October emerges as a gem in the travel calendar, presenting a unique blend of pleasant temperatures, fewer tourist crowds, and enticing shoulder-season deals across a vast range of destinations. While the options are plentiful, pinpointing the truly optimal spots can refine your travel experience. For those seeking the perfect October escape, we’ve curated a list of top destinations to consider. (For insights into travel during other months, explore Where To Go When.) For personalized trip planning, connect with a WOW List travel expert.
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Italy: Exploring from Piedmont to Sicily in October
Picturesque Italian vineyard in Piedmont region during fall season
Italy, stretching from the northern Piedmont region to the southern tip of Sicily, reveals its autumnal splendor in October. The entire country enjoys comfortable weather, moving away from the summer heat and offering ideal conditions for exploration. Hotel prices, having receded from peak season highs, become more attractive, and the overall atmosphere shifts towards a more authentic Italian experience, shared with locals rather than overwhelming tourist throngs.
The Amalfi Coast in October offers a particularly appealing proposition. The large cruise crowds diminish, leading to a noticeable drop in prices, while the Mediterranean sun remains generous, and the sea retains enough warmth for swimming. Tuscany in the fall is vibrant with olive and grape harvest festivals, set against a backdrop of breathtaking fall foliage. Even Rome, usually bustling, provides a more relaxed experience, where securing an outdoor table in the city’s celebrated piazze becomes a breeze.
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Burgundy, France: Wine Harvest and Autumn Colors
Barge cruising past Chateauneuf-en-Auxois castle in Burgundy, France in October
Burgundy in October transitions from the hectic grape harvest to a period of winemaking activity. While the fermentation and vinification processes are in full swing, winemakers find themselves with a bit more time to welcome visitors. This period coincides with Burgundy’s most picturesque phase. The vine leaves transform into a spectacle of yellow and gold, truly justifying the region’s name, Côte d’Or, the golden slopes.
Beyond the celebrated wines, October in Burgundy is also a prime time to savor seasonal produce. Restaurant menus feature mushrooms, squashes, and wild game, reflecting the rich autumnal bounty of the region. This culinary focus, combined with the visual beauty of the vineyards and the accessibility of winemakers, makes Burgundy an exceptional destination in October.
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The Big Island, Hawaii: Ideal Weather and Lower Prices
Waipio Valley lookout on the Big Island of Hawaii, showcasing lush greenery and dramatic cliffs
For those seeking tropical warmth without the summer rush, the Big Island of Hawaii in October stands out. This month offers the most favorable weather conditions of the year, characterized by dryness and daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 85 degrees Fahrenheit. With families largely back in school, October sees fewer tourists, resulting in more affordable prices for accommodations and activities. While surfing conditions might not be optimal this time of year, the Big Island shines in every other aspect, making it a top choice for an October getaway.
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Olympic National Park, Washington: Lush Landscapes and Spectacular Sunsets
Sunset view from Cape Flattery Trail in Olympic National Park, Washington, featuring rocky coastline and ocean
Olympic National Park in Washington State presents a diverse and beautiful landscape in October. The park encompasses three distinct ecosystems – the Olympic Mountains, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the Pacific coastline – all of which are typically pleasant during this month. While higher elevations might see some snow and lower areas experience rain, the waterfalls are invigorated and the rainforest flourishes in its lushness. October is also renowned for its particularly stunning sunsets, casting vibrant colors across the Olympic Peninsula. This combination of natural beauty and moderate weather makes it an excellent time for hiking, exploring, and photography within the park.
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Madrid, Spain: Cultural Festivities and Comfortable Temperatures
Charming old street in Madrid, Spain, lined with traditional buildings and cobblestones
Madrid transitions beautifully into fall during September and October. The intense summer heat subsides, giving way to more comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the city. October marks the beginning of a vibrant cultural season in Madrid, with an array of festivals, theater performances, and concerts enlivening the city. Additionally, securing a room at one of Madrid’s recently opened luxury hotels, including names like Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Edition, becomes considerably easier during this shoulder season. This blend of cultural richness and improved accessibility makes Madrid a compelling October destination.
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Austria’s Danube Valley: Wine Harvest and Lively Taverns
Scenic vineyards in Wachau region of Austria along the Danube River during harvest season
October in Austria’s Danube Valley signals the tail end of the peak tourist season, yet it remains a captivating time to visit. The fall scenery is breathtaking, and it’s harvest season in the vineyards. This means the Heuriger, or wine taverns, are especially lively and welcoming, offering the chance to sample the latest wines. Crucially for wine enthusiasts, many of the smaller, higher-quality Heurigers, which are not open year-round, are all in operation throughout October. This period provides an authentic and engaging wine-country experience, enhanced by the autumnal atmosphere.
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Sicily and Malta: Warm Seas and Culinary Delights
Coastal town of Cefalu in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, viewed from the sea, showcasing architecture and clear waters
October in Sicily is synonymous with harvest season, bringing a bounty of fresh olives, almonds, and chestnuts, along with wild mushrooms, prickly pears, and carob, enriching the island’s already diverse culinary scene. Nearby Malta maintains warm enough temperatures for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A romantic overnight sailing trip to Gozo becomes even more appealing with fewer boats around. Across both Sicily and Malta, October offers inviting air and sea temperatures, more affordable flights and accommodations compared to summer, and a more intimate experience with local culture due to fewer tourists.
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Croatia: Pleasant Weather and Post-Summer Calm
Aerial view of Hvar island in Croatia, showing islands, clear sea, and coastline
Visiting Croatia in the first half of October strikes a perfect balance. The weather remains agreeable, tourist crowds thin out considerably, and hotel prices drop from their peak summer rates. This period allows for a more relaxed exploration of Croatia’s stunning coastline, historic cities, and natural parks, without the intensity of the summer rush. Whether you’re interested in island hopping, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying the Adriatic coast, early October in Croatia provides an ideal setting.
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Greece: Quieter Streets and Sunny Days
Sunset over Naxos Town, Greece, with sailboats in the harbor and a vibrant sky
Greece in the fall, specifically October, becomes a haven for savvy travelers. As the summer crowds dissipate, Greece reverts to a more tranquil pace, offering pleasant temperatures, quieter streets, and more affordable prices. Similar to Croatia, October in Greece provides an optimal window to enjoy its historical sites, islands, and Mediterranean beaches in a more relaxed and authentic environment. The sunny days are still plentiful, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Turkey: Mild Weather in Istanbul and Cappadocia
Colorful umbrellas over a street in Istanbul, Turkey, with shops and restaurants
Turkey during the fall shoulder season, particularly October, presents an appealing travel proposition. Istanbul and Cappadocia experience sunny and mild weather, perfect for exploring these iconic destinations. Along the Aegean Coast, temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, and the sea is calm, ideal for coastal activities. October in Turkey allows for a more comfortable and less crowded exploration of its diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene coastlines and unique geological formations.
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Utah’s National Parks: Moderate Temperatures and Fewer Crowds
Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument in Utah, with scenic highway and vast landscape
October is heralded as one of the best months to discover Utah’s breathtaking national parks. Temperatures become generally moderate, making hiking and outdoor activities more comfortable, and the summer crowds diminish significantly. This creates a more serene and intimate experience within parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. Whether exploring on foot, by car, or even via helicopter, Utah’s national parks in October offer stunning landscapes under pleasant conditions.
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Japan: Autumn Colors in Kyoto
Traditional Japanese Ryokan hotel with onsen hot spring in a natural setting
Autumn in Kyoto, commencing in October, brings cooler air and the vibrant hues of bright red maple leaves, which persist into November. This seasonal transformation enhances the beauty of Kyoto’s Zen gardens and royal villas, creating picture-perfect scenes. October in Japan offers a delightful mix of comfortable weather for exploring and stunning autumnal scenery, particularly in culturally rich cities like Kyoto.
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Bali: Attractive Hotel Rates and Lingering Dry Weather
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple on Lake Bratan in Bali, Indonesia, a famous water temple
While October falls within Bali’s rainy season, the showers are typically short-lived, often limited to a few hours in the afternoon or overnight. More significantly, October is considered the shoulder season in Bali, meaning it’s less crowded than the peak periods. This translates to more attractive hotel rates, making a luxurious Balinese getaway more accessible. The manageable rainfall and reduced tourist volume make October a smart choice for experiencing Bali’s cultural richness and natural beauty without the high-season costs and crowds.
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Northern Thailand: Lush Landscapes and Full Waterfalls
View from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand, overlooking lush hills and valley
Northern Thailand reaches its prime at the end of the green season, from mid-October to mid-December. The rains have decreased, but waterfalls and rivers remain full and impressive. Crucially, the large tourist crowds and higher prices associated with the late-December to mid-January peak season have not yet arrived. The mountains are verdant, and morning mists in the valleys create a magical atmosphere. While Bangkok is a year-round destination, Northern Thailand in October offers a particularly enchanting experience with its refreshed landscapes and pleasant conditions.
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Northern Chile and Argentina: Wide-Open Landscapes and Fewer Visitors
Vast red sand dunes of the Atacama Desert in Chile under a clear sky
While the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Salta region of Argentina are accessible year-round, October and November see fewer visitors compared to other months. This results in a more solitary and immersive experience of these vast, open landscapes. Furthermore, October is an excellent month to extend your trip to Easter Island, which is less crowded and enjoys ideal weather during this period. For those seeking solitude and stunning scenery, Northern Chile and Argentina in October are compelling choices.
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China: Blue Skies Across Classic Itineraries
October in Beijing, China, offers clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for visiting historical sites like the Summer Palace.
China, a vast and geographically diverse country, experiences varied weather patterns. However, for a classic China itinerary encompassing Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an, October is hard to surpass. Skies are typically blue, and temperatures are agreeable, eliminating the need for extreme heating or air conditioning. This makes October an exceptionally comfortable and visually appealing time to explore China’s iconic cities and historical landmarks.
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Oman: Perfect Desert and Mountain Weather
Dhow boat cruise in Oman along the Arabian Peninsula, with desert mountains in the background
From mid-September through October, Oman enjoys ideal weather conditions. The desert regions are not excessively hot, and the mountain areas are not too cold. This balanced climate makes October a prime time to explore Oman’s diverse terrains, from its dramatic desert landscapes to its rugged mountains and beautiful coastlines. Whether you’re interested in desert adventures, mountain hikes, or coastal relaxation, October in Oman provides optimal weather for all activities.
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Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival
Eagle hunter on horseback in Mongolia holding a golden eagle, showcasing traditional hunting practices
October in Mongolia offers a unique cultural highlight: the Golden Eagle Festival. This vibrant event in the Altai Mountains celebrates the centuries-old Kazakh tradition of hunting with eagles. Founded in 1999 to preserve this heritage, the festival has grown significantly, now involving over 400 eagle-hunting families. October is the month to witness this extraordinary spectacle and even arrange to dine with festival competitors through local experts, offering a deep dive into Mongolian culture.
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Vietnam: Country-Wide Exploration Under Clear Skies
East Gate (Hien Nhon Gate) to the Citadel in Hue, Vietnam, with moat and historic architecture
Vietnam’s monsoon seasons vary across its regions, but October and March are typically the driest months to travel throughout the entire country. Fall, particularly October, presents the best weather conditions in Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam. If your aim is to explore Vietnam from north to south, October provides a favorable window with reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures across the diverse landscapes and cities.
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The Seychelles: Ideal Weather and Great Value
Luxury resort on Anse Louis Beach in Seychelles, showcasing white sand beach and turquoise waters
October in the Seychelles strikes an appealing balance of excellent weather and value. The weather is characterized by pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall, and low humidity. Additionally, many resorts still offer low-season rates in October, making it more affordable to experience this tropical paradise. For underwater enthusiasts, October is also the best month for snorkeling and diving with whale sharks, adding an extra layer of excitement to a Seychelles trip.
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Other Smart Options This Month
October’s appeal extends to numerous other destinations.
North America
California Coast
Hawaii: Maui
Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons National Park (first half of the month)
Mexico: Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya (all for the second half of the month)
Yellowstone National Park (first half of the month)
Central and South America
Bolivia
Brazilian Amazon
Buenos Aires
Colombia: Bogotá
Costa Rica: fishing, wildlife and turtle hatching
Patagonia (second half of the month)
Peru
Europe
Canal Barge Cruises
Czech Republic
England: Cotswolds and London
France: Paris
Greece: Athens
Hungary
Ireland: Killarney and County Kerry
Portugal, including The Algarve
Romania (first half of the month)
Scotland
Spain: Andalusia
Asia
India: Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, and Trekking in the Himalayas
Bhutan
China: Yunnan Province
Laos
Nepal
Africa and Middle East
Botswana
Madagascar
Morocco: Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
South Africa: Cape Town and the Winelands
Australia and Pacific
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Fiji
French Polynesia (first half of the month)
New Zealand: Queenstown hiking and cycling
Papua New Guinea: trekking
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