The 20 Best Travel Destinations for October 2025: Where to Go for Fall Foliage, Perfect Weather & Fewer Crowds

October represents that magical sweet spot in the travel calendar—summer's heat has faded, winter's chill hasn't arrived, and the tourist hordes have largely dispersed. Whether you're chasing autumn colors in New England, soaking up Mediterranean sunshine in Spain, or experiencing Japan's harvest season, October 2025 offers some of the year's best travel opportunities with smaller crowds, better prices, and gorgeous scenery. Just because the year is winding down doesn't mean your travels need to come to an end—particularly when October dazzles with an abundance of epic adventures. From relaxing in steaming onsen hot springs in Tōhoku to wandering through bustling medinas in Morocco, here are the best places to visit this October. North America: Fall Foliage Capital of the World New England: The Ultimate Autumn Experience The best destination in October for fall foliage is New England, where the forests don vibrant coats of crimson, orange, and gold. Vermont's Stowe and Jefferson, Massachusetts' Berkshires, and New Hampshire's White Mountains create a stunning tapestry of autumn color that draws leaf-peepers from around the world. North Conway stands out as one of New England's best destinations in October with its historic railway rides and packed events calendar. Jump aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad's vintage trains and take in soul-stirring fall views of the White Mountains while experiencing the romance of a bygone transportation era. The region's charm extends beyond natural beauty. Cozy harvest festivals, apple orchards offering fresh cider and warm donuts, and Halloween events in historic towns create an authentically autumnal atmosphere. Temperatures hover in the comfortable 50-60°F range, perfect for outdoor activities without summer's humidity or crowds. Asheville, North Carolina: Mountains Meet Culture October is the perfect time to visit this artsy mountain city where the Blue Ridge Mountains are alight with fall color, the air is crisp, and the hiking trails wrap you in a dazzling canopy of fiery red and gold. September to early November stays comfortably mild, making it ideal for exploring. The city buzzes with cozy autumn charm and seasonal events like Asheville Oktoberfest. Drive the flame-leafed Blue Ridge Parkway, admire elaborate seasonal displays at the ornate Biltmore Estate, hike the colorful trails of waterfall-dotted Pisgah National Forest, and warm up with a pumpkin-spiced latte at quirky local coffee shops. Albuquerque, New Mexico: Southwestern Splendor Beyond the amazing sights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the mountains and valleys of northern New Mexico explode with golden leaves, making for incredible scenic drives. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos offer distinctive takes on the state's vibrant art, history, and New Mexican cuisine, with regional favorites like red and green chile-smothered enchiladas and sopapillas with honey. The balloon fiesta typically runs in early October, attracting hundreds of colorful hot air balloons that create one of photography's most spectacular subjects against crisp autumn skies. Austin and Lake Travis, Texas: Live Music and Lakeside Living As far as the best places to visit in October go, few destinations come close to Austin and Lake Travis. The Texan capital serves up sunny days in the mid-70s, making it the perfect time for paddling through limestone canyons and sailing across the lake. The region is a mecca for those seeking adventure—zip-line over sparkling waters, trek through juniper-scented trails at Pace Bend, or unwind at a Hill Country vineyard. Back in town, try delicious local brews at craft beer festivals and catch your favorite artists and bands performing at the city's world-famous live music festivals. Europe: Mediterranean Magic and Autumn Charm Menorca, Spain: Winter's Spring After the heat of high summer abates, hardcore beach-loungers depart, but the sun hasn't quite finished with the easternmost Balearic. In the first weeks of autumn—sometimes dubbed primavera l'hivern, describing the bright, warm days of "winter's spring"—tourist facilities are yet to close up shop, and the Mediterranean waves lapping Menorca's glorious beaches remain delightfully balmy. Spain tends to bask in its last rays of sunshine in October, with temperatures still reaching a pleasant daily average of around 70°F. Add to this dwindling visitor numbers, and you have an excellent month for exploring the country's historic cities on foot. Despite the odd shower as October wears on, conditions are good for discovering the Anglo-Spanish heritage of charismatic capital Maó and former chief settlement Ciutadella, marveling at four-millennia-old archaeological sites, and enjoying the island's spectacular coastline in relative solitude. Fes, Morocco: Journey Back in Time Stepping through blue-tiled Bab Bou Jeloud is as close as most of us will get to time travel: a journey back 1200 years to a city without motorized traffic, into the most mesmerizing and extensive medieval city in the Islamic world. Visit in October, between sweltering summer and chilly, damp winter, to explore the tangled skein of 9400 alleys in Fes el-Bali. This oldest section of the walled Medina is romantic and relentless in equal measure. You can admire glorious Moorish zellij tile work and ornately carved wood and alabaster adorning medersas, feast on pastilla, tajines, and traditional mint tea, and bed down in an Arabian Nights–worthy palace, riad, or dar. Sicily, Italy: Off-Season Paradise If "White Lotus" piqued your interest in a Sicilian getaway, but you don't quite have the budget to splurge, plan a trip for October when the summer tourists have gone home. At the start of the offseason, hotel rates in this Italian paradise can drop to almost half of their peak prices. Italy in October offers 7-18°C temperature range and mild rainfall, making for some pretty stunning weather. Explore the city of Rome, visit the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, lunch at chic cafes, enjoy thick gelato walking down cobbled streets, and visit Vatican City. Florence offers beautiful destinations for history and renaissance. Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights Season Begins Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Iceland's capital, so an October visit will give you access to top sights sans crowds. Take in the city's unique architecture like Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa concert hall on a free walking tour before grabbing a craft beer or a bowl of fiskisúpa (fish soup). Temperatures may hover in the 40s, but the area's hot springs and geothermal pools will warm you right up. Plus, as a trade-off for shorter days and cooler weather, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights this time of year—something impossible during the midnight sun of summer. Bavaria's Black Forest, Germany: Autumn Alternative While Germany's Bavaria region and its raucous Oktoberfest celebrations garner a lot of attention every fall, the Black Forest in southwestern Germany offers a quieter escape into nature. Despite its many evergreens, the Black Forest is one of the best destinations in the country for fall foliage. October marks an average temperature making for summery autumn conditions, with evenings getting chilly while rain remains infrequent, accompanied by plenty of sunshine hours perfect for hiking forest trails and exploring charming villages. Asia: Harvest Festivals and Cultural Immersion Japan: Koyo Season and Harvest Time Autumn is unmistakable in Japan, with forests donning coats of bright red, blazing orange, and warm gold. For the best displays during October, head to more northerly or high-altitude regions like Hokkaido. The weather is cooler than summer but still mild enough to enjoy time outdoors. October is also prime harvest time, so wherever you dine you can enjoy fresh, seasonal produce straight from the fields. You might also come across harvest festivals that range from low-key events to vibrant parades. Traditional Kyoto cuisine walking tours offer incredible opportunities to experience this seasonal bounty. For cultural events and mild weather, the best vacation spots in October are Japan and Italy, with festivals, autumn colors, and fewer tourists than peak season. Japan's combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it particularly rewarding during fall. China: Golden Autumn While China's vast size means its climate varies by region, October is generally warm and dry. Visiting at this time means you'll find a comfortable window between the humid conditions of summer and the cold winter months. Avoid the first week of October when a national holiday means travel gets busy. But, the rest of the month is a good time to visit to enjoy autumnal displays in city parks and across rural landscapes, as well as mild temperatures and little rain. The Great Wall becomes particularly photogenic draped in autumn colors. Nepal: Trekking Paradise Nepal is home to Mt. Everest and becomes one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world during October. The month offers ideal trekking conditions with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain visibility. As the country evolves as a destination for hikers, trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers, October provides the perfect combination of comfortable weather and spectacular Himalayan views. Whether attempting the Everest Base Camp trek or exploring the Annapurna Circuit, October delivers optimal conditions. Philippines: Dive into Adventure Adventure travel, including diving, has grown in popularity over recent years, and the Philippines' 7,000 islands get top marks for underwater adventures. Head to Palawan's Coron Bay for mind-blowing wreck diving, while Anilao is one of the world's best spots for biodiversity. Visit once the rainy season's out of the way in the second half of October to make the most of beautiful beaches. Filipino cuisine is taking root in global cities, but experiencing ube ice cream and Lechon at the source remains unbeatable. Africa and Middle East: Wildlife and Ancient Wonders South Africa: Wildlife Viewing Peak Whale watching, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing are all at their peak in South Africa during October, making it one of the best months to combine regions. Temperatures begin to heat up across the country, but the rains have yet to fall in the north. Safari areas like the Kruger are still dry, making wildlife easier to spot as animals gather around vital water sources. Along the coast, southern right whales have yet to migrate south, so you can often see them breaching offshore—a spectacular natural phenomenon. Turkey: Perfect Autumn Temperatures October in Turkey marks an average of 16ºC, creating a summery autumn. Evenings get chilly while rain is infrequent, with 6 hours of sunshine daily. Visit the 17th century blue mosque Hagia Sophia, explore Topkapı Palace, and wander through the Grand Bazaar. Head to Cappadocia in central Anatolia for unparalleled beauty, hot air balloon rides at sunrise, and unique cave hotels. Mardin offers clear cobalt skies and mustard-colored mountains, while Istanbul bridges continents with its rich history and vibrant culture. Central and South America: Spring Blooms and Fewer Crowds Los Cabos, Mexico: Desert Meets Ocean At this time of year, Mexico's sublime Los Cabos makes the list of best warm places to go in October. The days are hot, dry, and sunny, while temperatures rarely dip below 70°F at night. Enjoy lazy afternoons sunning on Lover's Beach, sunset cruises to El Arco, and evening strolls around Cabo San Lucas' elegant marina. This season also sees some of the region's most exciting events—the Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas mid-month features parades and parties, while the colorful Day of the Dead celebrations toward the end of October offer authentic cultural immersion. Chile: Wildflower Season Enjoying the warmth of spring, Chile in October sees brilliant wildflowers coating its central and northern regions, mild days ripe for exploring, and a smattering of rain here and there. While southern Patagonia is still feeling winter's chill, you'll begin to experience less rain and longer daylight hours. The Atacama Desert is a year-round destination, while in cities like Santiago you'll be rubbing shoulders with fewer visitors than during the upcoming summer months, and should get more for your money. Peru: End of Dry Season As Peru reaches the end of its dry season in October, wildlife viewing in the Amazon rainforest and the country's cloudforests is at its best, and trekking conditions are excellent. Machu Picchu can be visited year-round, but October offers the sweet spot before the November rains begin. Caribbean: Shoulder Season Opportunities Dominican Republic North Coast: Budget-Friendly Paradise One of the best Caribbean spots in October is the Dominican Republic's north coast, which usually enjoys good weather with fewer crowds and affordable prices. Since these islands lie in the hurricane belt, consider travel insurance for a fall trip here, though late October typically sees improving conditions. The combination of reduced prices, warm waters, and authentic local experiences makes this an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers willing to accept slightly higher weather variability. Strategic Travel Tips for October 2025 Timing is Everything Plan to attend major events or festivals like Germany's Oktoberfest or India's Diwali? Flights and hotels for these events often sell out quickly and prices spike closer to the date. Book early to secure better rates and availability. Avoid Over-Tourism For popular destinations, visit at off-peak hours, book guided tours with skip-the-line access, or explore nearby alternatives. In Rome, skip the usual midday rush at the Colosseum and instead book a guided tour under the moonlight or visit the lesser-known Baths of Caracalla. Weather Reliability Regions like Europe (Italy, Germany, Greece), Japan, and Morocco don't experience hurricanes, making them reliable choices for fall travel. The US Southwest—like Utah and New Mexico—also has dry, mild conditions with minimal weather risk. Budget Optimization October hits that sweet spot between summer's heat and the rush of holiday travel, offering better prices on flights and accommodations. Traveling in October lets you enjoy some of the year's best destinations without the peak-season crowds or prices. Making the Most of October Travel October 2025 offers unprecedented travel opportunities across multiple continents and climate zones. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or natural beauty, this month delivers exceptional experiences with practical advantages like lower costs and smaller crowds. The key is matching your destination to your priorities. Want vibrant fall colors? Head to New England or Japan. Craving beach weather? Los Cabos and the Dominican Republic deliver. Interested in cultural exploration? Morocco and Turkey offer incredible history and hospitality. With careful planning and strategic booking, October 2025 can become one of your most memorable travel experiences—a time when the world opens up in ways that peak season travel simply can't match. The question isn't whether to travel in October, but rather: which of these incredible destinations will you choose first?