Where to go in October: 18 sunny and All Saints' Day destinations

October is the last month for swimming in the Mediterranean and the first month when southern destinations truly become pleasant again. Tunisia, Morocco, and the Canary Islands still offer water temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius as autumn sets in in France.

It's also the month of the All Saints' Day holidays, the only real family break of the quarter. Demand is concentrated over two weeks, making early booking crucial for a sunny getaway on a controlled budget.

Where to go for sunshine in October

Three destinations dominate the month for those seeking warmth without an endless flight: the Canary Islands, Tunisia, and Morocco. All three guarantee high sunshine and water still suitable for swimming, less than four hours from France.

The Canary Islands are the safest bet in October. The archipelago enjoys a stable subtropical climate all year round, around 26 degrees Celsius, with water at 23 degrees Celsius. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are suitable for beach lounging, while Tenerife and La Palma are more for volcanic hiking.

Tunisia offers the best value for money this month. Djerba and Hammamet boast 26 to 28 degrees Celsius with a sea at 24 degrees Celsius, for a significantly lower budget than the Spanish islands. Morocco offers two options: Agadir for the beach, Marrakech and the desert for a cultural change of scenery once the summer heatwave has passed.

Areas to avoid in October

The Caribbean remains exposed until the end of November, as the hurricane season officially closes only on November 30. Sri Lanka and southern India enter their northeast monsoon, with heavy rainfall on the east coast. The Maldives finish their wet season, with often overcast skies.

Conversely, some misconceptions deserve correction. Mauritius, Reunion, and the Seychelles remain excellent in October, in the midst of the austral spring. Our guide on the best season to visit the Seychelles details this favorable climate window.

Where to go in October in Europe

Southern Europe experiences its last beach month, with water that still retains the heat accumulated during the summer. Crete, Cyprus, Malta, and the Balearic Islands maintain temperatures of 23 to 26 degrees Celsius until the end of the month.

Crete is the best Greek option in October. Located far to the south, it extends its season long after the Cyclades, with water at 24 degrees Celsius and archaeological sites finally deserted. Cyprus does even better in the first half of the month, with 27 degrees Celsius during the day.

The Balearic Islands and Andalusia shift towards a more cultural than beach-oriented use. Seville, Granada, and Cordoba become perfect for walking tours, around 26 degrees Celsius. The Portuguese Algarve maintains remarkable sunshine, even if the Atlantic drops to 20 degrees Celsius.

For a city trip, October is probably the best month of the year: Rome, Lisbon, Seville, and Athens are mild, bright, and finally accessible without the crowds or summer heat.

Where to go for the All Saints' Day holidays

The All Saints' Day holidays cover the second half of October and concentrate all family demand for the quarter. This compression over two weeks drives up prices, hence the advantage of booking several weeks in advance.

For a family trip, priority goes to short flights and destinations without time difference. The Canary Islands, Tunisia, southern Portugal, and Sicily check these boxes, with child-friendly infrastructure and journeys that don't take up an entire day.

If the goal is nature rather than the beach, All Saints' Day is an excellent time for northern Italy, the Dolomites, or Spanish national parks, where autumn colors are at their peak. Our guide on how to organize a trip step by step helps structure preparation when several people are traveling together.

Where to go in October in France

France in October presents two very different faces depending on the region. Corsica and the Mediterranean coast retain a summer mildness, while the rest of the country fully transitions into autumn.

Corsica remains swimmable in the first half of the month, with water around 21 degrees Celsius and completely clear beaches. It is also the best time for hiking inland, when temperatures cease to be oppressive and villages regain their calm.

Elsewhere, October is the month of landscapes. Burgundy and Alsace during the grape harvest, the Vosges and the Jura for the colors, Brittany for its late-season light. A road trip in the Cevennes or Ardèche provides access to spectacular and deserted nature.

Where to travel far in October

October opens several rare climatic windows for long-haul travel, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Summer heat subsides without the wet season having yet set in.

Jordan and Egypt are at their optimum. Petra and the Nile Valley, unbearable at 45 degrees Celsius in summer, drop to around 30 degrees Celsius, finally making it possible to visit sites during the day. Oman offers comparable conditions for a desert and coastal tour.

In Asia, northern Vietnam and Cambodia emerge from the monsoon, with rice paddies still green and skies clearing. Thailand remains more uncertain during this transition month. Bali emerges from its dry season and remains a good option, as detailed in our guide on the best time to visit Bali.

Before a long-distance departure, entry formalities and health recommendations should be checked on the website of the travel advice of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Where to travel cheaply in October

Outside of school holidays, October is one of the cheapest months of the year. The first half of the month, before the All Saints' Day price shift, offers the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey form the most advantageous trio, with a very favorable cost of living and low airfares outside of peak periods. Albania and Bulgaria remain attractive in the first half of the month, before the season truly ends.

• Travel before October 15, before the All Saints' Day price shift
• Avoid the first and last weekends of the school holidays
• Prefer the Canary Islands to the Balearic Islands at the end of the month, the season lasts longer there
• Travel with carry-on only on short flights to avoid baggage fees
• Compare departure airports, the difference can exceed 100 euros per person

What suitcase to choose for an October trip

October requires packing for two climates in one bag. Departures are often at 12 degrees Celsius in France to arrive at 27 degrees Celsius at the destination, which means bringing both beachwear and something for cool evenings.

For a one to two-week stay, a regular-sized suitcase can accommodate this dual wardrobe without difficulty. Our guide on what to pack in your suitcase for a week details the distribution to plan according to the duration.

For All Saints' Day with family, a set of suitcases is more practical than one large suitcase, which is difficult to handle when full and quickly exceeds baggage allowance. For a three-day European city trip, a carry-on size is sufficient and avoids baggage fees. If you're already planning ahead, our guide on where to travel in January allows you to compare options from one month to the next.

Frequently asked questions about October travel