Best country to visit in October

Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays

Looking for the best countries to visit in October? Discover 12 top destinations with great weather,  fewer crowds, and stunning seasonal charm.

Can’t decide where to travel this October? You’re not alone — and you might be missing out on one of the best months to explore the world.

While most travelers wait for the summer or winter rush, savvy explorers know the secret: October is pure gold — literally and figuratively. Think fiery fall foliage in Japan, vineyard tours in Italy, desert escapes in Morocco, and tulip-filled spring in Australia. And the best part? Fewer crowds, better deals, and unforgettable local festivals that most tourists never even hear about.

This isn’t just another travel list — it’s your cheat sheet to the top 12  countries to visit in October, with insider tips, hidden gems, and travel-worthy experiences you’ll want to book as soon as possible.

This guide features the best countries to visit in October, each chosen for their unmatched seasonal experiences — from Japan’s fiery autumn leaves to Portugal’s wine trails and Norway’s Northern Lights.

Jump to sections

• Why Travel in October?
  
• Top 12 Best Countries to Travel to in October
      – Japan
      – Italy
      – Morocco
      – Greece
      – Bhutan
      – Spain
      – Australia
      – Vietnam
      – South Africa
      – Portugal
      – Norway
      – France
  
• Conclusion: Where Will You Go This October?
  

Quick reference table – Best countries to visit in October

Why travel in October?

October is one of the most underrated months for travel. Falling between the peak summer crowds and the rush of winter holidays, this shoulder season offers a perfect balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and unique experiences. Here’s why October stands out as an ideal time to explore the world.

Mild weather and comfortable exploration

Whether you’re strolling through the maple-covered streets of Kyoto or enjoying a spring morning in the Australian countryside, October offers some of the most enjoyable weather conditions of the year. It’s a time when the heat of summer has faded, but the chill of winter hasn’t yet arrived, making it perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Why it matters:

• Ideal temperatures for hiking, exploring cities, or enjoying nature
• Fewer disruptions due to extreme weather conditions

Fewer crowds, more authentic experiences

October falls outside the traditional school holidays and tourist rush, which means many popular destinations are quieter and more relaxed. With fewer crowds, travelers can engage more deeply with local culture and enjoy a more personal experience of well-known attractions.

Benefits include:

• Shorter lines and easier access to major sites and museums
• Greater availability and flexibility in accommodations and transportation
• Opportunities for authentic interactions with locals, who are less overwhelmed by tourism

Fall colors, cultural festivals, and seasonal charm

One of the most compelling reasons to travel in October is the seasonal beauty and cultural richness it offers. In many parts of the world, this month brings breathtaking fall foliage, harvest celebrations, and unique local festivals that reflect the traditions and spirit of the region.

What to expect:

• Autumn colors in destinations like Japan, the US, and Europe
• Wine harvests in Italy and Portugal, often accompanied by food festivals

Countries to travel to in October (Top picks)

October is one of the most rewarding months to travel. It marks the shoulder season in many parts of the world, meaning fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and lower travel costs. Whether you’re after golden autumn landscapes, local festivals, or quiet cultural escapes, here are the best countries to travel to in October, offering the perfect balance of nature, history, and unique seasonal experiences.

Japan – Fall foliage and cultural festivals

• Best places to visit: Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara
• Highlight: Momiji season (autumn leaves)
• Hidden Gem: Takayama, a beautifully preserved Edo-period town in the Japanese Alps, offers vibrant fall colors with fewer tourists and a rich local food scene.
  

Japan in October is a treat for the senses. As the maple trees turn fiery red and golden yellow, especially in Kyoto and Nara, the country welcomes the start of its famous momiji season. It’s also festival season — from the lively Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto to traditional harvest celebrations. Tokyo’s urban parks like Shinjuku Gyoen offer a stunning contrast of modern skyline and seasonal beauty.

Italy – Romantic autumn in Rome and Tuscany

• Best places to visit: Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany
• Highlight: Wine harvest, truffle festivals, and fewer crowds
• Hidden Gem: Civita di Bagnoregio, a fairytale hilltop village in Lazio, often called “the dying city,” with magical autumn views and near-empty cobbled streets.

October brings a romantic calm to Italy. The summer heat and crowds subside, giving way to cool breezes, food festivals, and countryside charm. In Tuscany, the grape and olive harvests are in full swing, accompanied by truffle fairs and wine tasting tours. Rome and Florence are ideal for exploring iconic landmarks in peace, while the Amalfi Coast offers quieter coastal charm.

Morocco – Desert adventures and cultural charm

• Best places to visit: Marrakech, Fes, Sahara Desert
• Highlight: Comfortable temperatures for desert treks and medina explorations
• Hidden Gem: Chefchaouen, the striking blue-painted mountain town in the Rif range, perfect for photography and serenity.

After the scorching summer, Morocco becomes comfortably warm in October, making it perfect for exploring ancient cities and embarking on a Sahara adventure. Wander through the vibrant souks of Marrakech, discover the historic streets of Fes, or take a camel trek across golden dunes, ending the day under starlit skies in a desert camp.

Greece – Peaceful ruins and sun-drenched escapes

• Best places to visit: Athens, Crete, Rhode
• Highlight: Off-season rates, historical landmarks without crowds
• Hidden Gem: Meteora, a surreal landscape of ancient monasteries perched on rock pillars—ideal for hiking and golden autumn light.

While smaller Greek islands begin to close for the season, major destinations like Athens and Crete remain accessible and appealing. October offers sunny days, ideal for exploring ancient ruins like the Acropolis without the summer rush. Rhodes and Crete still enjoy mild temperatures, and accommodations are more affordable than in peak months.

Bhutan – Himalayan serenity and spiritual festivals

• Best places to visit: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
• Highlight: Clear skies, mountain views, and the Thimphu Tshechu festival
• Hidden Gem: Phobjikha Valley, a serene glacial valley famous for the black-necked cranes and untouched beauty during October.

October is one of the best times to visit Bhutan. With crisp weather, snow-dusted Himalayan peaks, and traditional festivals in full swing, the kingdom feels timeless and peaceful. The Thimphu Tshechu, held in early October, showcases masked dances and religious rituals — a powerful introduction to Bhutanese culture.

Spain – Autumn sunshine and cultural flair

• Best places to visit: Seville, Barcelona, Granada
• Highlight: Pleasant temperatures, flamenco shows, and tapas festivals
• Hidden Gem: Ronda, an ancient city perched above a deep gorge in Andalusia, offering dramatic views, wine cellars, and fewer crowds in fall.

Southern Spain remains warm in October, with plenty of sunshine and fewer tourists. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Seville’s Moorish architecture, catch flamenco performances in Granada, or explore Barcelona’s artistic soul. Tapas tours, local festivals, and scenic strolls through historic alleys define the Spanish autumn experience.

Australia – Spring blooms and outdoor adventures

• Best places to visit: Sydney, Melbourne, Blue Mountains
• Highlight: Tulip festivals, beach weather, and coastal road trips
• Hidden Gem: Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania, a stunning coastal escape with pink granite peaks and spring wildflowers, perfect for hiking and solitude.

October is springtime in Australia. Parks and gardens in cities like Melbourne and Canberra burst into color with tulip and flower festivals. It’s also a great month for driving the scenic Great Ocean Road, hiking in the Blue Mountains, or enjoying early beach days along Sydney’s coast. Fewer international tourists make it even more enjoyable.

Vietnam – Harvest beauty and cool weather in the north

• Best places to visit: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa
• Highlight: Rice terrace views, trekking weather, and cultural encounters
• Hidden Gem: Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a lesser-known alternative to Sapa, filled with rice terraces, homestays, bamboo forests, and authentic local life.
  

Northern Vietnam glows gold in October, thanks to the rice harvest in places like Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. The weather is cool and dry, perfect for trekking, motorbiking, or cruising through the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay. In Hanoi, the streets come alive with autumnal markets and street food vendors.

South Africa – Safaris, vineyards, and coastal wonders

• Best places to visit: Cape Town, Garden Route, Kruger National Park
• Highlight: Big Five sightings, whale watching, and blooming landscapes
• Hidden Gem: Cederberg Mountains, a rugged, lesser-explored range with rock art, hiking trails, and stargazing just north of Cape Town.

October bridges the dry season and the blooming green months in South Africa. It’s still excellent for wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, while the coast around Hermanus hosts one of the world’s best whale-watching seasons. Cape Town is alive with spring flowers, and the nearby wine regions are at their most scenic and flavorful.

Portugal – Post-summer peace and vineyard beauty

• Best places to visit: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley
• Highlight: Warm weather, fewer crowds, and wine harvest vibes
• Hidden Gem: Monsanto, a unique village built into and around giant boulders, offering a medieval charm rarely seen by international visitors.

Portugal enjoys a gentle autumn, with sunny days and crisp evenings. Lisbon and Porto are vibrant yet calm in October, ideal for sightseeing and cafe hopping. The Douro Valley is at its most beautiful post-harvest, with terraced vineyards glowing amber and gold — perfect for river cruises and wine tastings.

Norway – Fjords, foliage, and the northern lights

• Best places to visit: Bergen, Tromsø, Lofoten Islands
• Highlight: Aurora sightings and autumn hiking
• Hidden Gem: Senja Island, often overshadowed by Lofoten but equally stunning, with dramatic peaks, fjords, and coastal drives with minimal tourists.

October in Norway is magical. The forests and fjords explode with color, especially around Bergen and the Lofoten Islands. It’s also the beginning of Northern Lights season in Tromsø. Though the weather turns chilly, the scenery more than makes up for it, and you’ll experience fewer tourists, cozy cafes, and quiet landscapes.

France – Wine regions, countryside escapes, and museum calm

• Best places to visit: Paris, Bordeaux, Alsace, Provence
• Highlight: Grape harvests, art exhibitions, and fall colors
• Hidden Gem: Annecy, the “Venice of the Alps,” where pastel houses, mountain backdrops, and a serene lakefront come alive in October hues.

France in October offers a slower, more intimate travel experience. Paris becomes even more romantic with fewer crowds and vibrant fall foliage along the Seine. In regions like Bordeaux and Alsace, the vineyards are busy with harvest and the countryside is bursting with color. Provence, though quieter, still offers sunshine and village charm.

Where do you fancy traveling in October?

Where will you go this October?

As the world shifts into a softer, golden rhythm, October opens a rare window for immersive travel — when the crowds thin out, the weather turns just right, and nature puts on a dazzling display. Whether you’re craving Japan’s fiery fall foliage, Morocco’s desert charm, or a wine-soaked escape in Tuscany or Portugal, this is your chance to explore destinations at their most authentic and breathtaking.

These twelve countries aren’t just great for October — they become unforgettable this time of year. The streets are quieter, the locals more relaxed, and the landscapes bursting with character. But here’s the catch: shoulder season bliss doesn’t last forever. Flights are already getting booked, and boutique stays in hidden corners? They’re vanishing fast.

So the real question is — are you going to scroll past another dream trip? Or are you going to take the leap and plan a getaway that’s all yours, away from the crowds and ahead of the curve?

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