Where to travel in October

Find holiday inspiration with our guide to the best places to go in October. Make a beeline for the South African safari wilderness, explore the ancient landmarks and diving sites of Egypt, or marvel at the fiery colours of autumn in Japan.

South Africa

One of the biggest joys of South Africa lies in the iconic wildlife that exists alongside fresh, verdant landscapes – and October falls in mid-spring, when you’ll see the gorgeous flora and fauna at their lushest. This means stunning floral displays at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, sun-ripening vineyards in Stellenbosch, and the chance to enjoy the coast’s best beaches in warm, relaxing temperatures. The famed Garden Route is particularly resplendent around this time, as the coastal forests of Tsitsikamma National Park are in their seasonal prime, and sightings of whales and dolphins off-shore are high.

Spring is also when you’ll have the best chance of seeing whales breaching the water in Hermanus, as the warmer weather and calmer seas bring them closer to the mainland. Along the Cliff Path or from viewpoints (such as Sievers Point and Gearing’s Point), or even from the vantage point of a boat-based tour, visitors can spot southern right whales raising their tails or even leaping out of the ocean. Nothing beats seeing these gentle giants frolicking in their natural habitat.

Egypt

As Egypt is scorching hot in the summer months (June to August), its peak season is from October to April when it’s cooler. Still, October has that ‘Goldilocks’ factor – manageable temperatures and clear skies, yet fewer crowds before the tourists rush in. For first-timers to Egypt, this means the most iconic sights – the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings – will be busy, but not overwhelmingly so; making the perfect conditions to witness these millennia old relics up close.

While diving is a year-round endeavour in Egypt, underwater enthusiasts will be spoilt by October’s pleasant climate and ocean visibility. The popular Red Sea is clear and teeming with marine life, but esteemed dive sites such as Ras Mohammed National Park and the reefs of the Sinai Peninsula are also bursting with tropical fish, rainbow corals, stingrays, turtles, moray eels, and even sharks.

Peru

October is an excellent month to visit Peru. As the high tourist season (May-September) passes, this lesser-visited time still offers mostly clear and sunny weather, simply perfect for hiking the incredible Inca trail and seeing sights such as iconic Machu Picchu at their most rapturous. Don’t forget alternative trails if you’re keen to do things differently, like the popular Salkantay Trek, or the Ausangate Trek – which carries you through the sublime turquoise lakes and Quechua communities of Ausangate Mountain.

Aside from stunning trails, there are some intriguing festivals and cultural events taking place at this time of year. In historic Cusco, the Senor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles) procession is one of the largest religious festivals in the country and well worth seeing. This deeply spiritual event revolves around a revered image of Christ that miraculously survived a devastating earthquake in the 17th century. Thousands gather to participate in processions, prayers, and traditional rituals in honour of the image, filling the streets of Cusco with music and dance – an unmissable Peruvian experience.

Plaza de armas with Adean Moutain and group of cloud, Cusco, Peru

Jordan

To beat the sweaty temperatures that accompany Jordan’s summer months, head there in October for a comfortable desert sojourn – the iconic cultural sights like Petra and the Dead Sea are still experienced at their best. What’s more, Jordan’s natural landscapes, including the Wadi Rum desert and Dana Biosphere Reserve, are particularly beautiful in October, for excellent hiking and camel trekking.

As well as fewer crowds and potentially better deals due to shoulder season, you can enjoy outdoor activities under clear skies – and witness crisp nights when the stargazing is second to none. Whether you’re camping in the desert, staying in a Bedouin camp, or enjoying the tranquillity of a remote eco-lodge, the galaxies above Jordan in October are something you won’t forget.

Nepal

October marks the end of monsoon season in Nepal, meaning the world-renowned trails through the Himalayas are once again in their safest and most glorious conditions. The weather dissipates to reveal clear skies, warmer temperatures and lower humidity, perfect to engage in all the outdoor pursuits Nepal is famous for. Not only this but the rains leaves the natural landscapes, such as the forests of Annapurna region, or the subtropical jungle of Chitwan National Park, looking lush and green.

Important traditional events also take place in October – such as Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal, or Tihar (better known as Diwali). This is celebrated all over the country from decorated cities to family homes, however one of the best places to witness the festivities is Kathmandu Valley. Here, locals will host traditional rituals, put on cultural performances, and hold festive markets, while the temples will be decked in oil lamps and offerings of flowers and incense.

France

France enjoys a general cooling down during the autumn months, in every sense, as the crowds of summer disperse and mornings and evenings develop a welcome chill. The southern regions are particularly warm and sunny, so it remains the perfect destination for a belated summer getaway, accented with rust-coloured foliage and a fresh breeze.

This is also a great time for culinary indulgence, as the harvests bring in fresh, juicy produce such as figs, apples, pumpkin, and locally-grown mushrooms like porcini and chanterelles; while the wine regions such as Bordeaux and Burgundy will have started harvesting their grapes. The French love a picnic – bring along a couple of delicious cheeses and you won’t have any issues tucking in as the locals do.

Portugal

Similarly to France, as autumn arrives in Portugal the rural landscape becomes awash with golden, orangey hues and an air of pleasant crispness. The streets of Lisbon become breathable as tourist summer passes, rural areas are lush and fresh, and while the Algarve might see the occasional shower, it still enjoys temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius, for beach days that could rival those in June or July.

Just like in France, the food markets in rural towns will be spilling over with fresh produce as October harvests are abundant. Óbidos, a medieval town about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, holds a market in October which is well worth the journey. Its narrow cobblestone streets fill up with street performers and vendors selling traditional crafts, drinks and delicious snacks, all set against the backdrop of the town’s historic castle.

Japan

As shoulder season in Japan, October is full of fiery colours, relative spaciousness, and the year’s freshest seafood. Spring is peak season in Japan, of course due to its much-anticipated ‘sakura’; the Japanese word for the pink cherry blossom that shrouds its parks, gardens and mountain trails. But October’s natural colours are just as breathtaking, with autumn foliage spanning from orange to brown to bright red and framing each natural scene with a golden hue.

Locally known as ‘koyo’, the best places for this autumnal aesthetic include Kyoto (with its ornate temples and pristine lakes forming the perfect Japanese scenes), Mount Fuji-adjacent Hakone, and the traditional rural village of Takayama. Don’t miss the latter’s Autumn Festival, where they celebrate the turn of the season with parades, decorated floats, and atmospheric lantern processions.

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