Have you ever been to Vienna in autumn? Listening to its music, breathing its air, enjoying its desserts, inhaling the aroma of morning coffee... The influx of tourists has subsided, the streets breathe with autumnal coolness, the city is painted with a red-yellow palette of leaves — this is Vienna in October.
Holidays in Vienna in October: 5 reasons for an autumn trip
As with any time of the year, the verdict on a holiday in Vienna in October cannot be negative. Unless it's a rainy day. The atmosphere of opera music, historic architecture, the aroma of coffee and the unforgettable taste of Viennese desserts more than compensate for the vagaries of the weather.
So what are the facts that make Vienna a great place to visit in October? Let's find out!
- The influx of tourists is down, which means there are no crowded streets, no queues at the cafes and you can enjoy your walks around the Austrian capital with the whole family in peace;
- Prices for tours and flights also drop as October is not a high season month, making travel cheaper;
- The fresh October air and mild sunshine only encourage walking;
- Vienna in October is rich in cultural events, so a well-planned trip is sure to be enjoyable;
- The Austrian capital is considered one of the most romantic cities, especially in autumn, so you have the opportunity to spend an unforgettable romantic weekend.
For an enjoyable trip, you should also be aware of the peculiarities of autumn in Vienna.
- October brings real autumn rain and wind to Vienna, so be sure to pack mackintoshes and umbrellas just in case the weather decides to test you;
- There have been years when the temperature in October has been below freezing as well as very high above freezing, so plan your trip with the weather forecast in mind.
Weather in Vienna in October
The weather in the Austrian capital in October and November is unpredictable, sometimes dry and sunny throughout the month, sometimes drizzling rain with gusts of wind and an uncomfortable chill. However, if you're prepared to venture out, a holiday at this time of year can be a very pleasant experience.
The weather in early October often doesn't differ much from September: The air is warm and the sun is quite warm. Temperatures in Vienna in mid-October are between +14°C and +15°C during the day and +7°C at night.
The weather in Vienna at the end of October is very similar to the weather in November: temperatures drop, sometimes to subzero at night, it gets colder and it rains more often.
Air temperature
Vienna has a temperate climate. All four seasons are distinctly different. Deep autumn arrives at the end of November, so there's still plenty of time to enjoy the warmth of autumn in October.
Temperatures in Vienna in October range from extremely hot to below freezing. The variability of the weather and temperatures in Vienna in October is shown by the high and low limits: the highest is +27°C during the day and the lowest is -14°C at night.
Air temperature in Vienna in October
The average day temperature in October is +15°C, while the average night temperature is +5°C. At the beginning of the month, daytime temperatures are close to +18°C to +20°C, sometimes rising to a near-summer high of +22°C. Towards November, temperatures drop to between +8°C and +11°C. October is the month when temperatures sometimes drop to zero for the first time in a long time.
Amount of precipitation
The weather in Vienna in October can be quite rainy. Although the total number of days with precipitation is relatively low, only 8-9, the rain is shallow and persistent, more like fog. For this reason, the total rainfall is also low at 33mm.
Sunny, cloudy, overcast days
On average, you can expect 14 days of sunshine in October, with the rest of the month either rainy or overcast. But if you are lucky, the sun will shine for most of the month. The number of sunny hours per day is 6-7. Daylight hours drop from 11.7 to 10 hours.
What's worth visiting in Vienna in October
One definite advantage of visiting Vienna in October is that there is no tourist rush. "The 'high' season here is May, the summer months and Christmas Eve, and in October you can stroll through the old streets without the hustle and bustle. And many people find that October is a particularly beautiful time in Vienna: quiet, sunny, brooding and autumnally elegant. You need to plan your trip well to discover these wonderful places.
Vienna's most famous attraction is St Stephen's Cathedral. It is a magnificent Gothic cathedral with many spires and stunning architecture. It is also famous for its many relics: icons, world-famous works of art and church furnishings. It is stunning in its grandeur, and the bell tower offers an amazing view of the Danube and Vienna, well worth the climb up the spiral staircase.
Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburg emperors, is one of the largest Baroque buildings in the world. The interior is decorated in the Rococo style. The palace and park are rightly considered to be among the most beautiful in Europe. The palace has 1441 rooms, 45 of which are currently open to the public. If you're travelling with children, they won't be bored either, as the park has a maze that the whole family can enjoy, as well as an unusual playground. The palace and park complex is located 5 km from the centre of Vienna.
If you go at the beginning of October, when it's still warm, don't forget to walk to the Upper Market Square. There is a unique carillon on which the figure of a historical Viennese character appears every hour, and at midday you can see a parade of all the figures. This is a spectacle not only for children but also for adults.
It is worth knowing that in Vienna you can purchase the Vienna City Card, which gives you free use of public transport, free travel for one child up to 15 years of age (shared ride) and over 210 discounts on guided tours and meals in cafés. The cost starts at 25 euros/adult/day and is available for one, two or three days.
Take advantage of the mid-October sunshine and stroll around Karlsplatz, one of the city's main traffic hubs and home to many important buildings: the Karlskirche church, the Vienna Museum building, the Technical University, the Künstlerhaus with its exhibition and cinema centre and the Musikverein concert hall.
As you stroll through the city centre, don't forget to catch a ride on a fiaker - a symbol of Vienna, like the red buses of London.
For a break from historical sightseeing, take a walk in the Stadtpark. See the flower clock, the exotic trees, all the sculptures and the statue of Strauss. The park is particularly beautiful at the end of October, when autumn has taken over the crowns of the trees and painted them as brightly as possible.
Another walk can be taken to the Burggarten. It's quiet, pleasant and clean. In the early 19th century it was the private garden of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Sissi. It was opened to the public three years after his death in 1919. There is a sculpture of Mozart at the back of the park.
In the Burggarten is the Palmery, an art nouveau building that houses the Butterfly House and a restaurant with delicious but not cheap food.
Vienna has a very unusual building with an equally unusual name: the Hundertwasser House. Its façade is painted in different colours — asymmetrical quadrangles, it is also called the House without Corners. The walls are uneven, the floors resemble paths in a forest and the whole building is decorated with lush vegetation. Despite its oddities, the 50-apartment building is a residential building, and each resident can change the wall at his or her window to suit his or her own taste.
Among the sights of Vienna, the Vienna Woods cannot be overlooked. It is more of a forest park, set in a rather hilly area. If you love the outdoors with your family, pick a warm, sunny day, grab some treats and head to the western edge of Vienna.
A visit to Princess Sissy's villa palace in the middle of the forest, with a small restaurant where you can relax and dine al fresco, will be a pleasant surprise.
And, of course, one of the oldest zoo in the world, founded in 1752. Not only can you see and feed exotic animals such as koalas, elephants, penguins and red piranhas, but a visit to the zoo with children is a memorable experience.
Holidays, events and festivals
Vienna's October festivals are diverse and varied. Vienna's October festivals are varied and fun, so after a day of sightseeing you can afford to have a good time.
- The young wine festival. All of Austria's wine-growing regions celebrate this event in October. Vienna is no exception, as it is the only capital in the world with vineyards within its city limits.
The "Vienna and Wine" campaign lasts one month. During this time, tourists have the opportunity to taste young wines. Most restaurants will have special wine and culinary offers, and it will be possible to take a tour of the wineries in addition to tasting.
The end of October traditionally marks the start of the sparkling wine season in Austria. Producers of the drink invite you to visit their cellars, taste the local champagne and learn more about its production. The opening ceremony takes place in Vienna's Museumsquartier. The Champagne Festival is complemented by local delicacies.
- Night of the Museums. Traditionally held in October, the Night of the Museums is an event in which renowned exhibition centres, galleries and museums take part: the Albertina and Belvedere in Vienna, the House of Music, the Museum of Art, the Mozart House Museum and others. A single ticket can be purchased for the museums participating in the event, which also includes special transport on the "museum route".
- International Film Festival. If you are a film buff, you must come to Vienna in October to see the latest movies. The International Film Festival is held here and features feature films, documentaries and short films.
- The Vienna Modern Music Festival is dedicated to contemporary music. Concerts are held at various venues around the city.
Shopping
New collections will still be on sale in all shopping centres in October, so you can spend a bad-weather day shopping for new clothes, shoes and accessories. But hurry, because the new autumn and winter sets sell out quickly, along with the rest of the summer collections. As a nice bonus, it's possible to get tax free on purchases over €75, as long as you meet all the requirements to earn your 13%.
Cost of vacation
October is not considered a high season month, so you can expect prices to drop in Vienna in October, but don't expect to make any significant savings. The weather is still good for walking, and all the tourist sites are open, still attracting those who want to experience the city's history.
Airfares
Airfares in October are 5-7% lower than in September and 7-10% higher than in November.
Package tours
October tour prices are down 6-7% compared to September and November prices continue to fall by a further 8-10%.
Food
Vienna is not only known for its wonderful music and magnificent architecture, but also for its traditional dishes, which are a must try. The famous Viennese Schnitzel — a huge, plate-sized piece of meat coated in butter and served with a slice of lemon — costs between €12 and €20, depending on how far you are from the city centre. The deliciously tender and unforgettable taste of Viennese strudel will delight you for €4, and the famous Sacher cake starts at €30 per kilo. Street food — Viennese sausages and bread — will fill you up for €4-5 and a litre glass of Austrian beer completes the meal for €4.
And, of course, Viennese Coffee or Viennese Melange. A traditional drink of the Austrian capital, its subtle aroma and delicate flavour will leave no one indifferent. Coffee prices start at €4 per serving.
Tips for holidays with children
If you are planning a holiday with children in October, check the weather forecast and if it promises sunny days and pleasant temperatures, you can take children of all ages with you. The whole family can enjoy strolling through the beautiful parks, especially as all the cafes, facilities and public transport are equipped with ramps so you don't have to lug around a pushchair.
For schoolchildren, October can be a great time for an educational trip, so there's plenty to do:
- Visit the theatre, which puts on shows for children from six months to 18 years;
- Visit one of the oldest zoos in the world — Tiergarten Schönbrunn;
- ZOOM, a state-of-the-art children's entertainment centre that will leave no one indifferent;
- Wander the halls of the Technical Museum of Vienna;
- Take a family trip to the Vienna Woods.
When planning your trip, read all the recommendations again, pack some warm clothes in case the weather turns nasty, take the family or just a loved one with you and enjoy the atmosphere of Vienna and its October flavour. Even if you get caught in the rain, there are plenty of places to hide and have a good time.
We hope our tips will help make your trip to Vienna in October unforgettable. And for a more enriching and entertaining trip, we suggest you explore our special children's itinerary for Vienna. You'll find plenty to do, even for autumn walks!
