Wondering where to go in October for vacation this year? We’ve got a few great picks for you. Whether it’s joining in on a colourful festival, exploring a new destination on the other side of the world, or taking a long weekend trip to the perfect town to visit during fall, these destinations have something for everyone. Here’s where to travel in October.
| Country | City | Average daily high-temperatures in October |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Las Vegas | 29°C/84°F |
| Mexico | San Jose del Cabo | 33°C/91°F |
| USA | San Juan, PR | 30°C/87°F |
| Spain | Tenerife | 26°C/79°F |
| Turkiye | Istanbul | 20°C/68°F |
| Egypt | Cairo | 30°C/87°F |
| Thailand | Bangkok | 33°C/91°F |
| Colombia | Medellin | 27°C/81°F |
| Croatia | Dubrovnik | 22°C/72°F |
| Panama | Panama City | 27°C/81°F |
Where to travel in October this year
The fall months are approaching and that means you can book a getaway to take advantage of the shoulder season. These destinations offer warm weather, amazing scenery, and lots to do and see for an unforgettable trip. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, here’s where to go in October.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, a place where you’ll be transformed, inspired, and constantly surprised – especially while getting lost in the narrow alleyways of the city while finding some of the most delicious food along the way. One thing though about travelling in Hanoi is that the weather can be a little unpredictable, which is why Hanoi is one of the best places to travel in October. This is one of the driest (and sunniest!) months of the year, and temperatures typically range from 29-22° Celcius. If you’re renting a motorbike to explore the city and the outskirts, you’ll want the weather to be as dry as possible.
Start your trip by paying a visit to Hanoi’s historic French Quarter. Take some time here and park yourself at a nearby rooftop cafe and get your Vietnamese coffee fix. Then check out the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and the impressive Hanoi Opera House. Plan to explore the popular Hồ Tây (West Lake) during golden hour, where you’ll be treated to amazing views of the Chùa Trấn Quốc, an 11-tier pagoda and the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.
Cool down for a dinner of pho or bun cha washed down with a Bia Hoi, Hanoi’s famous fresh beer that goes for less than 50 cents a glass. Try Quán Bia Hơi Nam Còi in the Old Town, a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike.
If you have some extra time in Hanoi, you can make the trip to the villages up north in Sapa. The month of October means the end of the rainy season and comfortable weather, so you can best experience those breathtaking hikes in the cloud forests of this unique part of Southeast Asia.
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay with a budget-friendly price tag, try the Alisa Hotel & Spa just a short walk from the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Mexico City, Mexico
There’s never really a bad month to visit Mexico City. But visiting during in October takes the cake, because you’ll arrive just in time for the biggest festival of the year: Dias de los Muertos.
If you’ve never heard of it, listen up. Dias de los Muertos festivities happen over at least four days at the end of October and the beginning of November. A tradition dating back centuries to when the Aztecs ruled the lands of Central Mexico and the surrounding region, Dias de los Muertos is where locals honour their deceased ancestors by building colourful altars in their honour and going to the cemetery to decorate their gravestones. It’s a beautiful celebration to witness, which is just one of the reasons why Mexico City is on our list of where to go in October.
Centro Historico will be bustling (there’s always something happening in this popular neighbourhood in Mexico City) but the neighbourhood of Coyoacan about 20 minutes from the centre to get a more local experience. Wherever you explore for the day, peak in the restaurants and temples and check out the family altars. Just wander and take it all in, and you’re guaranteed an inspiring trip to this incomparable, world-class city.
The highlight of Dias de los Muertos is the big parade which happens on the Saturday before the holiday, so this year it should take place on October 28th.
Where to stay: For a beautiful hotel stay in the Coyoacan district offering great views, check out Suites Perisur Apartmentos Amueblados. Hotel prices will go up as demand increases for Dias de los Muertos, so book early!
Hudson Valley, New York USA
There’s nothing quite like New York in the fall, and that goes for New York’s Adirondack Valley as well. Head here to the Hudson River Valley region in the middle of October when the fall foliage is at peak bloom (a week or so behind Canada) for an unforgettable fall getaway. Book a direct flight to New York City, take the train from Manhattan and it’s a couple of hours north to the Hudson Valley.
For some of the best views of the fall leaves at peak bloom, take a walk along the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge that stretches for two kilometres along the Hudson River. If you’re up for some exercise, hike up the Breakneck Ridge Loop in the Hudson Highlands State Park. A visit here to the Hudson Valley at the end of October means you’ll be just in time for the Halloween celebrations. If so, you should definitely check out Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County which is less than an hour outside of New York City.
And if you have a day or two to spare after exploring the countryside, why not treat yourself to a little getaway to New York City while you’re at it?
Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn in Westchester features an indoor pool, friendly staff, and is a good base for exploring the region.
October can’t come soon enough?
Can’t wait for your October vacation? Check out these top 3 best places to visit in September for an extra dose of travel inspiration, including tips and flight deals.
Where to go in October: FAQs
After the summer time, the fall season is when Canadian destinations really shine. For where to go in October for a local Canadian getaway, you can experience with best of the fall foliage with a Quebec road trip and check out these hikes just outside of Montreal. If you’re up for a real adventure, head west to Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park and catch those Prairie sunsets.
Wondering where to go in October in Europe? The month of October is a great time to experience the slower side of many European cities with the summer tourist crowds long gone. Not-to-be-missed cities in Europe for the month of October are Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Zagreb, Croatia. These fantastic European cities will still have comfortable weather for exploring during the fall.
Book your trip (if you can) for the first couple of weeks of December to beat the tourist crowds. For some warm weather in December, we recommend Cyprus, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe. Check out our list of where to travel in December for warm weather for more inspiration.
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