October can get chilly, and heading to the mountains is really only for the hardy – though we still love visiting the Dolomites in early October to see the golden larches. October is a brilliant month for exploring southern Europe, whether that’s a trip to Andalusia, a long weekend in Rome, or romantic Paris. But where are the best vacation destinations in October for a beach holiday? Here’s our list of the 15 best places for an October vacation.
Best beach vacation in October
Fancy a beach holiday in October where you can actually swim without freezing? Some of the best destinations include Mexico, Cape Verde, and the United Arab Emirates. Let’s dive into the details – where to go, where to stay, and we’ll throw in links to our more in-depth guides along the way. ☺️
Mexico – Yucatán
We lived in Mexico for five months, and if there’s one place that’s absolutely worth visiting, it’s the Yucatán. Mexico is renowned for its unique Mayan culture and stunning nature. You’ll find beautiful cenotes, breathtaking beaches (make sure to visit Holbox), and for those who prefer more than just lounging on the sand, we’d recommend visiting the Mayan ruins at Tulum or the famous Chichen Itza.
October is an ideal time to visit the Yucatán, as the rainy season is winding down – perfect conditions for both sightseeing and sunbathing by the sea. What’s more, October is one of the quieter months, meaning fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
United Arab Emirates
October is one of the best months to visit the United Arab Emirates, as the weather is much more pleasant compared to the extreme summer heat – but don’t be fooled, it’s still warm. Afternoon temperatures in October hover around 35°C, occasionally reaching up to 40°C, while the sea temperature is ideal for swimming, ranging between 24 and 28°C.
The UAE is famous for its luxury resorts and hotels offering world-class service and comfort. Some of the most popular resorts and hotels for an October beach holiday include:
- Hotel Arabian Park Edge By Rotana in Dubai, located near major attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain.
- The Cove Rotana Resort and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
- Hotel Rotana Fujairah Resort & SPA in Fujairah, nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean along the Persian Gulf coast, offering luxury accommodation set in beautifully landscaped gardens right on a long sandy beach.
- Hotel Citymax Bur Dubai in the heart of Dubai – a great option for those looking for affordable accommodation close to the main tourist attractions.
- Royal Regency Suites in Dubai, just 800 metres from the Marina.
Egypt in October
What’s October like in Egypt? Pretty pleasant, actually. It’s a great compromise for anyone who wants to avoid the tourist hordes while still enjoying plenty of sunshine. Temperatures typically hover around a comfortable 25 to 30°C – ideal for exploring the country’s historical treasures like the pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the stunning archaeological sites in Aswan, without the punishing summer heat.
October is also a time when hotels are much cheaper, so you can treat yourself to a luxury all-inclusive break at a bargain price. On top of that, the milder weather makes it a perfect time to relax on Egypt’s gorgeous beaches – think Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada – or go diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea, where waters are calm and visibility is superb.
Where to stay in Egypt? Best hotels and resorts
The Sharm El-Sheikh area is hugely popular, with top-rated hotels including the Sunrise Arabian Beach Resort and Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, which even offers an ultra all-inclusive package.
Another favourite area is Hurghada. Together with Sharm El-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, it’s considered one of the best spots in Egypt. Top-rated hotels here include the Pickalbatros Blu Spa Resort, offering an ultra all-inclusive package, and the Beach Albatros Resort.
If you fancy somewhere a bit different, check out Soma Bay, home to the world-renowned Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a fantastic alternative to the Caribbean, and in October it’s an absolute paradise for anyone craving warm weather and quality beach resorts. Average temperatures in October sit around 27–29°C, with highs reaching 30°C. Sea temperature is around 27°C.
Among the most popular hotels are Melia Llana Beach Resort & Spa, The Albatroz Hotel, Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa, and Sol Dunas. These resorts boast lovely interiors, gorgeous beaches, great food, and above all, excellent staff. Many of them also offer all-inclusive packages – perfect if you’d rather not think about meals.
Road trips and cultural holidays in October
Not the type to spend all day on a sunlounger? Would you rather explore stunning landscapes, sample delicious local food, and maybe squeeze in a swim along the way? Then check out our favourite road trips that are perfect for October.
Morocco
If you’re after a slightly adventurous yet affordable cultural holiday, we can wholeheartedly recommend Morocco. October is one of the best times to visit, as the weather becomes much more pleasant after the scorching summer. Temperatures hover around a mild 20 to 28°C, making it comfortable to explore city souks, historical monuments, and gorgeous natural scenery.
For nature lovers, October is the perfect time for trekking in the Atlas Mountains or exploring the Sahara by camel. Morocco in October offers the ideal combination of pleasant weather, cultural enrichment, and adventurous activities in the heart of North Africa.
This country isn’t the easiest destination for first-time independent travellers, but if you’ve got a bit of experience under your belt, don’t hesitate. 😎
Before you go, read our article on safety in Morocco to avoid any run-ins with local scammers, and check out the road trip route we took.
Madeira – the island of flowers
Madeira is a year-round destination. It’s not really a swimming holiday kind of place, but rather a paradise for hiking and sightseeing. If you haven’t been, you absolutely must go. Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands in the world – and we’ve been to Hawaii too. 😁
How long should you spend on Madeira? We’d recommend 7–8 days to see the highlights. You’ll find our itinerary in our Madeira guide.
Tip: Read our guide on how to find cheap flights.
Andalusia – a cultural holiday by the sea
If you fancy a holiday where you can swim and explore magnificent cities and rich culture at the same time, head to Andalusia. Even in October, temperatures stay around 25°C, and if you’re not too sensitive to cooler water, you can still swim in the sea.
Andalusia in Spain is one of the most popular destinations for a cultural break in October. The Costa del Sol is a gorgeous coastline packed with beaches, while Granada, Seville and Córdoba rank among Europe’s most stunning historical gems.
October surfing holiday – Algarve – southern Portugal
This year we’re heading to the Algarve for October and November (yes, it’s our second trip to southern Portugal this year 😁). The Algarve is one of the most incredible places in Europe. By October the water is fairly cold, but it’s a surfer’s paradise and a dream for anyone who loves temperatures around 20–25°C, dramatic cliffs, ceramic workshops, fantastic food, and charming little towns.
Seven days is enough for southern Portugal (our itinerary is here), though we always end up spending at least a month. Definitely hire a car (we use RentalCars) so you can easily explore the coastline.
You’ll find our full itinerary with tips on the best base locations for accommodation here.
Dolomites – chasing golden larches
October is a borderline month for a trip to the Italian Alps, as it starts getting properly cold. Still, we love going in early October to see the golden larches. This year is the first autumn we’re not heading to the Dolomites – hopefully next year we’ll make up for it with our little one. ☺️ By October, the tourist crowds have thinned out and hotels are significantly cheaper. We wouldn’t recommend camping though – it can get pretty chilly. If you’re tempted anyway, make sure you pack warm layers and check out our guide on how to choose a good sleeping bag.
- The Dolomites are great for all ages, but in October we wouldn’t bring small children – some cable cars are closed and the weather, while potentially beautiful, can be cold.
- We recommend the area around Ortisei, where you can explore Seiser Alm and Seceda. In Ortisei, you could stay at B&B Villa Angelino or the stylish apartments at Apt Lara Siela.
- Our other favourite base is the Cortina area. If you’re travelling with dogs like us, try the affordable B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina – the breakfasts are excellent, it’s right next to the Lago di Sorapis trailhead, and dogs are welcome for a small fee.
- More accommodation tips: Dolomiti Sweet Lodge and Hotel Villa Gaia.
Iceland – chasing the northern lights in October
Iceland is cold year-round – whether you go in July or October, you’ll need a winter hat and a waterproof jacket. But if you want to see the northern lights, your chances are much better in Iceland in September or October (here’s our ideal 14-day itinerary), as the nights are longer than in summer.
Go for at least 14 days and you won’t regret it. You could spend a month in Iceland and still have plenty to discover. A month would probably be enough, though – as stunning as it is, you’d have to be a Viking to want to live here full-time, because the weather is absolutely bonkers. 😁
Best long weekend getaways in October
Only got a few days off but desperate for a change of scenery? Here are our favourite long weekend getaways for October.
Rome – a long weekend in October
Rome is one of my favourite European cities, but I avoid it during summer. Last time we went was in June and the heat absolutely wiped us out. That’s why I’d recommend visiting in autumn, when temperatures are much more comfortable and there are fewer tourists.
If you don’t want to queue for hours at the Vatican, check out the tips in our Rome article. Most importantly, stay in the centre – look for accommodation near the main train station (where the airport train stops) or near one of the airport bus stops.
Try checking availability at Residenza Cavallini, which is a five-minute walk from the airport bus express stop, close to the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain. We loved this small hotel – although the room was quite compact, it was clean and breakfast at a nearby café (croissant, toast, and cappuccino) was included in the price.
Long weekend in Budapest
Budapest is gorgeous all year round, but we prefer going in late September or October to avoid the brutal summer heat. We visit Budapest every year because no other European city has quite the same incredible atmosphere. Beyond the stunning landmarks, it’s a city brimming with amazing cafés, bistros, restaurants, and vintage shops.
Stay right in the centre. The cheapest option is Flow Hostel, where we used to stay when we were watching every penny.
If you’re after something more upmarket, we’d recommend Hotel Vision, where we stayed a couple of years ago – great breakfasts, perfect location, and beautiful rooms. Absolutely stunning but pricier is the Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection. For a nice middle ground, try Eurostars Danube Budapest, Novotel Budapest Danube or Milford Suites Budapest.
Paris
Do we even need to sell you on Paris? Paris is the city of love, rich history, museums, art, and incredible food. If you’ve never been, we’d suggest at least a long weekend – though if you want to properly explore not just the Louvre but other art museums too, a weekend won’t cut it.
I’ve spent a full week in Paris several times and it was never enough. And what about October in Paris? It can get a bit chilly and the odd rain shower is possible, but there’s so much to see indoors that it really doesn’t matter. Autumn can also be absolutely gorgeous – colourful and sunny – so it really comes down to luck.
Read our Paris guide and decide for yourself how long you want to go.
Barcelona
Just like Rome, Barcelona is a brilliant destination for a long weekend in October. Temperatures hover around 23°C – absolutely ideal for exploring the sights and hidden corners of Spain’s second most visited city.
If you’re heading to Barcelona, we’d recommend reading our Barcelona guide, where you’ll find tips on how to skip the queues at major attractions. October may be a quieter month, but at the most popular landmarks you might not notice the difference. 😁
Our family didn’t listen to us, didn’t buy tickets to Sagrada Família in advance as we’d advised – and couldn’t get in.
Make sure to stay in the centre – you can walk to most places easily. Try the affordable and bohemian Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia, or the slightly pricier but delightful Hotel Granvia, housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building.
For a hotel with a great view, we’d recommend Hotel Gaudí, though it is a little dated.
Budget October holiday? Try a wellness hotel
Want a luxurious holiday without spending a fortune on flights and hotels abroad? Try something different and go for a staycation closer to home.
October weather isn’t always the best? Fair point – but what about a wellness hotel? In a wellness hotel you won’t care what the weather’s doing outside, and if you pick a beautiful location, you can enjoy the crisp autumn air too when the sun comes out. Plus, by not flying abroad you can splash out on a truly luxurious hotel instead.
Frequently asked questions
Where to go on a beach holiday in October?
For a beach holiday in October, head to Dubai, Cape Verde, or Mexico.
Where to go for a long weekend in October?
For a long weekend in October, head to Barcelona, Rome, Paris, or Budapest.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
