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If you’re craving a fall getaway, October is the perfect time for it! Temperatures are cooling down, leaves are turning colors, and crowds are often smaller due to kids being back in school. Here are my top 25 recommendations of where to travel in October.
Albuquerque, NM
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 72°F high; 46°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in October:
Fall is a special time to visit Albuquerque with cool breezy mornings and warm sunny days. During this time of year, Albuquerque hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in the world during their “Indian Summer”.
Key Events:
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: largest hot air ballooning event in the world
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): celebrations where families remember deceased loved ones
Where to Stay:
Algarve, Portugal
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 57°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
October is a great time to visit the Algarve because the sun is still out but summer crowds are gone. You can still enjoy the beach with 6 to 8 hours of sun per day and warm water temperatures.
Key Events:
Algarve Classic Festival: largest classic car event in Portugal
Sagres Birdwatching Festival: one of the most popular birdwatching festivals in the Algarve
Feira de Santa Iria: celebration of Saint Irene in Faro
Oktoberfest: German beer festival at Vila Vita Parc
Where to Stay:
Asheville, NC
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 68°F high; 46°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in october:
I visited Asheville, NC in December around Christmastime, which was magical, but if I returned, I would go back in the fall. Asheville is near the Blue Ridge Mountains which are stunning to see in the fall with their multi-colored forests and stunning vistas. It’s one of the most sought-after places to go “leaf peeping” during the autumn months.
Key Events:
Asheville Quilt Show: event to perpetuate the art of quilt making with exhibits and educational demonstrations
Eliada Annual Fall Festival & Corn Maze: fundraising event featuring an 8 acre corn maze, bouncy houses, slides, hayrides, pumpkins, and corn cannons
Asheville VeganFest: outdoor festival showcasing vegan foods, beers, and lifestyle vendors
Asheville Art in the Park: area artists gather on 6 Saturdays to show and sell their creations at Pack Square
Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K: running event through the River Arts District
CiderFest NC: fundraiser featuring tastings of hard cider, mead, and apple wine
Thomas Wolfe 8K: Asheville’s oldest running event
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands: 900 craftspeople showcasing jewelry, pottery, wood, metal, prints, glass, and more
LEAF Solid Gold 50th Festival: music festival at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC
Catawba White Zombie 5K: Asheville’s only zombie race and craft brew run
Where to Stay:
Aspen, CO
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 58°F high; 31°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
Aspen is a beautiful town to visit in October due to cooler temperatures, vivid fall foliage, and fewer crowds. It’s a great time for outdoor activities including cycling and hiking. You can admire the blue skies and snow-capped mountains.
Key Events:
Aspen Filmfest: non-competitive festival showcasing narrative and documentary features
Where to Stay:
Atacama Desert, Chile
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 77°F high; 41°F low
Season: spring
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
October is a good time to visit the Atacama Desert in Chile because the climate stays dry without rain. The climate is enjoyable, and it’s considered shoulder season meaning you should see better rates.
Where to Stay:
Austin, TX
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 82°F high; 60°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid to high
Reason to Travel in october:
Beat the summer heat by visiting Austin, TX in October. It’s a great time for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying outdoor activities. At this time of year the humidity is lower and the temperatures are more mild.
Key Events:
Austin City Limits Festival: one of the country’s largest celebrations of music (6-day festival)
Oktoberfest: annual German celebration hosted by the German Free School
Quesoff: celebration of all things melted cheese
Texas Craft Brewers Festival: largest celebration of small and independent Texas craft breweries
Austin Film Festival: festival that champions the work of writers, filmmakers, and artists
Where to Stay:
Barbados
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 87°F high; 76°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
If you’d like better rates and fewer crowds when visiting Barbados, visit in October. October is usually the rainiest month of the year in Barbados, also making it one of the most humid. That being said, there are rarely full days of just rain. So if you want better prices and can handle some hurricane season weather, this may be the right time for you to visit.
Key Events:
Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend: weekend of concerts, island excursions, and charity golf
Barbados National Triathlon: annual triathlon
Barbados Food & Rum Festival: celebration of gastronomic art, featuring international and local chefs, wine experts, and mixologists
Where to Stay:
Bavaria, Germany
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 58°F high; 43°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
Bavaria in October is a relatively dry time of the year to visit. It’s a beautiful time to see the multi-colored trees and autumn foliage. I highly recommend seeing one of Germany’s greatest castles, Neuschwanstein, during this time of year when golden and orange trees are in full force. Its architecture looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale, and it even served as inspiration for Disney’s notable castle design.
Key Events:
Oktoberfest: world’s largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a traveling funfair
Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity): National Day in Germany
Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival: largest pumpkin festival in the world on the grounds of a castle
Cannstatter Wasen: annual 3-week Volksfest in Stuttgart
Deutsches Weinlesefest: German grape harvest festival - largest winegrowers festival parade in Germany
Reformation Day: Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated on October 31
Where to Stay:
Bhutan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 84°F high; 67°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in october:
One of the most popular months in the year to visit Bhutan is in October. The weather is warm and sunny and the mountains are clear for excellent viewing. Expect higher numbers of visitors this time of year due to the full events calendar.
Key Events:
Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu: 3-day festival best known for the Raksha Mangcham or the dance of the Ox
Thimphu Tsechu: annual religious festivals held in each district
Gangtey Tsechu: festival held in a large courtyard of Gangtey monastery
Royal Highlander Festival: festival that brings together highlanders to exchange values, knowledge, skills, and best practices
Where to Stay:
Champagne, France
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 61°F high; 45°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
If you can time it right, you may be able to visit during the grape harvest in the Champagne region of France, which takes place between mid-September to mid-October. At this time, vines begin to change to a golden color and summer crowds have gone away. The weather is mild and pleasant.
Key Events:
Champagne Day: world event celebrating the beverage of Champagne
Fête des Sorcières: annual witch festival in Chalindrey
Where to Stay:
Manitoba, Canada
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 43°F high; 30°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
Manitoba is chilly in October, but it’s the time to see the annual migration of Churchill’s polar bears. Manitoba is known as “The Polar Bear Capital of the World” due to its abundance of polar bears in the area, so this is THE destination to observe these majestic creatures in the wild.
Key Events:
Manitoba Showcase: annual visual and performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists
Manitoba Culture Days: celebration of Canadian arts and culture through various free activities
Manitoba Ag Ex: Manitoba’s largest all-breeds cattle show
Where to Stay:
Darjeeling, India
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 71°F high; 58°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
If you’re interested in visiting the Queen of Hills in India, October is one of the best months to visit. The temperatures are pleasantly cool this time of year and the fog and rain starts to clear from monsoon season.
Key Events:
Durga Puja: one of the main festivals celebrated by Hindus, lasting 4 days
Diwali: festival of lights
Where to Stay:
Dubai, UAE
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 96°F high; 76°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
The weather is more moderate in Dubai in October. Temperatures are cooler than the extremely hot summer months. You can expect clear, sunny weather with little chance of rain during October in Dubai.
Where to Stay:
Hallstatt, Austria
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 59°F high; 41°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
If you’d like to avoid the crowds and high prices when visiting Hallstatt, go in October. You may expect rain this time of year but there should be some pleasant days that aren’t too chilly.
Key Events:
International Bruckner Festival: month-long festival of concerts, theatre, art, exhibits, and fireworks
Viennale: film festival of mostly European films
Where to Stay:
Tokyo, Japan
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 71°F high; 58°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
October is one of the best months to visit Tokyo due to the beautiful weather. Temperatures stay mild, humidity is low, and rain is rare. It’s a perfect time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and visiting parks and gardens. And there are TONS of festivals to participate in, so if you visit Tokyo in October, you have to make plans to attend at least one of their many celebrations.
Key Events:
Czech Festival: celebration of Czech culture over 3 days
The Railway Festival: celebrates the opening of Japan’s first railway
Oktoberfest celebrations
Toyosu Oktoberfest: German celebration with beer stalls and food
Yokohama Oktoberfest: annual fall tradition held in Yokohama’s historic Red Brick Warehouse
Fireworks Festivals
Matsuris (community and religious festivals)
Yanaka Matsuri: quaint community festival in the Yanaka neighborhood
Jiyugaoka Megami Matsuri: Goddess Festival held annually around Jiyugaoka Station
Kawagoe Festival: biggest event in Kawagoe with a grand pageant
Fukuro Festival: one of the largest events in the area, west of the Ikebukuro Station
Aoyama Festival: variety of events with international appeal
Flower festivals
Cosmos Flower Festival: 4.4 million cosmos flowers bloom
Autumn Rose Festival: showcase of 100 varieties of flowers in bloom at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens
Takahata Fudoson Chrysanthemum Festival: one of the largest Chrysanthemum festivals in the Tama area
Tsukiji Autumn Festival: festival for eating, drinking, and enjoying
Oeshiki Festival: Buddhist festival commemorating the anniversary of the death of Nichiren, a revered Buddhist teacher
Toyama Park Yabusame (aka Takadanobaba Yabusame): procession of a shrine with display of the Japanese martial art of horse-mounted archery
Salsa Street Festival: multinational celebration in Ueno Park with food, drinks, music, and dancing
Bake Neko Festival: Halloween festival where people are dressed as cats
Indonesia Japan Friendship Festival: annual event featuring Indonesian food, music, dance, and crafts
CEATEC: giant consumer electronics show
The Tokyo Art Book Fair: biggest fair of its kind in Asia with over 300 exhibitors from around the world
Tokyo Harvest Fair: 3-day food festival
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony: largescale tea ceremony
Tokyo Ramen Show: one of Japan’s largest outdoor events
Where to Stay:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 88°F high; 75°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
October is considered the end of rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City. Though you may experience rain during your trip in October, it will likely be less than what you would experience during peak rainy season. Furthermore, you’ll likely still see lower crowds and prices before dry season begins in November.
Key Events:
Hoi An Lantern Festival: full moon celebration held on the 14th day of each lunar month
Where to Stay:
Knoxville, TN
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 70°F high; 49°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: high
Reason to Travel in october:
October is a delightful time to visit Knoxville, TN with its football, pumpkins, and fall foliage. The driest month of the year is October, so you likely won’t have to worry about rain. A visit to the Great Smoky Mountains will be worth the visit as the trees change colors.
Key Events:
Pridefest: 3 days of community, family, and fun
Hola Festival: celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Where to Stay:
Lampang, Thailand
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 90°F high; 72°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
Lampang is known for its river valleys in Northern Thailand. October is a more pleasant time to visit due to its mild weather. January is the busiest month for tourism so if you visit in October, you’ll experience better prices and fewer crowds.
Key Events:
Wan Awk Phansa: important festival for devout Thais, marking the end of lent
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day: one of the most significant holidays in Thailand
Where to Stay:
Madagascar
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 80°F high; 58°F low
Season: winter/dry
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
Travel experts recommend visiting Madagascar in either October or September. During this time, the weather is slightly warmer and lemurs are more active.
Where to Stay:
Arezzo, Italy
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 68°F high; 49°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
For a more affordable time to visit Italy, go in October. Though you may experience some rainy weather, you can enjoy far fewer crowds than in the summer months. While in college, I spent a summer abroad in Arezzo, and I absolutely loved this quaint hilltop town located in eastern Tuscany. The town feels elegant, unhurried, medieval, and rural.
Key Events:
Fiera Antiquaria: the oldest and biggest antique fair in Tuscany
Mercato Internazionale: 3 km of streets with food stands and tastings
Gold/Made in Italy: celebration of one of the most “Made in Italy” products - gold
Where to Stay:
Portsmouth, NH
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 58°F high; 46°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
Though a festive destination year-round, Portsmouth gets into the seasonal spirit even more during the fall months. With restaurants, boutiques, and historic charm, there’s something for everyone in the coastal town.
Where to Stay:
Salem, MA
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 62°F high; 45°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
A trip to Salem, Massachusetts in the month of October is sure to get you into the spirit of spooky season. Whether it’s the witchy vibes, the cool crisp mornings, or the salt air of the sea, there’s just something about Salem that pairs so well with autumn and October. Once a place known for horrendously burning witches at the stake, Salem today has become a magnet and safe haven for witchy people. Besides Salem’s dark witch history, the coastal city is also known for its rich history in ocean ships, literature, settlers, pirates, and trading.
Key Events:
Salem Haunted Happenings: largest celebration of Halloween in the world
Where to Stay:
Salt Lake City, UT
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 66°F high; 47°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
October is a wonderful month to visit Salt Lake City because it’s after kids have gone back to school and before skiiers have arrived. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and discounted hotel rates during this time of year.
Key Events:
4th West Oktoberfest: festival with live music, food trucks, Utah vendors, and games
Where to Stay:
Scottsdale, AZ
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 86°F high; 54°F low
Season: fall
Tourist Season: low
Reason to Travel in october:
For gorgeous weather, visit Scottsdale in late fall. It’s a perfect time for hiking, dining al fresco, golfing, and lounging by the pool.
Where to Stay:
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Temperature/Season:
Temperature: 88°F high; 77°F low
Season: fall/last month of rainy season
Tourist Season: mid
Reason to Travel in october:
Skip out on heavier crowds by visiting Siem Reap in October. At this time, you may still get caught in rain but the tourists will still be fewer. You may be able to enjoy some early season promotional rates during this time of year.
Key Events:
Commemoration Day of King’s Father: honoring of former king Norodom Sihanouk
Paris Peace Agreement Day: public holiday commemorating the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement which ended warfare between Cambodia and Vietnam
King Sihamoni Coronation Day: commemoration of King Norodom Sihamoni
Bonn Pchum Ben: 2 week Buddhist religious festival over September or October in Cambodia