Things to Do in Uruguay in October

October Weather in Uruguay

25°C (77°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring temperatures for outdoor activities - warm afternoons at 25°C (77°F) but cool enough at night for comfortable sleeping without air conditioning
Jacaranda trees bloom throughout Montevideo creating purple-lined streets, particularly stunning along Rambla and in Parque Rodó
Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs 30-40% less than December-February peak season, with many hotels offering spring promotions
Ideal weather for Uruguay's incredible coastline - warm enough for beach walks and outdoor dining but without the crushing summer crowds at Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns typical of spring - you might experience four seasons in one day, making outfit planning challenging
Ocean temperature still cold at 16°C (61°F) - swimming requires a wetsuit or serious cold tolerance
Afternoon rain showers on 10 days of the month can disrupt outdoor plans, though they're typically brief 20-30 minute downpours

Best Activities in October

Montevideo Historic Walking Tours

October's mild temperatures make exploring Ciudad Vieja perfect - comfortable for 3-4 hour walks without summer's oppressive heat. The jacaranda blooms create Instagram-worthy backdrops along Plaza Independencia. Cool mornings are ideal for photography before afternoon crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost USD 25-40 per person. Morning tours (9-11am) offer best weather and lighting. See current options in the booking section below.

Wine Country Tours to Canelones

October marks the end of harvest season - perfect timing to see wine production in action. Temperatures are ideal for outdoor tastings and vineyard walks. Many bodegas offer special harvest celebration events with traditional asado barbecues.

Booking Tip: Full-day wine tours typically cost USD 80-120 including transport and tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as October harvest events are popular. Look for tours including 3-4 wineries with lunch. Check current tour availability in the booking widget below.

Colonia del Sacramento Day Trips

Spring weather makes the 1-hour ferry ride across Río de la Plata comfortable, and Colonia's cobblestone streets are perfect for October's walking temperatures. Fewer tourists mean unobstructed photos of the UNESCO World Heritage site's Portuguese colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages including ferry and guided tour cost USD 60-90. Book ferry tickets 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekends. Morning departures offer full day exploration. See current packages in the booking section below.

Punta del Este Coastal Exploration

October offers the best of both worlds - warm enough for lengthy beach walks and outdoor dining, but without December-March's crowds and inflated prices. Perfect for exploring both Playa Mansa and Playa Brava without the summer hustle.

Booking Tip: Day tours to Punta del Este typically cost USD 50-75 including transport. Multi-day packages save 20-30% compared to peak season. Book 5-10 days ahead. Tours include Casapueblo and La Mano sculpture stops. Check current options in the booking widget.

Cabo Polonio Overland Adventures

Spring temperatures make the 4x4 truck ride through sand dunes more comfortable, and October's clear skies offer spectacular star-gazing opportunities. The hippie beach town is at its most authentic before summer crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: 2-day Cabo Polonio packages cost USD 120-180 including transport and basic accommodation. Book 10-14 days ahead as spring is increasingly popular with locals. Tours include lighthouse visits and sea lion colony viewing. See current availability below.

Estancia Gaucho Experiences

October's mild temperatures are perfect for horseback riding and outdoor asado barbecues. Spring brings newborn animals to the estancias, and gaucho demonstrations are more comfortable to watch without summer's intense heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day estancia experiences cost USD 70-110 including meals and activities. Book 7-10 days ahead, especially for weekend visits. Look for authentic working ranches rather than tourist-focused operations. Check current estancia tours in the booking section.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Semana Criolla

Traditional gaucho festival featuring rodeo competitions, folk music, and authentic barbecue. Takes place at Parque Prado with horse shows, traditional crafts, and the best opportunity to experience authentic Uruguayan culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - light wool sweater for 13°C (55°F) mornings, t-shirts for 25°C (77°F) afternoons

Waterproof jacket with hood - not heavy rain gear, just protection from brief afternoon showers

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Montevideo's old town has slippery cobblestones when wet

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and spring sun is deceptively strong, especially with reflection off Rio de la Plata

Light scarf or shawl for evening dining - temperatures drop quickly after sunset

Umbrella more useful than raincoat - quick afternoon showers are common but brief

Closed-toe shoes for evening - even warm days cool down significantly after dark

Long pants for mosquito protection during evening walks along the Rambla waterfront

Light cotton or linen shirts - breathable fabrics work best in 70% humidity

Warm pajamas - nights can be surprisingly cool even after warm days

Insider Knowledge

Locals call October weather 'loco' (crazy) because it changes so quickly - always carry a light jacket even on sunny mornings

The best empanadas are found at neighborhood panaderías (bakeries) rather than tourist restaurants - ask for 'empanadas de carne' made fresh that morning

Montevideo's Sunday markets (ferias) are at their best in October weather - Feria de Tristán Narvaja starts at 9am and runs until 3pm with everything from antiques to fresh produce

October is when locals return to weekend asado barbecues after winter - if you smell grilling meat on Sunday afternoons, that's normal neighborhood life

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for the daily high temperature - October mornings can be 12°C (22°F) cooler than afternoons, leaving tourists shivering in t-shirts

Planning beach activities expecting warm water - the ocean is still cold from winter and requires wetsuit for any swimming

Booking accommodations in Ciudad Vieja without checking for weekend noise - October's pleasant weather means more street activity and music until late