Things to Do in Cadiz in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Cadiz
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect beach weather without the scorching summer heat - water temperature around 20°C (68°F) makes swimming comfortable while air temps of 23°C (74°F) mean you can actually enjoy walking the old town without melting. The UV index of 8 is strong but manageable with proper sun protection.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after September crowds clear out - accommodation runs about 30-40% cheaper than peak summer months, and you'll actually get tables at the better tapas bars without booking days ahead. Flight prices from UK and northern Europe drop significantly after school holidays end.
- October is when gaditanos reclaim their city - you'll experience authentic local life as families return to weekend beach visits and the evening paseo along La Caleta. The ratio of locals to tourists flips compared to summer, making cultural experiences far more genuine.
- Atlantic conditions are ideal for intermediate water sports - wind patterns stabilize for kitesurfing at Valdelagrana and La Barrosa, while waves at El Palmar beach become more predictable for surfers. Water visibility improves as summer sediment settles, making it surprisingly decent for coastal exploration.
Considerations
- Rain happens about one-third of the month and it's genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days typically bring proper Atlantic downpours that can last 2-4 hours, not just quick showers. The narrow streets of the old town become slippery and many outdoor terrace restaurants close up when it hits.
- Evening temperatures drop faster than you'd expect - while afternoons feel summery at 23°C (74°F), by 9pm you're looking at 17°C (63°F) with Atlantic wind that makes it feel cooler. That rooftop bar scene everyone photographs requires an actual jacket after sunset.
- Some beach chiringuitos and seasonal restaurants start closing mid-month - the exact timing varies year to year, but particularly at beaches like Cortadura and Santa Maria, you'll find reduced food options as operators wind down before winter. Call ahead if you're planning a specific beach day with lunch.
Best Activities in October
Old Town Walking Tours and Tavira Tower Visits
October weather is actually perfect for exploring Cadiz's dense historic center - the 23°C (74°F) afternoons won't leave you exhausted like summer's 35°C (95°F) days do. The baroque churches stay pleasantly cool inside, and climbing the 45-meter (148-foot) Tavira Tower for 360-degree views is far more comfortable. The humidity at 70% is noticeable but not oppressive when you're moving at walking pace. Most importantly, you can actually appreciate the architecture without being surrounded by cruise ship groups that dominate July and August.
Atlantic Beach Days at La Caleta and Playa Victoria
The water temperature around 20°C (68°F) is actually warmer than you'd get in San Francisco in summer, and October typically delivers those crystal-clear Atlantic days between weather systems. La Caleta, the small beach between the two castles, becomes a local favorite again after tourists leave - you'll see gaditano families here on weekends. Playa Victoria's 3 km (1.9 miles) of sand offers more space and the promenade stays lively. That said, be prepared for variability - wind can pick up quickly and those 10 rainy days mean roughly one-third of your beach days might be compromised.
Sherry Triangle Wine Tours to Jerez and Sanlucar
October is harvest season in the sherry triangle, making this the most interesting time to visit bodegas in nearby Jerez de la Frontera (30 km/19 miles away) and Sanlucar de Barrameda. You'll see actual production happening rather than just touring empty facilities. The weather is ideal for the 20-30 minute train ride or driving between towns. Tours typically include 3-5 sherry tastings and explain the solera aging system. The fino and manzanilla sherries served chilled are perfect for October's warm afternoons.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing at Valdelagrana Beach
October brings consistent Levante winds averaging 15-25 knots without the extreme gusts of summer, making it genuinely the best month for intermediate riders. Valdelagrana Beach across the bay in El Puerto de Santa Maria offers 4 km (2.5 miles) of sandy bottom and multiple schools. Water temperature at 20°C (68°F) means a 3/2mm wetsuit is adequate. The scene here is more local than touristy - you'll be sharing the water with Spanish kiters rather than international crowds.
Mercado Central and Tapas Bar Crawls
October marks the return of proper local market rhythm after the tourist-heavy summer months. The Mercado Central de Abastos, one of the oldest markets in Spain, fills with seasonal products - the first wild mushrooms, fresh almonds, and the tail end of summer tomatoes. The surrounding tapas bars in the Barrio del Populo serve locals again, meaning better quality and faster service. The 70% humidity actually helps keep fried pescaito crispy on the outside while moist inside, and standing at outdoor bar counters is comfortable in October's temperatures.
Cycling the Via Verde Coastal Route
The Via Verde de la Bahia de Cadiz is a 56 km (35-mile) converted railway line that loops the bay through salt marshes and coastal towns. October offers the best cycling conditions all year - not too hot, less wind than spring, and the salt flats host migrating birds. You don't need to ride the whole thing; the 12 km (7.5 miles) section from Cadiz to San Fernando through the Parque Natural Bahia de Cadiz is flat, paved, and takes about 90 minutes at leisure pace. The route is almost entirely separated from traffic.
October Events & Festivals
Fiestas de la Virgen del Rosario
The neighborhood of Santa Maria celebrates its patron saint with a week of traditional processions, street decorations, and evening verbenas (outdoor dance parties). This is authentically local - you'll see gaditano families in their best clothes, traditional flamenco performed in plazas, and street food stalls selling churros and pestiños. The main procession typically happens on the first Sunday of October, but celebrations run for several days before and after.
Erizada Season Opening
Not an official event, but October marks when bars start serving erizada - sea urchin roe that's a delicacy in Cadiz. You'll see handwritten signs appear in seafood bars around the Mercado Central and fishing neighborhoods. It's eaten raw with a squeeze of lemon, and locals treat the first erizada of the season as a genuine occasion. Prices vary wildly based on daily catch but expect 8-15 euros for a portion.