The best countries to visit in October are all the perfect antidote to the post-summer blues. By the time October rolls around, we’re all ready to plan a trip to somewhere warm and exciting.
To narrow down our list to the 10 best countries to visit in October, we considered the average weather, activities, and special events at each destination. The following countries are all generally warm and sunny in October. In addition, many have once-a-year festivals or events happening this month.
Check out the top 10 countries and discover the average temperature, the best activity to do in October, where to stay, and the chance of rain during your October getaway.
Ready to plan your group trip to one of the following countries? Head over to Troupe’s group trip planner where you can let your travel group vote on their favorite destination and tackle all the trip planning, all in one place.
The 10 best countries to visit in October are:
- Malta
- Mexico (Oaxaca)
- USA (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
- Australia (Melbourne)
- Argentina (Buenos Aires/Cordoba)
- Indonesia (Bali)
- Tanzania (The Serengeti)
- Japan (Kyoto)
- Austria (Vienna)
- Aruba
Best Countries for an October Vacation
1. Malta
When it comes to Europe, the weather has drastically cooled off on most of the continent by October. Naturally, the further south you go, the better chance of sun and beach-friendly temperatures. The tiny country of Malta is tucked way down below Italy’s boot in the Mediterranean Sea.
Malta is one of the best countries to visit in October as it offers visitors a wide array of beaches and plenty to explore in the way of history, cities, nature, and cuisine as well.
Average Weather in October: 76°/54°
Best October Activity: Notte Bianca
Where to stay: In the capital, Valletta, or the seaside town of Sliema
Chance of rain: 5 days/month
2. Oaxaca, Mexico
This vibrant town in Mexico is consistently voted one of the best places to travel in recent years. And October is one of our favorite times to visit. With daily highs in the high 70s and some of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in the entire country, you can’t go wrong with a visit here the last week of the month.
Oaxaca is also one of the best culinary destinations in Mexico, so be sure to arrive with an appetite.
Average Weather in October: 82°/54°
Best October Activity: Enjoy Dia de Los Muertos festivities (while the holiday is technically November 1-2, celebrations start as early as Oct 28th)
Where to stay: Oaxaca Centro Historico
Chance of rain: Low. 4 days/month.
3. Albuqueque, New Mexico, U.S.A.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kicks off in early October when temperatures in this southern state still reach the low 70s during the day. However, as it is the desert, it gets chilly after dark so be sure to bring warmer clothes as well.
Enjoy the colorful balloon-filled skies along with nine days worth of fun entertainment and events. Beyond the fiesta, the United States is one of the best countries to visit in October for its abundance of road trip options in the country’s southwest.
Average Weather: 72°/46°
Best October Activity: The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Where to stay: Nativo Lodge
Chance of rain: 3 days/month
4. Melbourne, Australia
The Melbourne International Jazz Festival takes place each October, giving jazz lovers a perfect excuse to make the journey down under. This is Australia’s largest jazz festival and it’s worth the long flights.
However, Melbourne is always a good idea. Enjoy the trendy bar and restaurant scene, catch a comedy show, or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. In addition, Australia is one of the best countries to visit in October if you’re looking to hit up multiple destinations, like Sydney and Adelaide as well.
Average Weather: 68°/51°
Best October Activity: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Where to stay: The trendy Fitzroy neighborhood
Chance of rain: 8 days/month
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
October in Buenos Aires is the beautiful start to springtime in the north of Argentina. It’s also the ideal time to visit this bustling South American capital. The weather is perfect for days spent strolling around the city. Everything is far less crowded — not to mention cheaper — as October is the shoulder season here.
Enjoy steak and Malbec, take a tango dancing lesson, or catch a polo match. Be sure to also pay a visit to Cordoba where you can head to Villa General Belgrano to celebrate Oktoberfest this month.
Average Weather: 71°/57°
Best October Activity: Celebrate Oktoberfest in Villa General Belgrano
Where to stay: Alvear Icon Hotel
Chance of rain: 8 days/month
6. Bali, Indonesia
While it’s certainly going to be a bit hot and muggy this month in Bali, Indonesia is still one of the best countries to visit in October. There’s something for everyone. Bali is great for a totally chilled beach vacation or a week full of exploration with trips to the mountains, jungles, and islands off the coast.
Visit Ubud, the Gili Islands, or Mount Batur.
Average Weather: 88°/76°
Best October Activity: Visit the Pura Tirta Empul Temple
Where to stay: Komaneka at Keramas Beach
Chance of rain: 8 days/month
7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa
Have you ever wanted to go on an African Safari? Tanzania is one of the best countries to visit in October because that’s when you’ll find The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park. Head to the northern Serengeti to see the big herds congregated in certain spots before the rains.
Even without witnessing The Great Migration, a visit to Serengeti National Park is one of the most unforgettable trips you can take in your lifetime. If you have the time, combine your safari with a beach vacation on Zanzibar.
Average Weather: 82°/59°
Best October Activity: See The Great Migration in the Serengeti
Where to stay: Serengeti Simba Lodge
Chance of rain: 9 days/month
8. Kyoto, Japan
October is one of the best months to visit Japan when the weather is still pleasant and the summer’s rainfall and humidity is subsiding. Kyoto is one of the best places to visit at this time. Wander the temples, shrines, and gardens in the gorgeous weather.
If you’re looking for an October festival nearby, the Kurama-no-hi Matsuri takes place in the mountains near Kyoto and you’ll see men in loincloths carry burning torches through the village of Kurama.
Average Weather: 72°/54°
Best October Activity: Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Where to stay: Ryotei Rangetsu in Kyoto near the riverfront
Chance of rain: 7 days/month
9. Vienna, Austria
One of the chillier destinations you’ll visit in October, we still love Austria in the fall. Enjoy the autumn colors in Stadtpark. Cozy up in ancient wine bars or enjoy culinary excellence at restaurants like Amador.
Pay a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and explore the catacombs and south tower without all the tourists of the summer months.
Average Weather: 57°/44°
Best October Activity: St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna in central Vienna
Chance of rain: 13 days/month (typically light showers)
10. Aruba
While October is still hurricane season for most of the Caribbean, Aruba sits outside of the hurricane belt. So if you’re looking for a Caribbean island to visit this fall, Aruba is the place to be. You’ll still catch the occasional shower but you’ll also have so much more peace and quiet on the island than in the coming high season months of December/January.
Enjoy a stay on Eagle Beach, named the 5th best beach in the world by Tripadvisor for 2022.
Average Weather: 89°/79°
Best October Activity: Enjoy the white sand paradise of Eagle Beach
Where to stay: Bucuti and Tari Beach Resort in Eagle Beach
Chance of rain: 7 days/month
October travel planning
Now is the perfect time to start planning an October getaway. Use Troupe to streamline all your vacation planning by letting your friends vote on their favorite October destination.
For more October travel inspiration, check out the following: