Things to Do in Boise in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Boise
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage in Boise Foothills - aspens hit golden perfection mid-month at 1,200-1,800m (4,000-6,000 ft) elevation, creating Instagram-worthy hiking conditions
- Perfect outdoor activity weather - daily highs around 18°C (64°F) with minimal rain make this ideal for Boise River floating, extensive trail network hiking, and outdoor festivals
- Harvest season brings pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes within 30 minutes of downtown, plus local breweries release seasonal oktoberfest and pumpkin beers
- Significantly lower accommodation rates than summer peak season - hotel prices drop 30-40% from July/August levels while weather remains excellent for sightseeing
Considerations
- Dramatic temperature swings require layered clothing - mornings start at 2°C (36°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (64°F), catching unprepared visitors off-guard
- First frost typically occurs mid-to-late October, ending outdoor swimming season and forcing some outdoor venues to reduce hours or close temporarily
- Shorter daylight hours mean outdoor activities must be planned carefully - sunset by 6:30 PM limits evening hiking and outdoor dining options
Best Activities in October
Boise Foothills Fall Hiking Tours
October delivers peak fall colors in the Boise Foothills at elevations above 1,200m (4,000 ft). Camel's Back Park and Table Rock offer golden aspen viewing with comfortable 18°C (64°F) afternoon temperatures. Morning frost creates dramatic photography opportunities. This is the single best month for foothills hiking before winter weather arrives.
Snake River Valley Wine Harvest Experiences
October is actual harvest season in Idaho's Snake River Valley wine region, 45 minutes south of Boise. Temperatures are perfect for vineyard touring without summer's heat, and many wineries offer harvest participation experiences. This timing provides authentic agricultural tourism that's impossible other months.
Boise River Float Trips
October offers the last comfortable month for Boise River floating before winter. Water levels are stable, temperatures hit the sweet spot of warm afternoons without summer's crowds, and fall colors line the riverbank. Professional outfitters provide wetsuits for cooler water temperatures.
Idaho Botanical Garden Seasonal Displays
The Idaho Botanical Garden transforms in October with fall-themed displays, pumpkin arrangements, and the beginning of their winter light preparation. Comfortable walking temperatures and reduced summer crowds make this ideal for photography and peaceful garden exploration.
Bogus Basin Mountain Scenic Drives
October provides the last month to access higher elevations at Bogus Basin (1,800m/6,000 ft) before winter closure. Fall aspen colors peak at these elevations, and clear weather offers views extending to Oregon's mountains. This seasonal window closes by November.
Downtown Boise Cultural Walking Tours
October's comfortable 18°C (64°F) afternoon temperatures make extended downtown walking tours pleasant without summer heat exhaustion. Fall timing coincides with gallery openings, theater season launches, and outdoor art installations before winter weather limits pedestrian activities.
October Events & Festivals
Boise Music Festival
Annual outdoor music festival in Julia Davis Park featuring regional and national acts. October's moderate temperatures make this one of the few comfortable outdoor concert experiences before winter. Multiple stages and local food vendors create a quintessential Boise cultural experience.
Treasure Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival
Regional harvest celebration featuring corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and agricultural demonstrations at farms within 30 minutes of downtown. This seasonal event showcases Idaho's agricultural heritage and provides family-friendly activities during peak fall weather.
Hyde Park Street Fair
Historic North End neighborhood festival featuring local artisans, food trucks, and live music. October timing takes advantage of perfect street fair weather before winter forces events indoors. This event highlights Boise's distinctive neighborhood culture.