Things to do in Lugano in October

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Overview

October is a good time to visit Lugano. The weather is usually moderately chilly, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 44—58°F (7—14°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lugano during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Lugano Autumn Festival, attend a wine tasting at a local vineyard, take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lugano, and more!

Lugano has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Lugano. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lugano in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Lugano in October

Top experiences in October
Attend the Lugano Autumn Festival
The Lugano Autumn Festival, also known as the "Chestnut Festival," is a unique experience in October. This festival celebrates the arrival of autumn and the harvest season with traditional music, dancing, and of course, plenty of delicious chestnuts. Visitors can sample roasted chestnuts, enjoy local wines, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively festival.
Attend a wine tasting at a local vineyard
The Ticino region is known for its excellent wines, and October is the perfect time to experience the local wine culture. Many vineyards in the area offer wine tastings where you can sample a variety of reds, whites, and rosés while learning about the winemaking process. The picturesque vineyards provide a stunning backdrop for sipping and savoring the flavors of the season.
Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Lugano
In October, the stunning fall foliage transforms the landscape around Lake Lugano into a breathtaking display of vibrant colors. Taking a scenic boat tour on the lake allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of the autumn season. You can relax on the deck of a boat, soak in the picturesque views, and capture some unforgettable photos of the changing leaves.
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Morcote
In October, the charming town of Morcote is a delightful destination for a day trip from Lugano. This picturesque town is known for its stunning waterfront promenade, historic buildings, and lush gardens. You can explore the quaint streets, visit the iconic Santa Maria del Sasso church, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this idyllic lakeside retreat.
Sample seasonal dishes at local restaurants
October is the time to indulge in the delicious seasonal dishes that are unique to the region. Local restaurants in Lugano offer a variety of autumn-inspired menus featuring fresh ingredients such as mushrooms, pumpkins, and chestnuts. From hearty stews to savory risottos, there's no shortage of delectable options to satisfy your culinary cravings.
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Hike the Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore trails
October is the perfect time to explore the hiking trails around Lugano, as the weather is cool and the scenery is stunning. The Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore trails offer panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. Hiking through the colorful forests and along the rugged paths provides a truly immersive experience in nature.
Visit the Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana
The Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana, or the Museum of Art of Italian Switzerland, is a cultural gem in Lugano that showcases a diverse collection of art from the region. In October, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events that highlight the works of local artists and celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Ticino.
Visit the Parco Civico Ciani for a peaceful autumn stroll
The Parco Civico Ciani is a beautiful park located along the shores of Lake Lugano, and in October, it becomes even more enchanting as the trees change color. Taking a leisurely stroll through the park allows you to enjoy the tranquility of the autumn season, surrounded by the rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of the lake.
Explore the historic Old Town of Lugano
The charming Old Town of Lugano is a must-visit in October, as the narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings take on a special charm during the fall season. You can wander through the winding alleyways, admire the architecture, and discover hidden gems such as quaint cafes and artisan shops.
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Holidays in Lugano in October
October

There are no holidays in Lugano in October

Other notable holidays

Weather in Lugano in October

Temperatures on an average day in Lugano in October

The average temperature in Lugano in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 58°F (14°C) to a low of 44°F (7°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lugano, July, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 60°F (15°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 38°F (3°C) and lows of 24°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lugano in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
58°F
highs
44°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, humid but cool
Feels like
34%
Chance of rain
0.223 in
Amount
6.6 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
11.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:38 AM
Sunrise
6:37 PM
Sunset
47%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 58°F (14°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C), it generally feels moderately chilly, humid but cool. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Lugano in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lugano has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lugano that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lugano for October.
Lake Lugano
1. Lake Lugano
4.8
(1221)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Glacial mountain lake & resort town with passenger & private boats, dining & shopping.
Parco Ciani
2. Parco Ciani
4.7
(10269)
Park
Sprawling park in exquisite surrounds featuring lakefront views, ambling paths & manicured lawns.
Monte San Salvatore
3. Monte San Salvatore
4.8
(1021)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
This landmark peak offers a mountaintop village with scenic lake views, hiking trails & a cable car.
Monte Brè
4. Monte Brè
4.7
(687)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Funicular railways offer rides to the top of this small mountain, known as the country's sunniest.
Piazza Riforma
5. Piazza Riforma
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
6. Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
4.6
(691)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Small Catholic church founded in the 16th century, with a bell tower & frescoes in the nave.
Casinò Lugano SA
7. Casinò Lugano SA
4.1
(1284)
Casino
Fun & Games
Casino offering slots & various table games, plus a stylish Mediterranean restaurant.
Lido di Lugano
8. Lido di Lugano
4.5
(1612)
Lido
Outdoor Activities
Open-air pool complex with a sandy beach & green areas, popular for swimming & water polo.
FlyTicino - Paragliding Tandem Flights in Lugano & Locarno | Switzerland
9. FlyTicino - Paragliding Tandem Flights in Lugano & Locarno | Switzerland
5.0
(188)
Tours
Parasailing & Paragliding
Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
10. Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
4.6
(727)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Old Roman Catholic cathedral with an unusually imposing facade, plus mosaic tiles inside.
Sentiero dell'olivo
11. Sentiero dell'olivo
4.7
(696)
Outdoor Activities
Hiking area
Chiesa di San Rocco
12. Chiesa di San Rocco
4.6
(130)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Lido San Domenico
13. Lido San Domenico
4.6
(538)
Lake shore swimming area
Outdoor Activities
Gandria
14. Gandria
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Gandria is both a quarter of the city of Lugano in the Swiss canton of Ticino, and a village on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, which forms the core of that quarter. Until 2004, the quarter of Gandria was an independent municipality, joining with Lugano in that year. Wikipedia.
Ristorante Lido - Piscina Comunale
15. Ristorante Lido - Piscina Comunale
3.7
(16)
Restaurant
Nature & Parks
Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano)
16. Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI Lugano)
4.5
(443)
Museum
Art museum
Modern, 3-story museum offering 20th-century & contemporary artwork, plus temporary exhibitions.

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