Lyon in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Lyon
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn colors in Parc de la Tête d'Or - plane trees turn golden yellow and chestnut trees display brilliant orange, creating Instagram-worthy backdrops from mid-October
- Harvest season at nearby Beaujolais vineyards (30 km/18.6 miles north) means fresh wine tastings and vendange festivals with significantly fewer crowds than summer
- Ideal weather for exploring Vieux Lyon's traboules - cool 15-18°C (59-64°F) afternoons make climbing Renaissance staircases comfortable without summer's oppressive heat
- Fall restaurant reopenings after August closures mean you can finally get tables at acclaimed bouchons, plus seasonal game dishes like sanglier and chevreuil appear on menus
Considerations
- Daylight shrinks rapidly - sunset drops from 7:30pm to 6:30pm throughout October, cutting evening outdoor exploration time by an hour
- Tourist boats on the Rhône and Saône reduce schedules after mid-October, with some scenic river cruises ending service entirely until spring
- Morning fog from the rivers can obscure Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière views until 10-11am, especially during the first two weeks of October
Best Activities in October
Beaujolais Wine Region Day Trips
October is harvest season in Beaujolais, just 45 minutes north of Lyon. Temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) make vineyard walking perfect, and you'll witness actual grape picking rather than staged tourist demonstrations. Many domaines offer vendange participation experiences where you can pick grapes alongside locals. The new Beaujolais Nouveau won't be ready until November 3rd, but you can taste last year's vintage alongside harvest-fresh grape juice.
Vieux Lyon Traboule Walking Tours
Cool October afternoons (15-18°C/59-64°F) make exploring Lyon's hidden Renaissance passageways ideal - you won't overheat climbing narrow stone staircases like in summer. October's soft light filtering through courtyards creates perfect photography conditions. Many private traboules that close in winter remain open until late October, giving you access to good spots like the Cour des Voraces.
Parc de la Tête d'Or Autumn Photography
Lyon's largest urban park transforms into autumn brilliance during October. Plane trees along the lake turn golden yellow, while oak and chestnut trees display orange and red hues. The free zoo's animals are more active in cooler weather, and the botanical garden's dahlia collection peaks in early October. Perfect 15°C (59°F) afternoon temperatures make the 6.5 km (4-mile) perimeter walk comfortable.
Les Halles de Lyon Food Market Tours
October brings game season to Lyon's most famous covered market - you'll find wild boar, venison, and seasonal mushrooms that aren't available in summer. Cool morning temperatures (9-12°C/48-54°F) make the indoor market more comfortable than summer's heat. Local chefs do their shopping between 8-10am, so you can observe real culinary culture rather than tourist-focused demonstrations.
Croix-Rousse Silk District Exploration
October's mild weather makes climbing the slopes of Croix-Rousse comfortable - this UNESCO World Heritage hill district is best explored on foot to appreciate the silk workers' traboules and canuts workshops. The cooler air means you won't arrive sweaty at the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city. Street art tours are particularly good in October as the soft autumn light enhances mural colors.
Presqu'île Evening Light Tours
October's earlier sunset (around 6:30pm by month-end) creates magical blue hour photography on the peninsula between Rhône and Saône rivers. The Christmas market infrastructure begins installation in late October, giving you behind-the-scenes glimpses. Place Bellecour, Europe's largest pedestrian square, becomes atmospheric with autumn mist and golden street lighting.
October Events & Festivals
Fête des Lumières Preparation
While the actual Festival of Lights occurs in early December, October marks when light installations begin testing throughout the city. You'll spot technicians setting up projectors and see preview illuminations on major buildings, giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of Lyon's most famous celebration.
Beaujolais Harvest Festivals
Villages throughout the Beaujolais region celebrate the grape harvest with weekend festivals featuring wine tastings, traditional music, and communal meals. Each village has its own celebration date, creating multiple opportunities to experience authentic French harvest culture.