Things to Do in Cascais in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Cascais
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Ocean temperature peaks in October at around 68-70°F (20-21°C) after warming all summer - genuinely the best month for extended swimming and water sports without a wetsuit. The Atlantic feels almost Mediterranean compared to spring.
- Post-summer shoulder season means accommodation prices drop 30-40% from August peaks while weather remains warm. You'll get the same beach access and sunny days but pay mid-season rates, and restaurants aren't slammed during lunch service.
- Morning conditions are exceptionally stable - typically clear until 2pm with light winds under 10 mph (16 km/h). Perfect for the coastal walk from Cascais to Guincho Beach (9 km/5.6 miles) if you start by 9am, finishing before any afternoon cloud buildup.
- Surf season begins at Guincho and Carcavelos with consistent Atlantic swells arriving. Wave heights build from 3-6 feet (1-2 meters), attracting experienced surfers but still manageable for intermediates on calmer days. Water's still warm enough that a spring suit works fine.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable and can arrive as sudden afternoon showers or occasionally settle in for a full day. The weather data shows 0.0 inches total, which seems anomalous - October typically averages 2.4 inches (62 mm), so expect some rain despite what the forecast suggests. Pack accordingly.
- Evenings cool down significantly once the sun drops around 7pm. That 58°F (14°C) low means you'll want layers for dinner - locals switch to long sleeves after dark, and outdoor terrace dining requires a jacket or sweater by 8:30pm.
- Daylight shrinks noticeably through the month, from about 11.5 hours early October to 10.5 hours by month's end. Sunset moves from 7:30pm to 6:15pm, which compresses your beach time and means popular photo spots at Boca do Inferno get crowded earlier as everyone chases the golden hour.
Best Activities in October
Sintra Palace and Garden Tours
October brings ideal conditions for exploring Sintra's hilltop palaces - the 70% humidity that feels heavy at sea level creates atmospheric mist around Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira at 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation. Cooler mornings mean the uphill walks to these sites are actually pleasant, not the sweaty slogs they become in summer. Crowds thin after kids return to school, so you'll get better photos at the iconic palace viewpoints. The gardens are particularly beautiful as autumn colors start appearing in the exotic plantings.
Coastal Cycling Routes
The dedicated bike path from Cascais to Guincho Beach (9 km/5.6 miles one-way) is perfect in October's moderate temperatures - warm enough that you're comfortable in shorts and a light layer, cool enough that the exposed coastal sections don't become exhausting. Morning winds stay calm until afternoon, and the path rarely gets the summer crowds. You'll see locals training for autumn cycling events. The route passes Boca do Inferno and several beach access points where you can stop for coffee.
Surfing Lessons at Guincho or Carcavelos
October marks the transition into proper surf season as Atlantic swells pick up consistency. Water temperature still hovers around 66-68°F (19-20°C), warm enough for a 3/2mm spring suit rather than full winter wetsuit. Waves build from summer's small conditions to 3-6 feet (1-2 meters), perfect for progressing beyond beginner stage. Morning sessions (8-11am) offer cleaner conditions before afternoon winds texture the surface. Fewer summer tourists mean more space in the lineup and better instructor attention.
Lisbon Day Trips
The 40-minute train connection makes Lisbon easily accessible, and October weather is ideal for walking the hilly Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods without summer's heat. Museums and indoor attractions become more appealing on those variable weather days. The city feels less tourist-heavy post-summer while everything still operates on full schedules. Evening returns to Cascais mean you can experience Lisbon's nightlife then escape back to the quieter coastal atmosphere.
Sunset Sailing Trips
October sunsets happen earlier (6:15-7:30pm depending on date) which means sunset sails depart around 5-6pm - perfect timing after a beach day. The warm-but-not-hot conditions and calmer morning winds typically give way to gentle afternoon breezes ideal for sailing. Ocean temperature makes swimming stops still pleasant if you're reasonably hardy. The light in October has a different quality than summer, more golden and dramatic as the sun angle lowers. Fewer boats on the water than peak season.
Cabo da Roca Hiking
The westernmost point of continental Europe sits just 16 km (10 miles) from Cascais, and October offers excellent hiking conditions on the coastal trails. The 70% humidity and variable conditions create dramatic cloudscapes over the Atlantic cliffs, and the cooler temperatures make the exposed clifftop walks comfortable. The area gets significantly fewer visitors than summer months. Trails range from easy 2 km (1.2 mile) loops to more challenging 8 km (5 mile) coastal routes connecting to Guincho Beach.
October Events & Festivals
Cascais Jazz Festival
This monthly jazz series continues through October with performances at the Cascais Cultural Center and occasionally outdoor venues when weather permits. Features Portuguese and international artists in intimate settings. Shows typically run Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets usually €15-30 depending on performer. Worth checking the cultural center schedule if you're a jazz enthusiast - it's a genuine local cultural event, not tourist-oriented.