What's the weather like in La Palma in October
Temperature
Although the month of October is often considered the beginning of the fall season and when temperatures turn cold for much of the world, the weather in La Palma during this month is still quite warm. The average temperature in October is 23°C (73°F), while the average low is 20°C (68°F) and the average high is 25°C (77°F). The beginning of the month brings lots of sunny days, no chance of rain, and an average daily temperature of about 24°C (75°F). The middle of October sees mostly sunny days with an occasional cloud, a slight increase in the chance of rain, and an average daily temperature of 23°C (73°F). The end of the month follows this trend, still with mostly sunny skies, but an increase in cloudy days with a higher chance of rain, and an average daily temperature of 22°C (72°F). The lowest ever recorded temperature in La Palma in October is 15°C (59°F), while the highest ever recorded temperature is 34°C (93°F).
Rainfall
Going hand-in-hand with a decrease in sun is an increase in rain. The average rainfall in October is 40mm spread out over the course of seven days. While this is four times as much as in September (10mm), it is a relatively small amount and should not affect your holiday in La Palma.
Sunshine Hours
Although the temperature in October is still warm, it does decrease as the month goes on, and corresponding with this is the amount of sunshine. The average daily sunshine in October is six hours. This is a full hour less than what it was in September and two hours fewer than the peak of eight for La Palma in July and August.
Humidity
The average humidity in October is 75%, which is high enough to make those spending time outside uncomfortable, but with the mostly mild temperatures this month, it is possible for the humidity to go unnoticed.
Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature in October is 18°C (64°F), three degrees cooler than in September (21°C). Water this temperature is considered fairly cool and those who do choose to go in the water would be wise to keep their swims relatively short.
La Palma Hotels in October
Hacienda de Abajo is a hotel that is made up of four buildings encompassing a garden. Much of the hotel and its decoration date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The building was renovated in 2011 as part of a process to maintain its historical feel. The hotel has 32 rooms and they consist of modern amenities blended with traditional décor. The rooms contain objects ranging from the 1st to the 20th centuries. There are several different room sizes to choose from, all with full bathrooms and air-conditioning. A majority of the rooms also come with a balcony, terrace or garden. There is an on-site restaurant offering a mix of local and international options for all three meals of the day, as well as a bar. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with sunbeds for guests. Hacienda de Abajo is about a 45 minute drive west of Santa Cruz.
The Pensión La Cubana is a small, one-star hotel with six rooms available over two floors. Each room has its own sink but there are two shared bathrooms for all guests. There are common areas with couches, chairs, a kitchen area and a large refrigerator. There is also complimentary wireless internet in all rooms and common areas. The main perk to this hotel is its location, it's in the heart of Santa Cruz and just 10 minute walk to the beach. Santa Cruz is filled with restaurants and shops, these too are just steps away.
La Palma Beach for October
Puerto Espindola Beach is next to a port and thus it is protected from large waves, creating a calm swimming area. The beach consists of black sand and pebbles and is relatively small - 85 metres long and about five metres wide. In addition to it being a calm water beach, there are also fishing boats and remains of a castle from the 16th century, making this area also very beautiful to simply look at. There are a few facilities on the beach such as toilets and a parking area. There are also restaurants just off of the beach with views of the sea. This area can get crowded during the summer months, but some of the traffic should die down during October. Puerto Espindola Beach is about a 30 minute drive north of Santa Cruz.
El Jurado Beach is a small beach that is quiet year-round. The beach consists of pebbles and sand and is not ideal for swimming. The waves and currents off of the beach are strong and can be dangerous if you are an inexperienced swimmer. Wading in the water is safe, but be cognizant of your surroundings. The beach is near large cliffs (about 400 metres) so another reason to head here are for the lovely sights. There are not restaurants close by to this isolated beach, but under a 10 minute drive inland is Cerveceria Isla Verde, which serves tapas and beer that they brew themselves. El Jurado Beach is a little bit over an hour drive west of Santa Cruz.
Restaurants and Bars
La Perla Negra restaurant offers a Mediterranean style menu cooked using fresh and local ingredients and changes weekly. Their menu consists of starters and tapas, usually with dishes like cucumber carpaccio with fried prawns or gambas al ajillo. They offer vegetarian meals (fresh wok vegetables), meat dishes (beef tenderloin) and a variety of fish (steamed Abadejo) for their main courses. Desserts and a large wine list are available as too. The restaurant is open from 5 PM until close on Monday to Friday, and from 1 PM to 10 PM on Sundays. La Perla Negra is about a 30 minute drive west of Santa Cruz.
Tasca El Castillo is a restaurant that offers an organic menu, made with ingredients grown and purchased on the island of La Palma. Their menu is not large, but it is always fresh, with options like crisp salads, grilled meats seasoned to perfection and some sort of delicious vegetarian dish as well. Local wines that pair exquisitely with your meal are available as well. The restaurant is tucked away among lush, wild plant life and vegetation and views of the nearby mountains and the sea can be enjoyed from their balcony. Tasca El Castillo is only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2 PM until late and they are about a 90 minute drive from Santa Cruz.
Things to do in La Palma in October
The sea water is still warm enough to enjoy in October so consider renting kayaks or canoes. This is a great way to explore and get to know parts of La Palma, while also relaxing on the ocean water. There are numerous hidden bays and coves that you are able to reach only by boat and can be explored on your trip. The rentals come with a guide to lead the way and trips are offered in two and four hour options, as well as day-long journeys. Prices vary depending on what type of trip you want, but discounts are available if you book online. The trips usually depart from close to their diving center, which is about a 12 minute drive south of Santa Cruz.
If you are a thrill seeker, consider trying paragliding with the Palmaclub. It is a unique way to see the island and get rare views of impressive sights, like volcanoes. It is even possible to start the ride from a slope of a volcano. Rides are tandem and accompanied by a guide to ensure your safety. People of any age can partake in paragliding, wearing hiking boots and warm clothes are recommended. Prices vary on the type of ride you'd like to go on and where the take-off and landing spots are. The main office is about a 48 minute drive southwest of Santa Cruz.
The beautiful wooden balconies (Balcones de la abenida Maritima) are famous in Santa Cruz and have been photographed many times by travellers. The flowers and bright colours make them unique and well worth visiting, plus Santa Cruz is the capital city of La Palma.
