Things to Do in San Jose in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in San Jose

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Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season transforms the surrounding Santa Clara Valley and nearby Santa Cruz Mountains into brilliant gold and orange landscapes, with comfortable daytime temperatures of 21°C (70°F) perfect for outdoor exploration without summer's heat
Significantly lower accommodation prices compared to summer peak season - expect 25-35% discounts on hotels downtown, with mid-week rates dropping even further as business travel slows before the holiday season
October marks the beginning of Dungeness crab season along the nearby Pacific coast (Half Moon Bay is 45 km/28 miles away), with local restaurants featuring fresh catches and the San Jose area's Vietnamese and Portuguese communities preparing seasonal crab dishes
Ideal weather window for Silicon Valley tech campus tours and outdoor activities - mornings are crisp and clear with minimal fog, while afternoons warm up without the oppressive summer heat that makes walking tours uncomfortable

Considerations

Wildfire smoke from surrounding hills can occasionally impact air quality during dry October periods, particularly in the first half of the month - check AQI readings daily and have indoor backup plans ready when levels exceed 100
Evening temperatures drop sharply after sunset to 13°C (55°F), requiring layered clothing for any activities extending past 6pm - the 8°C (14°F) temperature swing catches unprepared visitors off guard
Major tech companies often host internal conferences in October, creating unexpected midweek hotel demand spikes and restaurant crowding in specific neighborhoods like North San Jose and Santa Clara, despite overall lower tourism numbers

Best Activities in October

San Francisco Bay Trail Cycling Routes

October delivers perfect cycling conditions along the 80 km (50 miles) of Bay Trail accessible from San Jose, with morning temperatures in the mid-teens Celsius (upper 50s Fahrenheit) ideal for sustained riding. The Alviso Marina section offers exceptional birdwatching as migratory species arrive for winter, and the lack of summer crowds means unobstructed views of the South Bay wetlands. Afternoon rides benefit from clear visibility across the bay without summer's haze.

Booking Tip: Bike rental shops cluster around Japantown and downtown, typically charging 800-1,200 per day for quality hybrid or road bikes. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend rentals. Most shops open at 9am - arrive early to start rides before afternoon warming. See current bike tour options in the booking section below.

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Country Tours

October is crush season in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA (30 km/19 miles from downtown San Jose), when wineries actively harvest and process grapes. Tasting rooms are less crowded than summer, winemakers have more time to discuss their craft, and the mountain roads showcase fall colors. Temperatures at 600 m (2,000 ft) elevation remain comfortable for outdoor tastings, typically 18-20°C (64-68°F) midday.

Booking Tip: Organized wine tours typically cost 2,500-4,500 per person including transportation and 3-4 winery visits. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Weekday tours often run 20-30% cheaper. Self-driving is possible but designated driver required - mountain roads are winding. See current wine tour options in the booking section below.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Japanese Friendship Garden Cultural Circuit

October's mild weather makes extended outdoor museum exploration comfortable, particularly at the Japanese Friendship Garden where fall foliage peaks mid-to-late month. The Egyptian Museum's outdoor gardens and planetarium shows provide climate-controlled alternatives during occasional warm afternoons. Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm) see minimal crowds compared to summer's family groups.

Booking Tip: Museum admission typically runs 400-600 for adults, with combination tickets offering 15-20% savings. Purchase tickets online 2-3 days ahead to skip entry lines. The planetarium requires separate timed-entry tickets that sell out weekends - book these specifically when purchasing admission. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Silicon Valley Tech Campus Walking Tours

October weather is ideal for 2-3 hour walking tours through Palo Alto and Mountain View tech campuses (20-25 km/12-15 miles north of San Jose). Morning temperatures of 15-17°C (59-63°F) are perfect for extended outdoor walking, and the absence of summer heat means comfortable exploration of outdoor installations and visitor centers. Apple Park Visitor Center and Computer History Museum are highlights, with October seeing 30-40% fewer visitors than summer months.

Booking Tip: Guided tech tours typically cost 1,800-3,200 per person for half-day experiences including transportation from San Jose. Book 5-7 days ahead. Self-guided visits are free but require advance planning for campus access policies. Weekday tours offer better access as weekend campus activities are limited. See current Silicon Valley tour options in the booking section below.

Monterey Bay Aquarium and Coastal Excursions

The 90 km (56 mile) drive to Monterey Bay takes you through spectacular October coastal scenery, with gray whale migration beginning late month. The aquarium is less crowded than summer (expect 40% fewer visitors), and coastal hiking trails around Point Lobos and Carmel offer perfect conditions - daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) with minimal fog. Tide pools are accessible during October's favorable low tide windows.

Booking Tip: Full-day coastal tours from San Jose typically run 3,500-5,500 per person including aquarium admission and transportation. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekend departures. Aquarium timed-entry tickets (around 1,400 for adults) should be purchased separately in advance if self-driving. Morning departures maximize time before coastal fog rolls in around 3-4pm. See current Monterey tour options in the booking section below.

Santana Row and San Pedro Square Market Evening Food Tours

October evenings are perfect for outdoor dining and food market exploration, with temperatures cooling to comfortable 16-18°C (61-64°F) by 7pm. Santana Row's European-style outdoor dining scene and San Pedro Square Market's diverse food stalls showcase San Jose's culinary range from Vietnamese pho to Portuguese linguica. October sees fewer summer tourists but maintains full restaurant operations before winter weather arrives.

Booking Tip: Organized food walking tours typically cost 1,500-2,500 per person for 3-hour experiences with 5-6 tastings. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Self-guided food market exploration is free, with individual dishes running 300-800. Thursday-Saturday evenings offer the most vendor variety and live music. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Late October

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

San Jose's large Mexican-American community hosts elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the city, with the main altar exhibition at Mexican Heritage Plaza featuring dozens of family ofrendas. Evening processions, traditional music, and pan de muerto tastings occur throughout late October into early November. The celebration reflects San Jose's cultural diversity and provides authentic cultural immersion.

Mid October

Oktoberfest Silicon Valley

San Pedro Square hosts a weekend Oktoberfest celebration featuring German beers, traditional food, and live music. While smaller than major German festivals, it draws significant crowds and showcases the South Bay's craft beer scene alongside imported German brews. Expect outdoor seating, lederhosen, and a family-friendly afternoon atmosphere transitioning to adult-focused evening events.

Throughout October

San Jose Jazz Festival Fall Sessions

While the major summer festival has passed, October brings intimate jazz performances at venues throughout downtown as part of the fall series. Smaller clubs in the SoFA District and San Pedro Square host touring musicians and local talent, with shows typically running Thursday through Saturday evenings. The cooler weather makes club-hopping between venues more comfortable than summer heat.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layering system essential - pack a base layer, mid-layer fleece, and outer shell jacket to handle the 13-21°C (55-70°F) daily temperature swing, especially for evening activities when temperatures drop 8°C (14°F) within an hour of sunset

SPF 50+ sunscreen mandatory despite October timing - UV index of 8 means you can burn in 15-20 minutes during midday outdoor activities, particularly at higher elevations in nearby mountains

Comfortable walking shoes with arch support for extended urban exploration - expect 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of walking daily if exploring downtown, with San Jose's sprawling layout requiring more walking than compact European cities

Light rain jacket or windbreaker for 10 expected rainy days - October showers typically last 30-60 minutes and occur unpredictably, though extended rain is rare with only 25 mm (1 inch) total monthly rainfall

Reusable water bottle - October's 70% humidity and afternoon warmth to 21°C (70°F) requires consistent hydration, and San Jose tap water is excellent quality with refill stations throughout downtown

Casual dressy outfit for upscale dining - Santana Row and downtown restaurants maintain smart-casual dress codes, and October's pleasant evenings encourage outdoor dining at nicer establishments

Daypack for excursions - trips to nearby coastal areas, mountains, or wine country require carrying layers as microclimates vary significantly within 30 km (19 miles), with coastal areas 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler

Prescription air quality masks if you have respiratory sensitivities - October wildfire smoke events are unpredictable but can spike AQI above 150, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for 2-3 day periods

Portable phone charger - extensive use of navigation apps, restaurant reservations, and rideshare services drains batteries quickly, and San Jose's car-dependent layout means you cannot easily return to accommodations mid-day

Light scarf or neck gaiter - morning temperatures of 13°C (55°F) feel cold if you are from warmer climates, and this versatile item works for chilly mornings then stores easily as afternoons warm up

Insider Knowledge

San Jose operates on a car-dependent layout unlike compact tourist cities - distances that look walkable on maps (2-3 km/1.2-1.9 miles) often lack sidewalks or safe pedestrian routes. Budget for rideshare costs of 400-800 per trip or rent a car if planning multiple daily destinations. The VTA light rail serves limited tourist areas effectively.

Local Vietnamese community in East San Jose (Story Road and Tully Road corridors) offers the best pho and banh mi at 30-50% lower prices than downtown, with October's cooler mornings making hot pho particularly appealing. Arrive before 11am weekends as popular spots sell out of specialty items by early afternoon.

Tech workers flood downtown lunch spots (11:30am-1pm weekdays) and create unexpected crowding at casual restaurants near major office complexes. Eat lunch at 11am or after 1:30pm to avoid 20-30 minute waits. Conversely, many downtown restaurants close by 8pm weeknights as workers leave the urban core.

October air quality can shift dramatically within hours during fire season - download the PurpleAir app for real-time neighborhood-level AQI readings rather than relying on city-wide averages. Coastal excursions to Santa Cruz or Monterey often provide escape routes when inland valleys fill with smoke, as ocean breezes keep coastal AQI 50-100 points lower.