What's the weather like in Costa Brava in October
Temperature
The weather continues to cool down in the Costa Brava, Spain in October, when the summer has come to an end and the autumn season is just beginning. Although the temperatures in October are significantly cooler than they are during August and September, the sea water retains its heat from the summer making October a great month to enjoy a dip in the sea.
During this month, the average temperature for the Costa Brava starts off at 18.5°C on October 1st and slowly falls until it reaches 13.5°C by October 31st. Daily highs and lows change in the same way, dropping from 24°C to 19°C and from 13°C to 8°C, respectively, as the month develops.
With mild average temperatures like this, you'll need to bring a mixture of warm and cool clothing to ensure you stay comfortable during your holiday. Whilst you might get away with light and airy clothing during the daytime, you'll almost certainly need a coat or jacket on an evening. Make sure you pack your swimming gear, as well as some suntan lotion and a pair of sunglasses, too.
Although it only happens on rare occasions, temperatures have been known to rise above 28°C and fall below 3°C in the Costa Brava in October. The hottest October day ever recorded at the weather station at the Girona airport the most accurately-located weather station for info on the Costa Brava is October 12th 2011, when temperatures as high as 33.1°C were registered. At the other end of the scale, the coldest October day ever registered here is October 27th 1973, when temperatures as low as -2°C were recorded.
Rain
On average, October is usually the wettest month of the year in the Costa Brava. At this time of year, the region is subject to an average of 82mm (3 inches) of rainfall which is spread out between 11 rainy days. With such a high quantity of rainfall occurring on so many days throughout the month, there is a good chance you'll see some rainfall during your holiday in October. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so consider bringing an umbrella or some waterproof clothing with you.
The highest monthly precipitation which has ever been registered at the airport in Girona in October is 421.4 l/m2, which was recorded in 1987. Not only is this the highest monthly rainfall ever registered in October, but it's the highest monthly rainfall ever recorded in the Costa Brava in any month.
The maximum number of rainy days ever recorded here in October is 21 which happened in 1992. This is also the maximum number of rainy days ever to occur in the Costa Brava during any month. Equally, the maximum amount of precipitation ever to fall within a single 24-hour period in October is 177.1 l/m2, all of which fell on October 3rd 1879. This is also the maximum amount of precipitation which has ever fallen in the Costa Brava on any day.
The possibility of rainfall occurring on an average day in the Costa Brava in October slightly drops as the month develops. Precipitation is least likely to occur around October 31st when it falls on 33% of days, whilst precipitation is most likely to occur around October 1st when it falls on 35% of days. The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see during your holiday in October are thunderstorms, moderate rain, drizzle and light rain.
Average Sunshine Hours
Throughout October, the Costa Brava enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine every day that's two hours less each day than in September. Despite the decrease in sunshine, eight hours is still more than enough time for you to explore the local area and soak up some rays by the pool or at the beach during your holiday.
Average Sea Temperature
At this time of year, the average sea water temperature for the beaches in the Costa Brava is 22°C that's 2°C cooler than in September. Although everyone feels water temperature differently, almost everyone will agree that this is more than warm enough to enjoy all sorts of aquatic activities, including water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming.
Sunshine Hours
Across October, the length of the day in the Costa Brava steadily decreases, with a difference of 1:20 hours between the beginning and the end of the month. The longest day of the month is October 1st with 1:44 hours of daylight, whilst the shortest day of the month is October 31st with 10:24 hours of daylight.
Humidity
During October, the relative humidity for the region ranges between 51% (mildly humid) and 97% (very humid) rarely falling below 35% (comfortable) or reaching 100%. On average, the most humid day of the month is October 29th, when the average daily humidity rises above 96% three days out of every four. On the other hand, the least humid day of the month is October 1st when the average humidity falls below 58% three days out of every four.
Wind
In October, the average wind speeds range between 0 m/s (calm) and 5 m/s (gentle breeze) in the Costa Brava, rarely rising above 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) occurs around October 5th, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s. At the other end of the scale, the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s happens around October 31st, when the average daily maximum is 4 m/s (gentle breeze).
Costa Brava Hotels in October
When it comes to affordable accommodation in the Costa Brava, Hotel Reimar is a top choice. Situated in Sant Antoni de Calonge, this hotel is just a five minute walk away from the coast, making it ideal for families and couples who want to soak up some rays at the beach during their holiday. Here you'll find accommodation available in the form of double, twin and triple rooms, many of which come with a balcony. There is a small selection of services and facilities available onsite, including swimming pool, terrace, tennis courts, bar, restaurant, free WiFi access and parking.
For a little more luxury, check out Guitart Gold Central Park Resort & Spa. This four-star hotel is located in Lloret de Mar and boasts a comprehensive spa complete with swimming pool, gym, relaxation zone and sauna. Here guests can choose between various junior, standard and superior suites, each of which is spacious and well-designed. In addition to the spa, there are plenty of other services and facilities available to enjoy onsite, including animation programme, sports facilities, all-inclusive option, bars, restaurants, WiFi access, parking and swimming pool.
Hotel Excelsior is ideal for families and couples who want to be close to the beach during their holiday in the Costa Brava. Set right on the seafront of Lloret de Mar, this complex is within easy walking distance of a number of bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and supermarkets. Here you'll find accommodation available in the form of single, double and triple rooms, many of which come with sea views. Guests are encouraged to take full advantage of the services and facilities available onsite which include spa, terrace, bar, restaurant, free WiFi access and room service.
Costa Brava Beach for October
October is probably the last month of the year in the Costa Brava when it will be warm enough to comfortably go for a swim, so make the most of it and hit the beach during your holiday. The beach at Empuriabrava is the widest beach in the whole of the region, so you'll never be stuck for somewhere to lie down your towel, no matter how busy the beach is. The sand here is soft and golden, making it perfect for children to play in and adults to sunbathe on, whilst the sea is calm and clear, providing the ideal conditions for swimming and snorkelling. The only downside to this beach is the frequent wind, which can make sunbathing a pain, despite being more than suitable for all sorts of water sports. Since the beach at Empuriabrava is a Blue Flag beach, you'll find loads of top facilities available here, such as sun loungers, shades, showers, toilets, lifeguards and beachside restaurants.
The beach at Tamariu is another great choice when it comes to somewhere to spend the day under the sun. This small, sandy bay is located in a traditional fishing village, which means there are plenty of fish and seafood restaurants just a short walk away for when lunchtime rolls around. Here you'll find soft golden sand lapped by warm, aquamarine waters, creating the picture-perfect beach look that many bays have in the Costa Brava. Unfortunately, there are no facilities provided on the beach, so you'll need to bring along your own chairs, shade, food and drinks with you, if you think you'll need them.
Bars and Restaurants
When it comes to Italian restaurants in the Costa Brava, Recer de La Mer in Begur is tough to beat. Located just a short walk away from the beach, this popular eatery serves a wide range of pizzas, pastas, rice dishes, seafood, meat options and vegetarian choices, with something guaranteed to please each palate. Whatever you decide to order here, make sure you leave room for dessert they all come very highly recommended.
This place also has a great outdoor seating area to enjoy drinks, as well as TVs inside for the latest sports games.
If you're stuck for somewhere to eat in Lloret de Mar, consider popping into Can Bolet. This eatery specialises in Mediterranean dishes, with a selection of Catalonian delicacies thrown into the mix, too. As well as the comprehensive a la carte menu, you can also choose from several set menus, including the menu of the day, evening menu, meat menu, seafood menu and Sunday menu, each of which is available for a reasonable price.
Foodies in Cadaques won't want to miss the chance to eat at Talla. This popular restaurant serves a range of contemporary Mediterranean starters, mains and desserts, all of which are sure to bring a smile to the face of even the most discerning foodie. Although the prices are slightly more expensive than other restaurants in the area, it's worth it for the chance to be able to enjoy freshly prepared food, top service and a friendly atmosphere. The goats cheese starter, followed by the stunning scallops are fantastic.
Head to Lloret de Mar beach and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or iced frappe at Xiringuito Canyelles beach bar, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. As well as alcoholic drinks, you can also find smoothies and fresh juices served here too.
Things to do in Costa Brava in October
Admire the varied marine life of the Costa Brava by signing up for a scuba diving excursion with Aiguablava Dive Centre. Based in Begur, this diving school offers a wide range of leisurely, professional and technical scuba diving trips and courses, providing something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to have a go at scuba diving for the very first time or want to achieve diving instructor-status, the Aiguablava Dive Centre will have the perfect course for you.
Families travelling with young children won't want to miss the chance to visit Gnomo Park. Situated in Lloret de Mar, this family-friendly amusement park is free for adults to enter and children only have to pay a small fee, making it suitable for all families whatever your budget is. Here you'll find a large inflatable slide, various indoor and outdoor play zones, chicken and duck enclosures, mini water park, arcade games, mini golf, mini disco and even an obstacle course, providing something for kids of all ages to enjoy. There is a café available onsite which serves food and drink throughout the day, as well as several picnic areas scattered throughout where you can enjoy your own packed lunch.
History buffs won't want to pass up the opportunity to visit the Moorish Tower in Tossa de Mar. This historic attraction can be seen from almost anywhere in the village and is made up of a tall and well-maintained tower. If you want to get a close-up view of the tower, you'll need to follow the hike along the cobblestone path which is peppered with restaurants along the way, providing you with plenty of places to stop off and re-energise. When you arrive at the top, not only will you get a great view of the tower, but you'll also get to enjoy superb sea vistas which stretch across the whole of Tossa de Mar and out to sea.
Make the most of the last of the warm sea water by having a go at some water sports during your holiday in the Costa Brava. Based in L'Estartit, EolisKite offers a number of kitesurfing and stand-up-paddle courses for visitors to enjoy during their holiday. Courses range from single-day practises to get a feel for the sport up to four-day advanced courses to perfect your technique, guaranteeing something for all abilities and preferences. If you're an experienced kitesurfer or stand-up-paddle boarder, EolisKite will happily rent you the equipment for a small fee so you can go out to sea and explore on your own.
