Travel Destinations in October: 12 top places worldwide

TL;DR:

October is shoulder season in many regions, so prices drop and lines shrink.
Leaf peeping peaks in New England and northern Japan early to mid-October.
Big October events: Munich’s Oktoberfest and Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta.
Autumn is prime for Jordan, Morocco, Greece, Nepal, and South Africa safaris.
Watch hurricanes in the Caribbean and U.S. Gulf, which peak mid-Aug to mid-Oct.

The 12 best places to travel in October

October is a sweet spot. Summer crowds thin, heat eases, and flights often cost less. Use this guide to pick a trip that matches your mood, then lock plans two to four weeks out for the best mix of price and availability.

How to use this guide

Each pick includes why October works, the ideal week, and a quick tip. Dates are given for 2025 when helpful, and timing patterns recur most years. Always check local calendars and weather the week you book.

1) New England, USA: peak foliage road trips

Early color starts in northern Vermont and New Hampshire, then slides south. Many regions peak from late September into mid-October, with coastal Maine peaking later. State tourism teams post weekly maps to help you time drives.

Ideal week: Oct 5–19 for inland VT/NH; Oct 12–26 for coastal ME.
Tip: Book midweek inns and aim for sunrise overlooks to avoid crowds.

2) Japan: early koyo in Hokkaido and Nikko

Japan’s fall color season runs late September to early December. In early to mid-October, high-elevation areas like Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido and Okunikko near Lake Chuzenji turn first. Kyoto and Tokyo peak later in November, so October favors the north and mountains.

Ideal week: Oct 5–20 for Hokkaido and Okunikko.
Tip: Reserve limited-express trains early on weekends.

3) Munich, Germany: Oktoberfest finale

Oktoberfest 2025 runs Sep 20 to Oct 5 on the Theresienwiese. The closing weekend keeps parades, concerts, and classic tent vibes. If lodging in Munich is tight, base in Augsburg or Rosenheim and take the train.

Ideal week: Sep 29–Oct 5.
Tip: Daytime weekday visits are calmer and family-friendly.

4) Greece: warm seas, fewer ferries to juggle

Seawater stays warm into November and days are still sunny. Islands feel relaxed after August. You can mix Athens culture with late-season swims in Rhodes, Crete, or the Saronic islands.

Ideal week: Oct 6–20.
Tip: Choose islands with big year-round towns so dining and buses still run.

5) Morocco: city souks and Atlas foothills

October brings comfortable days for Marrakech, Fes, and coastal Essaouira. Expect highs around the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, and cooler nights inland. Desert trips are pleasant, with milder sun.

Ideal week: Oct 10–24.
Tip: In Marrakech, book riads with courtyards for quiet nights.

6) Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum without the heat

Autumn brings dry, mild days that suit long walks through Petra and starry nights in Wadi Rum. Trails and viewpoints feel far easier than in peak summer.

Ideal week: Oct 15–29.
Tip: Arrive Petra at opening time, then save the Monastery climb for late afternoon shade.

7) Nepal: clear-sky trekking season

October is prime for treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang. Monsoon haze fades, views sharpen, and trails are dry. Book teahouse beds ahead on the most popular routes.

Ideal week: Any week in October.
Tip: Build in acclimatization days and carry a simple water filter.

8) Iceland: Northern Lights plus easy roads

Aurora season is in full swing by October. Nights are long enough, yet many roads remain open before deep winter. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora and cloud cover forecast each day.

Ideal week: Oct 7–21.
Tip: Pick two bases on different coasts to dodge clouds.

9) South Africa: end of the dry season in Kruger

Late dry season concentrates wildlife at waterholes, which boosts sightings on game drives. Days are warm, nights can still be cool. Combine Kruger with Cape Town spring flowers and vineyards.

Ideal week: Oct 1–15.
Tip: Choose lodges with waterhole hides for midday viewing.

10) Italy, Piedmont and Tuscany: truffles and harvest roads

Piedmont’s Alba White Truffle Fair runs Oct 11 to Dec 8, 2025, pulling chefs and food lovers from around the world. Tuscany’s hills are calm after harvest, with golden light and thin crowds in hill towns.

Ideal week: Oct 18–31.
Tip: Reserve truffle tastings and Langhe winery visits ahead of weekends.

11) Albuquerque, USA: Balloon Fiesta skies

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky Oct 4–12, 2025. Dawn mass ascensions and evening glows are the highlights. Expect cool mornings and sunny afternoons.

Ideal week: Oct 4–12.
Tip: Park-and-Ride buses save time; buy session tickets in advance.

12) Bali, Indonesia: last call for the dry season

Across much of Indonesia, the dry season runs April to October, which means October trips still get many dry days before rains pick up in November. Ubud, Uluwatu, and Nusa Penida are relaxed and green.

Ideal week: Oct 6–20.
Tip: Expect occasional swells on south coasts; check daily marine forecasts.

Quick picks by interest

Interest	Best bet in October	Ideal window	One-line tip
Peak fall color	New England, USA	Oct 5–19 inland, later on coasts	Use state foliage maps before you drive.
Food & wine	Alba truffles, Italy	Oct 11–Dec 8, 2025	Pair with Barolo tastings on weekdays.
Festivals	Munich Oktoberfest; Balloon Fiesta	Sep 20–Oct 5; Oct 4–12, 2025	Book city rail and hotels early.
Beaches	Greek islands	All October	Choose islands with year-round towns.
Wildlife	Kruger safari, South Africa	Early to mid-October	Look for camps near waterholes.
Trekking	Nepal Himalaya	All October	Add acclimatization days.
Night skies	Iceland aurora	All October	Check aurora and cloud maps nightly.

Planning notes and weather watch

Hurricanes. The Atlantic season peaks around September 10, and most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October. If you plan the Caribbean or U.S. Gulf, buy flexible fares and track forecasts.
Leaf timing shifts. Local drought, storms, or warm spells can move foliage peaks by a week or two. Use state or regional trackers close to departure.
Crowds. October is shoulder season in much of Europe, but flagship events still sell out. Book lodging first in Munich, Alba, and Albuquerque.

Why it matters

October gives you choice. You can chase color and fresh air, catch world-class festivals, or find warm water without peak-summer prices. With smart timing, you get high value and low stress.