Things to Do in Munich in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Munich
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Oktoberfest dominates the first weekend through early October - you're catching the tail end of the world's largest beer festival with slightly smaller crowds than September. The 16-day festival typically ends the first Sunday of October, meaning you can still experience the massive beer tents, traditional Bavarian music, and festival atmosphere if you arrive in the first few days.
- Fall foliage in the English Garden and around the lakes peaks mid-to-late October, with the chestnuts and maples turning brilliant gold and orange. The 3.7 km (2.3 miles) walk from the Chinese Tower to Kleinhesseloher See becomes particularly stunning, and locals actually prefer this season for park walks over summer.
- Museum and indoor attraction season kicks into high gear without the summer tourist crush - you'll actually get close to the art at Alte Pinakothek, and the Deutsches Museum is navigable without fighting through school groups. Wait times at Residenz München drop from 45 minutes in August to typically under 15 minutes by mid-October.
- Bavarian comfort food season arrives properly - restaurants shift their menus to include game dishes like Hirschgulasch and Rehbraten, plus the first Gänsebraten appears. The beer gardens transition to their cozy winter mode with blankets and heaters, creating that authentic gemütlich atmosphere that's honestly better than the crowded summer version.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get crisp sunny days at 16°C (61°F) or grey drizzle at 8°C (46°F), sometimes within the same afternoon. That 70% humidity combined with temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F) creates a damp cold that feels colder than the thermometer suggests, and those 10 rainy days tend to cluster rather than spread evenly.
- Daylight shrinks noticeably through the month - you'll have roughly 11 hours of daylight at the start of October, dropping to about 10 hours by month's end. Sunset moves from around 7pm to 5:30pm, which means your outdoor sightseeing window compresses significantly if you're not an early riser.
- Early October accommodation prices stay elevated if Oktoberfest extends into the month, with hotels within 5 km (3.1 miles) of Theresienwiese charging 200-300% of their normal rates for those first few days. Even after the festival ends, prices don't drop to true low-season rates until mid-October.
Best Activities in October
Beer Hall and Traditional Bavarian Restaurant Tours
October is actually when beer halls transition from tourist-heavy summer mode to authentic local gathering spots. The weather drives Münchners indoors, and you'll find the real regulars at their Stammtisch tables. The traditional Märzen beer from Oktoberfest is still on tap through mid-October before breweries switch to winter bocks. Temperatures in the 6-14°C (43-58°F) range make those warm, wood-paneled halls with their ceramic Kachelöfen stoves feel exactly right. Food tours focusing on traditional Bavarian cuisine hit their stride now as seasonal game and goose dishes appear on menus.
Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trips
The 90-minute journey south to Neuschwanstein becomes spectacular in October as the Bavarian Alps get their first dustings of snow on the peaks while the valleys display fall colors. Crowds thin out significantly after early October - you're looking at 30-40% fewer visitors than summer months. The crisp air means clearer views across to Austria, and that variable October weather actually works in your favor here - morning fog burning off the Forggensee creates dramatic castle photos that summer visitors never get. The cooler temperatures make the uphill walk to Marienbrücke viewpoint much more pleasant than the sweaty summer slog.
Dachau Memorial Site Guided Tours
The somber nature of this site actually suits October's grey, contemplative weather. Smaller crowds mean more space for reflection, and the outdoor portions of the memorial are manageable in the 10-14°C (50-58°F) temperatures with proper layering. October typically sees 40% fewer visitors than peak summer months, which matters at a site where overcrowding diminishes the experience. The 20 km (12.4 miles) from central Munich takes about 40 minutes by S-Bahn, and guided tours provide essential historical context that the site itself doesn't fully convey.
Viktualienmarkt and Market Hall Food Experiences
Munich's central food market shifts into autumn mode with seasonal produce, game meats, and the first winter vegetables appearing. The outdoor stalls are less pleasant in October drizzle, but the covered sections and surrounding specialty shops stay lively. Morning visits around 9-10am catch the market at its busiest with locals doing their shopping. The beer garden in the market center stays open through October with heaters and blankets, giving you an authentic local experience. October brings Federweißer, the partially-fermented new wine that appears for just a few weeks, plus fresh Maroni roasted chestnuts from street vendors.
English Garden Bike Tours and Park Exploration
The 3.7 square km (1.4 square mile) park becomes a fall color showcase from mid-October onward, with far fewer joggers and sunbathers than summer months. The Eisbach river surfers still brave the cold water - watching them is free entertainment. Bike tours cover more ground than walking, which matters when daylight is limited and you want to see the Chinese Tower, Monopteros temple, and the lakes. That 6-14°C (43-58°F) temperature range is actually ideal for cycling - cool enough that you won't overheat, warm enough that you're comfortable moving. The beer garden at the Chinese Tower stays open through October with outdoor heaters.
Day Trips to Berchtesgaden and Königssee
The 150 km (93 miles) southeast to Berchtesgaden National Park offers dramatic Alpine scenery as the mountains get their first serious snow. Königssee lake tours still operate through October before closing for winter, and the emerald water against autumn colors and snow-capped peaks creates those postcard views. Crowds drop by 50% after early October. The Eagles Nest might close if snow arrives early, but the lake and town of Berchtesgaden remain accessible. Weather is more variable than summer - check forecasts closely as mountain conditions can change quickly.
October Events & Festivals
Oktoberfest Final Days
The world's largest beer festival typically runs 16 days ending the first Sunday of October. If you arrive in the first few days of October, you'll catch the final weekend with slightly smaller crowds than peak September dates but still the full festival atmosphere - massive beer tents serving Märzen from Munich's six breweries, traditional oompah bands, carnival rides, and locals in dirndls and lederhosen. The festival grounds at Theresienwiese transform into a temporary city. Reservations for tent tables are nearly impossible this late, but you can still enter tents before noon or late evening, or drink in the outdoor beer gardens. Entry to the festival grounds is free - you only pay for food and beer, with Maß steins costing around EUR 13-15.
Auer Dult Autumn Market
This traditional market on Mariahilfplatz runs for nine days three times yearly, with the autumn edition typically occurring late October. It's genuinely a local event rather than a tourist attraction - antiques, household goods, traditional crafts, and food stalls. The ceramic and kitchenware selection is particularly strong, and you'll find traditional Bavarian items at better prices than tourist shops. The attached small amusement park caters to families. Worth a visit if you're around, but not worth timing your trip for.