the middle of Museum Island, it makes you want to go inside. Don't resist, it's a breathtaking sight. The organ, which is more than a hundred years old, the sumptuous interior, the marble, onyx and gilding make it different from other Protestant churches.
If you make the effort to climb the 270 steps, you will find yourself underneath the dome of the cathedral itself and on the viewing platform with a magnificent view of the boulevard and the whole of Berlin.
The park in front of the church is a favourite resting place for locals. They love to sit and lie down on the green lawn.
Natural History Museum
The country's largest museum. And if the weather in mid-October is not to your liking, take your children to explore dinosaur skeletons, ancient fossil prints, giant stuffed mammoths, insect collections and many other equally interesting objects.
You're sure to find something of particular interest among the 30 million items on display, and children will learn valuable facts about biology, history and palaeontology, as well as having an unforgettable experience.
TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)
When you arrive in Berlin, you can't help but notice the slender spire of the city's tallest building — the Berlin television tower, which ranks fourth after Moscow, Kyiv and Riga. At 368 metres, it owes its popularity to its viewing platform and revolving restaurant, the Sphere. Bar 203 is the tallest bar in the city at 203 metres.
When you buy your ticket, you'll be warned about the wait, but you don't have to queue. You can walk around Alexanderplatz in peace and quiet, and half an hour before your appointment you will receive a text message to return to the tower.
The end of October in Berlin is often marked by rain, so to avoid getting bored in your hotel room, take the whole family to the Labyrinth Museum, which is less of a museum than anything else. Rather, it is a playful, interactive, fun and educational space with exhibitions and workshops where children can directly participate in what is going on.
Aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 12, it gives them the chance to try out different professions or get to grips with fascinating sciences. You'll probably have to stay a while, but don't worry, there's a good café in the Labyrinth where you can get something to eat.
And here are some other museums that might be of interest to young travellers:
Holidays, events and festivals
Berlin is ready to delight its guests regardless of the season, time of year or day.
There's always something going on here, with plenty of culture, entertainment and sightseeing to keep you busy.
As for Berlin's October festivities, there are certainly some. Contrary to stereotypes, Berliners know how to party. The Oktoberfest beer festival is held in Munich, but Germany and beer are so inseparable that the Berliners decided to have their own Oktoberfest in Berlin, which also takes place from late September to early October. It's not as big as Munich's, but it's a lot of fun.
A 2,000-seat tent is set up near Tegel airport, where beer is poured into large glasses and the famous sausages are served. Food stalls and rides surround the tent, so it's easy to join in and have a good time.
3 October is a public holiday in Germany and the official day off — German Unity Day.
It commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. There are rallies, concerts, festivals and, of course, fireworks. So, at the beginning of October, you have a wonderful opportunity to join in the celebrations with the German people.
For two weeks in October, Berlin lights up at night. But it's not just for fun — there's also the Festival of Lights. Around 70 buildings in the capital take part, including the Brandenburg Gate, the television tower, Berlin Cathedral and even the Chancellery. The organisers are using light to prove that the city is also beautiful at night.
Artists create 'mappings' on the walls of participating buildings, fireworks are a must, and hundreds of thousands of lights and spotlights all over the city are a must. The festival has been running for over 10 years and attracts millions of tourists from all over the world.
Shopping
Sales in Berlin, like everywhere else in Europe, take place twice a year, in winter and summer.
There are virtually no discounts in the shops in October and the New Autumn-Winter collections are on sale, but that doesn't make the shopping experience any less enjoyable.
There are hundreds of shopping centres to suit every taste and budget, and luxury boutiques are always ready to welcome the latest arrivals. So whatever the time of year, you can indulge in some of Berlin's finest shopping.
But be aware that most shops are closed on weekends and the public holiday (3 October), including grocery stores. Weekdays are the best time to shop, as the shopping season picks up on Saturdays and Sundays are the last time they're open.
And if you love bargain shopping and want to pick up top brand collections for relatively little money, you can find outlets in entire towns and villages on the outskirts of Berlin. A shopaholic's paradise in the truest sense of the word!
Cost of vacation
Mid-autumn in Berlin is full of events that attract tourists from all over the world. As a result, prices in Berlin can rise slightly in October. The Oktoberfest and the Festival of Lights have long found their fans, who are willing to attend these major events under any circumstances.
Airfares
In October, the average price of a ticket to Berlin will be 15% lower than a month earlier. In November, flight prices will remain unchanged.
Package Tours
Tour operators slightly increase the prices of sightseeing tours in October. The reason for this is the active festival and celebration life of the city in mid-autumn.
Hotels
The highest room prices are in September, but in October the average room price is around €115. In November, hotel room prices drop by an average of 17%.
Food
Prices for food in Berlin depend on where you choose to eat. For example, breakfast in a café will cost you €7-12 and in a restaurant around €15-20.
It's the same with other meals: if dinner in a café costs €20, you can add another €20 to the restaurant menu.
A cappuccino for about €2.50 to €3.50, a glass of beer for about €3, and the famous curry sausages or currywurst, which are a must-try, cost €2.50.
Tips for holidays with children
Holidays in Berlin with toddlers in the first half of October are acceptable and comfortable. Strolling with a pushchair on a sunny day is a pleasure for both you and your child. For the second half of the month, it's best to check the short-term forecast, as there's a greater chance of colder temperatures and more rain.
For older children, the middle of the month is a busy holiday period, so all the fun, museums, walks and great food in Berlin will add up. Book your tickets and hotels well in advance so you can spend quality time with your loved ones, have fun, see Berlin from the highest point and just have a great time. We hope our recommendations will help you make your trip rich and interesting, and that you'll enjoy the warm, sunny weather.