October unveils a sweet spot for savvy travelers. As summer crowds dwindle and peak season prices recede, a world of pleasant temperatures and unique experiences emerges. It’s the perfect month to explore destinations offering shoulder-season deals and a more authentic local vibe. While the choices are vast, we’ve curated a guide to some of the most exceptional Nice Places To Travel In October, ensuring your autumn escape is nothing short of remarkable.
Italy: A Boot Full of Beauty from Cinque Terre to Puglia
Castello di Grinzane and village in Piedmont – one of the most famous wine regions of Italy
From the vineyard-clad hills of Piedmont in the north to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily in the south, Italy in October is simply enchanting. Imagine mild, inviting weather gracing every corner of this diverse country. Hotel rates, having softened from their summer highs, offer greater value. Perhaps most appealing is the opportunity to experience Italy alongside Italians, sharing trattorias and piazzas with locals rather than bustling tourist crowds.
The Amalfi Coast, often teeming in summer, transforms into a tranquil paradise in October. Cruise ship crowds thin out, and while prices remain moderate, the abundance of sunshine and still-warm Mediterranean waters are irresistible for swimming. Tuscany celebrates the olive and grape harvests with lively festivals, set against a backdrop of breathtaking fall foliage. Even Rome, usually buzzing, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, where securing an outdoor table in a famous piazza becomes a delightful spontaneity rather than a drawn-out wait.
Burgundy, France: Autumnal Hues and Harvest Highlights
The castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois viewed from a barge.
In Burgundy, October marks the culmination of the grape harvest. While the frenzy subsides, the wineries are still abuzz with activity as the fermentation and vinification processes unfold. This transitional period offers a unique chance to meet winemakers who, with a slightly more relaxed schedule, can dedicate time to sharing their craft with visitors.
Beyond the vineyards, Burgundy dons its most captivating attire in October. The vine leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and gold, a visual spectacle that justifies the region’s moniker, Côte d’Or – the golden slopes. The culinary scene also flourishes with the season. Menus in local restaurants feature seasonal produce like mushrooms and squashes, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of wild game.
The Big Island, Hawaii: Weather Perfection and Value
Wai
For idyllic weather in Hawaii, look no further than the Big Island in October. This month boasts the driest conditions, with daytime temperatures comfortably hovering around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As families are less likely to travel during this time, you’ll find more appealing prices on accommodations. While October might not be ideal for surfing, the Big Island offers a plethora of other attractions and activities, making it a top contender among nice places to travel in October.
Olympic National Park, Washington: Lush Landscapes and Stunning Sunsets
A beautiful sunset on the ocean among the rocks, Cape flattery trail , Olympic Peninsula, Washington state
Olympic National Park in Washington State reveals its multifaceted beauty in October. Pleasant weather typically graces all three of its diverse ecosystems: the majestic Olympic Mountains, the enchanting Hoh Rain Forest, and the dramatic Pacific coastline. While higher elevations might see a dusting of snow and lower areas some rain, the waterfalls will be in full flow, enriching the already lush environment. October sunsets in the Olympic Peninsula are particularly renowned for their spectacular displays of color.
Madrid, Spain: Culture and Comfort in the Capital
Old cozy street in Madrid, Spain. Architecture and landmark of Madrid, postcard of Madrid
As the intense summer heat subsides in September and October, Madrid awakens with a vibrant cultural scene. Festivals, theater performances, and concerts fill the city’s calendar. October also presents a more opportune time to secure reservations at Madrid’s newest luxury hotels, including renowned names like Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Edition. The city’s blend of cultural richness and comfortable temperatures makes it one of the nice places to travel in October for a sophisticated urban escape.
Austria’s Danube Valley: Wine Harvest Festivities and Fall Foliage
Wachau, Austria
October in Austria’s Danube Valley is a celebration of the senses. Falling at the tail end of peak season, it combines stunning fall scenery with the lively atmosphere of harvest time in the vineyards. The Heuriger, traditional Austrian wine taverns, become particularly festive, offering the first tastes of new wines. Wine aficionados will appreciate that many of the smaller, esteemed Heuriger, which aren’t open year-round, welcome guests throughout October.
Sicily and Malta: Mediterranean Warmth and Culinary Delights
coast of Cefalu, Palermo Sicily Italy
October in Sicily is synonymous with harvest. Fresh olives, almonds, and chestnuts abound, complementing the island’s already rich culinary landscape with seasonal flavors like wild mushrooms, prickly pears, and carob. Nearby Malta maintains invitingly warm temperatures, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or even a secluded overnight sailing excursion to Gozo. Across both Sicily and Malta, comfortable air and sea temperatures, coupled with reduced flight and accommodation costs compared to summer, and fewer tourists, create a more intimate and enriching travel experience.
Croatia: Coastal Charm Without the Crowds
aerial view of Hvar island and surrounding sea Croatia
Visiting Croatia in early October strikes the perfect balance. Expect pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable hotel rates than during the peak summer months. Enjoy the Croatian coast’s beauty and charm at a relaxed pace, making it an ideal choice among nice places to travel in October.
Greece: Ancient Wonders and Autumn Serenity
sunset over sailboats Naxos Town Greece
For travelers seeking to explore Greece’s ancient wonders and island beauty, October is a strategic time to visit. Following the summer rush, Greece in October offers pleasant temperatures, quieter streets, and more budget-friendly prices. Enjoy iconic sites and stunning landscapes with a sense of serenity, making Greece a compelling option when considering nice places to travel in October.
Turkey: Crossroads of Culture in Comfortable Climate
rainbow umbrellas hover over a street of shops and restaurants in Istanbul turkey
Turkey’s fall shoulder season, particularly October, presents an ideal window for exploration. Istanbul and Cappadocia enjoy sunny and mild weather, while the Aegean Coast remains warm yet comfortably free from summer’s intensity, with calm seas. This combination of climate and fewer crowds makes Turkey a standout choice when considering nice places to travel in October.
Utah’s National Parks: Moderate Temperatures and Majestic Vistas
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah
October is arguably one of the best months to discover the breathtaking national parks of Utah. Temperatures become generally moderate, and the summer crowds disperse. Explore these stunning landscapes by foot, vehicle, or even from above with a helicopter tour, experiencing the majesty of Utah in comfortable conditions, solidifying its place among nice places to travel in October for outdoor enthusiasts.
Japan: Autumn Colors and Cultural Richness in Kyoto
A traditional onsen ryokan hot spring inn Japanese hotel in the middle of nature.
Autumn in Kyoto, Japan, is a season of visual splendor. Cooler air arrives alongside the vibrant red hues of maple leaves, which often last into November. These stunning autumnal colors beautifully complement Kyoto’s serene Zen gardens and regal royal villas. October offers a perfect climate to immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural heart, making it one of the most nice places to travel in October for cultural immersion.
Bali: Value and Tropical Charm
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Hindu temple on Bratan lake landscape, one of famous tourist attraction in Bali, Indonesia – Image
While October falls within Bali’s rainy season, the showers are typically short-lived, often occurring in the afternoon or overnight. Crucially, October is less crowded than the peak season, resulting in more attractive hotel rates. Experience Bali’s tropical charm and cultural richness with better value, making it a worthwhile consideration among nice places to travel in October for budget-conscious travelers.
Northern Thailand: Lush Landscapes and Pleasant Weather
The view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Northern Thailand reaches its prime at the tail end of the green season. From mid-October to mid-December, rainfall diminishes, yet waterfalls and rivers remain full and impressive. Crucially, the peak season crowds and inflated prices of late December to mid-January are yet to arrive. The mountains are verdant, and morning mists add a magical touch to the valleys. While Bangkok is a year-round destination, Northern Thailand in October provides an especially enchanting experience, making it a fantastic choice for nice places to travel in October.
Northern Chile and Argentina: Desert Landscapes and Open Vistas
the red sand of Chile
While Northern Chile’s Atacama Desert and Argentina’s Salta region are appealing year-round destinations, October and November see fewer visitors. This means you can enjoy these expansive, dramatic landscapes with fewer fellow travelers. October also presents an excellent opportunity to extend your trip to Easter Island, where you’ll find fewer tourists and ideal weather conditions. Explore these unique South American destinations in relative tranquility, making them excellent nice places to travel in October for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
China: Classic Itineraries Under Blue Skies
Image: Serene Aman Summer Palace in Beijing, China, exemplifying the historical and cultural richness of China, which, combined with ideal weather in October, makes it one of the nice places to travel in October.
China’s vastness encompasses diverse climates, but for a classic China itinerary, October is hard to surpass. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an enjoy blue skies and agreeable temperatures, eliminating the need for heating or air conditioning. Explore iconic landmarks and bustling cities in comfort, making China a prime choice among nice places to travel in October for a culturally rich journey.
Oman: Perfect Desert and Mountain Climate
Dhow boat Cruise in Arabian Peninsula, boat on blue water with desert mountains in background
From mid-September through October, Oman offers near-perfect weather. The desert regions are not excessively hot, and the mountain areas are pleasantly mild. Explore Oman’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage in optimal conditions, making it a standout among nice places to travel in October for a unique Arabian adventure.
Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival and Cultural Spectacle
An eagle hunter on horseback in Mongolia holding an eagle
October in Mongolia is synonymous with the one-of-a-kind Golden Eagle Festival. This vibrant celebration of a centuries-old Kazakh hunting tradition in the Altai Mountains is a truly unique spectacle. Witness the resurgence of this tradition and even dine with festival competitors, offering a deeply immersive cultural experience, positioning Mongolia as one of the most nice places to travel in October for cultural immersion and adventure.
Vietnam: Country-Wide Exploration Under Clear Skies
Wonderful view of the East Gate (Hien Nhon Gate) to the Citadel and a moat surrounding the Imperial City with the Purple Forbidden City in Hue, Vietnam. Hue is a popular tourist destination of Asia.
October, along with March, is among the driest months to explore Vietnam comprehensively. While monsoon seasons vary across the country, October offers the best weather conditions in Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam. With clear skies and pleasant temperatures across much of the country, October is an excellent time for a full Vietnamese adventure, making it a top contender for nice places to travel in October across Asia.
The Seychelles: Ideal Weather and Underwater Wonders
Maia Luxury Resort, Anse Louis Beach, Seychelles
October in the Seychelles strikes a delightful balance of excellent weather and value. Expect minimal rain, comfortable temperatures, and many resorts still offering low-season rates. Furthermore, October is prime time for snorkeling and diving with whale sharks, making the Seychelles a compelling choice among nice places to travel in October for both relaxation and underwater adventures.
October truly is a gateway to a world of travel possibilities. Whether you seek cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or simply a relaxing escape, these nice places to travel in October offer something for every traveler. Embrace the shoulder season and discover the unique joys of autumn travel.
