October in Cantabria brings mild temperatures (between 11 and 20°C), less rain than the rest of autumn, beaches that are practically empty on weekdays, and the tail end of the deer rutting season. It's a quiet month for anyone who prefers nature and inland plans over the beach and summer crowds.
If September already means calmer beaches and good weather, October takes another step into Cantabrian autumn without losing much of that appeal. Summer is well and truly over, prices drop and the region's pace slows down, but the weather is still much kinder than most people imagine before booking.
Cantabria in October isn't shut down or in winter mode: the forests change colour, the coast is still pleasant for a walk, and there are inland plans that take a back seat to the beach in summer. Here's a rundown of what to expect from the weather, what to do, and what to keep in mind before planning a getaway.
What the weather is like in Cantabria in October
October tends to be one of the driest months of the Cantabrian autumn, with a historical average of just over 39 mm of rain spread across barely 3 rainy days a month, according to AEMET records. Temperatures stay in a comfortable range: highs of around 19-20°C in the first half of the month, easing gradually to 18-19°C by the end, with lows of between 10 and 12°C. The sea still holds onto some of the warmth built up over summer, so swimming remains an option for anyone who doesn't mind slightly cooler water.
Nature and hiking: the best time for the inland areas
With the heat out of the equation, October is one of the best months for the mountain and inland hikes that feel exhausting in August. The beech and oak forests of areas like the Valles Pasiegos or the Collados del Asón Natural Park start turning ochre and yellow, and the mild temperatures make for comfortable hours-long walks. It's also the final stretch of the deer rutting season, which in parts of inland Cantabria runs from mid-September into the first days of October, with stags bellowing at dawn and dusk to attract females.
Inland plans and seasonal food
On the table, October marks the start of mushroom and chestnut season, two of the most eagerly awaited products of Cantabrian autumn, which begin showing up in markets and menus across the region. It's also a good month to visit the traditional craft and local produce markets that multiply through the inland valleys, with stalls selling cheese, cured meats and freshly pressed cider. And for anyone who'd rather stay indoors, October usually brings food festivals and craft beer fairs to various spots along the eastern coast, with marquees and tastings announced just a few weeks ahead on town council websites. Laredo, for instance, holds its European Beer Festival every October, with a large marquee and stalls from several European countries set up over several days; the exact dates of each edition are confirmed only a few weeks in advance on the town hall's website, so it's worth checking before planning the trip.
What to keep in mind before booking
Daylight shortens noticeably compared to September, so it's worth planning hikes and visits to natural areas with plenty of light left for the way back. Some seasonal coastal businesses — beach bars, sunbed rentals, certain beachfront restaurants — start closing or cutting their hours from mid-month, while inland options (cider houses, hearty home-style restaurants, guided routes) stay active all autumn. It's worth confirming opening hours before heading out, especially on weekdays. On the plus side, getting a table at coastal restaurants is much easier than in August, and the roads to the major inland attractions — Cabárceno, Santillana del Mar, the Picos de Europa — are free of the traffic queues typical of summer.
What you need to know
Average temperature: between 11°C and 20°C. Rain: about 3 rainy days a month on average, though there can always be exceptions. Daylight: the sun sets noticeably earlier than in September, so long hikes need careful timing. Season: beach bars and beach services cut hours or close from mid-month onward; inland options stay active. What to bring: layered warm clothing, light waterproofs and comfortable footwear for both city walks and mountain trails.
Neither summer nor winter: October is the month when Cantabria shows its calmest side, without ever being stingy.
Choosing October for a getaway to Bareyo means trading crowded beaches for quiet walks, gentler prices and an unhurried pace that's hard to find in high summer. If September convinced you, our guide to Cantabria in September covers the other side of this low season that keeps winning over more fans.
