The Karlovy Vary hot springs more than compensate for the freshness of October mornings and the chill of autumn nights. Warm up by the geysers, have a cup of coffee with a hot trdelnik, and afterward take a walk around the fall town. And you will realize that even on a cold day, this city can give the warmest welcome.
If you are planning to visit Karlovy Vary in October, you can expect to see the town in its autumnal glory. The weather is cool and crisp, and the leaves on the trees are changing color, making for a beautiful sight. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Karlovy Vary in October
Holidays in Karlovy Vary in October: pros and cons of travel
The active tourist season is coming to an end: the streets are no longer so crowded, the lines at the springs are disappearing, and casual travelers are not often seen in Karlovy Vary in October — the autumn chill is taking its toll. The reviews about the rest in Karlovy Vary in October are primarily favorable. Still, for lovers of long walks and warm, dry autumn, this period is not too suitable for a vacation — the weather in mid-autumn is increasingly fickle and can be frustrating cooling down to 0 °C.
Are there any advantages of holidaying at the resort in mid-autumn? Let's tell you about them.
- A slight decrease in prices for recreation in October and periodic favorable weather will allow you to get a pleasant vacation and quality preventive treatment in the complex.
- Thanks to the decrease in tourist flow, the queues at attractions and springs disappear, and there is an opportunity to choose your favorite hotel room and quietly stroll along the park paths with the whole family.
- The spa has one undeniable advantage: the thermal springs are always hot, and in any weather, it is warm near them. So, even on a chilly day, you can warm up in any of the colonnades and breathe in the beneficial mineral vapors.
There are also disadvantages to vacationing during this period, and we will tell you about them so that you can plan your trip optimally.
- It gets cold in Karlovy Vary early, and in October, it is full-fledged fall. The temperature fluctuations are significant: during the day, it can be +20°C or +2°C with equal probability. On cool or rainy days, walks will not be too comfortable, so the excursion program must be adjusted.
- For a vacation with kids, October is not the most suitable month because of the coolness and possible rain. Unless you use a short-term weather forecast and be sure that unexpected weather surprises are not expected. However, remember to put warm clothes in your suitcase anyway.
Weather in Karlovy Vary in October
Mid-autumn is undoubtedly not the coldest time of the year, but it is somewhat inconsistent and occasionally rainy. In general, the weather in Karlovy Vary in October and November is already distinctly autumnal, with the coldest time of the year approaching. The weather at the beginning of October is not constant: thermometer readings during the day range from +8°C to +18°C, while at night, the temperature can drop to +3°C.
The temperature in Karlovy Vary in mid-October is sometimes at the same level as in September and can surprise you with a rise to +21°C. However, more often, the thermometer columns are between +10°C and +15°C. At night, it is usually colder, and fluctuations can be in the range of 10 units.
The weather in Karlovy Vary at the end of October is gradually coming to terms with the fact that the cold weather is taking its toll; the temperature rarely rises above +8 ° C - +10 ° C during the day and increasingly tends to zero at night.
Air temperature
The moderately continental climate ensures not too hot summers and not critically cold winters. Despite this, it is difficult to call the mid-autumn warm. Therefore, going on vacation now, do not forget to add to your luggage a couple of extra warm clothes and a scarf in case of cold.
Air temperature in Karlovy Vary in October
On average, the daytime temperature in Karlovy Vary in October is +11.5 °C, while at night, it drops to +5.1 °C. Warm clothes and a cup of hot coffee will save the situation — they will make your walk possible and even pleasant, and museums and art galleries will gladly shelter you from the chilly wind.
Precipitation
October is one of the driest months of the year, which is characterized by a small amount of precipitation during the month — only about 41.5 mm. Rainy days are also infrequent — up to 4 during the month.
Sunny, cloudy, and overcast days
By mid-autumn, daylight hours average 10.7 hours and will continue to decrease for the next two months. October is not very sunny in Karlovy Vary — only about 31% of the month has such days (no more than 9-10). About a third of the month (8-9 days or 28%) are days with variable cloudiness, and the most (12-13 days or about 41%) are cloudy days.
Excursion holidays in Karlovy Vary
Mid-autumn often surprises with weather changes, and therefore, tour holidays should be planned with short-term weather forecasts in mind. Be sure to choose a sunny, warm day and head to one of the town's observation decks to see how perfectly the bright fall attire suits the town. Let us tell you where else to go in Karlovy Vary.
Jan Becher Museum
The Czechs jokingly and lovingly call the local liqueur Becherovka "the thirteenth spring" and touchingly preserve the history of its creation.
Pharmacist Josef Becher invented this medicinal drink by including more than 20 herbs.
The recipe is kept strictly secret and is passed down from generation to generation through the male line. It is not known exactly what makes the tincture original: whether it is the Karlovy Vary water based on which it is prepared or a specially selected composition of components, but attempts to recreate the drink in another region have never succeeded. So, if you have a terrible day for outdoor activities in early October, visit the museum dedicated to the fantastic liqueur.
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An adult ticket costs about 10 euros, including a tasting of three products.
Mill Colonnade
The giant Karlovy Vary colonnade — the Mill Colonnade — is built in the Neo-Renaissance style, 132 meters long and 13 wide, consists of 124 columns, and houses 5 springs under its roof. Their temperature ranges from +45 °C to +70 °C, and their maximum capacity is 4.8 l/min. This local attraction deserves a walk through its halls.
The columns on a nice day in mid-October will look especially elegant, and if you go up to the upper terrace, you will find 12 allegorical sculptures symbolizing the months of the year. So you can enjoy not only therapeutic but also educational effects.
Karlovy Vary Art Gallery
While strolling along the Teplá promenade in late October, stop by the Karlovy Vary Art Gallery to experience contemporary Czech fine art.
The exhibition features works by artists from the late 19th century to the present day in the most significant trends of the period, from Cubism to Surrealism.
More than a hundred works by Czech masters are permanently exhibited here, while the rest are rotating and presented in thematic exhibitions.
Spending time with little travelers is also possible:
- in the swimming pool, jacuzzi, or on the ice rink of the Arena Sports Complex;
- Areal Rolava for the outdoor activities;
- The House of Wax;
- on rides, slides, and trampolines at the Hopa Hopa entertainment center;
- in the contact mini-zoo "Diana."
Holidays, events and festivals
Despite the cold weather and a slight decrease in tourist activity, the cultural life of the city is still going strong. For example, the festivities in Karlovy Vary in October will keep the vacationers from getting bored and delight them with music and entertainment. Fans of jazz and related genres such as funk, soul, and blues will be lucky to enjoy them.
In the middle of the month, Karlovy Vary hosts Jazz Fest, a jazz music festival. Classic hits and new compositions in modern arrangements can be heard in the Mill Colonnade, where the festival is organized.
And towards the end of the month — October 28 — the whole country celebrates the Day of Formation of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. Although the country was split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this day is still considered important in history and is celebrated as an official state holiday.
In addition to the presentation of awards to distinguished figures of the country, as well as the military parade in Prague, of course, this day is marked by mass festivities, entertainment, and festive fireworks. Therefore, you will have an incredible opportunity to join the celebrations and have a great time.
Cost of vacation
Despite the cold weather, the end of the vacation season, and the decrease in tourist activity, prices in Karlovy Vary in October are almost the same as the previous month. The spa is very popular, and travelers come to the thermal springs all year round to maintain their health.
Package Tours
Tour operators do not change the price of tours. A price reduction of 2.5% is so insignificant. It is possible to book a tour a few months before the trip; then, you can buy it cheaper.
Aitfares
But the price of airfare in October increases by almost 10% compared to the previous month.
It may be due to the fall break, but the price stays high and only drops slightly in November.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in hotels becomes in this period a little lower — by about 6%: in September, one person had to pay about 206 EUR per day, and in October — 193 EUR. It is noteworthy that by November, this price is halved.
Having arrived in the Czech Republic, prepare your stomachs for a food feast. Czechs are very fond of eating, and the owners of eateries and restaurants usually treat their guests with portions of incredible size. So keep this in mind when ordering food from the menu.
Be sure to make the kids happy with crispy Karlovarsky oplatky (local waffles), which will cost you no more than 1 EUR per piece, and, of course, trdelnik baked right on the open fire (about 3-4 EUR).
Any self-respecting tourist should try these traditional delicacies. A quick meal in a local bistro in the form of a baguette with various fillings will also cost a little more than 2-5 EUR, but for a dinner for two in a restaurant, you will have to pay about 40 EUR.
To move around the city is excellent bus service. This transportation system is very convenient: buses come minute by minute, according to the schedule.
In addition, each has a route diagram, so it is almost impossible to get confused.
You can buy a ticket for public transportation for any validity period, from 20 minutes to a year, and do it conveniently: online, at a special kiosk, or directly from the driver (the last option will cost a little more).
You can also use cab services (approximate cost — 3 EUR for boarding and 1,2 EUR for each kilometer) or rent a car, which will cost 60 EUR daily.
Tips for tourists with children
When planning a vacation, it is worth thinking through all the nuances of the trip and choosing the most comfortable season for it.
For traveling with babies, October is not the best month: the probability of cooling to 0 ° C by mid-autumn increases, and walks with a stroller must be minimized.
But for school-age children, the trip will be an excellent option for a fall vacation with walks to hot springs, trips to museums, and entertainment. On a nice day, a trip to the viewpoints will be a great vacation option. The main thing is to put in your suitcase warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a cozy scarf in case of a chilly wind.
Our collection of children's and family entertainment in Karlovy Vary will also help you plan a family sightseeing program. We hope Kidpassage's tips will make your vacation unforgettable.