
Exploring Vienna in October is a feast for the senses, when fall colors peak and the city comes alive with exciting cultural events and culinary festivals. Spend a sunny day touring the majestic Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens, or go hiking and wine tasting in the vineyards around Vienna.Foodies can enjoy endless beers, sausages, and pretzels at the annual Oktoberfest celebration, while culture vultures can snag tickets to the Viennale Film Festival or explore Vienna’s best museums during the Long Night of Museums. Discover these experiences and more in this guide on what to do in Vienna in October.Why go to Vienna in October?There's a fantastic range of cultural events in OctoberNo matter your interests, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do in Vienna in October, with a jam-packed schedule of fall events and festivals. The Vienna Film Festival (Viennale), Vienna Design Week, and Oktoberfest celebrations are falltime staples in the city, along with the lively National Day Parade on October 26 to celebrate Austria's independence after World War II. You can also go antique shopping at Fair For Art Vienna, sip world-class whiskies at the Vienna Whisky Festival, or join a cosplay parade during the Game City gaming fair on Rathausplatz.You'll experience fewer crowds and better pricesWithout the peak summertime crowds, you can enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere during October in Vienna. Prices for hotels, tours, and popular activities often drop during this shoulder season, making it a great choice for budget travelers who want to experience the Austrian capital before winter's chill settles in.October features cool temperatures and fall foliageWhat is Vienna like in October? Sunshine is common while temperatures are cool but not frigid, which makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Vienna's parks and gardens transform into an Impressionist palette of reds, oranges, and golds, offering a delightful contrast to the city's iconic Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Vienna becomes a wonderland of culinary delightsIf you want to taste the best food in Vienna, October is the perfect time to visit, with markets like Naschmarkt and restaurants across the city bursting with fall flavors. Try seasonal dishes featuring game meats, like hearty venison stew or wild boar ragout, then satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly roasted Styria pumpkins or a slice of sachertorte (rich chocolate cake with apricot jam). Don't miss fall food festivals like the annual Wiener Herbsttage autumn fair, where you can try rare varieties of fruits and vegetables, or the Wiener Wurstfest celebrating all things sausage.What’s the weather like in Vienna in October?With refreshingly cool days and crisp, breezy evenings, the Vienna weather in October is everything you want in a fall vacation. Daylight hours shorten from 11.5 to 9.5 hours over the month, but with a daily average of 7 hours of sunshine, there’s plenty of opportunity to get outdoors and explore. Some rainfall is common in October, but prolonged heavy rain and cloud cover are rare.Layering is key to a comfortable visit, as temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day. Bring lightweight shirts, sweaters, and pants, along with a waterproof jacket and closed-toe shoes or boots. A coat, scarf, and gloves will keep you warm on chilly nights. And don't forget a dressier outfit for any formal dinners or evening events. Average daytime temperature: 52 F (11 C)Average night temperature: 43 F (6 C)Average days of rain: 13 days Average hours of sunshine: 7 hoursTop things to do in Vienna in October