Where to go in October for sun? In October, the three safest destinations for sunshine are Egypt, the Canary Islands and Mauritius. Egypt for dry skies and a warm sea, the Canaries for easy access, Mauritius for the driest month of its year. This dry sky and warm sea are covered in our page on the weather in Egypt in October, from Luxor to the Red Sea.
October is a tipping-point month: the Mediterranean cools and the rains return there towards the end of the month, the southern hemisphere heads into spring, and autumn colours North America. Late October coincides with school holidays in several countries, which makes it the busiest part of the month. Here are 12 destinations, with the official climate normals for each and what can disappoint.
Where to go in October: key facts
- Sun and heat: Egypt (Red Sea), Cape Verde, Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles, Bali
- Warm and easy: Canary Islands, Marrakech, Crete and Rhodes
- Culture and cities: Luxor, Hanoi and Halong Bay, New York, Marrakech
- Autumn colours: New York, Quebec (first half of the month), Japan (in the mountains and the north)
- Safari: Tanzania, at lower prices than in summer
- Best avoided: the Caribbean, Mexico (Yucatán), Cuba, Sri Lanka, central Vietnam
Comparison: the climate of 12 destinations in October
| Destination | Average high (October) | Average rain (October) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt (Red Sea et Luxor) Hurghada | 32.1 °C (90 °F) | 2.3 mm (0.1 in) | Beach, diving, temples |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) Santa Cruz de Tenerife | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | Warm and easy |
| Cape Verde (Sal) | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | Beach, hiking |
| Greece (Crete and Rhodes) Heraklion | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Late season, ancient sites |
| Morocco (Marrakech) | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 19.1 mm (0.8 in) | City, desert |
| Mauritius Port Louis | 28.8 °C (84 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Beach, honeymoon |
| Réunion Saint-Denis | 27.0 °C (81 °F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | Hiking, Grand Raid |
| Tanzania Kilimanjaro Airport | 31.3 °C (88 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | Safari at lower prices |
| Bali Denpasar | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | Beach, culture |
| Vietnam (north) Hanoi | 30.4 °C (87 °F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | Culture, Halong Bay |
| Seychelles Victoria | 30.1 °C (86 °F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | Diving, shoulder season |
| New York Central Park | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | City, autumn colours |
These figures are averages over several decades: any given year can be drier or wetter. Rainfall totals do not tell the whole story: 150 mm (5.9 in) falling in short late-afternoon showers is less of a nuisance than continuous drizzle.
Where to go in October on a budget
This second table ranks the destinations from cheapest to most expensive, with a rough low-budget cost on the ground per person per day, excluding flights. Flight prices are not shown: they vary too much with the booking date and your departure airport.
| Destination | Low-budget cost on the ground (per person per day, excluding flights, roughly) |
|---|---|
| Bali (Denpasar) | $35 to $80 |
| Vietnam (north) | $40 to $55 |
| Egypt (Red Sea et Luxor) | $45 to $80 |
| Morocco (Marrakech) | $45 to $80 |
| Cape Verde (Sal) | $55 to $90 |
| Canary Islands (Tenerife) | $65 to $100 |
| Mauritius (Port Louis) | $65 to $110 |
| Greece (Crete and Rhodes) | $65 to $100 |
| Réunion (Saint-Denis) | $80 to $125 |
| Seychelles (Victoria) | $135 to $225 |
| Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Airport) | $170 to $280 |
| New York (Central Park) | $175 to $295 |
Egypt (Red Sea and Luxor)
October opens the fine season in Egypt. On the Red Sea, Hurghada has an average high of 32.1 °C (90 °F) and 2.3 mm (0.1 in) of rain: the sea is warm, ideal for diving and snorkelling. In the Nile Valley, the heat eases through the month, and the Abu Simbel sun festival takes place in late October. Warm sea and dry skies: our guide to planning a trip to Hurghada in autumn covers diving and excursions to the Nile.
Caveat: early in October it is still 35.5 °C (96 °F) average high in Luxor: visit the temples early in the morning. School-holiday periods push prices up. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 4 August 2026), the FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate and to within 20 km of the Egypt-Libya border: read the full advice before booking.
In October in Hurghada: 32.1 °C (90 °F) average high and 2.3 mm (0.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Egypt)?
Canary Islands (Tenerife)
For late-October sun, the Canary Islands are the nearest hot destination for Europeans: still 27.0 °C (81 °F) average high in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a warm sea and 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain. The south of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura remain the sunniest.
Caveat: the first autumn rains arrive at the end of the month, especially on the western and mountainous islands (41 mm (1.6 in) on La Palma). Demand is strong during school-holiday periods.
In October in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 27.0 °C (81 °F) average high and 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Canary Islands)?
Cape Verde (Sal)
In Cape Verde, October marks the retreat of the short rainy season: 16 mm (0.6 in) on Sal, a still very warm sea and greener hills on Santo Antão and Santiago. A good month to combine beach and hiking.
Caveat: the air stays hot and humid early in the month. Sal and Boa Vista are flat and arid: for green landscapes, look at Santo Antão instead. Prices rise during school-holiday periods.
In October in Sal: 29.6 °C (85 °F) average high and 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Cape Verde)?
Greece (Crete and Rhodes)
In October, aim for the south of Greece: Crete (24.0 °C (75 °F) average high in Heraklion) and Rhodes (24.5 °C (76 °F)) keep mild, often sunny weather, with a sea that is still pleasant. It is also a good month for ancient sites, without the summer heat.
Caveat: the rains return at the end of the month (43 mm (1.7 in) in Heraklion, 57 mm (2.2 in) in Rhodes, 140 mm (5.5 in) in Corfu), and many island accommodations close after mid-October. A Greek national holiday falls at the end of the month.
In October in Heraklion: 24.0 °C (75 °F) average high and 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Greece)?
Morocco (Marrakech)
Marrakech becomes pleasant again in October after the summer heat: 28.5 °C (83 °F) average high and little rain (19.1 mm (0.8 in)). It is a good time for the medina, the souks, the gardens, and excursions to the Atlas or the Agafay desert.
Caveat: early in the month it can still be hot in the middle of the day, and nights cool markedly in the Atlas. Demand is strong during school-holiday periods. Check the official travel advice of your own government before you go.
In October in Marrakech: 28.5 °C (83 °F) average high and 19.1 mm (0.8 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Morocco (Marrakech))?
Mauritius
October is the driest month of the year in Port Louis (15 mm (0.6 in)), with temperatures approaching 29 °C (84 °F). The southern winter is ending: it is an excellent month for the beaches of the west coast and trips in the lagoon.
Caveat: the east coast can still be windy. School-holiday periods push up rates: book early.
In October in Port Louis: 28.8 °C (84 °F) average high and 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Mauritius)?
Réunion
October is the driest month in Saint-Denis (43 mm (1.7 in)) and temperatures are rising: ideal conditions for hiking in Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie or climbing the Piton de la Fournaise.
Caveat: the Grand Raid (the Diagonale des Fous ultra-trail) and school-holiday periods fill accommodation, particularly in the cirques: book long in advance. The whale season is drawing to a close.
In October in Saint-Denis: 27.0 °C (81 °F) average high and 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Réunion)?
Tanzania
October is the end of the dry season in northern Tanzania (25 mm (1.0 in) at Kilimanjaro Airport): wildlife remains easy to see, with fewer people and lower prices than in August. The wildebeest herds begin their return towards the centre and south of the Serengeti.
Caveat: the heat is rising (31.3 °C (88 °F) average high). In Zanzibar, the first showers arrive at the end of the month (116 mm (4.6 in) on average in October). With those 116 mm (4.6 in) in October, the first showers arrive: the best time to go to Zanzibar is rather before.
In October in Kilimanjaro Airport: 31.3 °C (88 °F) average high and 25 mm (1.0 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Tanzania)?
Bali
Bali is still mostly dry in October (63 mm (2.5 in) in Denpasar), with more moderate crowds than in summer. The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival takes place in October or November depending on the year.
Caveat: the heat is rising (33.6 °C (92 °F) average high) and the first showers can arrive at the end of the month, ahead of the wet season.
In October in Denpasar: 33.6 °C (92 °F) average high and 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Bali)?
Vietnam (north)
October marks the return of fine weather in northern Vietnam: rainfall drops markedly in Hanoi (155 mm (6.1 in), against 274 mm (10.8 in) in August), the heat becomes bearable, and Halong Bay and the northern mountains can be visited in good conditions. Falling rain and bearable heat: our Halong Bay travel guide helps you choose between a one- or two-night cruise.
Caveat: the centre of the country (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is, on the contrary, at its rainfall peak (773 mm (30.4 in) in Hue), with a risk of flooding. The south stays wet (340 mm (13.4 in) in Ho Chi Minh City). Plan your itinerary accordingly.
In October in Hanoi: 30.4 °C (87 °F) average high and 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Vietnam)?
Seychelles
October is a shoulder-season month in the Seychelles: the wind eases and the sea becomes calm, which favours diving and snorkelling. The Festival Kreol enlivens Mahé in late October.
Caveat: showers are frequent (191 mm (7.5 in) in Victoria), often short. Prices rise during school-holiday periods.
In October in Victoria: 30.1 °C (86 °F) average high and 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (Seychelles)?
New York
October is one of the best months for New York: 18.1 °C (65 °F) average high in Central Park, often clear skies and the first coloured foliage in the parks. The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade takes place on Halloween night.
Caveat: it is a very popular period and hotels are expensive. Evenings cool markedly at the end of the month. For UK travellers, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 August 2026) says you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa to enter the US.
In October in Central Park: 18.1 °C (65 °F) average high and 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain (official normals). See our guide: when to go (New York)?
Preparing for an October trip
School-holiday periods at the end of October are the most expensive part of the month, for nearby sun destinations (Canary Islands, Egypt, Morocco) as much as for the Indian Ocean. If you are free, the first half of October offers comparable weather at fares that are often more reasonable.
October is still within the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ends on 30 November (U.S. National Hurricane Center). Take out insurance that covers cancellation for weather events if you are heading to that region, and check the official travel advice of your own government (for example travel.state.gov in the US or GOV.UK in the UK) for entry requirements and safety. Going a little later? See where to go in November.
Destinations to avoid in October
- The Caribbean (Guadeloupe, Martinique): still in the most active part of the hurricane season, with the wettest month of the year in Pointe-à-Pitre (215 mm (8.5 in)) and 243 mm (9.6 in) in Fort-de-France.
- Mexico (Yucatán) and Cuba: the wettest month in Cancún (242.1 mm (9.5 in)), 180.5 mm (7.1 in) in Havana, and cyclones are still possible. For Cuba, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 September 2026) also advises against all but essential travel, citing grid collapses, shortages and flight suspensions.
- Sri Lanka: October is the wettest month in Colombo (359 mm (14.1 in)), and the rains spread to the east and north as well.
- Central Vietnam: rainfall peak (773 mm (30.4 in) in Hue), floods possible.
- The Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the Gulf of Thailand: 310 mm (12.2 in) in Liberia; in Ko Samui, the rainy season starts (295 mm (11.6 in)).
Toutes nos destinations idéales en octobre (96)
Liste établie automatiquement d’après nos calendriers « quand partir » : destinations notées ✓ idéal pour ce mois. Température max. moyenne indicative ; détail et sources sur chaque guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go in late October?
For sun, Egypt (Red Sea), the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Marrakech, Mauritius and Réunion are good options in late October. Late October coincides with school holidays in several countries, so book flights and accommodation several months ahead.
Where is it hot in October?
Among the destinations compared here, the hottest are Bali (33.6 °C (92 °F) average high in Denpasar), Egypt (32.1 °C (90 °F) in Hurghada), Tanzania (31.3 °C (88 °F)) and the Seychelles (30.1 °C (86 °F)). Closer to Europe, expect 28.5 °C (83 °F) in Marrakech and 27.0 °C (81 °F) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Where can I find sun in October on a low budget?
Bali and Marrakech have some of the lowest costs on the ground in our comparison, at roughly $35 to $80 per person per day (excluding flights), with dry weather in October. Travelling in the first half of the month often cuts the cost of flights.
Where can I see autumn colours in October?
In Canada, the colours generally peak in the first half of October in Quebec and Ontario. In New York, the first coloured foliage appears in the parks. In Japan, maples turn red in October in the mountains and the north, but you have to wait until mid-November in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Is October a good time to go to Thailand?
It is a transition month: rains ease on the mainland towards the end of the month (289 mm (11.4 in) on average in Bangkok), but they begin in the Gulf (295 mm (11.6 in) in Ko Samui). If your dates are flexible, the dry season returns in November.
Our sources
- Official climate normals: Autorité météorologique égyptienne, via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Hurghada); AEMET via l’WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Santa Cruz de Tenerife); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Sal); Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), 1991-2020 normals (Heraklion airport); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Marrakech-Menara); WMO World Weather Information Service (Port Louis); Météo-France, 1991-2020 normals (Saint-Denis Gillot); WMO (NOAA archive), 1991-2020 normals (Kilimanjaro Airport); BMKG via the WMO World Weather Information Service, 1961-1990 normals (Denpasar); IBST (Vietnam), standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD, 1991-2020 normals (Hanoi); WMO, 1991-2020 normals (Victoria, Mahé); NOAA / National Weather Service, 1991-2020 normals (Central Park)
- For destinations that already have a guide on our site, figures and event dates taken from our « when to go » pages, which cover all 12 months and cite their sources
- Indicative budgets: practical fact sheets in our country guides, linked from each destination, converted at the European Central Bank reference rate of 23 October 2026
- UK FCDO foreign travel advice (GOV.UK): Egypt (updated 4 August 2026), Cuba (updated 25 September 2026), United States (18 August 2026)
- Atlantic hurricane season: U.S. National Hurricane Center (NOAA), checked 12 November 2026
- How we select and verify destinations: see our page Our methodology
Updated November 2026.