October is one of the prettiest months to visit Slovenia. With few visitors, experience the changing foliage throughout the country, the Julian Alps being a great place to start. This is also when days get shorter, temperatures drop, and the rains fall.

Weather

Daylight hours have significantly decreased with 4 to 5 hours of sunshine across the country and the crisp autumn air brings in the morning fog. October is the wettest month, the western plains and interior around Ljubljana see 5 to 6 inches of (torrential) rain along with cooler daily averages of 59- and 52-degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Up in the alpine northwest, temperatures hover around 45 degrees.

Crowds & Costs

The summer crush is long over and the throng of tourists have departed, you can enjoy Slovenia in relative peace. Airlines and hotels will have introduced shoulder-season rates that offer significant savings, making October an ideal time to visit if you’re in want of avoiding crowds and looking for a bargain.

Where to Go

Most travelers will either start their trip with a few days in Ljubljana before setting out to explore the rest of the country or use Ljubljana as a hub, taking day trips in and around the area. Either way, a popular option to see as much of this small gem of a country on your own schedule is to rent a car.

As October is one of the prettiest times to visit Slovenia, with its fall colors in full swing, popular points of interest would be to explore Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, and the Vintgar Gorge, before heading further into Triglav National Park and to the stunning Soča Valley.

A common next stop would be to explore the bucolic Goriška Brda wine country before considering a stop in the Karst region to explore the impressive Škocjan or Postojna Caves. From there, work your way down through the Karst region and to the small coastline, getting lost among the picturesque narrow streets and squares of medieval towns like Koper or Izola. 

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What to Do

Now is a great time to tour wine country like Goriška Brda wine region and the Vipava Valley a little way south in western Slovenia. Located along the Italian border, Goriška Brda and its nearly 700 wineries are known as the "Tuscany of Slovenia” and offer plenty of wine tasting options. Try a glass or two of the white varietals from the Vipava Valley.

Visit Slovenia’s many castles without the hassle of long lines, like the medieval Bled Castle perched on a cliff above Lake Bled’s north shore, or the Predjama Castle another medieval example built right into the mouth of a clifftop cave nearby Postojna. Other great options are to check out Ljubljana and Ptuj castles that offer up striking views over their respective cities.

October is still a great time to get in some hiking in places like Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, trails are well marked and suitable for all levels. Another great option is to hike and explore the beautiful Tolmin Gorges and the Kozjak Waterfall just outside of Bovec in the Soča Valley.

Read Best Things To Do in Slovenia for more great options.

Events in October

Old Vine Festival. The pride of Maribor and the Styria wine region, this event is a culinary and cultural tribute to the 400-year old grapevine.

Mesto Žensk. This international festival in Ljubljana sees venues across the city showcase all forms of artistic expression by women.

Ljubljana Marathon. Taking place on the last Sunday of October

Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen). An outdoor food festival that takes place every Friday.

Traveling to Slovenia in October? Check out these great itineraries.

Best Walks in Slovenia - 8 days. Ideal for anyone who loves nature and leisurely walks, this itinerary takes you through the beautiful Slovenian landscape while tackling trails of low technical difficulty. Visit stunning viewpoints of the Julian Alps, meander along turquoise rivers, and marvel at the mysterious underworld of Karst before relaxing along the Adriatic coast. 

Hike, Wine, and Dine in Slovenia - 8 Days. Gastronomes can explore Slovenia's beautiful landscapes and culinary scene with this 8-day summer adventure. You'll start by perusing the open-air markets of Ljubljana, before you touring the countryside with foodie highlights along the way. Wrap up your journey in wine country where you'll sample pours from the country's best vineyards.

More Helpful Information

Slovenia in September
Slovenia in November
Best Time to Visit Slovenia
More Slovenia Itineraries