It’s October, and that means the air is crisp, the leaves are beautiful, flight prices are reasonable, and many popular travel spots are less crowded. October is a quieter time to travel to different parts of the world because school is back in session and the summer crowds have gone home. October has something for everyone, whether you want to see beautiful fall leaves, attend fun cultural festivals, or find great deals. If you’re wondering where to travel in October, this is the perfect time to explore.
We’ll talk about where to go in October in this guide. We’ll cover everything from beautiful getaways in the US to cozy places in Europe, as well as romantic getaways and cheap family-friendly activities. We’ll also give you travel tips to help you make the most of the shoulder season so you can have an amazing fall trip.
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A Look at the Best Places to Travel in October Around the World
October is the perfect time to switch from the busy summer vacation season to the busy winter holiday season. Many travelers love this shoulder month because it has nice weather and fewer tourists. Here are some things to think about when deciding where to go in October around the world.
Japan
Why go in October: The weather in Japan becomes more comfortable in early October, with lower humidity and mild temperatures. In northern areas like Hokkaido, you can still see the start of the autumn foliage. The bright red leaves (koyo) become more noticeable in late October and early November.
What to Do: Walk around Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, eat local food, and take day trips to historical sites like Kyoto and Nara. Hiking in the Japanese Alps or going to national parks are both peaceful ways for nature lovers to see the first signs of fall colors.
Canada
Why Visit in October: The fall in Canada is known for its fiery leaves, especially in places like Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec. You can also enjoy smaller crowds than in the busiest summer months.
What to Do: Take scenic drives to see the colorful forests, go to local harvest festivals, and visit cities like Montreal or Toronto when the weather is cool and comfortable. In October, you can also see animals getting ready for winter, especially moose and elk in some national parks.
New Zealand
Why Visit in October: October is New Zealand’s spring season, which means flowers are blooming, lambs are being born, and the days are getting longer. The weather starts to get warmer, but you might still have a few cold nights.
What to do: Go to the South Island to see the mountains from all sides around Queenstown or Christchurch. If you like to drive, the Canterbury plains and Lake Tekapo offer beautiful views of blooming lupins (more blooms in late spring) and snow-capped peaks.
Morocco
Why Visit in October: The weather is cooler than in the summer, which makes it much more pleasant to explore cities like Marrakech and Fez.
What to Do: Explore the busy souks, admire the beautiful architecture of palaces and mosques, and go into the Sahara Desert to look at the stars. Essaouira is a great place to go on a coastal retreat in October. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Mexico
Why go in October: The weather is nice and the landscapes are green because the rainy season is over. Before the holiday season starts in November and December, crowds are smaller and prices often go down.
What to Do: Go to the beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula, see the Mayan ruins in Tulum or Chichén Itzá, or get involved in Mexico City’s cultural scene. You can see the preparations for the famous Día de los Muertos celebrations in late October. Most of the festivities happen in early November, though.
Where to Go in the US in October
In October, the United States turns into a magical place full of fall colors and fun parties. If you want to see beautiful nature, you should go to small towns with red leaves or lively city festivals. If you want to see busy cities, you should go to small towns with red leaves or lively city festivals.
Best Cities and Nature Spots
New England in the Fall
Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are some of the best places in the US to see fall leaves. Famous leaf-peeping roads include Vermont’s Route 100 and New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway.
Things to do include hiking, taking scenic drives, going to harvest fairs, and staying in cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
Why October? The colors are at their best in early to mid-October, when they create a magical kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Salem, MA
Salem is known for its Halloween celebrations and spooky past. In October, the city really goes all out.
Things to do: haunted tours, witch museums, pop-up horror events, and festivals in the area.
October is the month of Salem’s month-long Halloween celebration, which draws visitors for spooky fun. If you’re looking for a bewitching atmosphere, this is one of the best places to visit in the USA in October.
San Francisco, CA
October is usually sunny and pleasantly warm in the Bay Area, and there is less fog than in the summer.
Things to do: Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, go to Alcatraz, and check out the Mission and Chinatown, which are both very lively neighborhoods.
Why October? There are fewer people than in the summer, and the skies are clear, which is great for cityscapes and waterfront views.
Tennessee and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains
Highlights: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is loved for its amazing variety of plants and animals and beautiful views.
Things to do: hike, look for wildlife, drive around Cades Cove to see the sights, and take pictures.
Why October? The mountainsides are ablaze with fall colors from mid to late October, and the morning mists give the area an otherworldly feel.
Arizona’s Sedona
Some of the best things about this area are the red rock formations, the vortex sites, and the mild desert temperatures.
Things to do: hiking Cathedral Rock, looking for spiritual vortexes, and stargazing in the clear desert skies.
Why October? Because the summer heat dies down, making it more fun to explore outside. You’ll also see beautiful sunsets that go well with the red rock scenery.
When you choose where to go in October USA, keep in mind that many places have lower prices on hotels and shorter lines at popular attractions. The US has a lot of great things to do in October, whether you want to have a spooky Halloween or relax in a mountain cabin surrounded by fall leaves.
Where to Go in Europe in October
If you like beautiful fall scenery, old buildings, and exciting cultural events, you’ll love where to go in Europe in October. The cooler weather makes many European cities feel more romantic. This is made even better by harvest festivals, wine tastings, and fewer tourists.
Places to go in the fall and cultural events
Paris, France
Highlights: Walking along the Seine, going to cozy cafés, and seeing famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre without the crowds of peak summer.
The Nuit Blanche (White Night) cultural festival takes place in early October and features art installations all over the city. You can also enjoy seasonal foods like roasted chestnuts on the street.
Why October? The weather is mild and there are fewer tourists, which makes the city feel more intimate, which is great for romantic getaways.
Munich, in Germany
Oktoberfest, which is famous all over the world, usually ends on the first weekend of October. But the city has a lot more to offer, like historical sites and lively beer halls.
Things to Do and See: If you get there before Oktoberfest ends, you’ll have the best beer party ever. Otherwise, the city’s gardens, palaces, and tasty Bavarian food are always great things to see.
Why October? The weather is cooler, there are fewer people after Oktoberfest, and the golden color of the autumn leaves gently covers the city parks.
Scotland’s Edinburgh
Highlights: beautiful walks along the Royal Mile, cozy pubs, and dramatic views of the castle.
Events and Activities: The Samhuinn Fire Festival, which honors traditional Celtic customs, takes place in late October. The cool air and small chance of fog give the city a gothic charm that Halloween fans will love.
Why October: The city’s medieval buildings, the weather, and the chance to see auroras in the northern parts of Scotland make this a great time to go.
Italy’s Tuscany
Important things to see are vineyards, rolling hills, and medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano.
Things to do: It’s the time of year when grapes are being picked. Many wineries hold grape harvest events and tastings that let visitors get a taste of Tuscany.
Why October? The weather is mild, which is great for tours of vineyards, there are fewer people at popular tourist spots, and you can enjoy fresh seasonal foods like mushrooms, truffles, and chestnuts.
Czech Republic, Prague
The city’s fairytale buildings, like the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, look even better with the fall leaves in the background.
Things to Do: In October, there are cultural festivals, classical music concerts, and the last few days of the outdoor café season.
Why October? Because hotel prices are lower, the leaves along the Vltava River turn golden, and there are fewer tourists waiting to see historical sites.
Places to visit in October that won’t break the bank
If you’re looking for cheap places to visit in October, there are many places around the world that offer fun things to do and see without breaking the bank. Shoulder season can mean lower hotel and flight prices, especially after the summer rush.
In October, there are cheap places to visit around the world.
Bali, Indonesia
Budget Benefits: October is almost the end of the dry season, so you can still enjoy mostly sunny days, but there will be fewer people than in July and August, which are the busiest months. You can usually get a better deal when guesthouses and resorts lower their prices.
What to Do: Go to the beach, visit Hindu temples, or try a yoga retreat in Ubud.
Portugal
Portugal is already one of the cheapest countries in Europe, so it’s a good place to go on a budget. In October, fewer tourists come to cities like Lisbon and Porto, so hotel prices may go down.
What to do: Visit Lisbon’s miradouros (viewpoints), taste port wine in Porto, and eat traditional pastries like Pastéis de Nata.
Vietnam
Budget Perks: The rainy season changes in different parts of Vietnam around October, but you can still find nice weather and cheap flights. There are a lot of cheap places to stay and eat on the street.
What to Do: When the weather is nice, cruise through Ha Long Bay, shop at local markets in Hanoi, or relax on the beaches in Da Nang.
Hungary, Romania, and Poland are all in Eastern Europe.
Budget Benefits: These countries are usually cheaper than Western European places like France or the UK, and there are fewer people in October, which lowers prices even more.
What to Do: Enjoy Budapest’s thermal baths, see the medieval beauty of Romania’s Transylvania region, or take a walking tour of Kraków’s Old Town.
Sri Lanka
October is a shoulder month, which means that visitors can find deals on hotels and tours outside of major festival times.
What to Do: Visit the old ruins in Polonnaruwa, see animals in Yala National Park, and walk around the beautiful tea plantations in Ella.
If you’re trying to figure out where to go on a budget in October, remember to look for cheap flights a few months before your trip and be open to changing your travel dates. Traveling during the shoulder season can save you a lot of money, which you can then use for activities and experiences.
Romantic and Couple-Friendly Getaways in October
October’s calm atmosphere, warm nights, and beautiful natural scenery make it the perfect time for couples who want to go on a romantic trip. These are the best places for couples to go in October if they want to celebrate an anniversary or just spend some quality time together.
Greece’s Santorini
Romance Factor: Oia has famous views of the caldera, whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets.
Why October? The summer crowds are gone, and the weather is still warm enough for walks along the cliffs or sunset cruises.
Belgium’s Bruges
Romance Factor: The quiet canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings.
Why October: The leaves changing color in the fall make Bruges look like a scene from a fairy tale. As you walk hand in hand, the sweet smells from chocolate shops fill the air.
Kyoto, Japan
Romance Factor: peaceful temples, old tea houses, and the chance to see leaves changing color in the early fall.
Why October: November is usually the best month to see Japan’s fall colors, but Kyoto is less crowded in October, so it’s easier to enjoy quiet walks along the Philosopher’s Path.
California’s Napa Valley
Romance Factor: rolling vineyards, top-notch wineries, and fine dining experiences.
Why October? The harvest season is coming to an end, so you can enjoy wine-tasting events that are popular in the area without the crowds that come during the peak harvest season. The weather is perfect for hot air balloon rides.
Slovenia’s Lake Bled
Romance Factor: The turquoise waters, the beautiful church on an island, and the mountains.
Why October? The cool air and soft changes in leaf color make the perfect romantic setting. Couples can rent a rowboat to get to the church or hike to places where they can see the whole area.
Places to Go with Kids in October
October is the start of cooler weather and holiday excitement for many families. When planning a family trip in October, you often have to think about the kids’ school schedules, the weather, and activities that everyone can enjoy.
Florida’s Orlando
Why It’s Good for Families: Theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios aren’t as busy as they are in the summer. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and other special Halloween events make the holiday even more fun.
The weather is warmer during the day and cooler at night, and there are fewer rain showers than in the summer months.
Washington, D.C.
Why It’s Great for Families: The Smithsonian Museums, the National Zoo, and historic sites are all good places for kids and adults to visit.
Weather: It’s a little cool, which makes walking tours comfortable.
Tennessee’s Gatlinburg
Why It’s Great for Families: It’s close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has beautiful drives and trails that are good for kids. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is a family-friendly place that gives you a great view of the fall leaves.
Weather: The air is crisp and cool, making it great for being outside.
London, UK
Why It’s Great for Families: London in October isn’t the warmest place, but the temperatures are comfortable enough for visiting museums, theaters, and famous landmarks. Attractions like the London Dungeon have some events that are Halloween-themed.
Weather: Cool with some rain. Bring layers and rain gear.
California’s San Diego
Why It’s Great for Families: A world-class zoo, Legoland, SeaWorld, and beaches. Many attractions have lower prices and fewer people during off-peak times.
Weather: Most of October was warm and sunny, and the ocean was still pretty nice for swimming.
Now that the kids are back in school, think about taking a short break in the fall or a weekend trip that won’t get in the way of their studies. If you plan ahead a little, you can get off-season discounts on flights and hotels, which makes traveling with your family in October cheaper than you might think.
Tips for Traveling in October
A little planning ahead of time can make your trip in October stress-free and fun, no matter where you go. Here are some important tips to help you enjoy the season to the fullest:
Look at the weather report
Even though fall weather is usually mild in many places, it can change quickly to winter weather in some areas, especially in the mountains. Always check the long-term weather forecast for your destination and be ready for the temperature to drop at night.
Bring clothes that can be worn in layers.
In October, it’s important to layer your clothes because the weather can change from warm and sunny to cool and breezy. If you’re going to be in a cooler place, wear light jackets, long-sleeved shirts, scarves, and a heavier coat. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the city or boots for hiking in the mountains.
Check for deals in the off-season
Hotels and airlines often offer discounts during the shoulder season, especially for travel during the week. You might be able to get even better deals if you can travel during the week and not on the weekends.
Plan Ahead for Events That Are Popular
Some events, like the end of Oktoberfest or Halloween events at theme parks, can sell out very quickly. To avoid disappointment, buy tickets for these ahead of time.
Plan your trips around holidays and festivals.
Look at the calendars for events in your area. Visiting during a festival can make your trip more interesting, but it can also mean higher prices and more people. Think about how much you want to go to events and how much money you have, as well as how much peace you need.
Be open to change
Storms in the fall can make it hard to do things outside, especially in places that get a lot of rain. Think about backup activities you can do inside, like going to museums, art galleries, or indoor markets.
Take Advantage of the Harvest Season
From apples and pumpkins to wine grapes, October is the best month for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Enjoy local foods and drinks at harvest festivals, winery tours, or farm-to-table meals.
Questions and Answers
1. Is it a good time to travel in October?
Yes, for sure. October is often called a “shoulder month” because the weather is nice and the crowds of tourists are starting to thin out. It will be easier to find a place to stay, get cheaper flights, and enjoy local events without the rush of peak season.
2. What country is best to visit in October?
The best country for you to visit depends on what you like. If you want to see fall colors, go to the northeastern United States or Canada. Germany (Oktoberfest) or Japan (the start of autumn foliage in northern areas) might be good places for cultural festivals. If you like nice, sunny weather, Morocco, Mexico, or some parts of Southeast Asia might be good places to go.
3. Where is it warm in October?
In October, many tropical and subtropical areas are still warm. Countries close to the equator, like Bali in Indonesia and parts of southern Mexico, still have warm weather that is good for the beach. Southern Europe, such as Greece or the southern coasts of Spain, can also be nice and warm. Also, the weather in Florida, Arizona, and Southern California in the US is usually warm all of October.
4. What are the best US states to visit in October?
If you want to see fall leaves, New England states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are the best. If you want a milder climate, California and Arizona have warm, dry weather. In October, the best places to go for Halloween fun are Salem, Massachusetts, and Florida theme parks.
5. What are some inexpensive vacation ideas for October?
Look for places where October is a shoulder or low season, like Bali, Vietnam, and some parts of Europe, like Portugal or Eastern Europe. Mid-sized cities or small towns in the US that have beautiful fall views can be cheaper than big cities. Use public transportation, think about traveling in the middle of the week, and look for early-bird deals to save even more.
💖 Also read our guide: Quiet Romantic Getaways in the USA – Lazywazy’s Couple Picks for 2025
Conclusion
October is a special month that has something for every kind of traveler. There are the fun Halloween celebrations, the romantic European streets, and the beautiful fall foliage in many places around the world. October’s mild weather and small crowds make it a great time to go on a budget-friendly trip to Southeast Asia or a foliage tour across the United States. Make the most of the harvest season, pack smartly for changing temperatures, and be open to new experiences. The magic of October lies in its beautiful changes and cozy charm.
You now have a full list of places to visit in October. It’s time to choose your dream destination, plan your trip, and get ready for an autumn getaway that combines natural beauty, cultural charm, and budget-friendly perks to make memories that will last a lifetime. Have a safe trip!