There are loads of reasons why you should bookmark this list of top places to visit in October despite the fact that October doesn’t pop up on the top of holidaying months for many people. School holidays generally around the globe are over, in most places the peak tourist season has passed, and weather can get a bit unruly in some parts.
However October also brings lesser crowds, shoulder season of tourism meaning great deals resulting in surprising amount of savings and the opportunity to explore the parts of world you may have never paid much attention to. With careful consideration about the weather, crowds of tourists, and activities to do via decades of travelling and work related experiences, we have made a list of Top 20 Best Places To Visit in October.
#1 on Best Places to visit in October: Nepal
The monsoon season just lingers off while the winter still is a few months away, the sun is balmy across the bright blue skies, the festivities start and maintain a charming crescendo throughout the month and far flung corners open their arms with the perfect trekking window. Nepal, hands down, is one of the best places to visit in October across the globe. You simply cannot go wrong in this Himalayan nation in October-November season.
Weather
Despite being a small county, Nepal has almost a dramatic change of geography as you travel from North to South which affects the weather. The Northern Himalayan region (below the snow line of 5,000 meters) and the Hilly regions that lie in middle of the country have a beautiful weather with temperatures ranging from 53°F (12°C) to 75°F (24°C) or slightly higher. The plains known as “Terai” can go anywhere from 83°F (28°C) to mid 88°F (31°C) and as low as 68°F (20°C) depending upon how South you are on the map.
Expect a few days of mild rain in the beginning of the October, however most of the month is dry with clear blue skies and balmy sun with slight indication that the winter is about to come. The most popular tourist destinations like Kathmandu and Pokhara have the perfect weather to be out and about on the streets or head for treks.
Things to do
This is the month where the season of festivities in Nepal begins. Dashain, the main Hindu festival falls in this month and the markets of Kathmandu come alive with people going shopping for clothes, brass and bronze kitchen wares, and food stalls along the street. Strolling along Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake and several other must see landmarks in Pokhara are also popular options.
Trekking is the center-piece in October and visitors can participate in beginner level treks to popular trails like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Lantang Region to far flung off the beaten path trails like Makalu Barun and Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. Rafting in Bhote Koshi, Kali Gandaki, Sun Koshi or hardcore white water rafting in Dudh Koshi and Arun River are sure to entice adrenaline junkies. Nepal’s National Parks like Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park with their One Horned Asiatic Rhino, Bengal Tigers provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities while Khaptad National Park and Badimalika will transport you to a place beyond the scars of humanity and deep into nature.
#2 on Best Places To Visit In October: Chile
Chile is one of the best places to visit in October and there are more than one glorious reasons for it. October is the shoulder season for tourism meaning there are fewer tourists, the prices for hotels and restaurants drop saving you a lot of money. This doesn’t mean you will get the short stick end of things because October falls under spring season which means loads of great chances to explore this beautiful nation as both Central and Northern Chile are blooming with wildflowers.
Weather
October is the season of spring in the Northern and Central parts of Chile with the average temperatures going as high as 72°F (22°C) and as low as 45°F (7°C). The Southern Patagonia region however gets the spring season late in November. So, do carry warmer clothes, just in case. There are only a few days of rain but you may see some cloudy days.
Things To Do
Santiago, the Chilean capital is the best place to visit in October in the whole nation. The overwhelming crowds of tourists haven’t arrived yet but the spring in full swing makes visiting the neighborhoods as well as the wine vineyards around Santiago a must do. Lake District is absolutely stunning with its warm weather, rain and gives you plenty of chances to see native animals and their little ones.
Popular beaches like La Serena are also great places to visit although lounging and sunbathing won’t be a good option until November. Trekking in Torres del Paine National Park which was included in our top National Park list along with Easter island is also a great place to visit. Southern Patagonian and Atacama desert can be great places to visit if you are willing to overlook the slightly chilly weather.
#3 on Best Places To Visit In October: Japan
The Japanese have a very endearing term in appreciation of autumn: “momijigari”, “momiji” meaning “red leaves” and “kari” meaning hunting. This alone should tell you why Japan is one of the best places to visit in October. Japan in Fall is stuff of Pinterest dreams, a photographer’s muse and a poet’s deepest love.
Weather
Because of its proximity to sea, Japan has a typhoon season that peaks in August and September. When October rolls in, the typhoon season is more or less over, the “tsuyu” or rainy season is well over and the summer temperatures start to ease and Fall season is in full swing making it one of the most comfortable times to visit Japan. Average temperatures in October range from 57°F to 64°F (14°C to 18°C) in the mornings and 66°F to 73°F ( 19°C to 23°C) in the afternoon.
Things to do
October is the time of harvest, festivals related to harvest and of course momijikari in Japan. The best way to see stunning autumn foliage is by hiking through various trails that take you to the heart of Japanese natural landscape. The panoramic views of Tokyo and Yokohama from Mount Takao, day hike to Mount Odake from Tokyo, easy get-away from Tokyo to Nikko National Park, seeing the views of Mount Fuji and Minami Alps from Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park are popular and easy to get to spots while places like Oyasu Ravine are remote spots.
Geijutsu no Aki, The Autumn of Art . October is for arts and reading in Japan as many art exhibitions begin in this month along with museums and galleries being packed with people. There are also various traditional festivals like Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, Matsue Suitoro in Honshu, Asama Onsen Taimastau Matsuri in Matsumoto and popular holidays like Halloween in Shibuya that are must visits. Visitors wanting to see traditional Japan can also travel to Nagasaki for the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival where decorated wooden boats are paraded around the city.
#4 on Best Places To Visit In October: Hudson Valley, New York
If you cannot go to Japan to see Autumnal colours, there is another place that is just as stunning: Hudson Valley in New York. The carpet of red and orange, the parks, hiking trails, the stunning scenery everywhere, all make Hudson Valley one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
It starts to get chilly in October in Hudson Valley specially compared to September when the temperatures are pleasant. The average temperature in this time of the month hovers around 58.5°F (14.7°C) while the average minimum temperatures are around 43.3°F (6.3°C) . You will also find rain on some days however, October is one of the driest times of the year here.
Things to do
Book your tickets in advance for the Hollowed Harvest in Altamont Fairgrounds where thousands of pumpkins are shaped into different animals and landscape for the Halloween festivities. Towards the middle of October the autumn foliage also reaches its peak and watching the bright red and orange leaves is one of the best things you can do here. The views of trees blazing with such colours is specially stunning at the lake in the Minnewaska State Park which also has breathtaking views over the Shawangunk Mountains.
There are also loads of activities to do here like visiting the Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands or if you are spooky enough for it visiting the acted story behind Albany’s last public hanging. Don’t forget to visit the local farms where you can pick up apple and pears like Hurd’s Family Farm and Prospect Hill Orchard. For sampling local cider visit Westwind Orchard and Brooklyn Cider House in New Platz.
#5 on Best Places To Visit In October: Vienna
Vienna is one of the best places to visit in October because it feels like you are inside a romantic movie. Dim lights, autumnal brown and red leaves on the streets, festivities and the European charm, when you come back from the vacation in Vienna in autumn, the longing to go back strikes hard as if you were reading a melancholic poem to an ex-lover. But while you are in October, there are plenty of things to do and plenty of life to enjoy.
Weather
What is so unique about Vienna among other places we have mentioned in our list is how acutely you can actually feel the change in season in October. From September the temperature drops 5 degrees to an average of 50°F (10°C ) with the start of the month being slightly warmer while the end of October brings more chill and low temperatures. The average daylight time is between 11.38 hours to 9.59 hours with 3 to 4 days of rain while most days are sunny and some cloudy.
Things to do
Leave Vienna’s architecture and historically important landmarks for a moment and travel to the western edge of the city to see the autumn colours in full beauty. There are various markets and fairs like Wiener Herbsttage that put on display, sell local produce (with some very unusual and rare ones) as well as handicraft items. Visiting Vienna in October and not dabbling in arts and exhibitions is almost impossible. For 2022, Kunsthistorisches Museum, The Weltmuseum, Upper Belvedere and Lower Belvedere are hosting several exhibitions that will last well towards the end of October. The Albertina has a retrospective art show for Jean-Michel Basquiat In October. Apart from this, visitors can also enjoy trips to grape vineyards around Vienna as October is the month where farmers harvest grape vines.
#6 on Best Places To Visit In October: Madagascar
While the Northern Hemisphere welcomes autumn, the Southern Hemisphere is basking in much warmer and pleasant weather that is closer to summer/spring during October. Madagascar is no exception to this as its weather makes it one of the best places to visit in October for people looking to escape the chilly wretchedness of autumn elsewhere. The wildlife, beaches and so many other activities just add to the reasons to visit Madagascar in October.
Weather
Like many other places around here, the seasonal cycle is influenced by southeastern trade winds of the Indian Ocean and from April to October Madagascar experiences what we call as the austral winter. Don’t go on the name thinking it’s cold, the weather is dry, warm and moderately hot. The average temperatures range from 78.4°F (25.8°C) to minimum of 55.2°F (12.9°C). The average length of the day is 12 hours and 32 minutes and there is around 8 hours of daylight. You can’t really escape the rain for the whole month in these parts so expect a few days of rain in October too.
Things To Do
The water is clearer and calmer during these months hence this is the best time for diving and snorkeling. Visiting Masoala National Park is also one of the best things to do in October in Madagascar because the dry spells are much longer during this period of the year. The wildlife remains a little slow and sleepy these time around however the annual Jazz festival of Madajazzcar Antananarivo takes place in October too.
#7 on Best Places To Visit In October: Uttarakhand, India
India is a storied land; well documented, popular and visited by loads of tourists throughout the year. In a land jam-packed with so much colour, miles upon miles of land that surprises you with a different weather, topography, different language, culture, cuisine on every turn it can be incredibly difficult to find off the beaten paths. Uttarakhand, the Northwestern Hilly State of India offers exactly the non touristy, off the beaten path way for visitors looking to be lost in the nature and re-discovering themselves. The unique culture, simple cuisine, breath taking scenery and distance from the explosion of colour and energy that is mainland India makes Uttarakhand one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
Weather in October in Uttarakhand can only be described as pleasant. Depending upon which part of the state you are in, the maximum temperature can go up to 85°F (29.3°C) from 73°F (22°C) in pilgrimage places like Haridwar while it’s slightly lower in Dehradun, Ranikhet. The temperature range goes lower as you move closer to the mountains in the North of the state. Although rain, specially in the beginning of the month, is not unheard of but most of the month is dry and has pleasant weather.
Things to do
The major attraction of Uttarakhand in October is sight seeing and getting lost in the wonderful landscapes that this state has to provide. There are pretty famous landmarks like Mussorie which is affectionately called the Queen of the Hills with its scenic roadways, Kempty Falls and Municipal Garden as main attractions. 5/6 hours of drive from Mussorie is Jim Corbett National Park which is home to Bengal Tigers, leopards, different species of deer among many other fauna and flora.
Nainitaal is a famous hill station town settled around Naini Lake and is a picturesque place to spend time in. For people who want to discover the region more deeply, trekking in Ranikhet, Binsar, Himalayan Peak sight seeing in Auli, and discovering underrated places like Chaukori, Chopta are the places to visit. The Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Parks are hidden gems that will spell-bind you with sheer beauty.
#8 on Best Places To Visit In October: Greece
Greece is one of the most visited destinations during the summer months and October isn’t exactly a summer month. However, what makes Greece one of the best places to visit in October is because it’s a shoulder month meaning that most tourists will have gone back to their homes, the inflated price ranges of hotels and restaurants come down to normal pricing and the weather is still pleasant. For people wanting to stay away from hordes of tourists and hordes of tourist traps, October is the month to pack your bags to Greece.
Weather
Greece has the longest coastline in Europe bordered by Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas. The coastal regions retain the Mediterranean weather throughout October with almost 11 hours of daylight and 7 hours of bright sun. Rain, however, is a factor and the southern side of the nation is less rainy as compared to the north and Eastern side less rainy than the western due to the Pindus Mountain range.
Things to do
October is the best time to visit Greek Islands because it allows you to by pass the crowds as well as the heat of summer without having to layer up or be miserable in overcast skies. Taking a boat or renting a yacht to soak in the views of Santorini or simply lounging on beaches is a great option. Water sports in Corfu, beach hoping and visiting the medieval town of Helios in Rhodes site seeing in Athens under the pleasant weather are most popular things to do in October.
If you want something more secluded and less touristy the island of Milos has affordable hotels and laid back vibes. October is also the time of arts and festivals in Greece with drama, opera, dances in the Athens Festival, elaborate showcase of yachts in the annual Olympic Yacht Show. The Feast of St. Demetrius in Thessaloniki is a great place to watch opera, listen to music and grab some wine while Ochi Day celebrates Greece’s refusal to join Axis power through military parades.
#9 on Best Places To Visit In October: Ibiza
This is a recommendation for the first timers to Ibiza. This Spanish island that has become synonymous with parties can be an overwhelming place for people who aren’t used to such lifestyle, who have never let themselves go completely, or simply shy people. But that doesn’t mean you cannot visit this beautiful place!
Ibiza is one of the best places to visit in October for people who are looking to avoid the absolute crescendo of craziness and are on a tighter budget while also wanting to experience what this island has to offer in its full glory.
Weather
The summer may have passed but it is still pretty warm in Ibiza in October to go out and chill at the beaches. The hottest days can be as high as 25°C and the average is 21.5°C. It is also good time to take to the sea for a swim as the average water temperature is at 22°C. Rain is also likely as it receives 54 mm of average rainfall in October but the days are still long with up to 8 hours of sunlight.
Things to do
October is the month where you make the most out of everything in Ibiza. The hottest time and the largest crowds of people have gone or slowly leaving and the prices of hotels drop down to normal rates. This is the time to go and grab the best luxury villas, the hotel rooms by the beach, book a table at the famous restaurant and/or rent a car to drive around the island.
Adventure sports like bungee jumping, para-sailing, sky diving and cross-country cycling won’t have long queue of people in October and the beaches have few people. It is a great time to get some sun while still soaking in the vibe from the crowd. However, the absolute must do is visit the end-of-season parties which turns up the colours, the vibes, the craziness that Ibiza is famous for to the max settings.
#10 on Best Places To Visit In October: Marrakech
Marrakech is a popular tourist destination with its imperial past and so many attractions located in Western Morocco. The Mediterranean climate pattern but with less rain make it absolutely packed tourist destinations during summer season. But for anyone who is looking to soak in the culture, cuisine and beauty of Marrakech without the overwhelming crowds and scorching heat during the day, it is one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
Despite the summer been long gone and autumn setting in, Marrakech still sees balmy temperatures of up to 29°C (84.2°F) during the day time with the minimum temperatures dropping up to 15°C (58.5°F). This means that you will still have to take care while roaming around and protect yourself from heat exhaustion. The cloudy days and rainy days are minimal and there is almost 8 hours of sunshine.
Things To Do
Leather accessories, souvenirs and other products can be bought while you stroll in the souks of Medina of Marrakech. Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the parks like Majorelle Garden, Jardin Secret, and Anima Garden are the best landmarks to visit in Marrakech. Jemaa el Fna Square offers the best restaurants for local Moroccan food while the whole place comes alive during Eid al-Fitr which also falls during October.
#11 on Best Places To Visit In October: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
As with many other places in our list of best places to visit in October, Galapagos Islands has a “low season” during October. This means that everything is cheaper than the peak summer months that is yet to come in this part of the world. Along with the great deals, the slightly cooler weather of October and the wildlife being active makes Galapagos Islands one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
The seasonal cycle in this part of the world means that October is warmer than September. As most of Europe continues to scorch under intense heat waves this year, this can turn around a lot of tourists but weather in Galapagos in October is still very pleasant as compared to the rest of the world. The average maximum temperatures float around 77°F (25°C) and minimum float around 66°F (19°C). What makes Galapagos Islands one of the best places to visit in October is also the fact that it is one of the driest times of the year here with just 0.6 cms of average rainfall. The water temperature are around 22°C ,which plays an important role in the activities of the wildlife here. Just make sure to carry a few layers of clothes if you plan to go sailing to different sites on ships and boats because it does get a bit chilly.
Things To Do
The western side of the island does get quite misty in the morning but the sunrise that follows it stunning and provides with great photography opportunities. The Humboldt current from the Antarctic tides in nutrient filled water which makes snorkeling to see sea life a good opportunity. The green sea turtles are also more active during this month.
Recently hatched blue footed booby chicks and lava herons are among many bird species you can catch at Galapagos Islands during October. The water maybe a bit cold and mating season for fur sea lions means that you will have to be careful of aggressive male ones.
#12 on Best Places To Visit In October: Los Cabos, Mexico
We will be honest, if you were to plan a trip to Los Cabos May to June would be yhe top pick to visit. However, there are plenty of reasons why it is one of the best places to visit in October. The weather, October being a great time to come down here with family and kids, great water sports opportunities with less crowds and better deals on hotels are just few of those reasons.
Weather
The end of June to September sees rainfall in Los Cabos, so October after the brief rainy season is one of the best times to visit Baja California Sur because of its pleasant weather. The high temperatures fluctuate around 88°F to 91°F while the lower temperatures hover around 70°F to 75°F. October also sees great sunshine as the clouds decrease day by day with low chances of overcast and rains.
Things To Do
Arriving to Los Cabos in October means that you hit the sweet time between the Spring Break holidays passing and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays not yet arriving. The crowds are smaller, great deals on flights, hotels and restaurants which makes it one of the best places to visit in October if you are travelling with your family and kids. The water is warm at this time which is great for diving and snorkeling, and sportfishing and seeing the arrival of the first whales.
#13 on Best Places To Visit In October: Mauritius
Mark Twain believed that heaven was made after Mauritius and when you arrive in this island in the Indian Ocean, it isn’t hard to see what he meant. Mauritius isn’t all about its jaw dropping beauty and powdery white sandy beaches, it also has the substance to back in the form of its mixed culture, cuisine and plenty of other exploration to do. While the high tourist season is yet to arrive Mauritius is one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
Absolutely great weather! October is one of the driest months here and the hurricane season is far off, while the temperatures are on the rise they are still pleasantly sitting at 27°C high with cool south easterly winds to keep you cool. The temperature of the water is also comfortably at 24°C and you can expect long 13 hours of day with beight 8 hours if sunlight.
Things to do
Shoulder season means that you will get great deals on flights, hotels and restaurants here. The Hindu population in Mauritius celebrates Dahshera and Diwali towards the end of October and that invites a very welcoming party atmosphere. Chamarel Waterfall, Black River Gorges, Mahebourg Historical Naval Museum, Grand Basin are some of the great places to visit here.
#14 on Best Places To Visit In October: South Africa
South Africa is one of the best places to visit in October because the country offers you everything from spring flowers on the West Coast, to rains in the North and pleasant temperature in the capital of Cape Town. All of that and you will still save a lot of money because it’s the shoulder season and you get great deals on flights and hotels. This is also the time when many animals are goving birth with the arrival of the new foliage.
Weather
In the reserves up in the North of the country along with Johannesburg, the summer rains gradually increase as the month of October moves forward. We would suggest to go around areas in the Northern part of South Africa like Kruger National Park with great care as with the rains, mosquitoes and malaria returns. However, Cape Town with its pleasant weather at around 21°C and spotless skies, is one of the best places to visit in October.
Things to do
With the start of the first rains and new foliage growing, many animals give birth to young ones which means a great chance to see the wildlife in places like Kruger National Park that aren’t in their peak tourist time. However, the days are still hot and malaria can be an issue so early morning visits with precaution are suggested. Neighborhoods like Greenside, Parktown, Soweto are great places to see beautiful jacaranda bloom in Joberg.
West Coast National Park will be coming down from the crescendo of peak tourist season but you can still catch the beautiful wildflower bloom there. In the Western Cape you can see new born Whales and you can catch a glimpse of these majestic aquatic mammals before they return to the Antarctic. Two wheel self drive exploration of game reserves in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is also a must do.
#15 on Best Places To Visit In October: Brazil
Visit the most famous beaches, hike, take river cruises, enjoy the weather which gets warm each day! What is there to not love about this country during October? Brazil, with its shoulder season, is one of the best places to visit in October.
Weather
Southern Hemisphere, so the great advantage for visitors coming from places like Europe which has seen summer with unprecedented heat waves this year is that this part of the world is having an exact opposite seasonal cycle. Winter has just left Brazil and the temperatures are on the rise but they haven’t reached a level where you start getting stuffy and uncomfortable. Sau Paolo and Rio share temperatures slightly lower than 80°F while Manaus and Belem have higher temperatures hovering around 90°F.
Things To Do
With great deals on flights and hotels, Rio de Janeiro is one of the best places to visit in October in Brazil. Visiting the Cathedral of Brasilia in the country’s capital should also be on your list and also should visiting Iguazu Falls be as this is the last dry month around that area. However, the best place to visit in Brazil during October are the stunning beaches near Rio in the IIha Grande on the Green Coast.
#16 on Best Places To Visit In October: Darjeeling
We have included Nepal and North Western Hilly reason of Uttarakhand, India in this list of best places to visit in October and there is a very solid reason for that. Darjeeling, which lies right next to Eastern borders of Nepal continues and even accentuates that reason: weather so pleasant and charming that it becomes a difficulty to end your holidays. The rolling green hills, clear skies with balmy sun, and the smell and vibe of festivities around these areas makes Darjeeling one of the best places to visit in October anywhere around the globe.
Weather
The monsoon thunders down its last showers around the end of September. The passing monsoon season clears up the weather with any remnants of pollution and the hills start to look like you are watching some extra HD TV. You will begin to feel slight chill, especially in the early mornings as the average high temperatures hover around 23°C and the lower temperatures don’t go past 15°C.
Things To Do
Darjeeling is called the Queen of the Hills and there is no better way to start a trip here than to see glorious sun rise from Tiger Hill. Its proximity to Eastern Nepal means that one of the biggest peaks in the world like Mt. Kunchenjunga and the biggest mountain in the world Mt. Everest can be seem here basking in glorious golden rays of sun early in the morning. Visit wildlife sanctuaries down near Teesta river where rafting can also be done.
Grab some local handmade shawls and rugs at the Bhutia market or pretend to be in a Bollywood movie by getting yourself first class seats at the historical Toy Train. The views from Batasia Loop of Mt. Kunchenjunga are stunning from this ride.
#17 on Best Places To Visit In October: Portugal
Perhaps unfairly not as popular as say Italy or France, Portugal still is growing leaps and bounds as a tourist destination in Europe. The summer slowly frizzles out in this month and the crowds lessen making the Portugal one of the best places to visit in October. It is a great time to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites here under the pleasant weather and also take hikes.
Weather
Depending upon how picky you are about weather, Portugal can be a mixed bag when it comes to weather. However, if you love pleasant temperature with rain, this can be one of the most romantic trip you have ever taken. The Northern parts start seeing rainfall whereas the Southern parts are still largely sunny. At 25°C Algrave has the most sunshine with Lisbon at 23°C while carry few warm clothes for Porto as the minimum temperatures can drop upto 12°C.
Things To Do
This is the shoulder season here which means the beaches are half empty and the beach side restaurants with excellent sea food are great places to be. Hotspots like Lisbon, Porto are one of the best places to visit in October in Portugal as the crowds dwindle but the charm remains the same. Take road trips and beach lounging in the Southern regions like in Alentejo and Algrave.
#18 on Best Places To Visit In October: Iceland
The land of Fire and Ice is one of the best places to visit in October for its incredible array of weather, activities that it throws at you and ofcourse a chance to see the stunning aurora lights. The peak tourist season will already have passed by October but the weather remains bearable and you get discounts on hotels.
Weather
As already eluded to, Iceland’s October weather is unpredictable. When we visited Iceland in the October of 2018, we received short rain, sunny rainbow and hailstorms all in the span of the same day. In the capital the temperatures can rollercoast between 19°F (-7.2°C) to 59 °F (15°C). The temperatures get lower as you travel outside Reykjavik into remote areas.
Snowfall in October, specially in Reykjavik and Southern parts, isn’t a norm however the Northern regions do see some snowfall. Also make sure to pack waterproof gear as October is the wettest month of the year. 12 hours if sunlight is normal during both September and October.
Things To Do
Due to being the off season for tourism, but also having a mixture of both summer and winter, many summer and winter tours are available at a discounted price. Driving along the famous Ring Road, going from one famous landmark to the next is also a great thing to do. Iceland is also one of the best places to visit in October to catch a glimpse of the mystical Northern lights. You can check out the best places to visit in Iceland to see the Northern lights from our elaborate article on Aurora Borealis.
October is also the tail end of whale watching season in Iceland but you can undoubtedly catch a glimpse of more whales, dolphins, sea orcas, and beaked whales on the coasts of Iceland. Visitors can also learn about Iceland’s volcanic geography by taking guided hiking trails on the glaciers. If you want something with more speed, try horse riding on the Icelandic horses with their unique gait or snow mobiling on Vatnajokull glacier.
#19 on Best Places To Visit In October: Cyprus
Personally, I would say Cyprus is one of the best places to visit in October in the Mediterranean region because it retains the most Mediterranean climate without being too scorching hot and jam packed. The peak tourist season just passes away during August and the shoulder season also means that you can get cut prices on flights and hotels. It’s a much relaxing, calming experience without having to shell out too much money.
Weather
The temperatures in the capital Nicosia as well as in the coastal regions still reaches 81°F (27°C) on hot days. The nights are cooler at 62°F (15°C). The sea temperature is also in high 70°F and the sunlight stays for around 10 hours. However, there is possibility of slight rain.
Things To Do
It’s almost as if Cyprus has extended summer even in October and enjoying the beaches, sunbathing, lounging and even swimming in the perfectly warm waters is one of the best things to do. In places like Ayia Napa you will still be able to see lots of visitors however it won’t be overcrowded. Perfect for people who don’t like deserted places. Various famous landmarks like Paphos Mosaics, Stavrovouni Monastery, Saint Lazarus see lower crowds and hence opens up great opportunity to explore these places intimately.
#20 on Best Places To Visit In October: Australia
If you avoid the sea in Northern Australia, the whole country is one of the best places to visit in October. The spring is in full bloom and it is more than evident all across the major cities. Add several events all across the country and you have got one of the best vacations on your hand.
Weather
It is cooler in the south of Australia in places like Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne than in the North. However, even in the North the dry season ends with average temperatures hovering around 30°C which means these parts can be explored without being cooked by the heat. The Red Center with famous spots like Uluru and Alice Springs sees the highest temperatures but nothing sort of unbearable at 91°F (33°C).
Things to do
Swimming and heading into the water isn’t the best thing to do in Australia in October as the water temperatures are a bit cool but not too cool for wetsuits. There are loads of great museums, galleries, restaurants serving cuisines from various places in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. Brisbane has difficult summers but October makes it easier to visit as the weather is much cooler. You can also soak in the views all across Australia with long drives from Perth to Adelaide and then from Adelaide to famous sites like Uluru ending in Darwin. There are also several prestigious film festivals like Melbourne Film Festival happening in the month of October.
