Things to Do in Virginia Beach in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Virginia Beach
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means accommodation costs drop 25-35% compared to peak summer months, with beachfront hotels typically running $120-180 per night instead of $200-300. You're getting the same oceanfront rooms without the premium.
- Water temperature stays comfortable at 19-21°C (66-70°F) through early October, warm enough for swimming without a wetsuit but cool enough that you're not dealing with the stifling heat that makes beach days exhausting in July and August.
- The autumn surf season kicks in properly by mid-October, with consistent swells from northeast storms bringing 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft) waves that are actually rideable, unlike the flat summer days. Local surf shops see their busiest rental periods during these weeks.
- Crowd levels drop significantly after Columbus Day weekend in early October - the boardwalk goes from shoulder-to-shoulder tourists to actually pleasant walking space, and you can get dinner reservations at waterfront restaurants without booking weeks ahead.
Considerations
- Ocean temperature drops noticeably after mid-October, going from comfortable to genuinely chilly by month's end. By late October you're looking at 16-18°C (61-64°F) water that feels cold without a wetsuit, especially on overcast days when air temps might only hit 15°C (59°F).
- Weather variability means you're genuinely rolling the dice - October can give you perfect 24°C (75°F) beach days or grey 13°C (55°F) rain, sometimes within the same week. The 10 rainy days are spread unpredictably, so planning outdoor activities more than 3-4 days out is tricky.
- Many seasonal beach businesses start closing or reducing hours after Columbus Day, particularly smaller boardwalk vendors, bike rental shops, and tour operators. By late October, you'll find 30-40% of boardwalk businesses operating on weekend-only schedules or closed entirely until spring.
Best Activities in October
Dolphin and Wildlife Boat Tours
October is actually prime time for dolphin watching as bottlenose dolphins are actively feeding before winter, and you'll spot them on 70-80% of tours versus maybe 40% in summer. The cooler water concentrates baitfish near shore, bringing dolphins closer to the coastline. Tours run 2-3 hours, and the mild October temperatures make being on the water comfortable without the scorching sun or winter wind chill. Whale migration also passes through in late October, though sightings are less guaranteed.
First Landing State Park Hiking and Cycling
The park's 32 km (20 miles) of trails are at their most comfortable in October - you're not dealing with summer humidity or biting insects, and the mixed hardwood forest starts showing fall color by mid-month. The Bald Cypress Trail is particularly striking when the cypress needles turn rust-orange in late October. Trails stay relatively dry except immediately after rain, and the 70% humidity is manageable under tree cover.
Surfing Lessons and Board Rentals
October brings the most consistent surf Virginia Beach sees all year, with northeast swells producing rideable waves 4-5 days per week versus the flat conditions common in summer. Water is still warm enough in early October that beginners can learn in boardshorts or a spring suit rather than full winter wetsear. The reduced crowds mean more space in the lineup and instructors can give more attention.
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
This becomes your go-to backup plan for those 10 rainy October days, but it's genuinely worth visiting regardless of weather. The facility covers indoor and outdoor exhibits spanning 3-4 hours, featuring local Atlantic species, sea turtle rehabilitation, and an aviary. October is actually ideal because summer camp groups are gone, so you're not fighting crowds at the touch tanks. The attached Adventure Park has treetop rope courses if weather clears.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Scenic Drive and Fishing
The 28 km (17.5 mile) bridge-tunnel crossing is genuinely dramatic in October when you might catch autumn storm systems rolling in over the bay, creating that moody coastal atmosphere. The fishing islands at the tunnel sections are popular for catching spot, croaker, and flounder during October's fall run. Even if you're not fishing, the seabird activity is notable as migrants pass through, and the $14 toll includes access to the southernmost island's facilities.
Boardwalk Biking and Beach Volleyball
The 4.8 km (3 mile) concrete boardwalk is actually pleasant to bike in October once the summer crowds thin out after Columbus Day. You can maintain a decent pace without constantly dodging pedestrians, and the cooler temperatures make the ride comfortable. The beach volleyball courts near 24th Street stay active through October with pickup games most afternoons when weather cooperates - locals actually prefer playing in cooler temps rather than brutal summer heat.
October Events & Festivals
Neptune Festival
Virginia Beach's largest festival typically happens the last full weekend of September running into the first weekend of October, featuring the boardwalk weekend with live music stages, the regional arts and crafts show with 350+ vendors, and the North American Sand Sculpting Championship. The sandcastle competition alone draws 30+ professional sculptors creating massive temporary installations. If your October trip catches the tail end, it's worth experiencing, though expect significantly higher hotel rates and boardwalk crowds that weekend.
Pungo Strawberry Festival Fall Edition
The agricultural Pungo area south of the resort strip hosts autumn harvest events most October weekends, featuring local farm stands, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides. It's genuinely family-oriented rather than tourist-trap manufactured, giving you a sense of the farming community that still exists 30 minutes from the beach. Multiple farms participate rather than one centralized event.