Last Week in October--Good Time or Lousy Time to Visit Salzburg and Salzkammergut?

Well we’ve been many, many times, 12 to be exact, in early to late October. We love this time of year to be in and around Salzburg, the Wolfgangsee and the Berchtesgaden area.

It really depends on the weather. October usually starts well, but by Halloween it's usually cold and raining.

Friends, thank you. And of course, the reason to visit Salzkammergut is to be outside and enjoy the area's natural beauty, not to spend time inside touring museums. Early October seems a great time. The concern is late October is early November. I may be in the area in late October and flying out of Munich. I have visited Salzburg once before, though it was many years ago, and found it enchanting. Given the time of year, should I simply save Salzburg and the surrounding region for another trip, or spend my time in Nurnburg and Munich before flying home? Again, the weather may not be fantastic, but there are things to do in those two cities that do not require great weather.

I was in Salzburg at the end of October 2024 and I thought it to be wonderful. The weather was good for hiking and sightseeing and crowds were very tolerable. I plan to visit the area again at some point during the same time of year.

This is a holiday week in Austria as Oct. 26 and Nov. 1 are public holidays and schools are closed. You might need to deal with larger crowds.

The sort of weather that will make it a good experience is sort of personal. Always better if you do your own research because often what we believe to be true really isnt. The end of October the past five years, dry and not terribly cold. Of course thats one day, you might want to check your week of travel. And do check me on this, because 37F to 70F on the last day of October surprises me a lot. The dry not so much. Where I live is always dry in October as well.

https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/at/salzburg
October 31
2024 48F to 57F no rain
2023 46F to 55F no rain
2022 43F to 70F no rain
2021 37F to 64F no rain
2020 45F to 61F no rain

Emily, Sunday, 26 October is National Day. For me that would be a good day to be there and see the culture in action. But you mentioned that the week was a holiday ..... but you mean a holiday maybe for schools or for people to take days off work, but not a national holiday? Again, more Austrians doing more Austrian things might add to a trip.

Many thanks to all who took the time to respond. My impression is that I should not avoid Salzburg and the surrounding region because of the weather, though I fully realize with weather there are no guarantees.

RJ. Have a blast

Salzburg in October ...Oh you'll love it.. October is definitely sweater weather. A light jacket will serve you well. Of course whenever you travel except for the hot days of summer always make sure to pack a neck warmer, light calf skin gloves and a shell type outer jacket and a large silk scarf. That way you're set for whatever weather you encounter. My most trusted travel wardrobe accessory that has taken me from formal engagements to sleeping in a hiking hut...a large black cashmere shawl. I'm serious, it has been perfect for a late afternoon hillside Austrian wedding reception to chilly train rides to Amsterdam on the sleeper train. One other item that is life changing .... a set of merino wool long underwear, top and bottom. Packs small, easy to wash, and oh so very snuggly comfortable for an autumn stroll through Salzburg. Have fun...!! Elisabeth von trapp

Additionally, be prepared for rain, especially for Salzburg.

The rain is a concern, but one never knows. Vontrapp, thanks for the response, but are you talking late October? Sweater and jacket weather, yes. But long underwear? I am not going to Lambeau Field in December.

Additionally, be prepared for rain, especially for Salzburg.

The rain is a concern, but one never knows.

Salzburg is sort of a wet city, but at least you have chosen among the driest of months in Salzburg. I was surprised over the concern because October is pretty dry in most of the region ............. so I looked. But, correct, one never knows.

Schnürlregen - String Rain. The region is famous for it.