Want to know where is hot in October? As well as beach destinations ideal for a little sunshine, I’ve rounded up a few thrilling cities perfect for some warm weather sightseeing.
Pleasant temperatures, landscapes awash with spectacular colours and minimal crowds make travel in the autumn ideal. You can also usually get more value for money in October thanks to lower ticket prices and accommodation rates after the busy summer season.
Ready to pack your bags, your camera, and your imagination? Satisfy your thirst for sun-filled adventure travel with one of these nine destinations.
Where’s hot in October?
Filter below by price or temperature to find the best warm destination in October based on KAYAK data, or keep reading for more info on the best hot spots this month.
Where in Europe is hot in October?
While temperatures are beginning to cool throughout most of Europe, you’ll still find a few balmy spots to enjoy an October city break. Here are a few of my favourites.
1. Rome, Italy
- Average October temperature: 17°C
For a European city break that’s still hot in October, say hello to Rome. Italy‘s history-packed capital is a joy to visit during this month as it’s warm but not too hot - with average highs at a very respectable 22°C.
This makes strolling around the city’s lush parks and touring epic sites like the Roman Forum much more pleasant than during the sweltering summer months.
Can’t get enough of Italian grub? You can also enjoy a slice of la dolce vita in October by dining alfresco in Rome’s picture-perfect piazzas. Just remember to bring an extra layer as temperatures can drop in the evenings.
2. Barcelona, Spain
- Average October temperature: 17°C
Spain often tops the list as one of the best countries for a hot holiday in October (and throughout autumn). While the Canary Islands are a safe bet for an autumn beach getaway, you’ll find Barcelona is the perfect alternative if you’ve only got a few days to play with.
Temperatures tend to hover around 17°C during the day (with lovely highs of 22°C). Meaning you’ll be able to wander around the city’s attractions with few layers on yet without working up too much of a sweat. Hotspots include the fantastical Park Guell (arguably Gaudi’s greatest creation), the iconic Camp Nou for football fans and Barceloneta Beach if it’s hot enough for a swim.
If you do experience the odd rainy afternoon, don’t worry. There are plenty of things to keep you occupied indoors. Tick off the monumental La Sagrada Familia, soak up some art at Museo Picasso or tempt your tastebuds at the covered Boqueria Market.
3. Nice, France
- Average October temperature: 17°C
If you’re wondering where is hot in October in France, you’ll want to head south. The French Riviera maintains its warm weather throughout the month, with average temperatures in the glorious city of Nice sitting around 17°C most days.
Nice is a wonderful spot for a few days of early autumn sunshine. Spend hours strolling (and people-watching) along the Promenade de Anglais. Get lost in the colourful, cobbled streets of charming Nice Old Town. Or hike up Castle Hill (the home of an ancient ruined castle) for breathtaking vistas of the sea and sky.
You’ll be able to bag a decent hotel for around £150 per night, too. Plus, on hot days when the weather reaches upwards of 22°C, a leisurely beach day and a dip in the Mediterranean is perfectly possible.
Where’s hot in October: long-haul destinations
For higher temperatures (and the possibility of a week-long beach break), you’ll need to travel further. Here are a few of the best places to go for sun in October in the rest of the world.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
- Average October temperature: 16°C
If Istanbul’s vibrant-hued mosques and bustling bazaars have been on your radar for a while, October might be the ideal month for a trip. The city’s location means it’s lovely and warm throughout the month, with average high temperatures of around 19°C.
October is also much quieter than the previous summer months, making exploring its historic streets a much more manageable experience. What’s more, the month is packed with a range of cultural events for you to enjoy.
The Filmekimi festival is usually hosted in early October and will appeal to cinema fanatics. Or there’s the Akbank Jazz Festival for music numbers.
Another great reason to visit in October is the stunning autumn light that enshrines the city - especially at dusk. It’s a dream for both professional and amateur photographers keen to capture some beautiful shots of the city’s exquisite architecture.
5. Los Angeles, USA
- Average October temperature: 20°C
While summer temperatures can be too hot in Los Angeles (LA), an October getaway strikes a great balance - especially if you want a mix of sightseeing and beach days.
This iconic Californian city is bursting with things to do, no matter your interests. October’s 20°C days make it a prime time for hiking in the Hollywood Hills. You could also take a more leisurely walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or satisfy your inner child at one of several theme parks (including Disneyland).
With some days reaching upwards of 25°C, some beach time should definitely be on your agenda. My top picks: Venice Beach for people-watching or El Matador State Park for peace and quiet.
Got a couple of weeks to play with? Consider extending your trip beyond LA with a mini USA road trip - Big Sur State Park and historic Monterey are both less than half a day’s drive up the coast.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Average October temperature: 27°C
While some parts of Hawaii are still recovering from 2023’s devastating wildfires, Honolulu is very much open for business. It’s the region’s laidback coastal capital and a gateway to many other idyllic islands - giving you options for sightseeing and some serious R&R.
October is an ideal time to visit and soak up some Hawaiian sunshine, with KAYAK data showing average temperatures at a very nice 27°C.
Hitting up crescent-shaped Waikiki Beach is a must. It’s one of the most famous sandy spots on Oahu Island and is particularly great for those who want to try their hand at surfing. Alternatively, there are several hiking trails to tackle in Oahu Island’s interiors.
Honolulu itself is a bustling city, so you’ll find plenty to pique your interest. Tick off historic gems like the 19th-century Iolani Palace and the Pearl Harbor War Museum. You can also get stuck into delicious local and global cuisine, both in Waikiki’s glitzy restaurants or Chinatown’s local haunts.
7. Fort Lauderdale, USA
- Average October temperature: 26°C
Florida isn’t nicknamed the USA’s Sunshine State for nothing! It’s blessed with sunny weather all year round - and there are plenty of places to base yourself for a getaway.
The elegant coastal city of Fort Lauderdale on the southeastern coast is an attractive option for a hot holiday in October. As well as average daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20s, it’s also a city with lots of outdoor allures.
Sink your toes in the sand at Fort Lauderdale Beach, discover the nature trails at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or marvel at the manicured gardens at historic Bonnet House. You could also discover why the city is called the ‘Venice of America’ with a blissful gondola ride along its network of canals.
Fort Lauderdale is also a great option for shopping and fine dining, with key spots including The Strip and Las Olas Boulevard.
8. Hong Kong
- Average October temperature: 26°C
If Asia’s on your bucket list for 2024, what better city to head for than Hong Kong? In October, this attraction-packed (and food-filled) metropolis is usually a warm 26°C during the daytime. This makes it much more manageable to explore than during the city’s soaring summer temperatures, plus you can bag a hotel for £100 per night.
Despite being a busy city, there’s lots to do outdoors in Hong Kong. Take the cable car to the top of Victoria Peak for magnificent panoramic views of the harbour and the city’s skyscrapers.
Spend a few hours in the peaceful Nan Lian Garden, including checking out its Tang Dynasty-inspired pagodas. Visiting with kids? Check out Hong Kong Disneyland and the Grand Resort Deck in neighbouring Macau.
Hong Kong is also well-connected if you fancy continuing your Asia adventure. My recommendations? The Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
- Average October temperature: 28°C
Continuing with the Asia theme, the next place on my where’s hot in October list is the buzzing Thai capital of Bangkok. You certainly won’t be disappointed by its temperatures at this time of year - the average day is usually a steamy 28°C.
As well as enjoying the sunshine while sipping a beer at one of the city’s rooftop bar or strolling around serene Lumpini Park, you could also cool off at one of many indoor attractions. Bangkok is famous for its many ornate temples (known locally as Wats), while the National Museum of Bangkok is worth popping into for a little background information on the city’s past.
Despite the heat, mid-to-late October marks the end of Bangkok’s rainy season, with lower humidity levels and cooler evenings for checking out the night markets. Foodies will be in heaven!
Where’s hot and cheap in October?
The first month of autumn is a brilliant time to tour the world’s most spectacular locales. It sits firmly in the off-season for most destinations, meaning you’ll easily find a great deal on flights and hotels.
Check out Rome for a cheap European city break or take advantage of £55 per night hotel rates in Bangkok if you’re hoping for a bigger adventure.
Need some inspiration for the rest of the autumn? Discover where's hot in November. You can also check out KAYAK Explore to find more deals on destinations for your preferred holiday dates.
Recommendation ranking of cities:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on the presented five factors: average flight prices, average hotel prices, average, high temperatures, average low temperatures, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, meaning the lower the better. All factors are equally weighted. From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from search period ‘01-02-2024’ to ‘15-04-2024’ for travel period ‘09-2024’ - ‘12-2024’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3 stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.Weather (monthly average, high and low temperatures, and average precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data are based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.
