Where to go by month

Where to go in October

October is a sweet spot for the Middle East, North Africa and southern Europe as the heat eases, and spring in southern Africa, Australia and South America.

97 countries and territories are in their best season in October, based on each guide’s best time to visit. Temperatures are monthly averages for the capital or main city, so coasts and mountains will differ.

Top picks for October

Western EuropeFranceFrom Paris cafés to Provence villagesParis 14°C avgabout US$200/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctSouthern EuropeSpainTapas hours and late-night plazasMadrid 16°C avgabout US$160/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctEast AsiaChinaGreat Wall mornings, Shanghai nightsBeijing 14°C avgabout US$113/dayBest: Sep-NovSouthern EuropeItalyEvery town has a masterpieceRome 19°C avgabout US$200/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctMiddle EastTurkeyTwo continents, one long breakfastAnkara 14°C avgabout US$160/dayBest: Apr-OctEast AsiaJapanQuiet shrines, glowing streetsTokyo 19°C avgabout US$133/dayBest: Mar – May / Oct – NovSouthern EuropeGreeceWhitewashed islands and ancient stonesAthens 20°C avgabout US$177/dayBest: May – OctSoutheast AsiaMalaysiaStreet food capital of the tropicsKuala Lumpur 27°C avgabout US$75/dayBest: Mar-OctSouthern EuropePortugalFado, pastéis and Atlantic lightLisbon 19°C avgabout US$143/dayBest: Apr – Jun / Sep – OctCentral EuropeHungaryThermal baths and baroque BudapestBudapest 13°C avgabout US$121/dayBest: Apr-OctNorth AfricaMoroccoSpice markets & Sahara sunsetsRabat 21°C avgabout US$83/dayBest: Mar – May / Sep – NovSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaVolcanoes, temples and 17,000 islandsJakarta 29°C avgabout US$64/dayBest: May-Oct

Everywhere in season in October

By region, with the average temperature in the capital or main city.

Europe 16

Asia 16

The Americas 10

Africa 18

The Middle East 8

The Pacific & Indian Ocean 26

The Caribbean 3

Plan by month

Seasons vary within large countries, and weather is never guaranteed. Check each guide’s “Best time to visit” section and current travel advice before you book.