The best places to go on holiday in October

October is a time of year that’s characterised by the festivals and traditions that accompany the start of autumn. As the summer temperatures fall in the northern hemisphere and monsoon rains subside from East Africa to the Americas, it’s also a surprisingly pleasant time of year for travel. Fascinating cultural experiences, warm-weather relaxation and atmospheric landscapes are all available to enjoy throughout this time of year, but which October holiday destinations stand out?  

The Dalmatian Coast 

A firm favourite when it comes to seaside stays across Southern Europe, the Dalmatian Coast comes into its own once summer's crowds begin to thin. Though Croatia’s ancient wonders and island towns reward a visit at almost any time of year, October offers a more relaxed experience, with the Adriatic still holding onto much of its summer warmth. In the region’s major cities, such as Dubrovnik and Split, world-famous landmarks are far easier to enjoy without the endless queues. Further south, Montenegro's walled town of Kotor also benefits from the thinner crowds and offers a more authentic taste of daily life on the Adriatic.  

Beyond the coastline, October marks harvest season across Dalmatia’s mountainous hinterland and family-run vineyards and olive groves throughout the region welcome visitors for tastings straight from the source. Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is particularly rewarding at this time of year, while the cooler coastal breeze makes traversing the seaside trails of Hvar and Korčula more comfortable. Whether it's for the sea, the scenery, or a final taste of summer, the Dalmatian Coast is perfectly suited to an early autumn escape. 

Malta 

Those in search of a warm-weather escape closer to home will find an ideal option in Malta, which consistently boasts some of the best autumnal weather in Europe. Daytime temperatures average around 24°C, with the sea just as warm, so swimming, snorkelling and diving in the island’s turquoise seas remain comfortable deep into October. As the crowds recede at the end of the busy summer months, this delightful island nation, and its green sister isle, Gozo, start to feel more and more like a secret to be discovered on the Mediterranean. 

From Valletta's Baroque streets to the fortified Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – the island’s most impressive sights are all noticeably quieter, giving visitors far more room to explore at their own pace. October is also a major month in Malta's festival calendar, with celebrations such as Notte Bianca (White Night) filling the streets of every major city with live music and light displays. Hosted on the first Saturday of October, the celebrations also keep shops, galleries and restaurants open throughout the night.  

Egypt  

With average temperatures falling just shy of the 30°C mark, Egypt is at its best in October. While the arid summer months can make exploring the country’s vast desert temples feel inaccessible, the more manageable autumn heat is perfect for exploring in greater comfort. For those who are interested in historical exploration, October offers the ideal conditions to make the most of Egypt’s numerous archaeological sites, museums and temples. Discover Giza’s vast Necropolis without breaking a sweat, take in Cairo’s recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum under cooler temperatures and watch the sun set over the Nile in comfort.  

Egypt holds more than just its pharaonic treasures, too, and those who’d prefer to relax will find plenty of world-class coastal resorts on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Whether you’re enjoying a few final days of summer sunshine in elegant Hurghada, one of North Africa’s finest coastal towns, or cruising the Nile on a luxury cruiser, October is the ideal choice for taking in Egypt’s many highlights.  

East Africa 

East Africa's safari hotspots are never short of admirers, but October offers a particularly rewarding window for wildlife encounters. Sitting at the tail end of the dry season, the savannah remains lightly vegetated, drawing animals to popular watering holes across Kenya and Tanzania. The Great Migration is still very much in motion too, with herds of wildebeest crossing the southern and central Maasai Mara ahead of their gradual return south toward the Serengeti. Not only does this make for spectacular herd sightings well into the early autumn, but it’s also a time during which the region’s big cats are at their most active.  

Beyond the safari game drives, October also rewards those keen to enjoy time by the sea, as nearby Zanzibar's dry season continues in the autumn, keeping its beaches at their best. The island's spice plantations and charming coastal towns add a cultural contrast to the open plains, while birdlife across the mainland remains abundant as migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia. With fewer visitors than the July and August peak, October strikes the perfect balance between thrilling wildlife encounters and a quieter, more intimate safari experience. 

India 

October typically marks the end of India's monsoon season, and this time of year signals a shift towards drier, more comfortable conditions. As the humidity drops and temperatures ease from their summer peaks, it's also when many national parks open their doors back up to visitors. Reserves in the north, such as Ranthambore and Kanha, are popular choices at this time of year as tiger sightings become more frequent and animals venture out to open waterholes. Sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra also becomes far more comfortable, and the backdrop of clearer skies makes the region’s iconic landmarks, from the Red Fort to the Taj Mahal, even more picturesque.  

Another reason to consider an Indian summer in South Asia is the sheer number of festivals that take place in October. Diwali, perhaps the best-known of these celebrations, sees cities dressed in intricate rangoli patterns, colourful garlands, and thousands of clay lanterns. This festival, celebrated as the triumph of light over darkness, can be found across the globe, but there’s no better place to experience it than India. Dussehra, too, is a sight to behold with its burning effigies, colourful processions and street performances. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing or the cultural celebrations, there aren’t many months that showcase India like October. 

New England 

Numbering amongst the most atmospheric destinations in the world throughout the autumn, New England is at its most picturesque in October. Visitors from all over the world flock to the US north-east to see a dazzling wave of russet reds, fiery oranges and deep purples paint the forests across the region. New Hampshire is particularly impressive at this time of year, and the Kancamagus Highway is a must-see for any fall foliage itineraries. The White Mountains, crowning the New England skyline, are equally impressive in the north and add even more grandeur to your seasonal sightseeing.   

Though the region’s undeniable highlight is the arrival of the fall colours, there’s so much more to love than just the foliage. Mist-laden rural villages, charming coastal outposts and the cities which shaped the struggle for American independence are all ideal for exploring in October. Embrace traditional New England hospitality in the leaf-swept streets of Woodstock, Vermont, warm yourself with a bowl of Maine’s classic clam chowder, and take in a more cosmopolitan side to the region in Boston. Wherever your interests take you, the milder weather and famous fall foliage promise to make your New England exploration even more memorable.  

Discover the best places for an October holiday with Newmarket Holidays  

With more than 40 years’ experience operating award-winning escorted tours, our expert team of holiday planners knows exactly how to help you make the most of your time away. Browse our full range of itineraries on our dedicated destinations page, with departure dates from October 2026 through to 2028, and see where your travel story will take you next.