Good Weather, Great Prices
October is the month that travelers often overlook, but shouldn’t. The summer rush is gone, prices take a breather, and the weather is still accommodating. You can actually enjoy landmarks without elbowing for space and chat with locals who aren’t rushed off their feet. It’s the kind of travel month that rewards smart timing, not luck. So, here are 20 of the best countries to visit in October for the perfect mix of savings and serenity.
1. Thailand
October signals the end of Thailand’s monsoon season, ushering in cooler weather and vibrant greenery across the country. And that is when Northern gems like Chiang Mai become ideal for exploration. Meanwhile, Nong Khai celebrates the Naga Fireball Festival, where glowing orbs mysteriously rise from the Mekong River to mark the close of Buddhist Lent.
2. Vietnam
Blessed with balanced weather and beautiful scenery, Vietnam in October reveals its most inviting side. Here, gentle temperatures and little rain grace the north and central regions, Sapa’s rice terraces shimmer in golden glory, and Hoi An’s lantern festival bathes its old streets in moonlit color.
Konstantin Krismer on Wikimedia
3. New Zealand
Nature orchestrates a vibrant spring spectacle across New Zealand in October, as wildflowers paint the regions in brilliant hues and newborn lambs dance through pastoral meadows. This seasonal awakening calls outdoor enthusiasts to explore the mild-weathered trails of Tongariro and Fiordland.
Marc Mann (UED115290) on Wikimedia
4. Egypt
From temple-hopping at Abu Simbel to cruising between Luxor and Aswan, October opens up Egypt's greatest hits as summer's heat retreats. The cooler temps make exploring Giza's pyramids a breeze, while adventure seekers can comfortably discover the White Desert's chalk formations during this peak tourist season.
5. Japan
October paints Japan in brilliant autumn hues, especially across northern and mountainous regions. With milder weather, travelers can enjoy the Takayama Autumn Festival’s ornate floats and join Tokyo’s Shibuya district, alive with spirited Halloween celebrations.
6. South Africa
As spring arrives in October, South Africa becomes one of the most rewarding destinations to visit. The Western Cape bursts with wildflowers, and Pretoria earns its nickname “Jacaranda City” with streets lined with purple blossoms.
7. Mauritius
October is one of the best times to experience Mauritius, offering warm, dry weather perfect for exploration. Clear waters invite snorkelers and divers to vibrant coral reefs, and nature reserves protect the rare pink pigeon. And as Diwali arrives, the island glows with lamps, fireworks, and festive celebrations.
8. Greece
Travelers seeking Greece’s most genuine experiences find them in the calmer months. During this time, ancient ruins can be explored without crowds, vineyards in Santorini and Crete open for hands-on harvest experiences, and Ohi Day celebrations bring a spirited sense of national pride across the country.
9. Kazakhstan
Start your Kazakhstan journey in Almaty, then wander through ancient apple orchards wearing their autumn finest. The comfortable weather invites further exploration into the mountain regions, culminating at Charyn Canyon, where nature stages its grandest fall display as Central Asia's "little brother" to the Grand Canyon.
10. Italy
Forget battling through sweaty summer crowds just to glimpse the Colosseum or Uffizi. October turns Italy into a peaceful playground where you can actually breathe, with Rome and Florence delightfully uncrowded and harvest festivals offering fresh truffles and grapes.
11. Turkey
Autumn brings a calmer rhythm to Turkey, with mild weather ideal for exploring Istanbul’s quieter streets and ancient Aegean ruins. Coastal towns come alive with harvest festivals, and the season ends on a high note with Republic Day fireworks across the country.
12. Australia
Spring in Australia offers comfortable temperatures and stunning natural displays. Wildflowers bloom across Western Australia and New South Wales, and the Great Barrier Reef attracts snorkelers with excellent visibility. Plus, culture lovers can also enjoy Melbourne’s International Arts Festival.
User: (WT-shared) Queensland at wts wikivoyage on Wikimedia
13. Bhutan
The vibrant whirl of Thimphu Tshechu, Bhutan's largest religious festival, converts October into a spiritual spectacle against the backdrop of crystal-clear Himalayan peaks. These optimal weather conditions create an ideal environment for both cultural immersion and mountain trekking.
14. Spain
Travelers find Spain especially inviting during its quieter autumn stretch. Begin in Barcelona or Seville, where major sights are blissfully uncrowded, then head to La Rioja for lively wine harvest festivals. Even Madrid bursts into celebration on Fiesta Nacional, and Galicia warms hearts with Magosto bonfires and roasted chestnuts.
15. Canada
Across the country, autumn converts Canada into a panorama of brilliant color. Quebec’s countryside and Ontario’s maple forests glow in fiery shades, leading to the Rockies painted in gold and crimson. The season even coincides with Canadian Thanksgiving, making it ideal for scenic drives.
Viktor Birkus https://viktor-birkus.pixels.com[1] on Wikimedia
16. Peru
Mild weather creates perfect conditions for exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. And in Lima, the Lord of Miracles procession fills the streets with devotion and color, and locals savor turrón de Doña Pepa, a traditional purple dessert tied to the celebration.
Pedro Szekely at https://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosz/ on Wikimedia
17. Mexico
As autumn settles in, Mexico comes alive with color and culture. Here, the Yucatán coast enjoys warm Caribbean weather and lighter crowds, monarch butterflies return to central forests, and Guanajuato hosts the Festival Internacional Cervantino, a celebration of art and performance.
18. Jordan
The scorching Middle Eastern summer can make Jordan's archaeological treasures nearly inaccessible, but October brings sweet relief as temperatures moderate to comfortable levels. This seasonal shift turns exploration of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dana Biosphere Reserve into an ideal adventure with minimal crowds.
19. Morocco
Marrakech’s bustling medina becomes far more inviting under the season’s gentle warmth, with fewer crowds and golden light on its historic walls. Across the country, imperial cities shine in comfort, and the Sahara’s cooler conditions make desert journeys especially rewarding.
20. Portugal
Mild autumn weather makes Portugal especially appealing, offering a perfect mix of culture, scenery, and relaxation. Travelers can join grape harvests and wine festivals in the Douro Valley, explore Lisbon and Porto without crowds, or enjoy the Algarve’s beaches, still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.
