Spain in October: Weather, Festivals, and Travel Highlights 2025
October is one of the most rewarding months to visit Spain. The summer crowds have faded, the weather is still mild and pleasant, and the country bursts with cultural celebrations, film festivals, and traditional fairs. From the flower offerings in Zaragoza to the seafood festivals in Galicia, Spain in October blends the warmth of late summer with the charm of autumn.
Weather and Travel Conditions
October marks the shoulder season across Spain, which means lower prices, fewer tourists, and a relaxed pace compared with peak summer. Weather remains comfortable for sightseeing, with average highs between 15°C and 25°C depending on the region.
- Southern Spain: Andalusia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community stay warm, often reaching 26°C. Cities such as Seville, Granada, and Málaga are ideal for outdoor exploration.
- Canary Islands: The warmest destination in Spain in October, often around 28°C, suitable for beach days and hiking.
- Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Ibiza enjoy pleasant days between 21°C and 25°C.
- Northern Spain: The Basque Country and Galicia feel more autumnal, with cooler temperatures and higher rainfall.
Sea temperatures along the Mediterranean remain comfortable for swimming, and sunshine hours are still generous. Late in the month Spain changes clocks, so plan outdoor visits earlier during the last week.
National Holidays and Major Celebrations
October 12 – National Day of Spain
The Fiesta Nacional de España is a nationwide celebration of the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus. In Madrid, a military parade and a tribute to the national flag are attended by the Royal Family. Many institutions close for the day, and cultural activities take place across the country.
October 9 – Valencia Day
Exclusive to the Valencian Community, October 9 commemorates King James I’s entry into Valencia in 1238. Celebrations include the ceremonial procession of the Real Senyera, fireworks, mascletàs, concerts, and medieval markets. The custom of La Mocadorà adds a romantic touch with marzipan sweets wrapped in a handkerchief.
Regional Festivals Across Spain
Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza
From October 4 to 13, 2025, Zaragoza hosts a major festival in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar. The Offering of Flowers on October 12 fills the Plaza del Pilar with color. Concerts, fireworks, folklore, and gastronomy round out the program. Peru is the guest country for 2025.
Andalusian Fairs on the Costa del Sol
October brings ferias across the Costa del Sol. Fuengirola’s Feria del Rosario and San Pedro de Alcántara’s Feria de San Pedro feature flamenco, horse parades, and fireworks. Food festivals such as Benalmádena’s seafood fair and the cheese fair in Teba showcase regional produce. Cádiz and Málaga hold Tosantos on October 31, celebrating local markets and seasonal products.
Catalonia and Barcelona’s Cultural Calendar
Barcelona becomes a cultural hub in October. The Sitges Film Festival opens the month, Barcelona Design Week and 48h Open House BCN highlight innovation and architecture, and the Voll-Damm Barcelona Jazz Festival brings international musicians to city venues. Flamenco City presents performances across the city. Catalonia marks La Castanyada on October 31 with roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and panellets.
Northern Spain and Galicia
Lugo’s Fiestas de San Froilán and O Grove’s Seafood Festival celebrate Galician heritage. The Basque Country hosts the Bilbao Night Marathon and the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival in San Sebastián. Wine regions such as La Rioja and Ribera del Duero welcome the grape harvest.
Cultural Highlights in Madrid
Beyond the National Day parade, Madrid hosts Oktoberfest Madrid, Architecture Week, and the Autumn Festival focused on contemporary performing arts. The Fiesta de la Trashumancia brings sheep and shepherds through the city streets in late October.
Seasonal Foods and Local Traditions
Autumn brings roasted chestnuts and panellets in Catalonia, mushrooms and artichokes in many regions, and seafood specialties in Galicia. In Andalusia, local cheeses and wines take center stage at village fairs.
Planning to experience these events and flavors? Spain tour packages with Exoticca combine cultural highlights, gastronomy, and historic landmarks for an authentic autumn escape.
Practical Travel Tips
- Closures: Banks and public offices close on October 9 in Valencia and nationwide on October 12.
- Daylight: On Sunday, October 26, clocks move back one hour. Plan outdoor visits earlier after this date.
- Crowds: October is quieter overall, though the Zaragoza festival and Madrid parade draw large audiences.
- Packing: Bring layers for day to night temperature changes and differences between regions.
