Germany, Europe
Munich in October
The first days are still Oktoberfest. After that, crisp fall days and normal prices.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Munich. The first days are still Oktoberfest. After that, crisp fall days and normal prices.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 57F (14C), clear days
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in Munich
October opens with the last days of Oktoberfest, which ends on the first Sunday of the month (or on October 3, German Unity Day, in some years). After that, Munich settles into crisp fall days with highs near 57F (14C), clear skies more often than not, and normal hotel prices. The leaves turn in the Englischer Garten, and beer gardens close as the weather cools.
Mid to late October suits travelers who want museums, palaces and fall walks at fair prices. It is a good pick for couples and for families during fall school breaks. If you want warm beer-garden evenings, you are a few weeks late, and early September is the better bet.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Munich this month.
The final Oktoberfest weekend
The festival's closing days fall at the start of October, so you can still catch it if you plan ahead.
Fall color in the parks
The Englischer Garten and Nymphenburg park turn gold, and walks are cool and quiet.
Clear days for the Alps
Fall often brings the clearest mountain views of the year, good for a Zugspitze trip before the season winds down.
What to pack for October
- A warm fleece or sweater
- A water-resistant jacket
- Comfortable walking boots for park and palace days
- A scarf for chilly mornings
Our timing tip
Wait until the week after Oktoberfest ends and hotel rates drop back to normal overnight, while the weather is often just as nice.
Book Munich for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MunichOpens a hotel search for Munich in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MunichWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MunichTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Things to do in Munich
Englischer Garten
Bigger than Central Park. Watch the Eisbach river surfers at the park's southern edge, then walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Munich Residenz
The Antiquarium hall and the Treasury are the highlights. A rainy-day half day.
Deutsches Museum
Enormous; pick three sections and stop. Weekday mornings avoid school groups less than you would hope.
Pinakotheken
The Alte Pinakothek's Durer and Rubens rooms are the highlight. Sunday admission is heavily discounted, so crowds rise.
Nymphenburg Palace
Summer palace with a huge park and the royal carriage museum. The park is free.
Neuschwanstein Castle
About two hours away. Timed tickets are required and sell out weeks ahead in summer; book online.
Beat the crowds
- For Oktoberfest, go on a weekday before noon and you can usually walk into a tent. Weekend evenings need a reservation made months ahead.
- Book Neuschwanstein tickets online as soon as your date is fixed in summer, and take an early train to Fussen.
- Hotel rates during Oktoberfest and major trade fairs can triple. If you are flexible, check both before picking dates.
- Visit the Residenz and the Pinakotheken on weekdays; Sunday discounted entry fills them with locals.
Know before you go
- Bavaria has more public holidays than most of Germany (Epiphany, Ascension, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day on August 15, All Saints). Shops close, and many sights run holiday hours.
- Sunday shopping is largely closed by law. Museums and beer gardens stay open.
- Many museums close one day a week, often Monday. The Deutsches Museum is an exception most of the year.
- Beer gardens are weather-dependent: they typically open from spring through early fall and close on cold or rainy days.
Munich in October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Munich?
October is a good month to visit Munich. The first days are still Oktoberfest. After that, crisp fall days and normal prices.
What is the weather like in Munich in October?
Cool, highs near 57F (14C), clear days.
Is Munich crowded in October?
Crowds in Munich are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Munich in October?
Oktoberfest (the second half of september through the first sunday of october).
Keep planning Munich.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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