Valencia in autumn: 12 things to do without the heat or the crowds

Autumn is probably the best time to visit Valencia. The sea is still warm in September, the terraces are still open, the temperatures make you want to walk and the city gets back its rhythm without the summer crowds. It is the season of rice dishes from the Albufera, the return of live music and sunsets at aperitif time.

This guide covers the weather from September to November, 12 things worth doing, the season's festivals and where to stretch out the afternoon and evening.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• September is still summer: beach, terraces and warm nights.
• October is the most pleasant month for walking, cycling and eating outdoors.
• November brings shorter days, sunsets before six and the flooded rice fields of the Albufera.
• Festivals: 9 October, Valencian Community Day, and marathon season.
• Bring a layer: mornings and evenings turn cool from October.

The weather in Valencia in autumn

• September: highs of around 28 °C and the sea still warm. There may be the odd heavy storm, typical of the end of summer on the Mediterranean.
• October: highs of around 24 °C, sunny days and cool nights. It is the month with the heaviest rain, although it rarely lasts long.
• November: highs of around 19 °C, cool mornings and sunny middays that still allow lunch on a terrace.

12 things to do in Valencia in autumn

1. One last swim at the beach

In September, and in many years until early October, the water is still a good temperature. La Malva-rosa, El Cabanyal and La Patacona empty of tourists and can be enjoyed at a gentle pace.

2. Eat rice on a terrace

Autumn is a good time for a rice dish at lunchtime: without the August heat and with the sun on your face. If you fancy it in the evening, here is where to have paella for dinner in Valencia.

3. Watch the sunset at the Albufera

Sunset over the lagoon is one of Valencia's great sights. In autumn the sun sets earlier and, from November, the rice fields are flooded after the harvest: the landscape turns into a mirror of water.

4. Walk or cycle through the Turia Gardens

Nine kilometres of park in the old riverbed, from the Viveros Gardens to the City of Arts and Sciences. In autumn you can cover it without the summer heat.

5. Go for tapas

It is the season to head back to the bar. Here are the typical Valencian tapas you should not miss and where to have tapas in Valencia.

6. Explore El Cabanyal

The old fishermen's quarter, with its tiled façades, its old-school bars and its market. You can walk it in a morning.

7. Try Agua de Valencia

Valencia's signature cocktail, with orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. Here is its origin and recipe.

8. An opera or concert at the Palau de les Arts

Autumn marks the start of the season at the Palau de les Arts, in the City of Arts and Sciences. It is worth it just to see the building from the inside.

9. Get back to live music

After the summer, the venue season returns. La Gran Sala at Palau Alameda hosts pop, rock, electronic and tribute concerts; you will find the dates in the concert agenda.

10. A weekend afternoon session

With less heat, afternoons are more enjoyable. The tardeo in Valencia is the Friday, Saturday and Sunday plan: music from mid-afternoon and home at a reasonable hour.

11. A hiking route near the city

La Calderona, El Garbí and the Serra d'Espadà are less than an hour away by car. In autumn you can hike without the risk of heat.

12. Dinner with a view

Mild October nights are perfect for dinner on a rooftop in Valencia. And when it gets cooler, choose a terrace with heaters or a covered area.

Festivals and dates in Valencia in autumn

• 9 October, Valencian Community Day: a civic procession, fireworks and the Mocadorà, the tradition of giving marzipan sweets wrapped in a handkerchief.
• Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon: in autumn and in early December. If they coincide with your visit, it is worth knowing because of road closures.
• All Saints' Day, 1 November, a public holiday.
• The cultural season: opera, theatre and concerts fill the calendar again.

Afternoon and evening plans at Palau Alameda

On Paseo de la Alameda, a short walk from the Turia Gardens, Palau Alameda brings together three spaces to stretch out the day without changing venue:

• Àtic: a panoramic restaurant with a terrace, for lunch or dinner with views, the afterwork on Wednesdays and Thursdays and the weekend afternoon session. It is open all year and in winter has heaters and a covered area.
• La Gran Sala: concerts, tributes and big afternoon parties.
• Azza: afternoon sessions and club nights at the weekend.

You will find all of this week's plans in the weekly agenda. And if you are looking for more ideas, here are things to do in Valencia at night and things to do in Valencia in December.

Frequently asked questions

Is Valencia worth visiting in autumn?

Yes. It is one of the best times: mild temperatures, the sea still warm in September, fewer tourists than in summer and the return of the cultural and concert season.

What is the weather like in Valencia in autumn?

In September, highs of around 28 °C; in October, around 24 °C; and in November, around 19 °C. October usually brings the heaviest rain of the year, although it does not last long.

Can you go to the beach in Valencia in autumn?

In September yes, with the water still warm, and in many years until early October. After that, the beach is still a lovely walk.

What festivals are there in Valencia in autumn?

9 October, Valencian Community Day, with its civic procession and the Mocadorà; 1 November, All Saints' Day; and marathon season, with the Valencia Marathon in early December.

When are the Albufera rice fields flooded?

After the harvest, from November and through the winter. That is when sunset over the flooded fields is at its most spectacular.

What can you do in Valencia on an autumn afternoon?

A walk through the Turia Gardens, sunset at the Albufera, a weekend afternoon session, an afterwork with views or a concert.