Things to Do in San Jose in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in San Jose
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to summer peak, and you'll actually find availability at popular downtown hotels without booking months ahead
- Pleasant walking weather for exploring downtown and nearby trails - mornings are genuinely comfortable at around 15-18°C (59-64°F) before the afternoon warmth kicks in, perfect for the 8km (5 mile) Guadalupe River Trail
- Tech conference season brings excellent networking opportunities and special events throughout Silicon Valley, plus restaurants and bars run October promotions to attract the business travel crowd
- Fall harvest season means farmers markets are at their absolute best - the Saturday market at San Pedro Square has peak produce variety and the surrounding wine regions within 80 km (50 miles) host harvest festivals
Considerations
- October sits in that awkward between-seasons period where mornings can be cool enough for a jacket at 15°C (59°F) but afternoons warm to 24°C (75°F), so you're constantly layering and unlayering throughout the day
- Air quality can be unpredictable - lingering wildfire smoke from earlier in the season occasionally drifts through, and you might wake up to check the AQI before planning outdoor activities
- Those 10 rainy days are genuinely unpredictable, and when rain does hit, it tends to disrupt the entire city since locals aren't great at driving in wet conditions, adding 20-30 minutes to typical commute times
Best Activities in October
Santana Row and Valley Fair Shopping District Exploration
October weather is actually ideal for the outdoor shopping experience at Santana Row - the 70% humidity is manageable compared to summer, and you can comfortably walk the 1.6 km (1 mile) stretch of boutiques and restaurants without overheating. The tech conference crowds mean excellent people-watching, and many stores run early holiday promotions. The outdoor dining patios are perfect during the mild afternoons, and the evening temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make the nightlife scene particularly pleasant.
Winchester Mystery House Tours
October is prime season here for obvious reasons - they run special Halloween-themed evening tours throughout the month that are genuinely atmospheric in the mild evening temperatures. The indoor portions of the tour are comfortable regardless of weather, and if rain hits during your visit, you're mostly covered anyway. The 160-room mansion tour takes about 90 minutes, and the October crowds are manageable on weekday mornings before 11am.
Mount Hamilton and Lick Observatory Day Trips
The 26 km (16 mile) drive up Mount Hamilton to Lick Observatory is spectacular in October when the valley air is clearer than summer months. At 1,283 m (4,209 ft) elevation, temperatures drop about 8-10°C (14-18°F) from the valley floor, so bring layers. The 365 curves on the road are less crowded than summer weekends, and October's variable weather actually creates dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography. Observatory tours run Friday and Saturday evenings, and the night sky viewing is excellent when weather cooperates.
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk Excursions
The 50 km (31 mile) drive over Highway 17 to Santa Cruz is a classic October day trip when the summer tourist crush has ended but the Boardwalk is still open on weekends. Ocean temperatures are still swimmable at around 15-16°C (59-61°F) for those brave enough, but most people enjoy the beach walks in the comfortable afternoon temperatures. The Boardwalk's Halloween events run weekends throughout October, and the smaller crowds mean actual short lines for the Giant Dipper roller coaster.
San Jose Sharks Hockey Games at SAP Center
October marks the start of NHL season, and catching a Sharks game is quintessential San Jose culture. The arena is downtown within walking distance of most hotels, and October games have excellent availability compared to later season matchups. The indoor arena is climate-controlled, making it a perfect rainy day backup plan. Game atmosphere is genuinely energetic, and the surrounding bars and restaurants in the Diridon Station area create a proper pre-game scene.
Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Country Tours
October is harvest season in wine country, which sits about 80-100 km (50-62 miles) north of San Jose. The crush is happening, the weather is perfect for vineyard walks, and many wineries host harvest festivals and special tastings. The variable October weather actually creates beautiful morning mist in the valleys that burns off by midday. Organized tours handle the driving so you can taste freely, and the fall colors in the vineyards peak in late October.
October Events & Festivals
Dia de los Muertos Celebrations
San Jose has a substantial Mexican-American community, and the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October through early November are genuinely authentic, not tourist performances. The main events happen at Roosevelt Community Center and Mexican Heritage Plaza with elaborate altars, traditional foods, and cultural performances. Worth experiencing if your October trip extends into early November.
Silicon Valley Comic Con
Typically held in mid-October at the San Jose Convention Center, this tech-meets-pop-culture event draws substantial crowds downtown. If you're not attending, be aware that hotel prices spike and downtown restaurants get busier than usual. If you are attending, book accommodations 2-3 months ahead as nearby hotels sell out.