October: My Favorite Month Abroad
October is autumn in Europe, and Kyoto turns red and gold, Tuscany glows, and the crowds thin out everywhere worth going.
October is autumn in Europe and that alone makes it one of the most visually rewarding months to travel. Kyoto turns red and gold. Tuscany glows. The forests of New England and Bavaria are at peak color. But beyond the aesthetics, October also offers something practical: it is the last month of warm weather across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa before the winter rains arrive.
We did Greece in October once and the water was still 23 degrees, the archaeological sites were uncrowded, and the tavernas had that end-of-season warmth where the owners actually want to talk to you. Athens in October is 10 degrees cooler than Athens in July and approximately 10 times more pleasant to walk around.
October is also when East Africa transitions into its short rains, which sounds bad but is actually excellent for safaris. The landscape turns green, baby animals are everywhere, and the lodges offer their lowest rates of the year. If you have always wanted to do a Kenya or Tanzania safari but been put off by the cost, October is the month to look at.
For divers, the Maldives enters a transition period with some of the most interesting marine life encounters of the year. Whale sharks gather on the western atolls, and the shifting currents bring nutrient-rich water that attracts large pelagics.
OPTIMAL DESTINATIONS
| Destination | Why October | Conditions |
| Japan | Peak autumn foliage | Spectacular fall colors |
| China (Zhangjiajie) | Clear skies, perfect weather | Avatar mountains stunning |
| Myanmar | Cool season returns | Perfect temple weather |
| Jeju Island, Korea | Continued autumn beauty | Ideal conditions |
| Germany | Beautiful autumn | Perfect for exploration |
| Oman | Weather improves | Excellent for exploration |
| Cyprus | Perfect autumn weather | Ideal temperatures |
| Egypt | Weather improves | Good for all activities |
| Morocco | Post-summer relief | Perfect conditions |
| Botswana (Moremi) | Wildlife concentrates | Excellent game viewing |
PRIME DIVING CONDITIONS
- Atauro Island – Whale migration continues
- Maldives – Season begins improving
- Great Barrier Reef – Excellent conditions
- Tuamotu Archipelago – Manta and humpback season
- Blue Corner, Palau – Excellent conditions
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Japan – Autumn festivals and foliage
- Myanmar – Perfect weather returns for temples
- Germany – Oktoberfest and autumn beauty
Gear and Guides We Recommend
Planning a trip based on these recommendations? Here are some items we find essential:
- merino wool base layer
- mirrorless travel camera
- warm travel beanie
- packing cube set
- universal travel adapter
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Written by Jenna Fattah
I have visited 25+ countries across 6 continents, attended 7 Formula 1 races, and spent 4 years writing about what actually works and what I would do differently. Every recommendation on this site comes from trips I planned and paid for myself. Read more about me