If you don’t know where to travel in October, you’re in the right place! After your summer holidays, surely you want to enjoy an autumn getaway. Traveling in the fall can be very special: you won’t have to deal with the crowds, high temperatures, and price premiums of summer. Additionally, the month brings incredible festivals and also the most beautiful foliage of the year. If you dare to travel, we tell you the 15 best destinations to travel to in October so that you get inspired and enjoy a unique vacation.
15 Best Destinations To Travel In October 2023
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1. Ireland, one of the best destinations to travel for Halloween
Oktoberfest is not the only celebration in October. We can’t forget about Halloween! And we believe that there is no better way than to celebrate this holiday in its place of origin: the island of Ireland.
Although Halloween wasn’t a celebration then; On October 31, the Celts dressed in animal skins to ward off evil spirits and prevent them from being carried off. Hence the tradition of dressing up was born! Also, the arrival of winter was often associated with death and it was on this night that they believed the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
Ireland is one of the best destinations to travel to in October and enjoy Halloween. If you visit the island at the end of the month, you will have the opportunity to experience Derry Halloween firsthand, the largest Halloween festival in Europe and one of the most internationally recognized. It is celebrated from October 28 to 31 and you can enjoy incredible parades, bonfires, and, of course, people of all ages dressed up throughout the walled city.
Outside of Derry, Halloween is celebrated all over the country. With haunted castles and ancient tombs, Ireland is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in the world.
2. Iceland
Iceland is one of the best destinations to travel to in October. While it is true that it is popular throughout the year, we believe that discovering it in the fall is the best option.
October is a month of transition in Iceland. As for the weather, temperatures begin to drop considerably. The minimums are usually 2ºC while the maximums are 7ºC. But that won’t be a problem! The cold in Iceland is never extreme, so don’t worry too much, just bring thermal clothing and plenty of layers.
The most interesting thing about visiting Iceland in October is that as the month progresses, the daylight hours are reduced. And that is key to being able to see the Northern Lights in Iceland! So with an average of 15h of darkness, it is quite easy to see this incredible natural phenomenon without suffering extreme temperatures.
Also, if you still don’t have enough reasons, the autumnal colors of the landscapes will convince you. October is one of the best months to travel to Iceland!
3. Istanbul, a fascinating city to travel to in October
One of the best times to visit Istanbul is in October. On these dates, you will have a better opportunity to fully enjoy the main attractions without the overwhelming crowds of the high tourist season, which runs from June to August.
October enjoys warm but pleasant temperatures with averages of 20ºC during the day. That makes it easy to enjoy shopping afternoons in the Grand Bazaar or to visit its most popular attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, or enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus.
The pleasant climate and the smaller number of tourists make October an ideal month to soak up the deep history and enjoy its architecture. Although the later months are cooler, they are also rainier. So take the opportunity to discover one of the best destinations to travel to in October!
4. Egypt, one of the best destinations to travel to in October
October is one of the best months to travel to Egypt. Also, much of the month is considered low season, so it is ideal to avoid crowds and also to find good prices. At the beginning of the month, the hotter weather keeps many tourists away, especially to the south, where temperatures are less tolerable.
Most of the country is excellent to visit in October, although the southern regions can be too hot for some tourists. In Cairo, the main destination, the days are hot but not sweltering and the nights are cool and refreshing. For you to have a reference, the maximum is 30ºC and the minimum is 19ºC.
The beaches are also ideal at this time of year, so it can also be a great time to get lost in destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada.
However, in Luxor or Aswan, temperatures can easily reach 35ºC. Although if you don’t mind dealing with the heat, you’ll be able to see spectacular historical sites like the Temple of Ramses II.
In October you can witness the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, also called the Ascension of Ramses II. This sacred event takes place twice a year, once in October and once in February. It’s magic! The sun aligns with the famous Abu Simbel temple: light enters the sanctuary illuminating the statue of King Ramses II and a sacred ceremony is held that attracts hundreds of tourists. Without a doubt, Egypt is one of the best destinations to travel to in October.
5. South Korea
There are few destinations as attractive to travel in October as South Korea. It is one of the most beautiful countries to see in Asia! This Asian treasure is becoming more and more fashionable and you should visit it at least once in your life.
October is the perfect time to travel to Korea because the gorgeous autumn foliage covers all its amazing scenery and the average temperature moderates between 9ºC and 20ºC, making the place pleasant and attractive!
The climate is good throughout the country: from its interesting capital, Seoul, to the paradisiacal Jeju Island. However, both the spring and autumn months are considered high seasons, so prices are a bit higher. Of course, you will not regret knowing this destination in October! Here is more about Venice 3-Day Sustainable Itinerary and Slow Travel Guide
6. Cyprus, one of the best beach destinations to travel in October
Cyprus is one of the best islands in the Mediterranean. It may not have the fame of the Greek islands but it is an exciting destination. If you are looking for a late beach holiday, Cyprus is one of the best destinations to travel to in October.
The temperature in October continues to be quite hot on the island during October, more specifically on the south coast, the most touristic area of Cyprus, with highs of around 27ºC and 10 hours of sunshine a day.
In addition, the sea temperature remains warm during October, with an average of 24ºC. And all that, at much cheaper prices than in summer. It is also important to note that regardless of the temperatures, October is also a good month to visit Cyprus for its celebrations. Independence Day is celebrated on October 1, with numerous festivals and a military parade in Nicosia, the capital.
7. Las Vegas
Like spring, fall is also a great time to visit Las Vegas. Little by little, the extreme heat of summer begins to fade, as do the crowds. Of course, the party atmosphere never stops!
Especially at the beginning of October, when Halloween is celebrated incredibly. There are few destinations in the world better than Las Vegas to celebrate Halloween. You can expect a weekend full of events, parties, and lots of people dressed up.
Temperatures in Las Vegas during October are between 8ºC and 29ºC. Being in the middle of the desert, the temperature range in Las Vegas is always large, although daytime temperatures are warm without being sweltering.
So without a doubt, Las Vegas is one of the best destinations to travel to in October to enjoy good prices and fewer crowds.
8. Oman
October is the start of the high season in Oman. The scorching summer months are behind us and cooler, more pleasant temperatures are beginning to arrive. So visiting the country sometime from October to April is the best option. In October, temperatures hover around 30°C, an ideal trip to enjoy hours of sunshine before winter arrives in Europe.
Oman is a very complete country with many treasures. Starting with Muscat, its attractive capital, full of incredible mosques like the one of Sultan Qaboos and souks full of aromas. Also, on the west coast, on the Musandam peninsula, you can find incredible coves with bluish-green waters where you can cool off. it is the place where you will find ancient traditions, elaborate mosques, and souks full of aromas. But if you want to take your trip to the extreme, don’t forget to visit the spectacular Hajar Mountains. You will hallucinate the landscapes!
9. Cappadocia
October is reputed to be one of the best months to visit Cappadocia. This region, one of the most touristic in Turkey, has a very favorable climate during this month. The temperatures oscillate between 5ºC during the night and 21ºC during the day, quite pleasant to discover its fantasy towns and with almost no threat of rain. Away from the high temperatures and crowds of the summer months!
The peak season is during July and August, but just like spring, autumn is a special time to visit Cappadocia. Especially for hiking lovers. Starting in September, the temperatures begin to drop considerably, as do the crowds on its trails, and the weather is much more pleasant to spend time outdoors.
10. Sapa, one of the most interesting destinations to travel to in October
If you are looking for a different destination to travel to in October, we recommend visiting Sapa and its rice fields. This town is located in the northern part of Vietnam, very close to the border with China, and is one of the most exciting destinations in the Asian country.
In the area, many treks will allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in Southeast Asia. Of course, it is very important to choose a good month to visit Sapa, since all the activities are outdoors and there must be little precipitation and good visibility. And October is a fantastic month for it!
11. New York
A trip to New York is always good! The Big Apple is one of the most popular destinations in the world and receives tourists throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the experience even more, we recommend visiting the city during October. It is a month of transition between the hot and humid climate of summer and the extreme cold of winter. You can expect pleasant temperatures, between 10ºC and 18ºC, perfect for strolling through its avenues and enjoying all its attractions.
But the most important thing is that the prices are lower than in the high season, so you can find very good rates on hotels and flights.
Also, October is one of the driest months of the year in New York with only 6 days of precipitation. If you don’t like rain, it is one of the best destinations to travel to in October. Nor can you miss the beautiful autumn landscapes of Central Park, the lungs of the city, or the Halloween celebrations, among many other attractions. Visiting New York during October has many more benefits than drawbacks, so take advantage of the opportunity!
12. Santorini, one of the best islands to travel to in October
Santorini is a beautiful destination. Together with Mykonos, it is the best known of the Greek islands and although a trip is desirable at any time, you have to try to avoid some months: especially July and August, the high season. In those months, the island is crowded, especially with cruise passengers, and this can affect your overall experience. Remember that the most beautiful thing about Santorini is its little towns like Oia or Fira, and they don’t look so beautiful full of people. Not to mention the high prices of hotels!
October is still a relatively hot and dry month to visit Santorini. The temperature can oscillate between 15ºC and 25ºC during the day, although it can reach 30ºC. It honestly almost feels like summer!
13. Lisbon, one of the best European capitals to travel to in October
While much of Europe begins to cool, Lisbon remains attractive and warm. A getaway to the Portuguese capital is always appealing, but October is a special month to discover it. The temperatures are usually pleasant throughout the month. During some afternoons you can even see temperatures up to 30ºC!
Although towards the end of the month, temperatures begin to drop and at night they can drop to 10ºC. Even so, they remain ideal for discovering some of the city’s treasures such as the Belém Tower, the picturesque Alfama neighborhood, or the Jerónimos Monastery. Lisbon falls in love!
14. Seville
Seville is one of the best cities in Europe to travel to in October. Being located in the south of the continent, the temperatures are much more pleasant than in the rest of Europe. You can have tapas in its historic center while enjoying pleasant temperatures. For you to have a reference, the minimum is 14ºC, while the maximum is 26ºC. Sevillian autumn could be summer in almost any corner of Europe!
Summer in Seville can be oppressive, with highs above 40ºC. So you better save your getaway for the fall. It’s not as muggy, but the romantic atmosphere feels just the same!
15. Oahu (Hawaii)
And finally, to end this post about the best destinations to travel to in October, we could not forget to mention Oahu, the most tourist island in Hawaii.
Despite marking the start of the rainy season, October is one of the best times to visit Oahu, considering the weather, prices, and crowds. April, May, September, and early October are transition months, so it can be a nice opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful islands on the planet.
You have to keep in mind that Hawaii is an expensive destination. Especially in summer! Many Americans travel to this paradise during the summer holidays and Christmas, so it is best to avoid these periods. Come October, Oahu offers a paradise haven with near-perfect weather, reasonable hotel rates, and the ideal balance of soothing natural beauty and exciting events. Hotels cost half as much as in summer!
We recommend you visit the island at the beginning of the month, since as the days go by, the chances of rain increase. Although the rains tend to fall during the night, so they are unlikely to affect you. Also, if it rains during the day, they are usually brief and sudden.
In October you can also bathe on its paradisiacal beaches. The water temperature will be warmer than at any other time of the year. Enjoy Oahu!
