The 19 Best Countries to Travel To in October 2024
This list of the best countries to travel to in October is perfect if you are planning a fall vacation for 2024. October is shoulder season in many places, which means lower crowds and prices. However, October is also peak season in some destinations for things like fall foliage.
This list of where to travel in October includes destinations from all around the world that have the best weather, activities, and festivals for the season. I reached out to a bunch of my travel blogger friends for their recs so this list is representative of the very top places to visit.
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Africa
1. Seychelles
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
If you are looking for a warm place to travel to in October, go to Seychelles. It is a less-traveled tropical destination, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and stunning nature.
October is generally the time when the trade winds shift, so the weather is expected to be sunny, ocean calm, and with almost no wind. When planning your Seychelles itinerary, include visiting all three major islands Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
If possible, book a stay on all three of them instead of doing day trips from Mahe. Stay in Sun Properties & Resort Hotel in Mahe, Chez Bea in Praslin, and Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel in La Digue.
Among hikes and petting giant Aldabra Tortoises, the best thing to do is visit one of the most photographed beaches Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue Island, and UNESCO World Heritage site Valle De Mai, where you can see the biggest nut Coco de Mer.
Recommended by Anja from Anja On Adventure
2. Morocco
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
In October last year we spent a month travelling around Morocco with our kids and had an incredible time.
It was a great time of year to visit because, especially having our kids with us, it was warm enough to be in t-shirt and shorts without it being too hot. For example the average high temperature is 28 Celsius, perfect for just after summer in Europe has ended.
Having such great weather in October means is that there are more visitors so it can feel busy. Which is a potential downside to visiting in October.
What we loved about Morocco is that there was such a wide variety of sites, attractions and activities to try. One of the main things to do is have some sort of “desert experience”.
We had great fun riding camels through the Sahara desert in Merzouga, if you have the time to travel there, then we’d highly recommend it! If you’re short on time, then there are desert tours out to the Agafay Desert just a short jeep ride from Marrakech.
October in Morocco is the perfect time to enjoy a desert tour as the desert can get incredibly hot in the summer months, and surprisingly cold in winter.
Fun fact – did you know there are two ski resorts in Morocco? October is a little early for skiing, but you’ll still see some snow on the highest mountains in Atlas Mountain Range.
Recommended by Sara Young – Big Adventures With Little Feet
Asia
3. Oman
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Stunningly beautiful and surprisingly diverse, Oman is a fantastic holiday destination. In one relatively compact country, you can visit rugged mountains, world-class beaches, lush oases and iconic deserts (sand dunes and all). It’s also accessible, safe and easy to travel in.
There are so many incredible things to do and see in Oman. Trekking around Jebel Shams and Jebel al Akhdar is a highlight, as is spending a night in the Wahiba Sands. No trip to Oman is complete without a visit to a wadi, essentially a desert oasis. One of our favourites is Wadi Tiwi, which receives few visitors but doesn’t skimp on beauty.
Being smack bang in the Arabian Peninsula, timing is everything when travelling to Oman. Weather-wise, October is ideal, with sunny and warm days and cool evenings. However, October is the start of the high season, meaning advance bookings are necessary.
For a base in Muscat, the Crown Plaza Muscat is a wonderful place to stay. The hotel has beautiful sea views and offers shuttles to all of Muscat’s tourist attractions.
Recommended by Dotti from Travel Oasis
4. India
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
October is the perfect month to visit India, especially Rishikesh, popularly known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
The popular activities to do in Rishikesh include witnessing the ganga arti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, white water rafting on the River Ganges, trekking to the pristine waters of the Neer Garh waterfalls, and visiting Beatles Ashram, where the popular 1960s British band, The Beatles, stayed for a course in transcendental meditation.
For yoga enthusiasts, there are several internationally-certified yoga schools and ashrams. In Rishikesh, I would recommend a stay in the boutique resort, Ganga Kinare, for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque settings.
October offers the perfect weather to explore Rishikesh and also an opportunity to be part of the Hindu festival of Dussehra. The only downside of visiting in October would be the heavier influx of local tourists during the festival holidays.
Recommended by Ashley from Plan Ashley Go
5. Taiwan
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Taiwan is a fantastic vacation spot that’s still a hidden gem for many tourists in Asia. It offers mouthwatering food, incredible night markets, a super safe environment, and a mix of nature and vibrant city life!
October is a great time to visit because the weather is just right, averaging around 75°F (24°C), perfect for hiking and shopping the best Taiwan souvenirs in incredible markets and old streets!
When you’re there, don’t miss out on Jiufen for some of the best local food you’ll ever taste. Climb Elephant Mountain for incredible views of Taipei 101, and make sure to visit Longshan Temple, Taipei’s oldest and most important temple. If you love nature, cycling around the scenic bike trail at Sun Moon Lake is a must-do.
One thing to keep in mind is that October can bring an occasional typhoon. For a comfortable and stylish stay, check out The Okura Prestige Taipei. Taiwan’s unique blend of incredible nature, city and old street attractions and its off-the-beaten-path charm make it an amazing place to explore.
Recommended by Jade from Namaste to Nihao
6. UAE
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
The United Arab Emirates is a great vacation destination for visitors looking for sunshine and warm weather, beautiful beaches, desert activities and cities (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) with beautiful skylines.
Dubai is known for its many entertainment activities and manmade wonders including Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain and Burj Al Arab. Must see attractions in Abu Dhabi include the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Museum, the golden Emirates Palace hotel and the ornate Presidential Palace.
October is considered shoulder season and is a good month to visit the UAE for good weather with fewer crowds. Temperatures start to cool down in October after the hot and humid summer, but there are fewer tourists compared to the winter.
The only downside is that it can still be very hot in the beginning of October but the temperatures become more pleasant later in the month.
Recommended by Matilda from The Travel Sisters
7. Korea
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
I’ve been to Korea almost 10 times and the best time to be in Seoul, Korea is definitely the month of October.
Korea has very hot summers and very cold winters but the weather in fall is perfect. It’s mild and the autumn colours are so gorgeous, you’ll feel like you’re in a K-pop music video! Moreover, there’s less pollution and air dust than in spring so walking around is a great way to get around the beautiful city.
The downside, however, is that this is a popular time to be in Korea, so prices will be on the higher side.
One of my favorite places to stay in Seoul is Lotte Hotel because it has a great location, making it a great base to explore the Palaces, visit the traditional villages of Bukchon-dong and Ikseon-dog, shop in Myeongdong, and explore the city.
Recommended by Zhen from alovelettertoasia.com
8. Indonesia
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Bali took social media by storm in the last few years, which gave everything this little island offered the eyes and ears it’s always deserved.
The jaw-dropping landscapes are enough to make anyone book a trip here, but the culture, pristine beaches, rugged hiking, world-class diving and surfing, unique wildlife, and drool-worthy food is enough to keep any type of traveler coming back for more.
It only takes minutes to fill a Bali itinerary, and luckily in October, nearly everything that makes this place special is accessible: trails are dry to hike Mt. Batur, the water is clear for diving and snorkeling, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are in their prime for an Ubud itinerary, and the waterfalls are much fuller than peak dry season.
Bali is no off-beat travelers paradise anymore, but by visiting the Island of the Gods in October, you can curb a lot of the peak season crowds while still getting a lot of clear, sunny days before the wet season arrives in November. Not to mention tours and accommodation prices at famous resorts will see a slight dip as well.
Recommended by Aaren from What Do You Sea
Europe
9. Portugal
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
October is one of the best months to visit Portugal. Like much of Europe, you’ll be dealing with substantially fewer crowds, but you should still get pleasant temperatures and sunny days.
Average highs remain at 73 °F, and the seas are still warm enough to swim in if you head down to the Algarve Coast. You can also spend your days exploring Lisbon or Porto at your own pace without dealing with the more oppressive heat that summer visitors will see.
Portugal’s wine regions are still in full swing with the grape harvest in early October. A trip to the Douro Valley is basically a must for any wine lover. Temperatures can climb pretty high there during the summer, but, like the rest of the country, are much more pleasant in October.
You can enjoy sipping your port at a relaxed pace while also seeing the fall colors begin to change in the region. We stayed at the Vintage House Hotel in Douro when we visited and were thoroughly spoiled at the property.
Recommended by Carmen at Basic Economy B.
10. Spain
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Spain for so many reasons, but most of all, fall means off season!
When summer ends, temperatures and crowds drop dramatically. The best part of October is how nice it is to go sightseeing and experience the city without the downsides of high-season.
Even though you can’t go to the beach, there’s still so much to see and do. Of course, you can’t miss the classics like Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or Palacio Real de Madrid. You can also take advantage of breezy rooftops or paella in its home city of Valencia.
One of the great things about Spain is how easy it is to get around the country. You can easily see 3-4 cities comfortably in one trip via trains or flights.
Unfortunately, October also means rainy season, particularly up north. Barcelona and Costa Brava aren’t beach towns year round like some people think. Depending on where you plan to visit in Spain, you’ll need to pack warm clothes and a rain jacket.
Recommended by Rachel from Barcelona Uncovered
11. Czech Republic
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Bohemian Switzerland transforms into a magical destination in autumn. As a photographer, this is my favorite time of year in the Czech Republic, as there are high chances of fog.
Imagine the rock formations towering over the low hanging fog, combined with stunning autumn colours. There are different highlights where you can enjoy the views or the thick forrest with autmn colours.
Edmund’s cliff turns into a pure sea of colour, while a hike up to Pravčická brána might get you above the clouds. This arch, which is the biggest natural bridge is Europe, is a sight on it own but even more stunning surrounded by autumn colours.
The area is great for any level of hiking and even climbing, for starters and experts. Of course, autumn has it’s limitations in terms of weather and sun hours. Rain might make the trails slippery, but the days are also cooler than in the mids of summer.
Another plus for the autumn season is the local wine “burcak”, a sweet drink made with leftover grapes. It doesn’t bottle, so you’ll have to visit the Czech Republic during harvest season to try it!
The most unique place to stay is Stara Plynarna, an historic old building that’s a sight on it’s own and offers only a few comfortable rooms.
Recommended by Lizet from A Wanderfood World
South America
12. Argentina
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Chances are you’ve heard of the legendary mountains of Patagonia. If you’re an adventure seeker like myself, this is the ideal place to visit during October as spring will be well underway.
El Chaltén offers national parks, hiking, glacier tours, and much more. Chaltén is home to the Los Glaciares National Park and the famous Mount Fitz Roy making it an ideal destination.
Visiting Patagonia in October has a lot of perks, some of which include mild temperatures, good hiking weather, and smaller crowds.
However, be prepared for extremely windy days, spotty internet, and sudden change in weather since it’s still early spring. If you’re looking for a nice hotel in El Chaltén,
I suggest Chalten Camp for a higher end glamping experience. With so many great hikes just steps from Chalten Camp, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the luxurious comfort of Patagonia and still have close access to nature. Patagonia in the spring is an underrated gem that should be added to everyone’s bucket list!
Recommended by Morgan Brown from Moving Mountains
13. Colombia
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Visiting Colombia in October is a fantastic choice for a memorable vacation. Known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering food, Colombia offers diverse experiences for every traveler. In October, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making it ideal for exploring.
Top things to do include wandering through the colorful streets of Cartagena, hiking in the lush Coffee Triangle, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of Bogota.
There are also so many things to do in Medellin to dive into Colombia’s history. If beaches are more for you, head to the Rosario Islands in the Caribbean.
October is a good time to visit because it’s shoulder season, ensuring fewer crowds and more affordable prices. For a great place to stay, check out Hotel Casa Laureles in Medellin.
However, it’s still the tail end of the rainy season, so you might encounter occasional showers. Despite this, the rain usually doesn’t last long, so pack an umbrella and go explore.
Recommended by Pamela The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Oceania
14. Australia
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
October is the perfect time of year to visit Australia. Being in the Southern hemisphere, spring is in full bloom in Australia in October. Water temperatures are starting to warm up and days are long and sunny around the country. This makes it the perfect time of year for visiting one of Australia’s pristine beaches.
Taking a road trip of the East Coast, lazing about on one of Sydney’s 100 beaches or island-hopping in the Great Barrier Reef are all highlights of visiting Australia at this time of year. Dry season in the far north, means you can visit outback destinations like Kakadu National Park that are often inaccessible at other times of the year.
Festivals are happening around the country, such as Sculptures by the Sea in Bondi, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and Floriade in Canberra.
Visiting Australia in spring means you will miss the busy tourist months of December to February. Flights and accommodation are more affordable and you may even have beaches entirely to yourself. Stay at Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel for a quintessentially Sydney experience.
Recommended by Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides
15. New Zealand
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
New Zealand is a beautiful country to visit all year round, but with spring in full swing, October is an amazing time to visit.
The days have started to grow longer, there is still some snow on the mountains and the New Zealand countryside turns all different shades of green. You can expect average temperatures to be somewhere between 59 – 68°F but weather is a little unpredictable this time of year, so it’s best to pack plenty of layers!
Although October is a little too soon to see the South Island’s lupin bloom, other wildflowers add a burst of colour along the road sides making it the perfect time for a New Zealand road trip.
The sandy beach towns of the North Island begin to come to life at this time of year and if you enjoy surfing, head to Raglan or Mount Maunganui to catch some waves.
Some of the best outdoor activities to do in October is hiking, especially in places like the Abel Tasman and the Tongariro Crossing. If you’re a thrill seeker you’ll want to head to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, for a bungy jump or a skydive!
October is also a more budget-friendly time to visit as it’s the shoulder season in New Zealand, so flights, accommodation, and car rentals are cheaper than during the high season. Sights will also be much quieter when you visit.
Recommended by Charlie from She Roams The Globe
North America
16. Mexico
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
Situated just south of the US, Mexico is a stunning, vast country that is full of surprises. Although it’s most famous for beautiful beaches and tasty tacos, there’s so much more on offer here. From charming magic towns to bustling modern cities, towering mountains to lush jungles, Mexico is a destination for foodies, culture seekers, and adventurers.
Discover Mayan ruins in Yucatán, watch acrobatic wrestling in Mexico City or visit the awe-inspiring hot springs of Hidalgo. There’s no shortage of memory-making experiences to be had.
October in Mexico is the end of low season in Mexico which means great deals and small crowds making it the perfect time to have a more local experience. Although some of the coastal towns may see morning showers, it’s a small price for cooling weather and dropping humidity.
The end of October also marks the start of the Day of the Dead celebrations so expect decorations and festivities in the run up to this cultural holiday.
Recommend by Ashlea J. Russell from She Roams About
17. United States – Hawaii
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
The Big Island is one of the best Hawaiian islands to visit in October. This is when flights and hotel prices are at their cheapest, yet it’s right before the rainy season.
Although many people think of visiting Oahu on their first vacation to Hawaii, the Big Island offers a much greater diversity of activities. On the west side in Kona, there’s idyllic white sand beaches, excellent snorkeling opportunities, historical parks, and many agricultural farms to visit (coffee, honey, vanilla, sea salt).
On the east side in Hilo, there’s waterfalls, natural lagoons, botanical gardens, lava tubes, and more. And located in the middle of the island is the Volcanoes National Park, which offers a variety of incredible day hikes.
Many people spend up to 2 days exploring the park alone! If you want to be closest to the beaches and touristy activities, I recommend staying in Kona.
A good mid-range hotel is the Royal Kona Resort. It’s within walking distance to restaurants and shops in downtown, and it hosts nightly luaus throughout the week.
Recommended by Layla from Layla’s Lens
18. United States – New Orleans
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
October is an amazing time to visit New Orleans in Louisiana. My husband and I jetted off for a romantic couples vacation, and were so glad that we picked the shoulder season!
Not only was the weather perfect for walking around (no hotter than 23C or 73F), but Halloween celebrations were in full swing. New Orleans is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in America.
Scores of houses in the Marigny and French Quarter were gussied up for the spooky holiday, with plenty of restaurants and bars offering unique holiday specials. We capitalized on the spirit of the season by touring some of the famous above-ground cemeteries like St Louis Cemetery No.3, and taking in a spine-chilling ghost tour with a start near the historic center.
I would also highly recommend the Voodoo Tour offered by Free Tours by Foot and High Priest Robi. The Krewe of Boo put on a spectacular parade before Halloween every year.
It is reminiscent of Mardi Gras with intricate floats, and spooktacular performers all designed to mesmerize and enchant the crowds that gather to watch. The only downside to visiting the ‘Big Easy’ in October is that sometimes it can still be extremely hot.
I recommend the Hotel Monteleone which contains the famous ‘carousel bar’ in the lobby and is in the French Quarter.
Recommended by Tanya Turner of The T Word on Travel
19. United States – North Carolina
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
As a North Carolina resident who loves exploring the state, Asheville is my top destination, especially in October. Nestled in the mountainous western region, Asheville offers stunning fall foliage, with drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway showcasing calico-colored leaves.
One of my favorite stops on the Parkway is Craggy Pinnacle, where a short climb to the peak offers a 360-degree view of the mountains. The mild weather is perfect for hiking and chasing waterfalls—this area boasts over 250, earning it the nickname “the land of waterfalls.” My personal favorite is Catawba Falls.
Asheville is also known for its craft breweries, which come alive with Oktoberfest celebrations. It’s a prime time for apple picking too. Seasonal pumpkin patches, whimsical corn or sunflower mazes, and hayrides are fun for all ages!
Don’t miss out on tasting seasonal Southern baked goods and specialty ciders.
I love staying in historic downtown Asheville at the AC Marriott. It’s central to downtown shopping and restaurants and has a fabulous rooftop restaurant with both city and mountain views.
The greatest downfall is that, since October is a peak season, hotel rates will be higher than usual and may be crwoded.
Recommended by Christy at NorthCarolinaTraveler.com
20. United States – New England
Average Weather in October: 🌡️ High 85°F, Low 65°F, Rainfall 0.1 inches
With quaint towns, cozy cities, idyllic landscapes, covered bridges, and some of the most epic fall foliage in the entire world, New England is most definitely one of the best places to travel to in October that truly lives up to the hype.
The best place to start a fall foliage trip in New England is Boston, which has its own amazing displays of fall color at the Boston Common and Public Gardens. Be sure to also walk the freedom trail, and head out on one of the last whale watch tours of the season during your visit!
In early to mid October, the best places to go are the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and northern and central Vermont. in New Hampshire, the scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway, and the hike up the Artists Bluff trail are worth your time.
In Vermont, the best towns to explore in October are Woodstock and Stowe. Be sure to drive through Smugglers Notch in Stowe, and take the gondola up to Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Also, stroll Woodstock’s quaint downtown and independent shops, and sample cheeses and maple syrup at Sugarbush Farms.
Once mid October hits, Maine is an excellent place to explore, especially the stunning Acadia National Park. Top attractions in the park like the Park Loop Road drive, Beehive trail, and Jordan Pond are all even more amazing with fall foliage inside the park, which will just be hitting peak color around this time.
One of the best places to stay when visiting Acadia National Park is the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa. This hotel is located right on the waterfront in Bar Harbor, which is the best town to use as a home base when exploring the park.
Recommended by Sam of New England Wanderlust
Related Posts:
- 21 Best Places to Travel in Europe in September 2024
- 23 Best Places to Travel in October in the USA
- Best European Countries to Visit in November: 28 Trip Ideas
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