Best holiday destinations in October

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Finding somewhere to go on holiday in October is a little easier than in the previous months, as long as you know what you want.

Antalya, where the sweeping beaches take top spot
Antalya, where the sweeping beaches take top spot © EdNurg - Adobe Stock Image

If you're craving seriously hot and sunny weather, be prepared to travel a little further; however, if it's a case of just escaping for some pleasantly warm and sunny conditions, ideal for doing a bit of exploring, you'll still find this within easy reach of the UK at this time of year.

Top five destinations to visit in October

Whether it's a half term holiday or a just a late break for some pre-winter sun, there's a wealth of short and long haul places offering perfect weather in October. Five of our favourite holiday destinations in October include:

Where to go on holiday in October 2024/2025
Where to go on holiday in October 2024/2025 © Jose Ignacio Soto - Fotolia.com

1. Orlando, USA

  • Flight time from London: 9 hours
  • Daily high: 29°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 7

The USA's number one playground for all ages, Orlando, is a wonderful option in October, as the weather starts to lose some of the aggressive heat of the preceding summer months.

Days are still long and hot but the heat and humidity level drops to moderate, making conditions much more comfortable, and there's only a slim chance of seeing any rain.

Enjoying the weather in Orlando in October
Enjoying the weather in Orlando in October © Julie Fletcher - courtesy of Visit Florida

As well as delightful weather, Orlando makes a great destination simply because it has so many places to go and a seemingly endless list of things to do.

For the theme park hunters there's Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios (among many others), while water parks and wildlife parks keep big and little kids entertained.

Head to Restaurant Row for your pick of dining options, or try alternative activities such as stargazing and horseback riding.

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2. Cyprus

  • Flight time from London: 5 hours
  • Daily high: 27°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 8
  • Sea temperature: 25°C

Cyprus makes our pick of top five destinations in October thanks to its enduringly good conditions.

Destinations to the east, including Larnaca and Ayia Napa, are arguably the best places to go, as they see the most sunshine, the highest temperatures, and the warmest seas, all paired with low heat and humidity.

Troodos Mountains, Cyprus
Troodos Mountains, Cyprus © fazeful - Fotolia.com

Visiting Cyprus after the heat of the summer months also means it's that little bit easier to get around and explore without being too hot and sticky.

If you fancy a break from lounging on Ayia Napa's blue flag Nissi Beach, take a trip into the Troodos Mountains to see quaint hilltop villages or sample some of the freshest fish on Larnaca's promenade.

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3. Cape Verde

  • Flight time from London: 5 hours
  • Daily high: 27°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 8
  • Sea temperature: 25°C

Cape Verde, the increasingly popular archipelago off the west coast of Africa, is another special destination if you're after some heat in October.

There's plenty of sunshine, virtually no rain, and the sea is nice and warm. Evenings also remain pleasant, rarely sinking lower than around 24°C, letting you sit out and enjoy the great weather.

Santa Monica Beach, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Santa Monica Beach, Boa Vista, Cape Verde © Dirk - Adobe Stock Image

There's a moderate level of heat and humidity, which can make it feel hotter than it actually is during the day, although this is in part countered by the cooling breezes which sweep off the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.

You'll also need to watch out for the high level of UV and pack a strong SPF. It's a superb beach holiday destination, with a load of water sports and numerous beaches to choose from.

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4. Marrakech, Morocco

  • Flight time from London: 5 hours
  • Daily high: 27°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 8

Marrakech is a bewitching place much loved by everyone from city breakers to long term travellers.

If you're hoping to go somewhere in October that's perhaps a little different but with lovely weather, then Marrakech is likely to be for you.

During the day it's nice and warm, great for exploring the souk, enjoying a tagine on the terrace or visiting the stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa, while evening temperatures drop by more than 10°C to around 15°C, so you will want to pack a layer or two.

The Ouzoud Falls north east of Marrakech
The Ouzoud Falls north east of Marrakech © Hcl12 - Adobe Stock Image

There's no heat and humidity to worry about, and at most only a passing rain storm. October is also a good time to get out of the city, whether you head into the Atlas Mountains or take a day trip to the Ouzoud Falls.

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5. Tenerife, Canary Islands

  • Flight time from London: 4.5 hours
  • Daily high: 26°C
  • Daily hours of sunshine: 10
  • Sea temperature: 23°C

Much closer to home in the year-round favourite of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, with its comfortable conditions, ideal when hoping to find somewhere in October in less than five hours.

Expect warm, sunny days with just the high UV to look out for. You might want to consider a hotel with a heated pool also, as the 23°C-sea temperature is verging on chilly, and may well be too cold for some.

Hotel on the south coast, Tenerife
Hotel on the south coast, Tenerife © Nikolai Sorokin - Fotolia.com

Discover Teide National Park with its selection of walking routes across the highest peaks in Spain, go horse riding, cycling, or take big and little kids on an adventure at Monkey Park or the epic Siam Park.

Tenerife is full of things to do from January to December, proving it's not all about the beaches and sunbathing.

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Alternative destinations to visit in October 2024/2025

If you're still unsure about where to go on holiday in October, we have a few more exciting destinations with great holiday weather at this time of year.

For somewhere a bit special, the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean is a real treat in every respect. Temperatures sit in the high twenties by day, falling no lower than around 23°C by night and only moderate heat and humidity.

Couple on honeymoon in the Seychelles
Couple on honeymoon in the Seychelles © Haveseen - Fotolia.com

The sky isn't completely cloudless but you'll enjoy plenty of long spells of sunshine, with around seven hours per day.

Watch out for the extreme UV during October, especially if you're making the most of the bath-like sea which is lovely and warm at 28°C. Expect the odd shower, but nothing that will dampen your holiday.

Heading east on a similar latitude, Bali remains incredibly inviting in October. Expect high temperatures and very high heat and humidity with warm seas.

Hotel in Bali
Hotel in Bali © yplastun - Fotolia.com

There's also an abundance of sunshine, so if you're after somewhere to go on holiday in October with seriously hot and sunny conditions, this could be for you. Again, just be prepared for the extreme UV, which is vicious.

Continuing to circumnavigate the globe, the Pacific island of Hawaii is another winner in October. Hawaii is stuffed with scenic spots, tasty treats and an abundance of things to do, from surfing to hiking volcanoes; for those who love the outdoors, this is a great call.

You can look forward to daily highs of 29°C, and warm evenings in the low twenties. There's a touch more sunshine than you'd find in the Seychelles, although a similar chance of passing cloud and rain storms.

The sea is inviting at 27°C, but can be notoriously strong in terms of current and waves, so do check where it's safe to swim.

Finally, if you're after somewhere a little closer to home and a bit more budget friendly, we have to mention Turkey and its array of coastal resorts.

You may find it's too chilly to swim at 23°C (the highest on the coast at Antalya) but thanks to pleasant temperatures reaching 26°C with up to eight hours of sunshine, you could find yourself having a truly relaxing time sampling Turkish cuisine, indulging in a Turkish bath, and relaxing by a hotel pool - heated, of course.

Kabak, near Olu Deniz, Turkey
Kabak, near Olu Deniz, Turkey © Stijn Nieuwendijk - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Although summer in Europe may seem like a distant memory, deciding where to go in October for some deliciously hot and sunny weather isn't as difficult as you might think. It's just a question of making sure you know what you want to do, and finding the right location to do it in.

If it's a beach holiday with beaming sunshine and high temperatures you will be looking further afield, but if it's a more flexible break with warm and sunny conditions, you'll certainly find these slightly closer to home.

For more inspiration about where to go on holiday in October 2024/2025, visit our dedicated weather in October section, and be sure to visit our extensive travel deals section with the latest offers on everything from city breaks and holidays to flights and car hire - happy hunting!

Destination ideas for October 2024

  • Month: October
  • Sunshine hours: 8 hours or more [remove]
  • Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]
  • Destination: Spain [remove]

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Rank Rating Score Destination
1 Weather Score for Frontera in October is 90% 90% Frontera, El Hierro
  Weather Score for Fuencaliente in October is 90% 90% Fuencaliente, La Palma
  Weather Score for Los Cancajos in October is 90% 90% Los Cancajos, La Palma
  Weather Score for Los Llanos in October is 90% 90% Los Llanos, La Palma
  Weather Score for Puerto Naos in October is 90% 90% Puerto Naos, La Palma
  Weather Score for Santa Cruz de la Palma in October is 90% 90% Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma
  Weather Score for Tazacorte in October is 90% 90% Tazacorte, La Palma
  Weather Score for Valverde in October is 90% 90% Valverde, El Hierro
9 Weather Score for Adeje in October is 78% 78% Adeje, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Agaete in October is 78% 78% Agaete, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Aguimes in October is 78% 78% Aguimes, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Arguineguin in October is 78% 78% Arguineguin, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Arona in October is 78% 78% Arona, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Arucas in October is 78% 78% Arucas, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Bahia Feliz in October is 78% 78% Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Callao Salvaje in October is 78% 78% Callao Salvaje, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Costa Adeje in October is 78% 78% Costa Adeje, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Costa Calma in October is 78% 78% Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Costa del Silencio in October is 78% 78% Costa del Silencio, Tenerife
  Weather Score for El Cotillo in October is 78% 78% El Cotillo, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for El Medano in October is 78% 78% El Medano, Tenerife
  Weather Score for El Sauzal in October is 78% 78% El Sauzal, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Garachico in October is 78% 78% Garachico, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Golf del Sur in October is 78% 78% Golf del Sur, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Guia de Isora in October is 78% 78% Guia de Isora, Tenerife
  Weather Score for La Caleta in October is 78% 78% La Caleta, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Las Caletillas in October is 78% 78% Las Caletillas, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Las Canteras in October is 78% 78% Las Canteras, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Las Palmas in October is 78% 78% Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Los Cristianos in October is 78% 78% Los Cristianos, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Los Gigantes in October is 78% 78% Los Gigantes, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Maspalomas in October is 78% 78% Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Meloneras in October is 78% 78% Meloneras, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Morro Jable in October is 78% 78% Morro Jable, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Orotava in October is 78% 78% Orotava, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Patalavaca in October is 78% 78% Patalavaca, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Playa Amadores in October is 78% 78% Playa Amadores, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Playa Mogan in October is 78% 78% Playa Mogan, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Playa Paraiso in October is 78% 78% Playa Paraiso, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Playa Taurito in October is 78% 78% Playa Taurito, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Playa de Esquinzo in October is 78% 78% Playa de Esquinzo, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Playa de Fanabe in October is 78% 78% Playa de Fanabe, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Playa de Jandia in October is 78% 78% Playa de Jandia, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Playa de Santiago in October is 78% 78% Playa de Santiago, La Gomera
  Weather Score for Playa de la Arena in October is 78% 78% Playa de la Arena, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Playa de las Americas in October is 78% 78% Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Playa del Cura in October is 78% 78% Playa del Cura, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Playa del Ingles in October is 78% 78% Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Puerto Rico in October is 78% 78% Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for Puerto de Santiago in October is 78% 78% Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Puerto de la Cruz in October is 78% 78% Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Salobre Golf in October is 78% 78% Salobre Golf, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for San Agustin in October is 78% 78% San Agustin, Gran Canaria
  Weather Score for San Isidro in October is 78% 78% San Isidro, Tenerife
  Weather Score for San Miguel in October is 78% 78% San Miguel, Tenerife
  Weather Score for San Sebastian de la Gomera in October is 78% 78% San Sebastian de la Gomera, La Gomera
  Weather Score for Santa Cruz de Tenerife in October is 78% 78% Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Santa Ursula in October is 78% 78% Santa Ursula, Tenerife
  Weather Score for Valle Gran Rey in October is 78% 78% Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera
60 Weather Score for Albir in October is 66% 66% Albir, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Alfaz del Pi in October is 66% 66% Alfaz del Pi, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Alicante in October is 66% 66% Alicante, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Altea in October is 66% 66% Altea, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Arrecife in October is 66% 66% Arrecife, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Benicassim in October is 66% 66% Benicassim
  Weather Score for Benidorm in October is 66% 66% Benidorm, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Cabo Blanco in October is 66% 66% Cabo Blanco, Majorca
  Weather Score for Cala Gracio in October is 66% 66% Cala Gracio, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Cala Llenya in October is 66% 66% Cala Llenya, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Cala Llonga in October is 66% 66% Cala Llonga, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Cala Vadella in October is 66% 66% Cala Vadella, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Caleta de Fuste in October is 66% 66% Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Calpe in October is 66% 66% Calpe, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Can Pastilla in October is 66% 66% Can Pastilla, Majorca
  Weather Score for Castellon in October is 66% 66% Castellon
  Weather Score for Ciudad Jardin in October is 66% 66% Ciudad Jardin, Majorca
  Weather Score for Corralejo in October is 66% 66% Corralejo, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Costa Antigua in October is 66% 66% Costa Antigua, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Costa Teguise in October is 66% 66% Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Denia in October is 66% 66% Denia, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for El Arenal in October is 66% 66% El Arenal, Majorca
  Weather Score for El Campello in October is 66% 66% El Campello, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Es Cana in October is 66% 66% Es Cana, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Es Figueral in October is 66% 66% Es Figueral, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Figueretas in October is 66% 66% Figueretas, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Formentera in October is 66% 66% Formentera
  Weather Score for Guardamar del Segura in October is 66% 66% Guardamar del Segura, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Ibiza Town in October is 66% 66% Ibiza Town, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Javea in October is 66% 66% Javea, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for La Asomada in October is 66% 66% La Asomada, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for La Cala Finestrat in October is 66% 66% La Cala Finestrat, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Las Playitas in October is 66% 66% Las Playitas, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Los Valles in October is 66% 66% Los Valles, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Matagorda in October is 66% 66% Matagorda, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Moraira in October is 66% 66% Moraira, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Nuevo Horizonte in October is 66% 66% Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for Oropesa del Mar in October is 66% 66% Oropesa del Mar
  Weather Score for Playa Blanca in October is 66% 66% Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Playa Honda in October is 66% 66% Playa Honda, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Playa d'en Bossa in October is 66% 66% Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Playa de Palma in October is 66% 66% Playa de Palma, Majorca
  Weather Score for Playa de San Juan in October is 66% 66% Playa de San Juan, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Playa de los Pocillos in October is 66% 66% Playa de los Pocillos, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Port des Torrent in October is 66% 66% Port des Torrent, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Portinatx in October is 66% 66% Portinatx, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Puerto Calero in October is 66% 66% Puerto Calero, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Puerto San Miguel in October is 66% 66% Puerto San Miguel, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Puerto del Carmen in October is 66% 66% Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Puerto del Rosario in October is 66% 66% Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
  Weather Score for S'argamassa in October is 66% 66% S'argamassa, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Sa Caleta in October is 66% 66% Sa Caleta, Ibiza
  Weather Score for San Antonio in October is 66% 66% San Antonio, Ibiza
  Weather Score for San Antonio Bay in October is 66% 66% San Antonio Bay, Ibiza
  Weather Score for San Jose in October is 66% 66% San Jose, Ibiza
  Weather Score for San Juan in October is 66% 66% San Juan, Ibiza
  Weather Score for San Juan de Alicante in October is 66% 66% San Juan de Alicante, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for San Miguel in October is 66% 66% San Miguel, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Santa Eulalia in October is 66% 66% Santa Eulalia, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Santa Pola in October is 66% 66% Santa Pola, Costa Blanca
  Weather Score for Talamanca in October is 66% 66% Talamanca, Ibiza
  Weather Score for Tias in October is 66% 66% Tias, Lanzarote
  Weather Score for Villajoyosa in October is 66% 66% Villajoyosa, Costa Blanca

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Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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