22 best places to visit in October

When it comes to top travel experiences, bring on October. Golden leaves, reduced fares, empty trails and some of the world’s most spectacularly colourful festivals beckon.

Whether you’re looking to add on an extra layer or jet off in search of the last dregs of summer, we’re sure you’ll find something inspiring in our selection.

The best places to go in October in North America

For nine days in October, part of the Rio Grande Valley is transformed into dreamscape, thanks to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.

From dawn until dusk, balloons of all shapes and colours fill the sky as festival-goers’ necks crane in amazement. The most popular event is the Special Shape Rodeo, during which animals, rockets and spacemen (not real ones) take to the sky.

Albuquerque itself is worth your time. The pleasant autumn temperatures make it ideal for walking or cycling the Paseo del Bosque Trail alongside the Rio Grande. Alternatively, head to the Old Town to discover the cultural heart of the city within its museums, restaurants and architecture – the latter ranging from adobe to colonial.

Head to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas for one of the world’s legendary music festivals: Austin City Limits.

Every year, over 400,000 people descend on the park to attend this iconic festival, offering a wide variety of musical genres: from blues and rock n’ roll to folk and hip-hop.

For many revellers, the food line-up is as eagerly anticipated as the tunes. Austin is a city known for good food, and festival-goers can expect a bounty of Texan classics. Grab a bratwurst from Austin institution Scholz Garten, or some organic Texas meats from Ranch Hand.

Touted as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’, Churchill is an extremely remote town situated on the Hudson Bay coast in northern mainland Canada.

There are no roads in or out of the 900-strong community, only a train that departs Winnipeg thrice weekly and takes about 48 hours in total. Luckily for polar bear enthusiasts, you can fly to a nearby airport by plane or helicopter regularly.

The town sees a high amount of polar bear activity thanks to its position beside the bay on the Hudson Plains. The world’s largest land predators migrate through the region when the Hudson’s ice melts in the summer. The bears return to the coast in the autumn and wait for the bay to freeze over again.

October is the best time to see polar bears here. Tours operate using large, raised tundra vehicles – although you may not need to leave town to spot one.

As the months begin to get darker in the Southern Hemisphere, the night skies get brighter. Jasper National Park in Alberta takes advantage of this with its spectacular Dark Sky Festival.

The world’s second largest Dark Sky Reserve has little artificial light, making it perfect for stargazing and even spotting the aurora borealis.

Events during the festival involve drone light shows, musical performances from orchestras, science demonstrations and a selection of space experts and speakers to answer your burning questions.

Do note, Jasper is still recovering from its wildfires in 2024, and while the national park is slowly welcoming visitors back, they ask for your patience and sensitivity as they restore their services.

New England might hog the limelight for its fall foliage, but other states, such as Kentucky, hold some of the best-kept secrets in its state parks.

Cumberland Mountain State Park is situated around the artificial Byrd Lake, with activities such as hiking and paddling being popular activities among visitors – even more pleasant when surrounded by shades of ochre. It’s home to more than 150 bird species, as well as a population of black bears.

Take a three-hour road trip west, passing through Knoxville, and you’ll reach Roan Mountain State Park. Here, you’ll find approximately 10 sq km of wooded mountain ridges that transform into hues of orange and gold during October. There’s also enjoyable day-long hikes in the park with views across to the Appalachian Trail.

Located 25km north of Boston, Salem is one of North America’s top spots for Halloween festivities. Throughout October, streets are filled with locals and visitors dressed in their spookiest attire for the month-long Haunted Happenings celebrations.

Why Salem? The town is known for its 17^th-century witch trials, and operates regular tours of witch houses, graveyards and memorials throughout the year. But the festival is the best time to go, with parties, parades and food vendors to also keep you entertained.

While in Massachusetts, don’t miss out on New England’s world-famous fall foliage. Venture west to village hop through the Berkshires, one of state’s most dazzling regions for autumn colours.

The best places to go in October in Europe

Armenia’s ‘Golden Autumn’ (as it’s known) stretches from late September until the end of November. It’s a time of incredible colours, with the Tavush region erupting in wild splashes of reds and yellows.

Be sure to head to Dilijan National Park, where tiny Lake Parz is encircled by a ruff of trees and trails that slink orange-tinged forests to a hilltop medieval monastery. The walk affords the perfect opportunity to soak it all in.

October is also harvest season. This means not only a bounty of fresh food to sample, but also a great time to try some of the finest wine in the world. Visit Areni Wine Festival at the beginning of the month for samplings from Armenian winemakers, along with traditional food vendors and entertainment such as folk music and dancing.

For an alternative autumn break with minimal crowds, consider heading to Slovakia’s capital – especially if you’re a fan of music.

Taking place between September and October, Bratislava Music Festival is considered one of the most important celebrations of its kind and dates back more than 50 years. The event celebrates Slovakian and international classical music, blending world-class orchestras and up-and-coming musicians.

October also brings the Bratislava Jazz Days – another important festival that has nearly reached its half-a-century milestone – with groups performing a mixture of jazz, soul, funk and rock.

Northeast of Bratislava is the Small Carpathians region, best known for its wine growing and castles. October is the end of harvest season, bringing with it a number of small, local wine festivals worth seeking out. Follow the wine route from Bratislava to Trnava, stopping off in villages and towns along the way.

While Scotland’s weather is never guaranteed, it’s worth risking a trip to the capital during October for its cultural festivities and autumn landscapes.

Edinburgh’s Samhuinn Fire Festival is a re-imaging of an ancient Celtic celebration that marks the transition between summer and winter. Taking place on Halloween night, streets will be filled with a procession of fire, drumming, acrobats and theatrical performances.

If the weather treats you right, head out of the city centre to the Pentland Hills and enjoy Scotland’s beautiful autumnal colours along the park’s 100km network of walking trails – some with views looking back across to the capital.

Read next: The best autumn walks in the UK

Up in Finland, they use the word ‘ruska’ to describe the period when the trees start to turn and autumnal colours paint the forests. It’s the Finnish take on the Japanese hanami, as locals escape into the outdoors for that brief period between the long days of summer and the endless night of winter, before the snows come and temperatures plummet.

As a general rule, ruska spreads north to south, with the forests of the Arctic turning in mid-September, while those further south change weeks later, at the start of October. The red maples and golden birch make for bracing companions on a ruskaretki (autumnal walk), with Lapland’s fells around the Saami village of Kilpisjärvi proving particularly popular – especially when there’s chances to see the northern lights.

To the south, try exploring the Tiilijärvi Lakes Trail in Hollola, which loops around three lakes, some marshes and a hazelnut grove.

Switzerland might often be thought of as just a summer or winter destination, but the autumn months can be just as magical, especially in the canton of Ticino.

The southern region is the only Italian speaking canton in the country, and along with its language, it also brings Mediterranean charm. Head to Lugano, sitting on the shores of a lake of the same name, for the city’s traditional Autumn Festival at the beginning of October. While here, visit one of the region’s grottos: these hidden caverns serve local produce and are considered an essential part of Ticino’s cultural identity.

The mild climate of Ticino in October makes for great hiking weather. Just one of many routes include the 3-hour scenic mountain ridge trail from San Salvatore (reached by cable car) to the village of Morcote – a designated UN Tourism Village. Enjoy a leisurely journey back by to your starting point by boat.

Hidden in the Pindus Mountains of Greece’s Epirus region, Zagori is one the country’s best kept secrets – especially in the autumn.

Encompassing 46 traditional stone villages across 1,000 sq km, the region becomes even more enchanting as the luscious green leaves of the maple and oak trees transform to shades of gold.

The cooler temperatures of October make its hiking trails become a lot more pleasant, including the 6-8 hour hike through Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. Another must-do hike is up to the Dragon Lakes, which begins in the picturesque village of Mikro Papigo, perching on the slopes of Mount Timfy.

October is final month of the season to go rafting along the Voidomatis River, known to be one of the cleanest rivers in Europe with water you can drink directly from its springs.

The best places to go in October in Asia & the Middle East

The ancient oasis city of AlUla, situated in the Saudi Arabian region of Hejaz, is not only home to dramatic rock formations and Neolithic monuments, but also an incredible festival dedicated to the skies during September-October.

In the day, visitors can join a hot-air balloon tour of the historic land at dawn, getting to view its date palm tree groves, sand dunes and wildlife from a unique perspective. Those staying firmly on the ground can admire the magical site of 50+ balloons floating above them.

At night, it’s all about the galaxies above. The remote location of AlUla makes it an ideal place to gaze up at the night sky, with little light pollution to disturb the stargazing experiences. Some of the festival experiences include picnicking under the stars and astrophotography sessions.

With the monsoon rains consigned to yet another year, wildlife parks all across India reopen in October, having been closed for much of the summer season (Jul–Sep). A handful typically throw open their gates in the first week, but you usually have to wait until the middle of the month for the rest to follow.

There are pros and cons to this time of year. While the fresh greenery can make wildlife sightings harder (since the tall grasses and bushes haven’t yet burnt off), the lush scenery makes for better pictures when you do spot something. With that in mind, make the most of the new growth in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura National Park on a walking safari – the only one in India.

Even if the bigger animals (tiger, leopard, sloth bear, etc) likely prove elusive, you will still have nature to draw upon as you stroll the dense sal and teak jungles, wander riverside meadows and learn the names of flowers and trees as you explore on foot with a naturalist guide.

Witness the colour, drama and pure spectacle of the legendary Golden Eagle Festival, held every year in Western Mongolia in October.

Held high in the imposing Altai mountains, the festival celebrates the importance of this spectacular bird in local Kazakh culture. The event includes competitions based on speed, agility, and accuracy of the Golden Eagles and their handlers, as well as traditional Kazakh games such as Kokbar, archery and traditional horse and camel racing. It is loud, brash and exciting and a spectacle you will never forget.

This region is also home to the wild Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, an adventure-lover’s paradise with mountain hikes, horse treks and the chance to stay in a traditional yurt.

Western Mongolia is remote and underdeveloped. If visiting this region for the first time, it’s best to travel with a knowledgeable tour operator.

October marks the end of rainy season in Yunnan, and the beginning of autumn. As ever, this also brings some striking colours.

Take Tengchong County, for example – here you’ll find the village of Jiangdong, otherwise known as ‘Ginkgo Village’ due to its forest of 30,000 ginkgo trees, transforming the village into shades of gold from October-November.

Also not to be missed is Heshun ancient village, once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and home to temples and buildings that have been preserved since the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Beyond its cultural highlights, Tengchong is known for its extraordinary geothermal landscape, with 97 dormant volcanoes, crater lakes, waterfalls and wetlands. Ways to explore this epic natural landscape range from hikes to boat journeys, and even hot-air balloon rides.

The best places to go in October around the world

The world’s driest nonpolar desert probably isn’t a place you’d imagine kilometres of blooming wildflowers. However, Chile’s Atacama provides this surprise spectacle around October every 3-10 years. Climate change has seen the blossoming occur more frequently than usual in recent years.

From September-November, the landscape of sand and rock transforms into a carpet of red, purple and yellow. The phenomenon is called a ‘superbloom’, and still proves to be a mystery to scientists.

But if you don’t get to see the wildflowers, October is still a brilliant time to visit Atacama. It’s considered shoulder season, so sees fewer tourists. Many visitors like to explore the lunar-like land via hiking trails or horseback. It’s high altitude and minimal light pollution also make it an ideal location for gazing into the galaxy.

Be the amongst the first of the season to experience the White Continent. As spring arrives in the Southern Hemisphere in late October, expedition cruises can once again recommence their voyages across the Drake Passage to Antarctica.

Spring may not be the best season to see an abundance of wildlife here, however, it is a great time to see emperor penguins on Snow Hill island, off the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

What you will get to see is the landscape at its most pristine and untouched, with few other ships interrupted your photo opportunities of enormous icebergs, slabs of sea ice and untouched snow-covered grounds. It’s an ideal time for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Better yet, trip fares will likely be at their lowest.

Read next: What it’s like exploring Antarctica for the first time

Fiji’s National Day is 10 October. In the week leading up to it, Fiji celebrates its cessation from the British empire, and the nation’s vast ethnic diversity. The run-up is packed with religious and cultural events, and culminates in a large military parade with canon blasts.

On the day itself, Fijians reenact the signing of the Deed of Cessation in period costume from 1874, and hear speeches from the president and others. For a glimpse of the different religions and cultures that make up Fiji’s vibrant tapestry, plan your visit around this week.

This is a good time to visit Fiji for more than the festival. The islands enjoy a nice climate this time of year.

There’s no escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, whatever time of year you go. But the infectious energy of its medina, with bustling souks and packed alleys, is all part of the city’s charm. If you don’t want to combat ridiculous heat on top of it, then October is an ideal time to visit.

Marrakech makes a great jumping off point for exploring Morocco’s natural side. A couple hours’ drive south  will take you into the High Atlas Mountains. The small village of Imlil located within Toubkal Valley provides a great base for hiking in the mountains, with waterfalls, rivers and wooded paths.

Alternatively, head into Agafay desert for incredible activities ranging from camel treks and buggy rides to stargazing experiences, along with a selection of luxury desert glamping sites complete with Bedouin-style tents and outdoor pools.

Read next: The best things to do in Marrakech

In the Southern Hemisphere, October means springtime. But instead of heading to the popular Blue Mountains for your nature fix, we suggest heading south for a road trip along the unsung Sapphire Coast.

October is nearing the end of whale migration season along the coastline, which runs from August-November. Begin your journey in Eden which sits on the shores of Twofold Bay. The region has even been dubbed the ‘Humpback Highway’ due to its population of approximately 45,000 humpbacks that pass through. Eden Whale Festival also takes place in October, celebrating the region and its long whaling history.

Close by Beowa National Park (renamed recently after the Aboriginal name for ‘orca’) also offers shoreline sightings of the beloved marine giants. Join a kayaking tour up the turquoise waters of Pamula River to immerse yourself in stunning forest surroundings that are so important to the area’s Indigenous Yuin people.

Rooted in ancient Indigenous traditions, Día de los Muertos – perhaps better known as Day of the Day – officially takes place on 1-2 November –  however celebrations tend to kick off days or even weeks prior, especially in the city of Oaxaca – so it’s best to get there in October.

Expect streets to be filled with unofficial parties These all lead up to the main event of comparsas, known for its carnival-like parade with traditional costumes and music.

Beyond the celebrations, UNESCO-listed Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most enchanting cities that’s worth slowing down to explore. Feel the energy if its historic core in the zocalo (town square), browse buzzing markets for street food and souvenirs, discover the beautiful Baroque architecture of Templo de Santo Domingo and so much more.