Things to Do in St. John's in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in St. John's
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage season - maple and birch trees create spectacular red and gold landscapes throughout Signal Hill and Bowring Park, with colors typically peaking October 10-20th
- Significantly fewer cruise ship crowds compared to summer months - downtown streets and major attractions like The Rooms are 60-70% less congested
- Ideal hiking weather with crisp 12-24°C (54-75°F) temperatures perfect for East Coast Trail sections, especially the 5.3km (3.3-mile) Spout Path without summer's oppressive humidity
- October marks the best month for aurora viewing from nearby areas like Ferryland, with longer nights (14+ hours of darkness) and clearer skies between storm systems
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather patterns mean you'll experience four seasons in one day - morning frost, afternoon warmth, and evening storms are common, requiring multiple clothing layers
- Many seasonal attractions close by mid-October including most boat tours to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve and several hiking trail facilities
- Daylight hours shrink rapidly from 11 hours early October to just 10 hours by month's end, limiting outdoor activity time and making 4pm feel like evening
Best Activities in October
Signal Hill Sunrise Photography Tours
October's crisp air and dramatic cloud formations create perfect conditions for capturing Cabot Tower and St. Johns harbor at sunrise. The 7am sunrises align perfectly with comfortable hiking temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F), and fall storms create dynamic skies. Lower humidity means clearer visibility across the Narrows.
East Coast Trail Fall Foliage Hikes
October transforms the coastal barrens into a tapestry of red partridgeberry, golden birch, and orange maple. The 16.7km (10.4-mile) Spout Path and 11.6km (7.2-mile) Motion Path offer spectacular views without summer's black flies. Cool 15-20°C (59-68°F) afternoon temperatures are ideal for moderate hiking.
Quidi Vidi Village Brewery Tours
October's cool weather coincides with fresh Oktoberfest-style seasonal brews at North America's oldest settlement. The village's sheltered location provides respite from October winds, and reduced tourist crowds mean more intimate tastings. Perfect indoor backup when afternoon showers hit.
Cape Spear Lighthouse Storm Watching
October brings North America's most easterly point dramatic Atlantic storms with 15-25m (49-82ft) waves crashing against 76m (249ft) cliffs. Crisp temperatures and frequent weather changes create spectacular photo opportunities. Historical lighthouse provides windproof shelter between viewings.
Downtown Heritage Food Walking Tours
October's cooler temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable while showcasing harvest-season specialties like Jiggs dinner, toutons, and locally-foraged cloudberry desserts. Reduced crowds mean better restaurant access and more personal interactions with local chefs.
Trinity Bay Iceberg and Wildlife Boat Tours
Late-season icebergs occasionally linger in Trinity Bay through early October, while minke whales migrate south. Calm morning conditions before daily wind pickup provide optimal viewing. October's dramatic skies and golden light create extraordinary photography conditions.
October Events & Festivals
Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival
Annual celebration of Celtic and maritime music traditions featuring local and international artists at venues across downtown St. Johns. October's intimate indoor venues create perfect atmosphere for traditional kitchen parties and storytelling sessions.
Autumn Colours Festival
Community-organized celebration of fall foliage with guided nature walks, photography workshops, and harvest dinners featuring local ingredients. Based at Bowring Park and Pippy Park with events spanning two weekends.