Weather in Costa Brava in October

How October compares

October is the 6th warmest month of the year in Costa Brava. Within Spain it is 80th of 87 (Spain in October). Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Costa Brava is 6.1°C warmer by day and 5.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Costa Brava peaks at 20.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 24.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 14 days top 25°C and 1 in 333 pass 30°C. Nights average 13.6°C; one night in ten drops to 9.8°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 30.7°C (2011-10-11) and the coldest night 1.5°C (2012-10-29).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 10 days with 1 mm or more, 99 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2003 with 244 mm, the driest 2001 with 21 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 20.1°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.7°C to 21.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 10.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:01 and sets about 19:08 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 57%.

Is October a good time to visit Costa Brava?

October is not the strongest month here: warm days and frequent rain. The best months for Costa Brava on our scoring are July, June, August; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug.

Comfortable afternoons, cooler evenings

The average daytime high of 20.7°C makes October a reasonable choice for spending time outdoors without intense heat. A mild afternoon may suit short sleeves, but pack a jumper and a light jacket rather than relying on summer clothes. Nights average 13.6°C, and the coldest 10% fall to 9.8°C or below, so sitting outside after dark can feel chilly. Warmer afternoons are possible, but only 7% of days reach 25°C. That is the catch if you are hoping to sunbathe throughout your stay: warmth is plausible, sustained heat is not something to plan around.

Keep room in your plans for rain

Rain is a meaningful part of the October trade-off, not just a remote possibility. With about 10 rainy days, it makes sense to bring a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet weather. Avoid making every day's enjoyment depend on being outside. There is still sunshine to work with: the average is about 4.6 hours within 10.8 hours of daylight, so daylight does not mean uninterrupted sun. Keep outdoor plans movable and use brighter spells when they arrive. October suits travellers who can change plans more readily than those who want a fixed daily beach routine.

Treat swimming as an option, not the main draw

At an average 20.1°C, the sea is bracing rather than comfortably warm. The year-to-year range of 19°C to 21°C does not change that basic judgement: if you dislike cool water, October is unlikely to persuade you otherwise. A dip may appeal if you already enjoy these temperatures, but do not make daily swimming the test of a successful holiday. Bring something warm to put on afterwards, particularly if you stay out into the evening. For a trip centred on summer warmth, July, June and August are the stronger choices here; October makes more sense when swimming is optional.