Best time to visit
Where to go in October: the destinations with ideal weather
Between the end of the dry season in Africa and a mild autumn in Europe, October opens up good weather windows. Here's where.
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PlanTripNow Team
July 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Where to go in October by climate?
In October, Morocco enjoys temperatures that have turned comfortable again, ideal for combining Marrakech with the desert, Namibia wraps up its dry season in good safari conditions, and northern Vietnam offers its most beautiful terraced rice fields under clear skies. In Europe, Andalusia, southern Portugal and the Canary Islands let you enjoy still-mild weather, with prices dropping everywhere compared with summer.
October is a pivotal month: European summer is well and truly over, but several regions of the world are entering their best period, coming out of the rainy season or just before the cold sets in.
North and Southern Africa
In North Africa, October is ideal for combining city and desert in Morocco: temperatures have dropped compared to summer, making Marrakech and Saharan excursions much more comfortable. It's also the end of the dry season in Namibia, one of the best times to watch wildlife in Etosha National Park and explore the landscapes of the Namib Desert. For a sunny trip without going too far, Tunisia, Egypt, the Seychelles or Réunion remain good options this month.
Asia: rice fields and autumn colours
In Asia, October marks the peak of the terraced rice fields in northern Vietnam, making it a highly sought-after time for a trip that includes hikes around Sapa, a cruise on Ha Long Bay and exploring Hanoi under generally clear skies. In China, autumn is also considered one of the most beautiful seasons, with dry weather, mild temperatures and vivid colours in the mountainous regions.
Europe: a still-mild autumn
Without leaving Europe, Andalusia and southern Portugal let you enjoy still-mild weather in October. It's also one of the most recommended months for the Canary Islands, which enjoy a temperate climate all year round, as well as for the Balearic Islands at the end of the season.
Beyond the weather, October has another advantage: prices drop noticeably compared with the summer high season, and tourist sites, even the busiest ones, become far more manageable. It's often the trade-off sought by travellers who prioritise comfortable sightseeing over guaranteed maximum heat.
October's best picks
| Destination | Why in October |
|---|---|
| Morocco | Heat has dropped, ideal for Marrakech and Saharan excursions. |
| Namibia | End of the dry season, a very good time for safaris in Etosha. |
| Northern Vietnam | Terraced rice fields at their peak around Sapa, clear skies over Hanoi. |
| Andalusia & Canary Islands | Mild weather, one of the year's best windows for the Canaries. |
| China | Dry autumn, mild temperatures and vivid colours. |
October, a transition month that needs careful reading
October marks the shift between summer and winter in the northern hemisphere, and between dry and rainy seasons in some tropical regions. Temperatures fall in Europe, days shorten and visitor numbers drop noticeably compared with summer, making visits more pleasant.
This transition means checking the local weather carefully: the same country can offer ideal weather in one region and rain in another. Look at your destination's monthly averages before fixing dates.
An economical month for flexible travellers
Outside school holidays, October is often more affordable than summer: flights, hotels and rentals fall and tourist sights are less crowded. The All Saints holidays at the end of October do push prices back up, though: it is best to leave early in the month or book early for that period.
Pack layers to cope with cool mornings and milder afternoons, plus a light waterproof jacket. You will then enjoy the autumn colours and particularly beautiful light for photography.
Key facts for October
Best of North Africa
Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt
Best of safari
Namibia (end of dry season)
Best of Asia
Northern Vietnam, China
Best of Europe
Andalusia, southern Portugal, Canary Islands
Key advantage
Prices down, smaller crowds
Destinations in this article
Frequently asked questions
Is it still hot in Morocco in October?
Temperatures turn more moderate than in the height of summer, making visits to Marrakech and desert excursions much more comfortable, without the summer heat peaks.
Why is October ideal for northern Vietnam?
It's when the terraced rice fields around Sapa are at their most beautiful, generally under clear skies, making it one of the best windows of the year for a trip around the north of the country.
Are the Canary Islands a good option all year round?
They enjoy a temperate climate for much of the year, but October is among the most recommended months, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in the height of summer.
Is October a good month to travel?
Yes, if you choose the destination well: it is a pleasant month for the Maghreb, Northeast Asia or southern Africa, with fewer people than in summer.
Do the All Saints holidays push prices up?
Yes, the end of October is a period of higher demand in France: leaving early in the month or booking ahead helps limit the increase.
What should I pack for an October trip?
Layered clothing, a light waterproof jacket, good walking shoes and, depending on the destination, sun protection.
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PlanTripNow Team
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