While the northern hemisphere summer may be in the rearview mirror, there’s still plenty of opportunity to escape and get some autumn sun. Many exciting destinations in the northern hemisphere are still enjoying warm, dry days, while the southern hemisphere is just beginning to warm up as spring arrives.
If you’re longing for the warm days of summer, we’ve got just the list for you. We’ve selected 10 of our favorite warm destinations to visit in October. Whether it’s beaches, culture, nature, or cities you’re after, we’ve covered everything in this comprehensive list.
The beautiful sub-tropical island of Bermuda is a favorite winter location for many. Despite its remote location in the Atlantic Ocean, it enjoys a warm year-round climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, which pushes warm water up from the Gulf of Mexico. A further quirk of this island’s weather is that it doesn’t have a wet season, making it appealing throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during October. The summer tourists are long gone, but the good weather remains, with temperatures in the low 80’s.
Those making the trip to this remote outpost won’t be disappointed. The island is most famous for its pink sand beaches, which give it some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Our favorite is Horseshoe Bay Beach, with soft pink sands and turquoise waters. For history enthusiasts, there’s the town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to numerous historical buildings. This marvelous old town dates back to the seventeenth century and is the oldest British settlement in the New World. There’s plenty of wildlife to see for nature lovers, with whale watching the most popular choice. On land, the spectacular crystal and fantasy caves also draw in visitors with their startling stalactites and stalagmites.
Cabo San Lucas, on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, is affectionately known as Cabo. This modern resort town is a hot destination for Americans and Canadians looking to escape the cold and enjoy autumn heat. The area is focused on rest and relaxation, with a healthy dollop of fun thrown in for good measure. Days are generally spent around the pool or at one of the many beaches and coves in the area. An excellent selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs ensures that evenings are just as enjoyable as the days.
October is a good time to visit Cabo as the summertime storms have passed, and the weather is hot and dry. While temperatures in the early 90s might be a bit much for some, it’s perfect weather if you’re coming to swim in the pool or splash in the sea.
The state of Goa in India is a mecca for visitors from around the world. The smallest of the Indian states, this Portuguese-influenced area is home to spectacular beaches, fine historical towns, waterfalls, jungle, and spice plantations. Most visitors come to sample the area’s fine beaches, with Calangute, Palolem, Chapora, Baga, and Candolim all long-established favorites. The soft sands and warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide a perfect autumn or winter getaway. Goa is also renowned for its spectacular sunsets with the whole state westward facing.
October is an exceptional time to visit Goa. The heat of the summer months has passed, and more importantly, the heavy rains of the monsoon season have subsided. This leaves the area in its perfect state, lush and green but with pleasant and dry weather. You’ll also find Goa relatively quiet in October, meaning you can enjoy your pick of hotels and restaurants. Many of the best hotels and restaurants are directly on the beach, providing the perfect setting for your break.
Cape Town is South Africa’s finest city and one of the best cities in Africa. Occupying a sensational location on the southernmost point of Africa, the city is built around the spectacular Table Mountain. However, the city’s unique location is just the beginning. There are wonderful beaches to enjoy, the vineyards of Stellenbosch are on your doorstep, and there’s also the incredible sight of penguins on the beach at Boulders Beach. These attractions are reinforced by the city’s rich history, particularly surrounding South Africa’s favorite son, Nelson Mandela. A visit to the site of his imprisonment at Robben Island is an unmissable experience, as is a hike up Table Mountain or a trip to Cape Point to see the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. In the evening, there’s South Africa’s finest nightlife and restaurants to enjoy.
Visiting this amazing metropolis in October allows you to enjoy these attractions without the crowds. Not only will your money go further, but you’ll also experience warm, pleasant days in the mid-70s with very little rainfall. A visit to Cape Town could be the break you need this October.
The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar lies 400 kilometers off the east coast of Tanzania. Known as the Spice Island for its rich history of producing nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and cinnamon, it has all the ingredients (pardon the pun) for the perfect tropical island getaway. The island boasts countless white sand beaches, warm crystal clear waters, wonderful snorkeling and diving, and some fascinating history. The island’s capital, Stonetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features countless historical buildings reflecting the island’s importance in spice and the slave trade during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Add in friendly locals and a great climate, and there are not many better destinations on the planet.
Visiting Zanzibar in October ensures you see the island before the short wet season starts in earnest. While October is a wetter month than the peak summer months of July through September, it’s also considerably quieter and cheaper, making it a great all-around time to visit the island. The days are warm and largely dry, with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s throughout the month.
Malta is one of the European destinations that often flies under the radar. This volcanic island is located in the center of the Mediterranean, just below the Italian island of Sicily. The island has a colorful history, with most of its time spent under the influence of one of its larger neighbors. From the Phoenicians to the Romans and, more recently, the French and British, its strategic location has made it a sought-after destination. All of these empires have left an indelible mark on the country, and it’s the country’s rich history and the fine climate that attract people to Malta throughout the year. The spectacular Valletta Harbour, St John’s Cathedral, and Mosta Dome are just a few examples of the fine historic buildings on show.
If you visit Malta to revel in its history and fine architecture, October is the perfect month for you. The summer crowds are gone, and the days are sunny with temperatures a pleasant mid-70s. While it’s not always beach weather, this is the ideal weather for enjoying a drink outside the countless bars and cafes and taking in the spectacular setting.
Another long-term winter sun favorite is the islands of Hawaii. This set of 8 tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean never fails to deliver great times and exceptional memories. A trip to the largest island allows you to enjoy the spectacular beaches and access to a host of other activities. From driving to the summit of Mauna Kea to visiting waterfalls in the jungle or seeing volcanic parks, you’ll be in awe of the incredible nature on show. There’s also a great range of bars, restaurants, and clubs on the island, meaning you can play hard day and night.
Visiting Hawaii in October allows you to avoid the worst of the summer crowds. Temperatures remain on the high side, and rainfall remains low, making it a perfect shoulder month to visit in. Come any later, and the trade winds bring wetter, cooler, and more unpredictable weather.
The volcanic island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. Part of Spain but located off the west coast of Morocco and Western Sahara in the Atlantic Ocean, the island has long been a winter escape for Europeans. The island combines fine year-round weather, amazing nature, and fabulous holiday resorts. It’s probably best known for its black volcanic beaches and towering volcano, Mount Teide, although the nightlife in Playa de las Americas is quickly becoming the big draw. However, Tenerife is an island that offers a little something for everyone, so you’ll also find sleepy villages away from the larger, vibrant resorts. You’ll also find plenty of adventure activities, from scaling the volcano summit to caving, climbing, canyoning, and even surfing.
While summer is peak season, October is still a fine time to visit. Temperatures remain in the high 70s, rainfall is almost non-existent, and resorts are still busy but not overcrowded. It’s also a much cheaper time to visit, ensuring you get much more bang for your buck.
The island of Mauritius is situated in the southern Indian Ocean and is a little slice of heaven. Visitors often overlook this tropical paradise in favor of the better-known destinations of the Seychelles and Maldives. While these are both wonderful destinations, Mauritius has plenty of its own charm and attractions, which means many visitors keep coming back again and again.
The white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are the obvious attractions, but step away from the beach, and you’ll discover a different world. The verdant green center of Mauritius is home to mountains, jungles, waterfalls, and national parks. The island’s capital, Port Louis, is an intriguing French-inspired city with a spectacular waterfront area known as The Caudan. If you want a tropical paradise with more than just wonderful beaches, Mauritius could be the place for you.
October marks the start of the best time to visit Mauritius. The winter months have passed (Mauritius is in the southern hemisphere), and the wet season doesn’t begin until January. It means you’ll enjoy warm sunny days with little rain and perfect blue skies. Temperatures flitter between the high 70s and low 80s, making it perfect beach weather but not too hot to explore the wider island.
The tiny state of Bahrain lies at the heart of the Middle East. This oil-rich country has followed the same blueprint that has made its larger neighbors, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, successful. Diversification into financial services and tourism has transformed the capital’s skyline, Manama. The city and the country are now serious destinations, with nearly 10 million annual visitors. In Manama, you’ll find fine hotels, excellent shopping, a great range of restaurants, and some excellent local sights from the present and past. Venture further afield, and you’ll find ancient forts, museums, and even a water park.
The month of October is a fine time to visit Bahrain. The intense heat of summer has subsided, and you can enjoy hot (but not unbearable) days with no rain and clear skies. While the mercury still hits the high 80s, you’re never far from aircon in Bahrain to keep you fresh and cool.
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