Quick Picks for October
October is often considered a sweet spot. Summer crowds have thinned in much of the northern hemisphere, temperatures are milder, and autumn colour peaks in many regions. It is also the start of the dry season in parts of the tropics, although it can be the tail end of hurricane or monsoon seasons elsewhere.
- For autumn colour: New England, eastern Canada, Japan (later in autumn), Germany and the Scottish Highlands.
- For mild weather in Europe: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia.
- For warmth: Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Thailand (varies), and parts of Mexico.
- For festivals: Oktoberfest in Munich (which begins in September), Halloween events, and Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico at the end of the month.
Autumn Colour
- New England, USA. Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are popular for foliage, with peak timing varying by year and elevation. Book accommodation early for peak weekends. More ideas are in our guide to fall travel destinations in the USA.
- Eastern Canada. Quebec and the Maritimes offer vivid colours and scenic drives.
- Germany and Central Europe. The Black Forest, Bavaria and the Rhine valley are good for wine harvests and autumn walking. See the best place to travel in Germany for help choosing a base.
- Scotland. Highlands and glens are scenic, though weather can be changeable. Our best UK travel itinerary has routes.
- Japan. Colours generally peak later, in November in many places, though northern areas and higher elevations can turn earlier in October.
Mild Weather in Europe
Southern Europe is warm enough for sightseeing and often still for swimming early in the month, with fewer crowds than in July. Cities such as Lisbon, Seville, Rome and Athens are comfortable for walking. The weather can become rainier later in the month, so pack a light waterproof. Our packing guide for Europe in fall has layering advice. If you prefer a hotter alternative in summer, see places to travel in July.
Warm Destinations
- Morocco, Jordan and Egypt. Autumn is typically more comfortable than summer for exploring ruins and deserts. Our guide to travel in Northern Africa compares Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. For another region with pleasant autumn weather, see our guide to the best time to travel to the Holy Land.
- Mexico. Parts of the country are drier by October, but it is still the tail end of the Atlantic hurricane season, so check forecasts and consider flexible bookings.
- Southeast Asia. The monsoon pattern varies by country, so check the specific region you are visiting.
- Caribbean. October is within hurricane season and some businesses close, though prices can be low. Travel insurance that covers weather disruptions is worth considering.
Festivals in October
Oktoberfest in Munich runs from mid-September into early October. Halloween events are popular in the US, Ireland and elsewhere. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in Mexico takes place around 1 to 2 November, with preparations and events beginning in late October. Check specific dates for your year.
Cheapest Places to Travel in October
October is often a shoulder season, which can bring lower prices. Possible bargains include:
- Mediterranean beach towns after the summer peak.
- Caribbean destinations in hurricane season, with the weather risk noted above.
- European cities outside school-holiday weeks.
- Flexible midweek flights.
Where to Go for Four Days in October
For a short trip, choose one base (our quick getaway ideas can help):
- A New England town for foliage, if you are in the eastern US.
- A European city such as Lisbon, Porto, Rome or Prague.
- A Mexican city such as Mexico City or Oaxaca, particularly around Day of the Dead.
- A US national park, with the caution that some facilities reduce services as winter approaches.
Caveats
- Hurricane and typhoon seasons overlap with October in several regions.
- Clocks change in many countries in late October, shortening evenings.
- Some seasonal attractions close for winter, so check opening hours.
FAQ
Where is the best place to go on vacation in October? It depends on your priorities: New England for foliage, southern Europe for mild weather, or Mexico for warmth and festivals.
Where is it cheapest to travel in October? Shoulder-season Mediterranean towns and low-season Caribbean destinations are often cheaper, but compare for your dates.
Which destination is best for October? There is no single best. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Morocco and Japan are common picks.