The September and October holidays in Roses, Costa Brava are the region's best-kept secret. While everyone battles for a parking space in August, Roses regulars know that the late season offers something incomparable: the warm summer sea, beaches free from crowds, restaurants that can finally breathe again, and a Mediterranean light of rare quality. Stay in our Sea-view apartment with panoramic terrace or our Renovated flat in Canyelles Petites in September or October, and you'll understand why so many of our travellers consistently return at this time.
🌊 Why September-October is the ideal time in Roses
Holidays in September and October on the Costa Brava in Roses combine all the advantages of summer without its drawbacks. The sea reaches 22 to 24°C in September – often warmer than in June – and remains suitable for swimming until mid-October for the less sensitive to cold. Daytime temperatures hover between 22 and 26°C in September, and between 18 and 22°C in October. The sun is still generous, and the light is more golden and more photographic than in the height of summer.
Tourist numbers drop significantly after August 15th. The beaches regain their natural beauty, the roads are clear, and the atmosphere changes radically: Roses becomes a human-sized, authentic town again, where it's pleasant to stroll without rushing.
Prices are also falling noticeably – our apartments are available at much more attractive rates than in July-August, for exactly the same quality of stay. This is the favourite time for families seeking peace and comfort, for retirees, and for remote workers looking for an extended sunny getaway.
☀️ The weather in Roses in September and October
| Month | Air temperature | Sea temperature | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 22-26°C | 22-24°C | 7-8 hours/day |
| October | 18-22°C | 19-21°C | 5-6 hours/day |
September it is a direct continuation of summer. The days are warm and sunny, the evenings mild. Some stormy spells are possible at the end of the month – a classic Mediterranean phenomenon, usually brief and spectacular.
October marks a gradual transition. The days remain very pleasant, especially in the first fortnight. The tramontane can blow more frequently, but the windless days are of absolute beauty – crystal clear sky, calm sea, low-angle light in the late afternoon.
💡 Advice: In October, look out for days without tramontane for your boating trips – underwater visibility is then exceptional.
Roses' beaches out of season
In September-October, the beaches of Roses find their true nature. No more rows of parasols, no more street vendors, no more queues for the shower. Just the sand, the sea and the sky.
Canyelles Petites beach, 100 metres from our apartments, is particularly beautiful in the late season. Its calm, crystalline waters make it an ideal spot for snorkelling – visibility can reach 10 to 15 metres in September. There are more fish, and they are less shy than in the middle of summer.
The wild coves of Cap de Creus, only accessible on foot or by kayak, are deserted in October. It's the perfect time to explore these hidden gems that the summer crowds make difficult to access in July-August.
🥾 Must-do activities in September-October
Hike along the Camí de Ronda
Autumn is undoubtedly the best season to walk the Camí de Ronda. The temperatures are ideal for walking, the Mediterranean vegetation regains its colour after the summer dryness, and the paths are passable without the oppressive heat of summer. Set off early in the morning from Canyelles Petites towards the Cap de Creus lighthouse – the spectacle is unforgettable.
Kayaking and snorkelling
Underwater visibility in September-October is often better than in the summer – the summer plankton has dissipated, giving way to remarkably clear waters. Several providers in Roses offer guided excursions until the end of October.
Day trip to Cadaqués
Cadaqués In the late season, the village is in all its splendour – without the tourist coaches. The white alleyways, the terraces, Dalí's house in Portlligat… Just a 21-minute drive from our apartments, it's a perfect half-day out for any October stay.
Birdwatching at the Aiguamolls
September-October is the migration period Auxiliary Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Nature Park. Thousands of birds pass through this protected wetland, migrating between their northern breeding grounds and their African wintering quarters. Flamingos, storks, herons, birds of prey… The spectacle is exceptional and ornithologists from all over the world travel to see it.
The DO Empordà Harvests
September marks the grape harvest in the Empordà vineyards. Several estates around Roses and Peralada open their doors for visits and tastings during this period. An authentic and friendly local experience, ideal for wine lovers.
The medieval market Land of Troubadours
Every year in September, Castelló d’Empúries – a 10-minute drive from Roses – hosts the medieval market. Land of Troubadours, considered one of the most beautiful on the entire Costa Brava. Hundreds of people dress up as medieval merchants, artisans and warriors for several days. A unique experience for the whole family.
🍽️ Late season gastronomy
Autumn is the season for exceptional produce on the Costa Brava. The Restaurants in Canyelles Petites and Roses In September and October, they offer menus featuring anchovies from L'Escala – the region's foremost specialty – but also mushrooms from the Pyrenees, incomparably fresh seafood, and the season's first hearty stews.
The terraces are still open and booking is much easier than in summer. The chefs are more available, the teams less under pressure – it's often in the shoulder season that you eat best in Roses.
💡 Philippe's advice: September is the best month for seafood in Roses. Take advantage of it to order a paella or a fideuà by the sea – the produce is at its peak quality.
🛒 Doing your shopping in September-October
The supermarkets in Roses are all open in September and early October. Some reduce their opening hours from mid-October – check our A complete guide to grocery shopping in Roses for detailed addresses and opening hours.
The covered market in Roses remains open every day in September. In October, please check locally for autumn opening times.
Driving to Roses in September-October
Good news: the end of the high season also means the end of traffic jams at Perthus. From Perpignan, allow 1 hour 30 minutes without stress, on any day of the week. Consult our Complete guide to coming to Roses from France, Barcelona or Girona.
Low-cost flights to Girona Airport are still numerous in September and reduce progressively in October. Ryanair and Transavia maintain routes from Paris, Lyon and Nantes until the end of October depending on the year – check availability early.
🏠 Our apartments available in September-October
Our two apartments are available throughout the late season, at more attractive rates than in high season. Same sea view, same terrace, same private parking, same quality of welcome – but with added serenity.
Availability in September-October is generally better than in summer, but rapidly diminishes as soon as the first cold snaps arrive in northern France. Book your holiday rental in Rosas directly with us, without service charge, to benefit from the best price guarantee.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about September-October in Roses
Is the sea still warm in September in Roses? Yes – the sea reaches 22 to 24°C in September, often warmer than at the start of the summer season. It’s one of the best times of the year for swimming in Roses.
Voici quelques idées pour profiter de Roses en octobre : * **Profitez du temps plus doux :** Octobre offre généralement un temps plus doux et moins de monde qu'en été. C'est le moment idéal pour explorer la ville et ses environs à pied ou à vélo. Les températures sont agréables pour des activités en plein air. * **Visitez la Citadelle de Roses :** Ce site historique impressionnant, vestige d'une forteresse médiévale et grecque, est une visite incontournable. En octobre, vous pourrez explorer ses ruelles et ses musées sans la foule estivale. * **Promenez-vous le long de la promenade :** La promenade maritime de Roses est parfaite pour une balade tranquille. Admirez la vue sur la baie, le port de pêche et les montagnes environnantes, et profitez de l'air marin. * **Explorez le village médiéval de Sant Pere de Rodes :** Situé dans les hauteurs, ce monastère magnifique offre des vues panoramiques époustouflantes sur la côte. Le trajet pour y accéder est également très agréable. * **Détendez-vous sur la plage :** Bien que la baignade puisse être un peu fraîche, il est toujours possible de profiter de la plage pour se promener, lire un livre ou simplement admirer le paysage marin. Les plages de Roses sont vastes et souvent moins fréquentées en octobre. * **Découvrez le Parc Naturel du Cap de Creus :** En octobre, la nature est magnifique dans le Cap de Creus. C'est un moment idéal pour faire de la randonnée, explorer les criques isolées et admirer les paysages rocheux spectaculaires sculptés par la tramontane. * **Savourez la gastronomie locale :** Les restaurants de Roses sont toujours ouverts et vous pourrez déguster les spécialités de la région, notamment les fruits de mer et les plats catalans, dans une ambiance plus paisible. * **Visitez le marché :** Si le marché hebdomadaire a lieu, c'est une bonne occasion de découvrir les produits locaux. * **Envisagez des excursions d'une journée :** Profitez de la proximité de Roses pour visiter d'autres villes charmantes de la Costa Brava comme Cadaqués, Empuriabrava (avec ses canaux) ou Figueres (pour le musée Dalí). Octobre est un mois très agréable pour visiter Roses, offrant tranquillité et la possibilité de profiter pleinement des beautés naturelles et culturelles de la région. Hiking along the Camí de Ronda, kayaking, an excursion to Cadaqués, visiting the Aiguamolls for bird migrations, wine tasting in the Empordà vineyards... The programme remains very full even in October.
Are restaurants open in October in Roses? The majority of restaurants are open in October, with a gradual reduction towards the end of the month. Establishments in Canyelles Petites generally close between the end of October and the beginning of November.
Is the weather nice in Roses in September? September extends the summer with temperatures of 22 to 26°C and 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day. Some thunderstorms are possible at the end of the month, but sunny days are largely in the majority.
Can you swim in Roses in October? Yes, especially in the first fortnight. The sea is still 19-21°C at the beginning of October – swimmable for those who feel the cold less. Swimming becomes cooler towards the end of the month.