Best Travel Locations in October for Your Next Trip
October presents a fantastic window for travel across many parts of the world, offering pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months, and the advantage of shoulder-season pricing. While the possibilities are vast, identifying the truly Best Travel Locations In October can streamline your planning. This month often strikes a perfect balance, providing comfortable weather for exploring cities, enjoying natural landscapes, or relaxing by the sea before the winter chill sets in for many regions. From European harvest festivals to stunning fall foliage in North America and ideal conditions in parts of Asia and the Southern Hemisphere, October travel provides unique and rewarding experiences. Discover some of the top destinations that shine during this appealing autumn month, making it easier to choose the perfect getaway for your fall adventure.
Italy: From the Cinque Terre to Puglia
Italy offers widespread appeal in October, from the northern regions like Piedmont down to the southern tip of Sicily. The weather is generally pleasant, allowing for comfortable exploration without the intense summer heat. Hotel rates tend to decrease from peak-season highs, and the overall atmosphere feels more authentic as tourist crowds thin, leaving trattorias filled more with locals. On the Amalfi Coast, the reduction in cruise ship passengers means a more relaxed experience, prices may dip slightly, the sun often shines, and the sea remains warm enough for swimming. Tuscany comes alive with olive and grape harvest festivals, set against a backdrop of stunning fall foliage. In Rome, securing an outdoor table in the city’s famed piazze becomes significantly easier.
alt="Picturesque view of Castello di Grinzane Cavour and vineyards in Piedmont, Italy during autumn harvest season"
Burgundy, France
October in Burgundy is a special time. The rush of the harvest season concludes as the grapes are brought in. However, wineries remain active places, with fermentation underway and vinification in full swing. This period offers a unique opportunity as winemakers often have slightly more time to engage with visitors. Aesthetically, it’s arguably the most beautiful season; the vine leaves transform into vibrant yellows and golds, vividly illustrating why the region is called the Côte d’Or (the golden slopes). Beyond wine, the local cuisine embraces seasonal produce, with mushrooms, squashes, and wild game featuring prominently on restaurant menus, making it one of the Best Travel Locations In October for food and wine lovers.
alt="Scenic view of the castle Chateauneuf-en-Auxois from a canal barge in Burgundy, France during fall"
The Big Island, Hawaii
For the Big Island of Hawaii, October stands out as an optimal month. It typically experiences its driest weather during this time, with comfortable daytime temperatures averaging around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Since it falls outside the main family vacation periods, you can often find lower prices for accommodation and activities. While it might not be the peak season for surfing, the overall conditions make it ideal for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, from volcanic parks to beautiful beaches.
alt="Stunning coastal cliffs overlooking Waipio Valley lookout on the Big Island, Hawaii"
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park in Washington State showcases its diverse ecosystems beautifully in October. Pleasant weather usually prevails across the Olympic Mountains, the lush temperate Hoh Rain Forest, and the rugged Pacific coastline. While higher elevations might see some early snow and rain is possible lower down, the waterfalls are typically flowing well, contributing to the verdant scenery. Furthermore, sunsets over the Pacific coast tend to be particularly spectacular during this time of year, adding a dramatic flourish to the day’s explorations.
alt="Dramatic sunset over sea stacks along the Cape Flattery trail, Olympic Peninsula, Washington State"
Madrid, Spain
As the intense summer heat subsides, Madrid becomes much more comfortable for exploration in September and October. This period also marks a resurgence in the city’s cultural calendar, with various festivals, theater performances, and concerts taking place. Finding accommodation at one of the city’s recently opened luxury hotels, such as the Four Seasons, Rosewood, or Edition, is generally easier and potentially more affordable than during the peak summer months, making it an attractive time for a city break.
alt="Charming old street scene with traditional architecture in Madrid, Spain during autumn"
Austria’s Danube Valley
Visiting Austria’s Danube Valley, particularly the Wachau region, in October offers several advantages. It marks the end of the peak tourist season, features beautiful fall scenery, and coincides with the grape harvest. This means the local Heuriger (wine taverns) are particularly lively and festive, offering opportunities to sample new wines. Importantly for wine enthusiasts, many of the smaller, often higher-quality Heurigers operate seasonally and are typically open in October, providing access to unique local wine experiences.
alt="Picturesque view of the Wachau Valley wine region along the Danube River in Austria during autumn"
Sicily and Malta
October is harvest season in Sicily, enriching the island’s already impressive culinary scene with fresh olives, almonds, chestnuts, wild mushrooms, prickly pears, and carob. Nearby Malta still enjoys warm weather suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or even a romantic overnight sail to the quieter island of Gozo. Across this Mediterranean region, both air and sea temperatures remain inviting. Flights and accommodations are generally less expensive than in summer, and fewer tourists allow for a more intimate connection with the local culture and people.
alt="Coastal view of Cefalu town with its harbor and historic buildings in Palermo, Sicily, Italy"
Croatia
Traveling to Croatia, especially in the first half of October, allows visitors to enjoy generally good weather, significantly fewer tourists compared to the summer months, and lower prices for hotels and accommodations. Popular coastal destinations like Hvar are still warm enough for swimming, but the summer party crowds have largely departed, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the beautiful coastline and historic towns.
alt="Aerial view of the stunning coastline and clear blue waters surrounding Hvar island, Croatia"
Greece
Greece is another Mediterranean destination that becomes particularly appealing in the fall after the summer rush. Similar to Croatia, visiting Greece in October typically means pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing, quieter streets in popular islands and cities, and more competitive pricing for travel and lodging. Letting the peak season crowds disperse allows for a more relaxed exploration of ancient sites and charming villages.
alt="Silhouetted sailboats against a vibrant sunset sky in Naxos Town harbor, Greece"
Turkey
The fall shoulder season, including October, is considered a sweet spot for visiting Turkey. Major cities like Istanbul and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia typically experience sunny and mild weather. Along the Aegean Coast, conditions are warm but not excessively hot, and the sea is usually calm, making it suitable for coastal activities and relaxation without the peak summer heat and crowds.
alt="Colorful rainbow umbrellas suspended over a bustling street with shops in Galata, Istanbul, Turkey"
Utah’s National Parks
October is widely regarded as one of the premier months for exploring Utah’s famous “Mighty 5” national parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef) and other stunning areas like Grand Staircase-Escalante. Temperatures are generally moderate, avoiding the extreme heat of summer, and the crowds begin to thin out, especially later in the month. This makes hiking and exploring the dramatic landscapes more comfortable and enjoyable.
alt="Expansive view of the layered rock formations in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah"
Japan
Autumn in Japan, particularly in cities like Kyoto, is renowned for its beauty. October brings cooler, comfortable air and the beginning of the vibrant fall foliage season, with bright red maple leaves (momiji) creating stunning contrasts against the serene Zen gardens, temples, and historic villas. This natural spectacle typically lasts into November, offering a magnificent visual experience for visitors.
alt="Traditional Japanese onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) nestled in a serene natural setting"
Bali
While October falls within Bali’s rainy season, precipitation often occurs in short bursts, usually limited to a few hours in the afternoon or during the night, rarely disrupting entire days. A significant advantage of visiting during this time is that the island is less crowded than during the high season (typically July and August). Consequently, hotel rates can be more attractive, offering better value for accommodation.
alt="Iconic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu temple complex situated on the serene Bratan Lake in Bali, Indonesia"
Northern Thailand
The period from mid-October towards the end of the year marks an excellent time to visit Northern Thailand. It sits at the tail end of the green season, meaning the monsoon rains have largely subsided, but the landscapes remain lush, and waterfalls and rivers are full. This timeframe precedes the peak tourist season (late December to mid-January), resulting in fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. The mountains are exceptionally green, and the morning mists drifting through the valleys create a captivating atmosphere. While Bangkok is a year-round destination, October generally sees improving weather there too.
alt="Panoramic view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort overlooking lush hills in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand"
Northern Chile and Argentina
The Atacama Desert in Chile and the Salta region in northwestern Argentina are fascinating destinations that can be visited year-round. However, October (along with November) typically sees fewer tourists compared to other periods. This allows for a more solitary experience when taking in the vast, dramatic landscapes of deserts, salt flats, and mountains. These months also present an excellent opportunity to combine a trip with a visit to Easter Island, which tends to be less crowded with favorable weather.
alt="Vibrant red rock formations characteristic of the Atacama Desert landscape in northern Chile"
China
Given China’s vast size, weather patterns vary significantly by region and altitude. However, for many classic tourist itineraries covering major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, October offers arguably the best weather conditions. Skies are often blue, and temperatures are typically very pleasant, frequently eliminating the need for heating or air conditioning, making sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable.
alt="Traditional architecture of the Aman Summer Palace hotel buildings in Beijing, China"
Oman
The period from mid-September through October is ideal for visiting Oman. The weather strikes a perfect balance across the country’s diverse terrains: it’s generally not excessively hot for exploring the deserts, nor is it too chilly for venturing into the mountainous regions. These comfortable conditions make it a prime time for activities like dhow cruises, exploring wadis, and visiting historic forts.
alt="Traditional wooden dhow boat sailing on calm blue water with rugged desert mountains in the background, Oman"
Mongolia
October offers the unique opportunity to witness the Golden Eagle Festival in the Altai Mountains of western Mongolia. This vibrant event celebrates a centuries-old Kazakh tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles. It’s a colorful spectacle featuring competitions and displays of horsemanship and falconry. Attending the festival supports the preservation of this cultural heritage, as the number of eagle hunters has grown significantly since the festival’s inception, providing important income for local families.
alt="Kazakh eagle hunter on horseback holding a large golden eagle against a backdrop of Mongolian mountains"
Vietnam
Vietnam’s elongated shape means its weather varies considerably from north to south due to different monsoon seasons. However, if you aim to travel throughout the country, October (along with March) is often considered one of the best months, offering relatively dry conditions across multiple regions. In particular, the fall season brings favorable weather to Ho Chi Minh City and the southern parts of Vietnam, with clear skies ideal for exploring historical sites like those in Hue.
alt="View of the historic East Gate (Hien Nhon Gate) and moat surrounding the Imperial City Citadel in Hue, Vietnam"
The Seychelles
October in the Seychelles strikes an excellent balance between favorable weather and good value. Conditions are typically pleasant, not overly hot, with minimal rainfall. Many resorts may still offer rates closer to the low season compared to the peak winter months. Furthermore, October is recognized as the best month for snorkeling and diving opportunities with whale sharks, adding a significant draw for marine life enthusiasts.
alt="Luxurious beachfront villa at Maia Luxury Resort overlooking Anse Louis Beach, Seychelles"
Choosing Your October Getaway
As highlighted, October opens up a wealth of possibilities for travelers seeking comfortable weather, unique cultural experiences, and potentially better value. Whether you’re drawn to the harvest festivals and golden vineyards of Europe, the crisp air and stunning fall colors in North America’s parks, the pleasant conditions for exploring ancient sites in Asia, or the ideal beach weather in destinations like the Seychelles or Hawaii, there are numerous best travel locations in october to suit diverse interests. The shoulder season advantage often means fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic travel experience. Considering these diverse options can help you plan an unforgettable autumn adventure tailored precisely to your preferences.
