The first month of autumn is a brilliant time to tour the world’s most spectacular locales. Want to know where’s hot in October? As well as beach destinations ideal for a little sunshine, I’ve rounded up a few thrilling events and festivals taking place in balmy locations.
Pleasant temperatures, landscapes awash with spectacular colours and minimal crowds make travel in the autumn ideal. You can also usually get more value for your money thanks to lower ticket prices and accommodation rates after the busy summer season.
From culture-packed European city breaks to Central American escapes, KAYAK has the low-down on the best October sun holidays.
Ready to pack your bags, your camera, and your imagination? Satisfy your thirst for sun-filled adventure travel with one of these 10 destinations.
The best warm places to visit in October?
| Country | Destination | Avg. temp October | Avg. hours of sun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | Santorini | 23 °C | 7 |
| Italy | Rome | 19 °C | 8 |
| Spain | Lanzarote | 25 °C | 7 |
| Madagascar | Madagascar | 20 °C | 10 |
| Australia | Sydney | 19 °C | 8 |
| Tanzania | Serengeti | 28 °C | 10 |
| USA | Albuquerque | 20 °C | 10 |
| Spain | Tarragona | 18 °C | 7 |
| Mexico | Mexico | 27 °C | 13 |
| The Philippines | Bacolod | 27 °C | 6 |
Learn more about where is hot in October
- Santorini, Greece
- Rome, Italy
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Madagascar, Africa
- Sydney, Australia
- Serengeti, Tanzania
- Albuquerque, USA
- Tarragona, Spain
- Mexico
- Bacolod, The Philippines
Where in Europe is hot in October?
1. Santorini
- Average October temperature: 23 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
- Flight time from London: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Suitable for: Luxury Travel, Couples Travel
Greece is a sure bet for those seeking somewhere hot in October. And few places symbolise the mystery and beauty of the country quite like Santorini.
One of the world’s most iconic and romantic destinations, Santorini (or Thera as it’s known locally) is at its most fabulous in the early autumn. Temperatures are still ideal for sunbathing and swimming but there are no teeming crowds that make it hard to find a good spot to relax for the day.
Santorini is famous for its caldera, black sand beaches and rugged topography. They’re a natural counterpoint to the Aegean Blue, while attractive whitewashed buildings punctuate the landscape. Pyrgos, Fira and Oia villages offer ancient structures and traditional tavernas.
Top tip: the sunset from Katharos Lounge is not to be missed and will be a sight you’ll remember for years to come.
2. Rome
- Average October temperature: 19 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Couples Travel
For a European city break that’s still hot in October, say hello to Rome. Italy‘s history-packed capital is a joy to visit during this month as it’s warm but not too hot. This makes strolling around the city’s lush parks and touring epic sites like the Roman Forum much more pleasant. You can also enjoy a slice of la dolce vita by dining alfresco in Rome’s picture-perfect piazzas. Just remember to bring an extra layer as temperatures can drop in the evenings.
3. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Average October temperature: 25 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Couples Travel
Looking for somewhere hot and cheap to visit in October? The Canary Islands are a safe bet. This stunning collection of isles is situated just off the North African coast and they’re well-known as winter sun spots.
When it comes to which Canary Islands is warmest in October, you can really take your pick. Lanzarote is particularly enticing, though, thanks to its mix of black-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes and lovely seaside towns like Costa Teguise.
The sea temperature is at its warmest at this time of year (typically around 22 °C), so expect to spend plenty of time lazing around in the shallows.
Where’s hot in October in the rest of the world?
4. Madagascar
- Average October temperature: 20 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 10
- Flight time from London: 14 hours 25 minutes (via Addis Ababa)
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Eco-Travel, Couples Travel
The isolated location of the world’s fourth-largest island is responsible for its breathtaking array of endemic flora and fauna. In fact, much of its wildlife and botanicals are found nowhere else on the planet. Warm yet comfortable temperatures in October allow you to explore Madagascar‘s immense variety of forests, rivers, lakes and natural reserves without the usual summer traffic.
Lemurs and chameleons thrive here in abundance. You may even catch a sighting of the exotic fossa on your travels if you are very lucky. Vast quantities of orchids, palm and baobab trees (plus their insect and bird inhabitants) truly make Madagascar one of the best places to travel to in October for nature lovers.
5. Sydney
- Average October temperature: 19 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
- Flight time from London: 22 hours 50 minutes (via Singapore)
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Solo Travel, Couples Travel
Did you know October is springtime in the Southern Hemisphere? If you’re heading south of the equator in October, sunny Sydney has plenty of charm. Home to the iconic Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House, Australia‘s most populous city is brimming with incredible land and water-based adventures.
Institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Australian Museum offer scientific, historical and cultural insights into our neighbours Down Under.
There’s also a plethora of sporting activities to enjoy (how does rugby or cricket sound?) Sydney is nestled right next to the sea, giving you ample excuses to cool off in one of its epic ocean pools. My top picks are Bronte Baths for amazing vistas or Coogee Women’s Baths if you want a little privacy.
6. Serengeti National Park
- Average October temperature: 28 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 10
- Flight time from London: 11 hours 20 minutes (via Nairobi)
- Suitable for: Family Travel, Adventure Travel, Luxury Travel
It may be a little too early to witness the greatest animal migration on Earth (it’s usually between December and March). Nevertheless, Tanzania‘s Serengeti National Park never loses any of its charm or mystique.
This sublime savannah reserve is one of the world’s greatest locations for safari tours. Wondering what you’ll see? Wildebeest, black rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are just some of the likely candidates. It’s comfortably hot in October, making it a hit with naturalists, eco-tourists and adventure-seekers alike.
You could even combine a safari expedition with a sunny beach getaway in Zanzibar. The idyllic island is easily one of the best places for places to go in October for sun, sea and relaxation in East Africa.
Where is hot in October for festivals and events
Travel isn’t just about seeing other places — it’s also about experiencing them. Want to tick off a wild and wonderful event from your bucket list? Here are some of the world’s most unique options hosted in places that are hot in October:
7. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, USA
- Average October temperature: 20 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 10
- Flight time from London: 13 hours (via Denver)
- Festival dates for 2023: 5-13 October
Always wanted to fly over the land in a hot air balloon? Albuquerque, New Mexico is the place. The world’s largest balloon festival of its kind occurs here every October, with 750+ hot air balloons taking to the skies over the course of nine days.
There are heaps of events to get involved in throughout the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Greet the rising sun during ‘Dawn Patrol’ or admire hundreds of glowing propane burners during the nighttime ‘Balloon Glows’ event. ‘Artistic Vision’ celebrates the unique paintings of speciality balloons. And you definitely don’t want to miss the Mass Ascensions: the festival’s main event when the sky is literally awash with ballooned splendour.
8. Concurs de Castells, Tarragona, Spain
- Average October temperature: 18 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Festival dates for 2023: 1 and 2 October
Spain is always a stand-out option for an October sun holiday. If you fancy something a bit different though, venture to Tarragona for one of the world’s strangest yet most satisfying festivals: Concurs de Castells (aka the human tower competition).
In terms of sheer spectacle, Concurs de Castells literally stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s an annual fixture of the Santa Tecla Festival and sees as many as 32 teams comprising hundreds of people creating the tallest and most unique human towers.
The tradition harks back to a couple of centuries ago. Today, it’s one of Catalonia’s most anticipated and exciting cultural events. Pick your spot and watch contestants make towers as many as nine stories high! Or wander the festival grounds and sample local delicacies from numerous food stalls.
9. Dia de Los Muertos, Mexico
- Average October temperature: 27 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 13
- Flight time from London: 11 hours 40 minutes
- Festival dates for 2023: 31 October to 6 November
This is a festival that needs no introduction. It’s also the perfect event to combine with your October sun holiday to balmy Mexico. The sheer spectacle of Dia de Los Muertos has led it to become one of the most iconic festivals in the world.
What started out as a day devoted to the memory and care of the final resting places of the dearly departed has blossomed into a carnival of remembrance and reunion. It’s punctuated by parades of skeleton costumes, macabre masks and assorted regalia more reminiscent of Halloween.
While you’ll find versions of Dia de Los Muertos all over North and South America, Mexico is the place to go for the authentic experience. Need to narrow down the cities? Check out Mexico City or Oaxaca. Both host epic parades that will easily fill your camera roll.
10. MassKara Festival, The Philippines
- Average October temperature: 27 °C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
- Flight time from London: 14 hours 30 minutes
- Festival dates for 2023: 22 October
If you want to experience a carnival Filipino style, then get yourself to the MassKara Festival in Bacolod. This week-long event takes place on the fourth weekend of October and it’s basically a big masquerade party. Expect to see elaborate, colourful costumes and plenty of enigmatic masks.
Traditionally, MassKara celebrates the end of the city’s sugar harvest. Now in its fourth decade of entertaining Bacolod, the festival has blossomed into Electric MassKara complete with a street dancing component. While Bacolod can lay claim to the original festival, you’ll be able to experience variations of MassKara throughout the Philippines.
If you’re looking for somewhere hot and cheap in October, the Philippines also fits the bill. The month sits right at the end of the quieter rainy season, meaning you’ll have lots of sunshine but lower prices and far fewer crowds. How does a week on the powder-soft sands of Borocay sound after visiting Bacolod?
Planning a getaway a little later in the year? Discover where’s hot in November or discover the best places to visit in December for a pre-Christmas break.
