Autumn In Austria: Why Visit In October

October is a great month to visit Austria. It's fall, and the leaves are turning red and gold—a pretty sight in the parks and gardens of cities and in the hills and mountains. The weather is generally dry, with an average high of 59°F (15°C), although it can be colder in the mountain towns. It's a quiet time for travel to Austria, so you're likely to find discounted flights and accommodation. There are also plenty of fun events, such as Oktoberfest-like celebrations, film and gallery festivals, and traditional Austrian culture in the Alpine regions.

Weather in October

October is fall in Austria and a quiet season in which to visit. The average temperature during the day is 10°C, rising to 14°C in the afternoon, and dropping to 6°C in the evening. There are usually 6 to 9 stormy days in the month.

October is a transition period between the summer and winter attractions of Austria. The days are getting shorter, with sunset at the beginning of the month around 6:30 pm, and by the end of October, it's 4:30 pm.

The autumn colours are stunningly beautiful, and although the weather is cooler, you may still have some bright days. It's a great time to head outdoors and enjoy the countryside. Attractions in the cities are open, and some gondolas to the mountains will be running. The boats on the Wolfgangsee will be operating on a slightly reduced timetable.

It's a good time to look for discounts on flights, train travel, and accommodation, especially in the cities. However, some hotels close during this shoulder season, and there may be off-season closures in some smaller places.

In October, the leaves on the trees are turning red and gold, even at lower altitudes, and this can be a pretty sight in the parks and gardens of cities, as well as in the hills and mountains.

October is an ideal time to visit the capital, Vienna, as there is a range of events and festivals. When the weather is fine, taking a walking tour is a good way of learning about the city's architecture. You can also attend Vienna's Long Night of the Museums, usually held on one night in early October, when most of the city's museums participate.

For traditional Austrian culture, head to the Alpine regions in early October to witness the Almabtrieb processions. Cattle are brought down from the higher to the lower pastures and valleys for the season, with cows and humans alike dressed in colourful traditional adornments, parading through the main streets of towns.

October is also a fun time to visit the Alpine villages, with Oktoberfest-like celebrations, and film and museum/gallery festivals in the cities.

Events and festivals

October is a great time to visit Austria if you want to experience its many events and festivals, as well as quieter attractions. The autumn colours are "stunningly beautiful", and the weather is generally dry and pleasant, with temperatures during the day averaging 15°C and dropping to around 6°C at night.

The month is filled with music and art events, with artists and musicians gathering to showcase their crafts. One such event is Snowbombing, a popular ski resort festival held in the ski resort of Mayrhofen. Here, you can enjoy traditional Austrian music and experience the country's culture.

If you're looking for something more active, October is a great time to go paragliding in Austria, with generally good thermal and wind conditions. There are many places to paraglide, including Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and the Zillertal Valley.

For traditional Austrian culture, head to the Alpine regions in early October to witness the Almabtrieb processions. Cattle are brought down from the higher pastures to the valleys for the season, with cows and humans alike dressed in colourful traditional adornments, parading through the main streets of towns.

If you're staying in the capital, Vienna, there are a range of events and festivals to enjoy, including the Long Night of the Museums, usually held on one night in early October. Most of the city's museums participate, and you can also check out the beautiful buildings lit up at night.

For film lovers, there's the Vielle Film Festival, held in late October, where you can view short films by directors from different traditions and regions of the world.

Finally, expect business closures on 26 October, Austria's National Day, commemorating its declaration of neutrality in 1955.

Accommodation and prices

October is a quiet time for travel to Austria, so it's a great month to look for discounts on flights, train travel, and accommodation. You may find off-season closures in some smaller places, but cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck will be open as usual.

Vienna's hotel rates can be influenced by major conferences and conventions, which often take place in June, September, or October. In contrast, Salzburg's room demand is highest during the Salzburg Festival season in late July and August. Outside of these larger events, prices tend to drop in the summer and in January when Christmas festivities are over. Prices in the mountains are also higher during the winter season, especially during the festive period.

If you're looking for a more rural experience, the Alpine villages are a great option in October. You can witness traditional culture, including the Almabtrieb processions, where cows are brought down from higher to lower pastures and valleys for the season, with cows and humans alike dressed in colourful traditional adornments.

Overall, October is a great month to find discounted accommodation in Austria, especially in the cities.

What to pack

October is a great time to visit Austria, with the autumn colours providing a stunning backdrop to your trip. The weather is generally dry, with a slight chill, so make sure to pack accordingly.

The average temperature in October is 10°C, with a daytime high of 14°C and a low of 6°C in the evenings. So, you'll want to bring a mix of clothing options to accommodate the varying temperatures. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes or boots are a must, as you'll want to explore the beautiful countryside and cities.
• A lightweight waterproof jacket or coat will be useful for any rainy days and to layer over warmer clothes.
• Speaking of layers, bring a few! Pack clothes that can be easily layered, such as sweaters, cardigans, and long-sleeved shirts.
• A scarf, hat, and gloves will help keep you warm, especially in the evenings or if you plan to visit any of the mountain towns, which tend to be colder.
• Don't forget to bring a heavier coat or jacket, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
• For the slightly warmer days, a pair of trousers or jeans and a light jumper will be comfortable.
• If you plan to participate in any outdoor activities, such as hiking or paragliding, bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
• October is a great time to visit the Alpine villages, so consider bringing a dress or two if you want to join in on the traditional cultural celebrations.
• Don't forget your camera to capture all the beautiful sights and memories!

With the changing weather, it's a good idea to check the forecast before your trip, so you can be prepared for any unexpected temperature drops or rain.

Happy travels and enjoy your time in Austria!

Attractions and activities

October is a great time to visit Austria, especially if you're looking for quieter attractions and discounted accommodation. The weather is generally dry and pleasant, with the average high being around 15°C, although it can get colder in the mountain towns. The trees are turning red and gold, and there's still enough sunshine to explore.

Cities

October is a good time to visit Austria's cities, especially the capital, Vienna. There are often events and festivals, and the weather is usually fine for walking tours. Vienna's Long Night of the Museums is usually held in early October, when most of the city's museums participate, and you can see the beautiful buildings lit up at night.

Alpine Regions

If you're looking for traditional Austrian culture, head to the Alpine regions in early October for the Almabtrieb processions. Cattle are brought down from the higher pastures for the season, and cows and humans alike dress in colourful traditional costumes and parade through the main streets of towns. Tyrol is a perfect place for these events, although they also happen in September in some regions.

Food and Drink

You can learn about Austrian culture through its food and drink. Attend an Oktoberfest celebration, try beer from a local beer hall, or visit a heurigen (traditional tavern).

Paragliding

October is an excellent time to go paragliding in Austria, as thermal and wind conditions are generally good. There are many places to paraglide, including Hallstatt, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and the Zillertal Valley.

Film and Music

For film lovers, there's the Vielle Film Festival in Vienna in late October, where you can view short films by directors from different regions and traditions. For music lovers, check out Vienna's Wiener Wiesn-Fest in Prater Park.

Frequently asked questions