Sitting slap bang in the middle of Autumn, October is perhaps the last month of the year before things get dark – very very dark (unless you happen to be in the Southern Hemisphere in which case, reverse this). October is a month of crunchy orange and red leaves, cold crisp days, Halloween pumpkins and school half-term holidays. As such, it is for many, the perfect month for one last getaway before the holiday season starts.
If you are planning to go on vacation in October, then you will be delighted to know that there are some excellent October destinations. Whether you are looking to embrace the season or escape from it, there is a place to visit this October for you.
In this post, we will look at some of the best places to visit in October. We have picked destinations for every budget and for every taste.
- The Best Places in The USA To Visit in October
- Best Places To Holiday in October For Good Weather
- Best Places in Europe To Visit in October
- Best Places To Travel in October For Festivals
- Best Places To Visit in October on a Budget
- Best of The Rest – Where To Go in October
- Final Thoughts on Where To Go in October
The Best Places in The USA To Visit in October
If you’re planning to travel within the United States during October, you’ll be spoiled for choice. While the Northern States are cooling down, the fall foliage is just lovely and the Southern states are still warm for those who want to maybe wear short pants that little bit longer. Two great destinations in the US to consider this October are:
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, or the Big Easy, is a truly unique and vibrant city that’s known for its music, food, and cajun culture. NOLO is by far one of the USA’s most interesting cities to visit and attracts thousands of visitors each year, it’s no wonder as there’s so much to do in New Orleans!
While N’Orleans is best known for its legendary, debauched, Springtime Mardi Gras festival, October is still a great time to visit New Orleans on account of the mild weather, lower prices and lower tourist numbers. In October the fun city also hosts several festivals and events, including the famous Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, one of the best festivals in the US.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is a vastly underrated but vibrant city located in the heart of New Mexico. While Breaking Bad kind of put the city on the map, Alburquerque still receives relatively few visitors so those who do venture here have it all to themselves.
The city is surrounded by some stunning natural scenery, including the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, both of which provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting museums, art galleries, and historic sites. There’s so much to do in Albuquerque you’ll be spoilt for choice.
October is an especially great time to experience Albuquerque’s culinary scene, which features a wide range of foods inspired by the city’s diverse cultural influences. You can find classic New Mexican dishes like green chile stew and fusion cuisine that blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques. So whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, Albuquerque is an ideal destination for an October getaway.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco presumably needs no introduction. It is rightly regarded as one of the United States’ great cities and looms large in popular culture. There is so much to do in San Fran but my top tip is to hire a cycle and then ride on the waterfront, over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito before tucking into some clam chowder.
Anyway, October is a great time to visit San Francisco as the weather is generally mild but bright and sunny and visitor numbers are less hectic than they are in the summer.
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View on Booking.comBest Places To Holiday in October For Good Weather
I don’t mind October’s cool days myself, but I know that when the temperatures start to drop many of you are ready to hit the “Take me to warmer climes NOW!” panic button. Well if you’re looking for blue, sunny skies and warmer temperatures, check out the following destinations for snowbirds:
Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Island of the Gods (Bali) is a popular destination year-round (in fact, it may even be too popular these days…) and with bloody good reason! It is quite simply an exquisite little paradise with incredible beaches, beautiful backpackers and plenty of hip cafes serving up delicious brunch.
October is an especially excellent time to visit the island of Bali because it falls between the high and low seasons. The rains have (usually) stopped by October so the weather is typically dry and sunny meaning visitors can enjoy Bali’s stunning beaches, temples, and paddy fields. October is also a good time to avoid the manic summer and winter crowds and enjoy marginally lower prices.
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Kerala, India
India’s southernmost state Kerala is a welcoming and beautiful destination that’s known for its lush scenery, sleepy backwaters, rich culture, and its delicious food. Keralan culture is actually quite distinct from that of the rest of India and many visitors consider it to be a great destination for solo women visiting India and for intrepid first-timers to India. There’s also an incredible amount of things to do in Kerala too.
October is a great time to visit because the weather is typically dry and sunny (the heat starts to really ramp up in December), and the crowds are much lower than in peak season. Visitors can explore Kerala’s backwaters at leisure, bathe on its beaches, or rest at the State’s hill stations.
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Best Places in Europe To Visit in October
Europe is a classic travel destination at any time of year, but October offers a unique opportunity as a travel destination in the autumn season at its best before November’s cold rain starts a-falling. Two great destinations to consider visiting in Europe this October are:
Iceland
Visiting Iceland in October is a great option for travelers who enjoy adventure and unrivalled scenery. Note that the weather in Iceland during October can be unpredictable, with possible rain, wind, and even snow, but temperatures usually range between 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F).
Perhaps the main reason to visit Iceland in October is to try to catch a glimpse of the majestic Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months. October is still early in the Northern Lights season, but with darker nights, visitors at this time actually have a strong chance to see them if the conditions are right (which varies from one night to the next).
But another reason to visit Iceland in October is simply to avoid peak tourist season. This means that visitors can enjoy some of Iceland’s most popular attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, without the crowds and that accomodation prices will also be a bit kinder on your budget. It’s overall a great time to visit Iceland.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a charming and cool city that’s particularly beautiful in October. The weather is usually cool but sunny, and the city’s stunning architecture and legendary landmarks are all enhanced by the autumn colours.
Visitors to Prague in October can join walking tours through the city’s cobblestone streets, enjoy its cultural attractions, or sample its stodgy food and plentiful beer. There are also some great day trips to do from Prague too if you have some extra time.
Berlin, Germany
Oh, Berlin. A truly fascinating city with a rich (and complicated) history, and October is an ideal time to visit. The fall weather is crisp and refreshing, making it perfect for exploring Berlin’s many, many attractions. One of the most interesting events in Berlin during October is perhaps the Berlin Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners from around the world.
In addition to the marathon (yeah we know it’s not exactly how everybody wants to spend a vacation!), Berlin has a plethora of other attractions to offer visitors in October. The city has a thriving art and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing works from both local and international artists.
October is an excellent time to experience Berlin’s culinary underrated scene. The city is renowned for its street food, which includes everything from classic German dishes like currywurst and schnitzel to international cuisine from around the world (the street kebabs are just divine). Berlin also has a legendary nightlife and Techno scene which to be fair, kicks ass all year round.
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Grab an eSIM!Best Places To Travel in October For Festivals
Ah, festivals. Nothing makes travel memories like gate crashing a festival in a far-flung land. And if you’re looking for a cultural experience, consider the following destinations:
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is famous for its Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, which take place in late October and early November. This colorful yet macabre festival celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones and features parades, music, weird costumes, and traditional food and drink.
Day of the Dead has achieved legendary status and each year revellers from around the world flock to get a sample of the madness. It’s one of the best festivals in Mexico and shouldn’t be missed.
Munich, Germany
The Bavarian delight that is Munich is, of course, home to the famous Oktoberfest beer festival, which takes place in late September and early October. This raucous festival dates back to the middle ages and celebrates Bavarian culture and especially the local beer.
During the festival, the city comes alive with beer tents, traditional food, music, and dancing in the streets. If you don’t fancy spending your whole trip getting loaded then you can also explore Munich’s (many) other attractions, such as its stunning architecture, museums, and gardens.
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October can be a financially challenging time to travel for many as the Christmas countdown has begun and every penny counts. Still, if you’re on a budget but still want to travel in October, maybe consider the following destinations:
Marrakech, Morocco
Manic Marrakech is a properly lively desert city that is chock full of culture, history, and madness. Surrounded by the Atlas mountains and packed with winding souks, it is one of the most dizzying places I ever visited.
The El Fna square at night is a definitive travel experience and a day spent bartering in the souks will yield a bounty of treasures. It’s just one of the many wild things to do in Marrakech!
October is a great time to visit. In summer the heat is intense (even unbearable) but by October the weather is a bit milder yet still pleasant.
Krakow, Poland
Poland’s Krakow is a truly charming city that mixes the mediaeval, modern and postmodern as well as the hopeful with the tragic. The old castle is well worth a visit although my favourite thing to do in Krakow is to spot the old community infrastructure such as the tram system. The old Jewish Quarter is also worth a visit and the Auschwitz concentration camp makes for a poignant day trip.
In October, the pre-winter weather is cool but still pleasant if you wear a jacket. Tourist numbers are low so flights and hotels are going for budget prices in what is already a cheap destination.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Best of The Rest – Where To Go in October
In case none of the above quite did it for you, worry not as we have two more absolutely incredible destinations left in the bag for you. These are the best of the rest of the places to visit in October.
Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
The Patagonia region straddles southern Chile and Argentina and is one of the most pristine and special places on Earth. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife, Patagonia is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and makes for some of the best adventuring known to man.
October is a great time to visit because the (Spring) weather is mild and the crowds are thinner than in peak season. Visitors can hike through its epic national parks, such as Torres del Paine National Park, or spot wildlife such as guanacos, pumas, and condors.
Pakistan
Pakistan is one of our favourite countries on earth. I have visited twice myself and our founder Will has lost count of how many times he has been. The northern regions such as Gilgit Baltistan offer the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen and the Punjab area offers classic Indian cities and the best street I ever munched on.
It’s a unique and fascinating destination that’s perfect for adventurous travellers, particularly the stunning National Parks of Pakistan. October is a great time to visit as the weather is dry and pleasant – the heat and rains of summer have subsided (do note that the nights up in the North are frigid).
Final Thoughts on Where To Go in October
Ok, so there we are! As you can see October is a stunningly great time to travel and explore new exciting destinations. Whether you’re looking for a bit of fall foliage, Halloween spookiness, some warm weather or just some budget-friendly options we got you.
There are plenty of October destinations to choose from and you truly are spoiled for choice. So pack your backpack, grab your passport, and get ready for your next adventure.
Going a bit earlier, there are plenty of awesome places to visit in September too!
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