October is the first full month of autumn. Few people think of the sea and beach then. Yet this is when the Baltic can be experienced from a completely different side—with fewer tourists, quieter beaches and more freedom when walking or sightseeing. Where and why is it especially worth going to the seaside in October? Read on to find out.

Benefits of a seaside trip in October:

Fewer tourists; beaches and coastal routes are quieter than summer.
Lower accommodation prices – many properties switch to off-season rates in autumn.
Some attractions are free – e.g. in Słowiński National Park, admission to selected areas applies only from 1 May to 30 September.
Good conditions for walking and cycling – lower temperatures encourage longer activities.
More sea aerosol – autumn winds and stronger waves help produce it.
A good time to look for amber – especially after stronger winds and storms.
Autumn nature – the coastal landscape changes, and bird migrations can be observed on the Vistula Spit.

The seaside in October – what to expect?

In October, you can enjoy the seaside quite differently than in summer. Before your trip, it is worth knowing what to expect.

Weather by the sea in October

October marks the start of autumn, so the Baltic coast is cooler than in typical holiday months. According to IMGW norms for 1991–2020, the average maximum temperature at coastal stations is around 12–13°C, and the monthly average around 9–10°C. These are very good conditions for walking, sightseeing and longer hikes or bike trips—activities for which summer temperatures of 20–25°C are not always an advantage.

Autumn’s coastal advantage is the Baltic’s moderating effect: water cools more slowly than land and gradually releases summer-stored heat. Therefore, autumn by the sea is usually milder than inland.

Besides temperature, precipitation is worth considering. According to IMGW norms for 1991–2020, selected coastal stations record around 15–16 days with precipitation in October. However, this rain is generally lighter than a typical summer downpour, so a rain jacket or umbrella is often enough to enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery, for example during coastal walks.

October is also windier than the summer months. According to IMGW data, the average autumn wind speed on the Polish coast is around 4.0–4.6 m/s, compared with 3.6–3.8 m/s in summer. For tourists, this has its advantages. Stronger winds create bigger waves, and waves breaking on the shore produce more sea aerosol, containing small amounts of iodine.

Also check: When is iodine most abundant by the sea?

Tourist traffic in October

The seaside is much quieter in October than during the holidays. For example, according to GUS data, around 1.6 million overnight stays were recorded at accommodation facilities in coastal areas in October 2024. By comparison, there were over 4.3 million in August—almost three times as many. Fewer overnight stays mainly mean less crowded towns and beaches, and thus more freedom when walking and sightseeing.

Attractions, restaurants & lodging

In October, some small, typically seasonal attractions in smaller resorts are already closed. These include small museums along promenades, tourist trains and some viewing points and towers.

In practice, however, this is not a major limitation. Regional attractions are still open in autumn, such as Żuławski Historical Park in Nowy Dwór Gdański and the Stutthof Museum in Sztutowo. Natural areas and trails also remain open. Excellent examples include Słowiński National Park, Wolin National Park, Mewia Łacha Nature Reserve and Vistula Spit Landscape Park.

Year-round accommodation and restaurants remain open in October. It is also worth noting that off-season accommodation is often cheaper than at the peak of the season.

Where to go by the sea in October?

When choosing a destination for an October trip, consider these practical points:

Indoor attractions – an indoor pool, sauna, SPA or museum makes a cooler or rainy day worthwhile too.
On-site dining – breakfast or half board is convenient when some seasonal restaurants in town are already closed.
What is included in the stay – check whether the pool, wellness area, parking or meals are included in the booking.
Cancellation terms – for a trip booked in advance, a flexible offer may be safer than a cheaper non-refundable booking, especially in October, when weather can disrupt plans.
Proximity to beaches, forests and walking trails – even a few hours of good weather can then be used for a walk or trip without extra travel.

Stegna in October

The first place worth considering for an October seaside trip is Stegna. At this time of year, its main assets are nature and peace. The wide beach, Vistula Spit forests and low tourist numbers create ideal conditions for long walks, during which you can admire the coastal landscape without holiday crowds. The area can also be explored by bike. A cycle route forming part of the R10 connects the Vistula Spit, while the Vistula Spit Landscape Park itself also has nature trails. One example is the “Forest Around Us” route, which starts in Stegna and leads through the forest habitat typical of the Spit.

Autumn is also a good time to observe the nature of the Vistula Spit. At nearby Mewia Łacha Nature Reserve, a trail leads through the forest towards the beach and Vistula mouth, where you can observe coastal plants and birds.

If the weather is unsuitable for long walks, you can also plan some sightseeing nearby. The Vistula Lagoon Museum in Kąty Rybackie is open throughout October and focuses on the history of fishing and boatbuilding on the Vistula Lagoon. In Nowy Dwór Gdański, visit Żuławski Historical Park, presenting the history and culture of Żuławy. Sztutowo is home to the Stutthof Museum, open daily from 8:00–15:00 from 1 October.

A comfortable stay is the perfect complement to an October trip. We therefore invite you to our hotel in Stegna by the sea. Our offer includes spacious apartments, meals at Restauracja Sztormowa and a SPA & Wellness area with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, saunas, salt grotto and fitness room.

Tricity

Another option for an October trip is the Tricity. Its greatest advantage at this time of year is the wide choice of weather-independent attractions. In Gdańsk, you can visit the Museum of the Second World War, European Solidarity Centre, Amber Museum and Hevelianum. Gdynia is home to the Gdynia Aquarium and Experyment Science Centre, while Sopot has the State Art Gallery.

In better weather, you can walk along the beaches and coastal districts, as well as visit Sopot Pier, which is free to enter from 1 October.

Hel Peninsula

The Hel Peninsula is another option for an October trip. It is ideal especially for those who want to spend plenty of time outdoors. The peninsula is around 34 km long, with beaches, dunes, forests and Puck Bay shaping its landscape. Much of the area is protected as part of the Coastal Landscape Park and Natura 2000. The popular R10 cycle route from Władysławowo to Hel runs across the peninsula, covering around 35 km, much of it along the bay, forests and dunes.

For rainy-day attractions in October, visit the year-round Seal Sanctuary in Hel, open daily at this time from 10:00 to 16:00.

Łeba and the Słowiński National Park area

Łeba is a good choice especially for those who want to explore Słowiński National Park in October. The park is open year-round, and the seasonal admission fee no longer applies from 1 October. You can visit Łącka Dune, walk by Lake Łebsko or follow part of the Coastal Trail.

In October, also plan a longer trip around Czołpino, home to Czołpińska Dune, a lighthouse and the Słowiński National Park Museum. The museum is also open off-season, with shorter autumn–winter visiting hours from October.

What to take to the seaside in October?

In October by the Baltic, prepare chiefly for changeable weather, wind and rain. Layers work best—you can easily remove or add one during the day depending on the temperature and activity. Bring:

a rain- and windproof jacket – especially useful during beach walks,
a fleece, sweater or light insulated jacket – an extra layer for cooler mornings and evenings,
comfortable, preferably waterproof shoes – useful on wet beaches, forest paths and longer walks,
a hat, neck warmer or scarf and thin gloves – small items that quickly improve comfort in stronger winds,
small backpack – for an extra layer, water or items needed on a trip,
thermos – a hot drink is ideal for longer walks on cooler days,
swimsuit and flip-flops – if you plan to use the pool, sauna or SPA.

Is the seaside worth visiting in October?

Despite the changeable weather, October is definitely a good time to visit the seaside. It is ideal for a relaxing break, long beach walks, cycling trips, sightseeing and enjoying the coastal landscape without the summer crowds. A major advantage of October is much less tourist traffic and easier access to beaches, trails and popular attractions. Choosing a property with a pool, SPA or restaurant also lets you plan your stay so the weather does not determine whether your trip is successful.

FAQ

Is it cold by the seaside in October?

Cool, but usually not very cold. IMGW climate normals for 1991–2020 show coastal stations average 9–10°C in October, often 12–13°C by day.

Is iodine high by the seaside in October?

In autumn, conditions favor the formation of more marine aerosol, which contains iodine compounds.

Can you find amber in October?

Yes, October can be an excellent time to search for amber, especially after strong winds and storms, when waves wash it up and cast it onto the shore.

Are tourists numerous by the seaside in October?

Tourist traffic is much lower than during the summer holidays. For example, in October 2024, coastal areas recorded around 1.6 million overnight stays, compared with over 4.3 million in August.

Sources:
https://klimat.imgw.pl/pl/climate-normals/TSR_AV