Is October a good time to backpack Europe?

Shoulder season — generally April through mid-June, and September through October — combines the advantages of both peak- and off-season travel. In shoulder season, you'll enjoy decent weather, long-enough daylight, fewer crowds, and a local tourist industry still ready to please and entertain.



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Most backpackers travel between the months of May-September (peaking in July). I decided the best time for my trip would be during the fall months (September, October, and November). The early spring months are also a good time for this type of travel (March, April, May).

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Here's my packing list for Europe in fall:
  • Shirts. Make sure to pack a few long-sleeves and a few short sleeves for warmer days.
  • Two jackets/coats. A thick one for the cooler days and one lighter one for the days when the sun comes out (let's hope there'll be plenty!).
  • 1-2 sweaters. ...
  • 1 pair of trackpants.
  • 1-2 scarves.


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Late October is a great time to visit many European countries as the peak tourist season has passed and the crowds have thinned out. The weather may be a bit cooler and the days shorter, but you'll still find plenty to see and do.

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Cooler temperatures make October a good time to visit the cities and explore on foot. Seasonal foliage brings the countryside to life, and regional harvests and their associated festivals continue. While the south is pleasantly warm by day, nights are cooler.

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October Temperatures in Italy In October, Italy enjoys delightful weather that entices travelers of all kinds to explore its stunning landscapes. Italy in October offers a delightful blend of autumn charm and lingering summer warmth. The weather varies across different regions, so it's important to know what to expect.

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While your exact expenses depend on a lot of factors, here is the short answer to the question: how much do I need to budget for backpacking Europe? Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.

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If you are an American citizen traveling for pleasure within Europe, and staying no longer than 90 days in most countries, you most likely don't need a visa of any sort- just a passport, valid for at least 6 months after you plan to return home.

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In much of Europe (especially Italy and France), cities are partially shut down in July and August, when local urbanites take their beach breaks.

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Stay at least two weeks Although longer backpacking trips through Europe seem more expensive than shorter trips, there are a number of advantages to long trips, and it's quite feasible to spend 1-2 weeks in Europe without breaking the budget.

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The temperature drops in the autumn in October, creating a nice and not too hot summer experience for travelers. Expect an average of 68 F in the daytime and close to 50 F most nights. Going to the desert such as the city of Marrakech, you will find higher temperatures although there will likely be some cooler days.

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The late fall and winter months—from mid to late October through mid-to-late March—are often the cheapest time to fly to Europe (though fares can spike in December). It's often cheaper to fly to Europe mid-week, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in particular.

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It might be a great time to travel in October for both tourists' wallets and wanderlust. Mid-fall is an affordable time to fly to some of the world's top destinations that would otherwise be so expensive during peak travel times because it is shoulder season in many areas of the world.

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Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and shoulder-season deals make October a great time to travel to a large swath of the globe.

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