The 7 Best Places to Go in October 2026

There's a reason seasoned travellers love to travel in October. It's shoulder season almost everywhere at once, which means Mediterranean beaches empty out just as autumn foliage peaks in Japan and New England, safari season hits a sweet spot in Namibia, and New Zealand blooms with wildflowers.

Whether you're chasing autumn colour, wildlife, or one last dose of sun, these are the 7 best places to go in October 2026.

Shoulder season spots: Where to go in October

1. Kaş – Turkey

Average Temperature in October: 24℃

Closest Major International Airport: Dalaman Airport (DLM)

If you’re looking for somewhere that combines beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, then Kaş is the place for you.

Found on Turkey’s gorgeous Turquoise Coast, this charming coastal town is wonderfully quieter once the summer crowds have left, while temperatures remain warm enough to enjoy all the benefits of a beach holiday, including sunbathing and swimming in the sea.

Kaş is also a great base for exploring the Lycian coast, where you can either opt to spend a day hiking parts of the Lycian Way – much more bearable in October temperatures compared to the blistering summer heat – or even take a boat trip across the turquoise waters to Kekova and explore the fascinating sunken city.

For a laid-back Turkish getaway this October, Kaş should be at the top of your priority list.

2. Stowe – Vermont, USA

Average Temperature in October: 11℃

Closest Major International Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)

There are few places in the world that do autumn quite like New England, and Vermont is arguably the star of the show (just ask Noah Kahan).

October sees the Green Mountains transformed into a sea of spectacular reds, oranges and yellows, making it one of the best places for a road trip.

However, if you want to base yourself in one area, then we highly recommend the town of Stowe – arguably the prettiest town in the world when autumn comes along.

With nearby farms selling their apples and local homemade cider, you can truly enjoy all of the smells and tastes of autumn, while also being close enough to Route 100 for an all-important road trip if you wish to hire a car.

Roaring fireplaces, cosy interiors, small-town cafes and independent shops: Vermont truly brings the autumn vibes like nowhere else.

3. Kyoto – Japan

Average Temperature in October: 20℃

Closest Major International Airport: Kansai International Airport (KIX)

While many international tourists flock to Japan for the world-famous cherry blossoms in spring, October is arguably the best time to visit Kyoto, the former capital of the country.

Autumn colours line the parks and streets, and become even more impressive as the month wears on. With mild temperatures hovering around the 20℃ mark for the majority of October, the pleasant weather also makes exploring the city comfortable, away from the stifling heat of summer.

The city’s parks really come to life in October thanks to the autumn foliage, as well as major sites such as Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari, which are both excellent to explore in the autumn.

For mild temperatures and a cultural getaway, Kyoto can be an excellent choice in autumn.

4. Etosha National Park – Namibia

Average Temperature in October: 35℃

Closest Major International Airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)

October is generally the final month of Namibia’s dry season, making it an exceptional time for a safari in Etosha National Park.

The average temperature sits around 35℃, so it is best to go on an early morning or a late afternoon safari for more comfortable viewing. The advantage of this, of course, is that the wildlife is more active at dusk and dawn, meaning that you have a better chance of seeing some either side of the scorching midday temperatures.

The dry landscape also makes spotting wildlife much easier, and the scarcity of the watering holes means that more wildlife comes together to crowd the remaining water sources.

And there is an incredible array of wildlife on show: elephants, rhinos, zebra, giraffe, lions, leopards, cheetahs, ostriches and flamingoes are all possible to see on safari in October.

For wildlife enthusiasts, few places are better to visit than Namibia in October.

5. Seoul – South Korea

Average Temperature in October: 18℃

Closest Major International Airport: Incheon International Airport (ICN)

Like Kyoto, October is also one of the best months to visit Seoul. The intense heat and humidity of the summer have disappeared, leaving cooler temperatures, less crowded streets, and beautiful autumnal foliage.

Exploring the city on foot is one of the best ways to experience it. From the skyscrapers and shopping districts of modern Seoul to the traditional streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, all of which are dotted with signs of autumn around every corner.

And naturally, no visit to Seoul would be complete without enjoying Korean barbecue, either in a high-end restaurant in downtown Seoul or from a traditional street food vendor in one of the city’s many parks.

For a wonderful food culture, spectacular autumnal scenery in the middle of a capital city, and comfortable weather, a trip to Seoul in October is a must.

6. Queenstown – New Zealand

Average Temperature in October: 12℃

Closest Major International Airport: Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

Known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, Queenstown in October bursts into life and is a fantastic place to visit.

The surrounding mountains can still be covered in snow – late-season skiing is still entirely possible – while the valleys below bloom into life, with vibrant green meadows and colourful flowers, creating a spectacular contrast.

Because of the weather conditions, October is arguably the only month that you can fully enjoy two seasons in one day, with a trip up into the mountains for winter sports, followed by an afternoon hiking one of the lower-altitude trails, surrounded by spring flowers and green woodland. There are very few places on Earth where this is possible, and even fewer in the Southern Hemisphere.

October is also shoulder season not just in Queenstown or the South Island, but for New Zealand in general. That means that flights, accommodation and car hire are all cheaper than in the busier summer months, and there are fewer crowds, so you can enjoy experiencing New Zealand in early spring without everywhere being fully booked or too hot.

For an October getaway packed with adventure and spectacular scenery, Queenstown is an excellent choice.

7. Heraklion – Greece

Average Temperature in October: 23℃

Closest Major International Airport: Heraklion International Airport (HER)

If you want some autumn sunshine in Europe, then Heraklion is a superb choice.

October is shoulder season on Crete, the largest Greek island, meaning the beaches are significantly quieter while temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

Grape harvest season is also huge in Crete during October, and Cretan wine is some of the finest in southern Europe, so you’re on the island at the right time. Heraklion is home to many nearby wineries, with many of them offering vineyard tours and tasting experiences. Ideal for true oenophiles.

The Greeks love their food too, and October marks the peak of the harvest season, so you can enjoy some of the freshest and finest Greek food available, from freshly caught seafood dishes, exquisite olive oils, salads, cheeses and more.

Food and wine lovers, as well as sun-seekers and history enthusiasts, will all love Heraklion in October.

Note: 2026 temperature information taken from AccuWeather