Things to Do in Virginia Beach in October

October Weather in Virginia Beach

72°C (162°F) High Temp

55°C (131°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

October delivers Virginia Beach's most reliable weather - temperatures hover around 18-21°C (65-70°F) with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for extended beach walks and outdoor dining without the oppressive summer heat
Tourist crowds drop by 60% after Labor Day, meaning shorter restaurant waits, easier parking at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and locals return to popular spots like the Virginia Aquarium making it more authentic
Fall migratory bird season peaks at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge - over 200 species pass through including tundra swans and snow geese, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities unavailable other months
Ocean water temperature remains warm at 18-19°C (65-66°F) from summer heating, while air temperatures cool enough for comfortable boardwalk cycling and hiking at First Landing State Park without overheating

Considerations

Daylight shrinks to 11 hours by late October with sunset at 6:15 PM, cutting short afternoon beach activities and requiring earlier dinner reservations for oceanfront dining
October storms can bring sudden 24-48 hour periods of heavy rain and wind gusts up to 65 km/h (40 mph), potentially disrupting dolphin watching tours and kayaking plans
Many seasonal beach businesses close after Columbus Day weekend, reducing dining options along the less touristy sections of Atlantic Avenue and limiting late-night entertainment choices

Best Activities in October

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Scenic Drive and Fishing

October offers the clearest visibility for this 27 km (17 mile) engineering marvel spanning the Chesapeake Bay. Cool temperatures make the drive comfortable while fall weather patterns create excellent fishing conditions for striped bass and flounder. The Sea Gull Island rest stop provides unobstructed bay views without summer haze. Perfect timing as migrating birds create additional scenic interest.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for the drive - just pay the $14 toll. For fishing charters departing from nearby harbors, book 5-7 days ahead as October is prime fishing season. Expect charter rates of $400-600 for half-day trips. Check current fishing tour options in the booking section below.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Kayaking and Birding

October transforms this 3,650-hectare (9,000-acre) refuge into Virginia's premier birding destination. Cooler temperatures make 3-4 hour kayak tours comfortable while peak fall migration brings tundra swans, snow geese, and 18 duck species. Water levels are optimal and biting insects have disappeared. The 9.6 km (6 mile) Bay Trail offers exceptional walking for non-kayakers.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals through refuge-approved outfitters run $45-65 per day. Book 10-14 days ahead for October weekends as this is peak migration season. Guided birding tours cost $75-95 per person. Entry requires $5 vehicle fee. See current tour options in booking section below.

Virginia Beach Boardwalk Ghost Tours

October brings special Halloween-themed walking tours covering the boardwalk's maritime history and local legends. Cooler evening temperatures around 16°C (61°F) make 90-minute walks comfortable while reduced summer crowds allow better access to historical sites like the Old Coast Guard Station. The Cavalier Hotel and Cape Henry Lighthouse feature prominently in spooky storytelling.

Booking Tip: Ghost tours operate nightly in October, typically 7:30-9:00 PM, costing $20-30 per adult. Book 3-5 days ahead as Halloween season increases demand. Most tours start from Neptune's Park at 31st Street. Private group tours available for $200-300. Check current ghost tour schedules in booking section below.

Dolphin Watching and Whale Migration Tours

October marks the southern migration of humpback and fin whales along Virginia Beach's coast, while resident bottlenose dolphins remain active in warmer offshore waters. Calm seas and excellent visibility create ideal viewing conditions. Tours venture 16-24 km (10-15 miles) offshore where the continental shelf creates rich feeding grounds.

Booking Tip: Three-hour tours typically cost $45-65 per adult with 85% wildlife sighting rates in October. Book 7-10 days ahead as weather-dependent scheduling fills quickly. Morning tours (8:00-11:00 AM) offer calmest seas. Tours operate from Virginia Beach Fishing Center and Rudee Inlet. Check current whale watching options in booking section below.

Cape Henry Lighthouse and First Landing State Park Hiking

October's moderate temperatures and low humidity make hiking the park's 30 km (19 miles) of trails comfortable for extended periods. Fall foliage peaks in mid-to-late October along the Bald Cypress Trail. The 1792 lighthouse offers panoramic views without summer heat distortion. Cypress swamps display brilliant autumn colors unique to coastal Virginia.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs $10 per vehicle, lighthouse climbing fee is additional $8. No advance booking required but arrive early (8:00-9:00 AM) for best lighting and parking. Guided nature walks offered weekends for $15 per person. Trail maps available at visitor center. See current park tour options in booking section below.

Lynnhaven River Oyster Farm Tours and Tastings

October marks prime oyster season as cooler water temperatures improve oyster quality and eliminate summer bacteria concerns. The Lynnhaven River's brackish waters produce Virginia's famous Lynnhaven oysters. Farm tours explain aquaculture methods while tastings showcase seasonal varieties. Comfortable weather makes boat-based farm visits enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Farm tours with tastings cost $35-50 per person, typically lasting 2-3 hours. Book 5-7 days ahead as October is peak season for fresh oysters. Most tours include transportation to farm sites via shallow-draft boats. Some tours combine with sunset cruises for $65-85. Check current oyster tour options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Late September through Early October

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Virginia Beach's signature fall festival celebrating maritime heritage with sand sculpting competitions, seafood vendors, live music, and the Neptune's Grand Parade along Atlantic Avenue. Over 300,000 visitors attend across multiple weekends with local artisans, craft vendors, and regional food specialties highlighting Chesapeake Bay cuisine.

Mid October

Pungo Strawberry Festival Fall Market

This agricultural celebration in Virginia Beach's rural Pungo district showcases fall harvest with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and local produce vendors. Family farms open their gates for hayrides, farm-to-table dinners, and seasonal activities celebrating Virginia Beach's farming heritage beyond the beach tourism.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight fleece or cardigan - October evenings drop to 13°C (55°F) requiring layers for beachfront dining after 7:00 PM

Waterproof hiking boots - First Landing State Park trails can be muddy after October's 10 rainy days, and cypress swamp boardwalks get slippery

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days with strong reflection off sand and water during midday hours

Packable rain jacket - October showers arrive quickly from offshore systems and last 30-45 minutes with little warning

Binoculars (8x42 recommended) - Essential for Back Bay Wildlife Refuge's fall bird migration and dolphin watching tours

Long pants for evening activities - Temperatures drop 8-10°C (15-18°F) after sunset, making shorts uncomfortable for boardwalk walks

Reef-safe sunscreen for water activities - Ocean temperature of 18°C (65°F) allows swimming but Virginia Beach enforces marine protection regulations

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Boardwalk can be slippery from morning dew and the 4.8 km (3-mile) length requires substantial walking

Light scarf or neck gaiter - Ocean breezes average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) in October, creating wind chill during boat tours

Insulated water bottle - October's variable weather requires hydration during warm afternoons while keeping drinks from getting too cold

Insider Knowledge

Local restaurants offer 'Locals Appreciation' discounts throughout October after tourist season ends - ask servers about off-menu pricing and happy hour extensions that aren't advertised to visitors

Parking becomes free at many metered beachfront spots after October 15th, saving $15-25 daily, but locals know the free lot behind the Contemporary Art Center at 22nd Street stays free year-round

The Virginia Aquarium offers behind-the-scenes tours only in shoulder season months like October when they have staff availability - call directly rather than booking online for these exclusive experiences

Rudee Inlet's fishing boats return with daily catches around 3:00-4:00 PM in October - locals buy directly from captains for the freshest seafood at half restaurant prices, cash only

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all beachfront businesses stay open through October - many seasonal shops and restaurants close after Columbus Day weekend, leaving fewer dining options along quieter stretches of Atlantic Avenue

Underestimating how quickly weather changes in October - visitors pack only for warm days but get caught in sudden temperature drops or afternoon storms without proper layers or rain protection

Booking dolphin or whale watching tours for late afternoon - October's earlier sunset at 6:15 PM means morning tours (8:00-11:00 AM) offer better lighting and calmer seas for wildlife viewing