To many, Sochi mistakenly seems to be a city suitable exclusively for summer holidays. Many sanatoriums, beaches, the Riviera, the Black Sea – these are the associations that the name of the city evokes. In recent years, ski resorts have been popular – Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor, Gazprom Laura, Gazprom Alpika, but a holiday in Sochi in October seems at least a strange idea. Perhaps many do not know everything about this beautiful city and the opportunities that it offers for a holiday in the fall.
Weather
The weather in October is very comfortable. The average air temperature is kept at the level of +21°C and only by the end of the month starts to drop to +13°C. Most of the month the weather is sunny and calm. There are very few days with prolonged precipitation – according to statistics, only four for the entire month.
It should be noted separately that the water temperature at the beginning of the month is kept at +18°C, which means it remains acceptable for a short swim.
Is it cold in October
According to statistics, most of the month (until about the last week) the air temperature fluctuates between +17° – +21°C. It is also important to consider that most of the days are sunny and windless, which means that the air will feel warmer than it is.
It can become cool only in the last few days, closer to November – that's when it starts to rain and the wind picks up, and the temperature drops to +13°C. Travelers can only be advised to bring sweaters or cardigans to wear under coats and jackets to keep warm if the need arises.
What to see
First of all, tourists want to see the embankments and beaches, but it is worth remembering that the city is not limited to this. The famous Olympic Park deserves attention. There are several sports facilities on its territory, such as the Fisht stadium and the Big Ice Palace.
Nearby you can find the famous Singing Fountains, striking with their illumination and music (in autumn, the show starts at 19.00).
Museum lovers can be advised to visit the Sochi Art Gallery, which regularly hosts exhibitions. Fans of history will be interested in visiting the house-museum “Stalin's Dacha”. By the way, Stalin had more than fifteen dachas throughout Russia, but you can freely visit only Sochi.
Do not forget about the sights located around the resort. This is the Rosa Khutor ski resort, the famous 33 waterfalls, and the Navalishchenskoye Gorge. The unique nature of the Krasnodar Territory will not leave anyone indifferent.
Thrill-seekers can visit the Skypark. Its main attraction is the suspension bridge right above the gorge, by the way, the longest in the world. For those who find this not enough, there is another attraction – bungee jumping (almost 210 meters high).
Vacation with children
Vacationers with children are advised to visit the Riviera Park. It is recognized as the best place for recreation and entertainment, not least because of its attractions (which amaze even adults with their variety) and numerous cafes.
The main attraction of the park is the Friendship meadow, surrounded by perennial magnolias. Also on the territory of the park are the Dolphinarium and the Green Theatre. Another great entertainment for children will be a visit to the Sochi Circus.
Also, young tourists will be interested in the mechanical museum of Leonardo da Vinci, the exhibits of which are collected according to the drawings of the famous scientist and inventor.
It is worth visiting the Nikola Tesla Electrical Museum. The exhibits of this unique museum clearly
demonstrate the principles and laws of action of electricity.
The ethnographic center “Visiting the Husky” is always happy for both children and adults. Here you will find walks with dogs along various routes, the Grill Park Cafe, a play space for outdoor activities and much more.
Excursions
There are a lot of excursions in Sochi. Starting from one-day trips designed for a short overview of the city, and ending with those that involve visiting some distant sights and spending the night outside the city (for example, in Krasnaya Polyana or Rosa Khutor).
A separate fun adventure will be an excursion that includes a jeep ride through one of the many small rivers. There are also excursions during which tourists will have the opportunity to learn a lot about nearby Adygea or Abkhazia.
The cost of travel
The most convenient way to get to Sochi is by plane. A non-stop flight from Moscow will take 2.5 hours. Ticket prices depend on the date of purchase and on the airline, but, on average, they are 1,250 – 2,000 rubles one way.
You can also get to Sochi by train. An option for the patient, because you have to go for a day (from 22 to 24 hours, depending on the train). A reserved seat will cost from 2,400 rubles. A seat in a compartment is more expensive – from 3,000 rubles.
Check the cost of railway tickets online
Hotel prices vary by location. An inexpensive hotel 3 near the city center will cost from 2,000 rubles per night. Hotel 4 – from 4,000 rubles per night. A place in a hostel will cost the cheapest – about 1,000 rubles per night.
In total, when traveling for 5 days, on average, you should count on 15 thousand rubles (provided that you fly by plane and book a room in an inexpensive hotel).
It should be borne in mind that you can relax much cheaper if you buy a tour, and not look for a separate hotel and tickets. On average, a ticket for five nights will cost from 10,000 rubles for two – the benefit is obvious.
Reviews of tourists
Most tourists agree that Sochi is very beautiful in October. It is worth coming at least to admire the yellowing rocks above the cool sea.
The fact that there are not so many tourists in autumn gives the city a special charm – most come either in summer, to the sea, or in winter, to ski resorts. In autumn, in parks and, especially, museums, there is no usual crowd at all, which means that you can enjoy your vacation without being distracted by anyone.
Separately, everyone notes that, despite the decline in the tourist flow, excursions continue to be held in the city, and museums and parks work almost in summer mode (most – until 19.00 or 20.00) – accordingly, the tourist will not lose anything regarding summer.
Many also note that the weather varies from year to year. Sometimes it is average – a moderate amount of sunny days, warm, but not hot air. But there are years when the velvet season stretches noticeably, and in October you can not only swim, but even get a good tan.
Conclusion
Sochi in October is a good option for those who would like to see the city, but are not particularly interested in swimming. The air temperature remains comfortable for long walks around the city, as well as for a trip outside of it. Thanks to the tourist downturn, prices for planes and hotels are dropping a little, which makes holidays in October quite inexpensive. Excursion routes continue to operate, including those to Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor, Abkhazia or Adygea.
Sochi, even without the opportunity to swim, remains an interesting and original city in which tourists always have something to do. And given the small number of rainy days and the fact that it doesn't get too late yet (around 7 pm), a holiday in Sochi remains a great idea.