Recently updated on September 4th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
Across the globe, October is often sweet spot between peak season and off-season, making it one of the best months to travel. Whether you’re seeking autumn leaves and harvest festivities, or somewhere to extend your summer – we’ve wrapped up the best places to visit in October.
1. Japan
Temperature in October: 13–22°C (55–72°F)
October is Japan at its most photogenic – think clear skies and autumnal leaves. Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path should be blazing with fall colors and Nikko’s shrines glow against mountain backdrops. In Takayama there’s even a fall festival with ornate floats. Summer in Japan is surprisingly humid, so autumn offers a cooler experience – perfect to hike through golden ginkgo forests or soak in a traditional onsen.
2. New England, USA
Temperature in October: 8–18°C (46–65°F)
If you’re an autumn lover, a trip to New England in the fall is a bucket-list must. Think road trips with fiery maples aglow in every warm shade, sweater weather, cider donuts and small storybook towns. For a relaxed trip, join Trafalgar’s Autumn Colors tour to see Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in all their blazing glory.
3. Costa Rica
Temperature in October: 22–30°C (72–86°F)
October is that sweet spot when the rains ease up and the jungles of Costa Rica are ridiculously green. See monkeys swinging overhead in Manuel Antonio, catch the end of turtle nesting season on the Caribbean coast and go zip-lining through lush cloud forests. This is a trip where (almost) all you need is a swimsuit and sense of adventure.
READ NEXT: Where to travel in autumn to experience this amazing season
4. Eastern Canada
Temperature in October: 2–12°C (36–54°F)
As you’d expect, Canada turns on a show in October – think wild landscapes of crimson and golden leaves. It’s a beautiful time to explore the east, mixing Ontario’s forests with city days in Montreal and Quebec. Pack your flannels and get ready for crisp cool days.
5. Greek Islands
Temperature in October: 20–27°C (68–81°F)
Chase a second summer in the Greek Islands. In October, the scorching summer heat has mellowed, leaving behind sun-kissed days perfect for exploring. Hike Santorini’s caldera, sip wine in Crete or wander Mykonos’ whitewashed alleys without crowds. This time of the year offers peak Greek beauty and authentic local life, minus the crowds.
6. Rome & Tuscany, Italy
Temperature in October: 10–22°C (50–72°F)
Italy in October is food and fall foliage heaven. It’s a brilliant time to explore Tuscany and Rome, when the summer heat has eased off and truffle season kicks in. Italy often feels like a postcard, and that’s even more true in the dewy fall light. On cool days you can rug up, while if the sun shines enjoy plates of pasta al fresco.
READ NEXT: 7 reasons why shoulder season is the best time to visit Italy
7. Morocco
Temperature in October: 18–30°C (64–86°F)
October softens Morocco’s heat, making it more fun to explore the many souks and ancient medinas. Sip mint tea and bargain hunt in Marrakesh, wander ancient Fes’ labyrinthine streets or venture into the desert for a camel ride. It’s the ideal time to visit the Sahara – which bakes in summer and is icy cold in winter. Contrasting that, the High Atlas Mountains receive snow in winter – meaning you’ll find autumnal vibes there in October.
8. Thailand
Temperature in October: 24–32°C (75–90°F)
October in Thailand is the shoulder season: the monsoon eases, jungles are lush and beaches are nearly empty. Explore Chiang Mai’s mountains, island-hop off the coast of Krabi or dive into Bangkok’s street food scene on Trafalgar’s Treasures of Thailand trip. It’s also the Wan Ok Phansa festival, which marks the end of Buddhist Lent and is quite special in Chiang Mai.
READ NEXT: 7 reasons why you should visit Thailand in October
9. Sicily
Temperature in October: 17–25°C (63–77°F)
Fresh seafood and fresher temperatures for archaeological exploring make October a great month to explore Sicily. This Italian island off the southern coast is still warm this month, and if it’s not beach weather then you can hike Mount Etna or sip Nero d’Avola in Taormina. Better yet, lock in nine days exploring on Trafalgar’s Colours of Sicily tour.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Temperature in October: 10–20°C (50–68°F)
Asheville is a fun place in fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the place to see landscapes of reds and golds, local craft breweries offer seasonal beer releases, and Halloween vibes light up the town with spooky events and pumpkin patches. Turn your Instagram feed autumnal with cute moments in this artsy mountain town.
11. Vietnam
Temperature in October: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
October is a fantastic time to visit Vietnam. It’s the start of the dry season and harvest, so there’s a great energy in the air as the north cools and the famous rice terraces turn golden. Add to that a cruise on Halong Bay, an evening stroll through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and a street food tour across Hanoi for a fantastic October vacation. Tick it all off on Trafalgar’s Highlights of Vietnam tour.
READ NEXT: Best Time To Visit Vietnam
12. Lapland, Finland
Temperature in October: -2–3°C (28–37°F)
Lapland is a place that lives on the bucket list of many adventurous travelers, so why not visit in October? The cooler months are the best time of year to see the Northern Lights, so there’s a chance you’ll see the sky awash in shades of green. Snow dusts the landscape and it’s a great time for reindeer safaris and husky rides. The temps? Icy – pack layers, lots of layers for Trafalgar’s Scandinavian Northern Lights tour.
13. India
Temperature in October: 20–32°C (68–90°F), depending on region
October is festival season across India. Rajasthan and Mysore celebrate Dusshera, a festival that commemorates the victory of the god Rama over the demon king Ravana. And the month ends with Diwali – known as the Festival of Lights – which usually falls in late October or early November, depending on the lunar calendar. Festivals in India add an extra layer of culture, charm and color to the buzzing streets.
14. Portugal
Temperature in October: 15–23°C (59–73°F)
October is a beautiful time to visit Portugal. The summer crowds have eased, beach days are still on the cards and the cities are awash with a softer, autumnal light. Carve a lap of the small nation to explore Porto’s wine cellars and see the Douro Valley with autumnal vines, then kayak the Algarve coast or sip white wine with your toes in the sand down south on the Best of Portugal tour.
15. South Africa
Temperature in October: 12–25°C (54–77°F)
It’s spring in South Africa – that means wildflowers in bloom and epic game drives. Go spot Big Five in Kruger National Park, wander the Cape Winelands with a glass in hand, or catch Cape Town’s Table Mountain views with fewer crowds. Go for the safaris, stay for the sunshine.
16. Bruges, Belgium
Temperature in October: 7–14°C (45–57°F)
Seek cozy autumn vibes in Bruges, a fairytale Belgian town with cobbled medieval streets, canals and chocolate shops. With a steamy hot chocolate warming your hands, set out to explore the quaint destination – try waffles, take a canal cruise and climb the Belfry for views. Pack a rain jacket and cross your fingers for clear skies!
17. Petra, Jordan
Temperature in October: 15–28°C (59–82°F)
October is perfect for exploring Petra without the scorching summer heat. Wander the rose-red city’s ancient tombs, hike to the Monastery and snap photos of the canyon. Cooler days mean you’ll have more energy to explore – lucky as sunsets over sandstone cliffs are pure magic.
18. Black Forest, Bavaria, Germany
Temperature in October: 6–14°C (43–57°F)
The Black Forest is a place of fables, folklore and fairytales made more mystical with autumn vibes. On Trafalgar’s Best of Germany you’ll visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, a royal retreat in the forest and discover the landscape that inspired the Brothers Grimm. It’s perfect weather for Black Forest cake and to Dive Into Culture learning about the centuries-old craft of cuckoo clock making.
19. Sydney, Australia
Temperature in October: 15–23°C (59–73°F)
It’s springtime Down Under, and Sydney is buzzing with energy as the days get warmer. After a mild winter, October offers beach days without summer crowds and daily highs ideal for exploring. You could climb the Harbour Bridge, join a surf lesson at Bondi Beach, meet koalas at Taronga Zoo, or snack across Chinatown.
20. Hudson Valley, New York
Temperature in October: 7–18°C (45–65°F)
Apple orchards, wineries and fall foliage just a short drive from NYC make the Hudson Valley a popular autumn weekender. Go to hike leafy trails, sip crisp local cider and explore pumpkin patches. Keep an eye out for Halloween-themed events and festivals.
21. Vienna, Austria
Temperature in October: 8–15°C (46–59°F)
Vienna is a European city to seek out culture in October. This month you can add cultural events to your agenda including the Viennale International Film Festival, Wien Modern Music Festival, and the Long Night of Museums. A concert is the ideal way to cap off a day exploring palaces and cobbled streets.
22. Southern Spain
Temperature in October: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
Extend your summer on the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol. October is still a pleasant time to visit Spain’s southern coast, and as the temperatures start to cool down you can explore Granada’s enchanting Alhambra or get lost in Seville’s historic heart without breaking into (too much of) a sweat. See this part of the world on the 16-day Spain, Morocco and Portugal tour.
23. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Temperature in October: 20–30°C (68–86°F)
For an epic wildlife experience, head to Tanzania’s Serengeti in October. It’s the tail end of the dry season – meaning less vegetation and more animal action around watering holes. The Great Migration herds are heading south, and the predator-prey drama is at its peak.
24. Scotland
Temperature in October: 5–13°C (41–55°F)
Trade that pumpkin spice latte for a dram of whisky in Scotland this October. While Edinburgh offers charming historic streets that feel straight from a movie, the real magic lies north where the landscape turns into shades of autumn glory. Spend days hiking the golden-hued forests of Perthshire, driving across the misty, dramatic Highlands, popping into whisky distilleries, and passing time at cozy pubs.
READ NEXT: There’s a deeper meaning to these 9 atmospheric fall events & festivals
25. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Temperature in October: 7–18°C (45–65°F)
October turns the Smokies into a sea of red, gold and orange. It’s one of the best US national parks to peep fall leaves. Spend your days here hiking misty trails and driving scenic roads in search of wildlife (like elk) and colorful foliage.
October travel FAQS:
What are the best places to visit in the USA in October?
Top U.S. October destinations include New England for peak foliage, Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Smoky Mountains and Hudson Valley. For something different, Salem is perfect for Halloween and Albuquerque hosts a Balloon Fiesta.
What are the best places to visit in Europe in October?
In October, Europe’s best include Tuscany in Italy, Greek islands like Crete and Santorini, and Spain and Portugal’s southern coasts for sunny days. For cozy vibes, try Bruges, the Black Forest or Vienna.
What should I wear in Europe in October?
Pack layers! Think lightweight sweaters, long-sleeve shirts and a versatile jacket. Consider how many layers and how thick based on where you’ll go. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobbled streets (which almost every European village, town or city has!). Add accessories like a scarf, umbrella, gloves, sunglasses for comfort.
What festivals are in October?
October festivals include Oktoberfest in Munich, Diwali across India, Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta, Halloween in Salem, and Mexico’s lead-up to Día de los Muertos. Wine harvests in Europe – across Italy, Spain, France etc – are celebrated in villages and towns.
That’s our guide to the best places to visit in October. Is there anywhere else we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments…