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15 Best Places to Visit in October
Here is a great list of all the best places to visit in October. Whether you crave warm beaches or historical sites, you'll find it here.
October is a beautiful month for travel. The entire world is either shifting from the summer months to the cooler fall or the other way around. The summer months leave the South of Europe, so it is not unbearably hot anymore. Different places in Asia enter their dry season, the Middle East is nice and warm, and Africa offers spectacular safaris and unforgettable sights. Here are some of the best places to visit in October, as well as a bonus idea for staying connected during your travels.
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1. New York during the Fall
In October, New York parks are dressed in gold and yellow as the fall arrives. So, if you are looking for a romantic fall destination for travel in October, New York may be a great place. Some of the iconic spots for you to visit there in this October to November window are:
- Central Park and its amazing fall foliage.
- Fall Foliage Cruise along the Hudson River.
- Cross the Brooklin Bridge for amazing views and scenery.
- Walk the High Line for an excellent city view.
2. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
Travel to Munich, Germany, during the first week of October to enjoy the final days of Oktoberfest, the most famous beer festival in the world. Every year, millions of tourists come to enjoy national and local Munich beer and traditional Bavarian food, like pretzels, and bratwurst.
There are usually 14 big tents and 20 smaller ones, where all the fun happens. However, the celebrations are all over the city. You will also find 180 beer gardens located in the main parks, quiet environments where you can relax and enjoy a unique experience of German flavors and traditions.
On the other hand, in mid-October (from October 14 to 22), the traditional Kirchweihdult fair takes place. This is a traditional market and a real, authentic Bavarian experience that can be enjoyed with the entire family.
3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Aguas Calientes is a small city in the Department of Cusco, Peru. It is the gateway to Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city built in the mid-15th century. Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru, and Unesco has designated it a Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity.
October is a season with favorable weather conditions for getting to know this Inca legacy. You can book a guided tour before your trip, but make sure to arrive on time since the tickets can only be used at the selected date and time.
The time slot for these tours is from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You will not find a place to buy the tickets in the town of Aguas Calientes; you can only do it from the website www.machupicchu.gob.pe or in person at the offices located in Cusco.
4. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Another recommended destination to travel in October is Brazil, but this time, how about we skip the popular destinations of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo? Instead, let’s go a bit off the beaten path and visit the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, a Brazilian paradise located in the State of Pernambuco. Its beaches have been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Here, you can enjoy 21 white sand beaches with crystal clear water, participate in different water sports, or just explore its amazing marine life. You can also go hiking or take a boat ride. If you’d like, you can rent a bicycle and get to know this beautiful place at your own pace.
The warm weather during this season is perfect for your trip, which makes this one of the best places to visit in October.
5. Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, October has become an extension of Summer. There are not many rainy days, and the average temperature is 23° C. Also, it’s low season, so you can enjoy the sea and the beach without the summer tourists.
Depending on the days you travel, you can also visit one of its four national parks: Caldera de Taburiente, Garajonay, Timanfaya, or Teide. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the local food scene with the region’s most representative dishes. Accommodation prices are more affordable in October, so you can explore this natural paradise at more accessible rates.
6. Dry Season in Bali
Bali is in the South East Asia, which means October is the last month of the dry season. You might experience some showers closer to the end of the month, but it is still one of the best places to visit in October. Here are some of the activities you may want to do while in Bali:
- Visit the Monkey Forest and Rice Terrase in Ubud
- Enjoy the Bali swing at the Tegenungan waterfall
- Explore the Kintamani Volcano
- Dolphin watching at Lovina Beach
In addition, let’s not forget about the wonderful Bali beaches and the incredibly rich culture with various temples and religious sites.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
This is the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows in Acadia National Park. You can explore this park by hiking, biking, and even peddling. Beehive and Precipice Loop trails are not for the faint of heart, though, as they can get a bit steep. However, for those who are ready to overcome their fear of heights, these trails offer stunning views.
You can rent a canoe or kayak on Jordan Pond and enjoy some serene time on the water instead of hiking if that’s what you prefer. Either way, prepare to be amazed by the colors and the beauty of the shifting seasons.
8. Gems of the Mediterranean
People usually visit the Mediterranean during summer for the beaches and hot weather. However, exploring the historical sites and local cuisine in cities like Rome, Paris, Lisbon, Dubrovnik, and others may be much more pleasant in the cool October weather. Truth be told, these fall months probably mean that you will get some rainfall, but they are still a wonderful time for discovering the beauty and historical sites of such places.
Lisbon, Rome, and Paris are the usual destinations for those wanting to explore the Mediterranean, but Dubrovnik is a real treat for those who want to see something a bit different. It is an old town and fortress on the Croatian coastline with centuries of history, art, and culture. The local cuisine offers a unique Balkans twist on Mediterranean specialties.
9. Iconic Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
On the other side of the planet, the nights are getting colder in Bolivia. They can even drop significantly during the night. However, this should not stop you from exploring the salt flats. You should pack layers to stay comfortable at night and during the day, as temperature fluctuations can be quite significant.
The Salar de Uyuni salt flat is the largest of its kind in the world. This is the best time to visit if you want to experience the epic, world-famous hexagonal patterns of the salt. If you feel particularly adventuristic, you may want to stay in salt hotels and experience the spectacular starry nights of this region.
10. Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead Sea Tour
The best starting point for this Middle East adventure is Amman, Jordan’s capital. October is an excellent time to visit Jordan, as scorching temperatures have cooled, and the pleasant weather lets you explore the area’s amazing cultural and natural wonders.
From Amman, you can travel to Wadi Rum desert, Jordan, and stay in a Bedouin camp, take a jeep tour of the desert, or even hike. After that, it is a two-hour drive between Wadi Rum and Petra, where you can explore the Siq, Treasury, Monastery, Royal Tombs, and more.
Finish this tour of historic sites by the Dead Sea. It is just 3 hours away from Petra. There, you can enjoy mud baths or simply floating on the Dead Sea. October is the best month to visit Jordan, so don’t miss this opportunity.
11. Luangwa National Park, Zambia
One of the best places to visit in October is the Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Two factors make wildlife watching more interesting. The first is that the water sources dry up, so animals gather in the waterholes that are still full. This means it is easier to spot them. Another reason is the lack of foliage. With leaves not being in such abundance, wildlife is easier to spot.
12. Halong Bay, Vietnam
October is the transition from the hot season to the cooler one, so there are no scorching temperatures, and you can still go swimming and enjoy water sports. However, the most amazing thing you can do in Halong Bay is to explore and admire the limestone formations that result from thousands of years of chemical weathering.
13. Istanbul, Turkiye
This is definitely one of the best places to visit in October. It is probably the most visited city in Turkey. The weather is cooler as the heat calms down, and this spectacular city doesn’t slow down. The bustling streets of Istanbul are busy year-round, so October is just the time to visit it.
It is impossible to visit Turkey (now officially Turkiye) without paying particular attention to their cuisine. Exploring the local tastes and specialties will take much of your time there. You may even take one of the cooking classes to learn how to prepare some of the dishes yourself. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit one of the rooftop cafes and shop in the Grand Bazaar. Of course, unmissable sports in Istanbul include:
- Bosphorus cruise
- Aga Sofia
- The Blue Mosque
- Galata Tower
- The Cistern
14. Skeleton Coast, Namibia
October is the best time to visit Skeleton Coast, Caprivi. This is the perfect place for those who want a more adventurous vacation. Wildlife watching in Namibia would not be complete without the European and southern bee-eater breeding season, which happens at this time of the year.
Besides watching these remarkable birds, you can enjoy a safari in Namibia, soaking up breathtaking landscapes. You can also dive, bungee jump, dune surf, and much more.
15. Follow the Great Migration in Africa
During the September and October months in Africa, wildebeest migration occurs mainly in Masai Mara in Kenya. During the end of October and in November, wildebeest migration herds make it into the Northern Plains of Tanzania. This is your chance to see some world-class river crossings.
This is the greatest migration of mammals on Earth. Not only does it involve hundreds of thousands of animals crossing, but it also attracts predators that do their best to hunt for food during this period. As a spectator, you can see one of the most spectacular natural occurrences first-hand.
Remember that communicating in these countries can be a problem if you don’t know the options for tourists. One of the main alternatives is virtual stores like Holafly, which offer eSIM for Tanzania and many other destinations, with data plans that are easy to activate from anywhere in the world.
Tips for the Smooth Travels in October
Preparing well for your travels in October will ensure that you have a wonderful experience and amazing memories to cherish and share with your loved ones. Here are some tips to make your trip to the best places to visit in October more enjoyable.
- Check the weather. Generally, Europe will be a bit cooler and rainier in October than Colombia. However, make sure you check the weather prognosis for the exact places you want to visit. Microclimates can vary significantly all over the world, and you don’t want to be caught up unprepared.
- Get local currency. Before your trip, be prepared that cards are not readily available everywhere. Check with experienced travelers first to avoid unpleasant situations.
- Check for the local tourist cards. Sometimes, places have local tourist cards that give you discounts on tickets to museums and other tourist attractions. Some are even valid as public transportation passes.
- Stay connected with an eSIM. Roaming abroad can end up costing you a lot. Instead, get an eSIM for the destination (or a region) you’re traveling to and use it for data. In that way, you can use Google Maps, WhatsApp, and other travel apps that make your trip more enjoyable.
How to use an eSIM when traveling
Don’t worry if this is the first time you are using an eSIM. It is very easy to install. This is just a digital version of a SIM card that never interferes with your regular SIM. You buy it from a trusted eSIM provider, and they send you a QR code. Once you scan it, your eSIM is installed on your phone. Activate it once you reach your destination, and you can use your budget allowance from the eSIM rather than your usual data package.
There are different eSIM providers on the market today, but here are some of the reasons why Holafly eSIM makes the most sense:
- You get unlimited data.
- You pay only for the number of days you’ll be using your eSIM.
- 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp and in-app chat.
- Generous refund policy.
- More than 39,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a 4.6 rating.
FAQ about best places to visit in October
This depends on your expectations from your trip in October. If you want to experience the Mediterranean in a different light, Rome, Lisboa, and Genova are wonderful at this time of the year. The cooler weather in the Middle East makes October one of the most pleasant months to spend there.
The highest temperatures are in Cyprus, Malta, the southern Greek islands, and the very South of Turkey. During October, the temperatures in these places range around 23-25 Celsius.
October is a great month to visit many tropical places, including Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Kauai, Hawaii, and Bali.
Many beach-goers who are looking for an all-inclusive resort in October choose Sandals and Barbados. Your other option is to explore Dubai and its amazing resorts. October is an excellent time to visit Dubai and enjoy its beaches.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
