Where to go in October
Best places to visit in October.
October is the start of the travel season: the monsoon has cleared, the hills are green and sharp, and festivals like Dussehra and Diwali light up the country.
In India (33)
- 01
Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
A living sandstone fort, carved havelis and a night under the stars in the Thar.
Desert days are warm and nights cool from October to February, the only comfortable time for the dunes. The Desert Festival usually lands in February.
Oct – Mar3 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 3-day plan - 02
Rajasthan
Jodhpur
The Blue City under Mehrangarh, one of India's mightiest forts.
Pleasant 25°C days from October to March make the fort climb and old-city walks easy; the Rajasthan International Folk Festival is held at the fort around October.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 2-day plan - 03
Rajasthan
Pushkar
A holy lake of 52 ghats, the Brahma temple and the world-famous camel fair.
The Pushkar Camel Fair runs around Kartik Purnima in late October or November: thousands of camels, folk music and a carnival in the dunes.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 2-day plan - 04
Rajasthan
Ranthambore
Tigers among the ruins of a thousand-year-old fort.
The park reopens on 1 October after the monsoon; winter safaris are cool and the forest is green, with good tiger sightings.
Oct – May2 days · from ₹3,000/daySee the 2-day plan - 05
Karnataka
Gokarna
A temple town with a string of quiet coves you walk between on cliff paths.
After the monsoon the sea calms, the shacks reopen and the beach trek is green and cool. It's Goa twenty years ago.
Oct – Mar3 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 3-day plan - 06
Karnataka
Coorg
Coffee estates, misty hills and Kodava cooking in the Western Ghats.
Post-monsoon Coorg is lush, waterfalls are full and the coffee blossoms and harvest run through winter.
Oct – Mar3 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 3-day plan - 07
Karnataka
Chikmagalur
Where coffee first grew in India, beneath Karnataka's highest peak.
Clear skies after the rains bring sweeping views from Mullayanagiri, and the estates are at their greenest.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 2-day plan - 08
Tamil Nadu
Ooty
The toy train through tea country to the Queen of Hill Stations.
Crisp, clear winter days are perfect for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the tea estates; frost on the grass in December and January.
Oct – May3 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 3-day plan - 09
Kerala
Varkala
Red laterite cliffs above the Arabian Sea, with cafés along the edge.
The cliff cafés reopen after the monsoon and the sea calms down; winter sunsets from North Cliff are the best in Kerala.
Oct – Mar3 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 3-day plan - 10
Kerala
Wayanad
Neolithic caves, heart-shaped lakes and spice-scented forest.
After the rains the forest is green, waterfalls are full and treks to Chembra and Edakkal are open again.
Oct – May3 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 3-day plan - 11
Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal
A star-shaped lake, pine forests and cliffs above the clouds.
Cool, misty winter days and fewer crowds than the summer rush; it's a classic honeymoon escape.
Oct – May2 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 2-day plan - 12
Tamil Nadu
Madurai
A 2,500-year-old temple city that never sleeps.
The heat eases from November to February, making the temple corridors and the night ceremony far more comfortable.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 2-day plan - 13
Karnataka
Mysore
A palace lit by 100,000 bulbs, silk, sandalwood and Mysore pak.
Dasara turns the city into a festival in October, and the palace is lit up every Sunday evening through the winter.
Oct – Feb2 days · from ₹1,600/daySee the 2-day plan - 14
Tamil Nadu
Kanyakumari
India's southern tip, where three seas meet and the sun rises and sets over water.
Winter's clear skies give the best sunrises and sunsets, and the ferry to the rock memorial runs reliably.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 2-day plan - 15
Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep
Coral atolls and turquoise lagoons, India's answer to the Maldives.
Seas are calm and visibility for snorkelling and diving is excellent from October to May.
Oct – May4 days · from ₹6,000/daySee the 4-day plan - 16
Odisha
Puri & Konark
The Jagannath temple, the Sun Temple of Konark and Asia's largest lagoon.
Winter is the season: the Konark Dance Festival is held in early December and migratory birds crowd Chilika from November to February.
Oct – Mar3 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 3-day plan - 17
Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
The old summer capital, its Mall Road and the toy train through 100 tunnels.
Christmas on the Ridge and the first snowfall, usually in late December or January, make winter Shimla's most magical season.
Oct – Apr3 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 3-day plan - 18
Himachal Pradesh
McLeod Ganj
Little Lhasa: monasteries, momos and the trek to Triund.
October and November bring the clearest views of the Dhauladhar and the best weather for the Triund trek before winter sets in.
Oct – Nov, Mar – Jun3 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 3-day plan - 19
Uttarakhand
Mussoorie
The Queen of the Hills and the quiet lanes of Landour.
Winter skies are clear enough to see the snow range, and the occasional January snowfall is a big draw from Delhi.
Oct – May2 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 2-day plan - 20
Uttarakhand
Nainital
A lake town ringed by seven hills, with Bhimtal and Sattal close by.
October and November are crisp and clear, with views of the snow peaks from Snow View, before the cold of December.
Oct – Jun3 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 3-day plan - 21
Himachal Pradesh
Bir Billing
Fly off a mountain at India's paragliding capital.
October and November have the most stable air of the year for tandem flights from Billing, and clear views of the Dhauladhar.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May3 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 3-day plan - 22
Uttarakhand
Chopta & Tungnath
The trek to the world's highest Shiva temple and the Chandrashila summit.
October and November give the clearest Himalayan views of the year; from December the trail turns into a snow trek.
Oct – Dec, Mar – May4 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 4-day plan - 23
Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley & Jibhi
Wooden homestays by a trout river, at the edge of a national park.
Autumn colours in October and November, then snow on Jalori Pass from December, with quiet cosy homestays.
Oct – Dec, Mar – May4 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 4-day plan - 24
West Bengal
Darjeeling
Tea gardens, a toy train and sunrise on Kanchenjunga.
October to December has the clearest skies of the year: the best chance of seeing Kanchenjunga turn gold from Tiger Hill.
Oct – Dec, Mar – May3 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 3-day plan - 25
Sikkim
Gangtok
A clean, friendly mountain capital with frozen lakes above it.
October to December brings clear views of Kanchenjunga and the first snow around Tsomgo Lake.
Oct – Dec, Mar – May4 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 4-day plan - 26
Meghalaya
Meghalaya
Living root bridges, waterfalls and a river so clear the boats seem to float on air.
From November the Umngot river at Dawki turns glass-clear, and dry winter days are perfect for the root-bridge trek.
Oct – Apr4 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 4-day plan - 27
Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang
India's largest monastery, high passes and frozen lakes near the Bhutan border.
October and November are dry and clear before the passes get snowbound, with dramatic autumn colours along the road.
Oct – Nov, Mar – Apr6 days · from ₹2,500/daySee the 6-day plan - 28
Uttar Pradesh
Agra
The Taj Mahal at sunrise, a red fort and a ghost city.
October to March is cool enough for long monument days; misty winter dawns make the Taj look like it's floating.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 2-day plan - 29
Punjab
Amritsar
The Golden Temple, the border ceremony and the best kulchas in India.
Cool winter days suit long hours at the temple, and Diwali and Gurpurab light the Golden Temple up spectacularly.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,500/daySee the 2-day plan - 30
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho
A thousand years of sculpture in sandstone, next to a tiger reserve.
Winter is the season, and the Khajuraho Dance Festival brings classical dancers to the temples in February.
Oct – Mar2 days · from ₹1,800/daySee the 2-day plan - 31
Madhya Pradesh
Kanha
The sal forests that inspired The Jungle Book.
Kanha reopens on 16 October; winter mornings are misty and the meadows full of barasingha.
Oct – Jun3 days · from ₹3,000/daySee the 3-day plan - 32
Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar
Strawberry fields, valley viewpoints and a Maratha fort.
Strawberry season runs from about December to March, and the cool, clear days are perfect for viewpoints.
Oct – May2 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 2-day plan - 33
Maharashtra
Alibaug
Mumbai's weekend beach, a ferry ride from the Gateway of India.
After the monsoon the seas are calm, the ferries run and the weather is perfect for beach days and forts.
Oct – May2 days · from ₹2,500/daySee the 2-day plan
Around the world (55)
- 01
Vietnam
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Old Quarter street food and a night aboard a junk among 1,600 limestone islands.
October to December is dry and cool in the north, with clear days on Ha Long Bay and pleasant evenings in the Old Quarter.
Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr6 days · from ₹2,500/daySee the 6-day plan - 02
Singapore
Singapore
Gardens in the sky, hawker food and Sentosa's beaches.
Christmas lights on Orchard Road and the year-end festivities make November and December a great time, and school holidays make it a family favourite.
All year4 days · from ₹5,000/daySee the 4-day plan - 03
Nepal
Kathmandu & Pokhara
Ancient temple squares and sunrise over the Annapurnas.
October and November are Nepal's best months: clear post-monsoon skies, mountain views and festival season with Dashain and Tihar.
Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr6 days · from ₹2,000/daySee the 6-day plan - 04
Bhutan
Bhutan
Tiger's Nest, fortress monasteries and a kingdom that measures happiness.
Clear autumn skies, harvest festivals (tshechus) and crisp days make October and November the best time to visit.
Oct – Nov, Mar – Apr6 days · from ₹4,000/daySee the 6-day plan - 05
Azerbaijan
Baku
A medieval walled city below the Flame Towers, and snow a few hours away.
An easy e-visa, short flights and winter snow at Shahdag make Baku one of this season's most searched trips from India.
Oct – May5 days · from ₹4,000/daySee the 5-day plan - 06
Georgia
Tbilisi & Georgia
Sulphur baths, wine country and a church beneath Mount Kazbek.
October is grape harvest (rtveli) in Kakheti, and from December Gudauri has some of the cheapest good skiing in Europe.
Oct – May6 days · from ₹3,000/daySee the 6-day plan - 07
Turkey
Istanbul
Two continents, Byzantine domes and the Bosphorus at sunset.
Autumn is mild and crowds thin out after the summer, so the mosques and bazaars are easier to enjoy.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May5 days · from ₹4,000/daySee the 5-day plan - 08
Egypt
Egypt
The pyramids, Karnak and a cruise down the Nile.
Winter is the only comfortable time for Luxor and Aswan, and the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is the new must-see.
Oct – Mar7 days · from ₹4,000/daySee the 7-day plan - 09
Mauritius
Mauritius
Lagoons, seven-coloured earth and an island with a big Indian heart.
October to December is warm and dry before the cyclone season, and Diwali is a national holiday on the island.
May – Dec6 days · from ₹5,000/daySee the 6-day plan - 10
Portugal
Lisbon
Tiled hills, yellow trams and pastel de nata on Europe's sunniest capital coast.
Autumn in Lisbon is still 20°C and sunny, the summer crowds are gone and hotel prices drop, making it one of Europe's best-value city breaks.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $90/daySee the 4-day plan - 11
Spain
Seville
Moorish palaces, orange trees and flamenco in the heart of Andalusia.
Seville is far too hot in summer; autumn and early spring bring 20–25°C days that are perfect for the Alcázar and evenings of tapas outdoors.
Oct – Nov, Feb – Apr3 days · from $80/daySee the 3-day plan - 12
Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife
Winter sun, black-sand beaches and Spain's highest volcano.
The Canaries are Europe's guaranteed winter sun: 22–25°C from November to March, just four hours from northern Europe.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $80/daySee the 5-day plan - 13
Portugal
Madeira
Levada walks, sea cliffs and the best New Year fireworks in Europe.
Madeira stays mild all winter (18–22°C), and its New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal bay are among the largest in the world.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $80/daySee the 5-day plan - 14
Malta
Malta
Knights' fortresses, honey-coloured cities and turquoise lagoons.
October and November still bring 20–24°C days and warm seas, with far fewer visitors than summer.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $80/daySee the 4-day plan - 15
Morocco
Marrakech
Souks, riads and the Atlas Mountains on the edge of the Sahara.
Marrakech is pleasant from October to April, a short flight from Europe and a world away.
Oct – Apr4 days · from $60/daySee the 4-day plan - 16
Czech Republic
Prague
A fairy-tale old town, Christmas markets and the best beer in Europe.
From late November, the Old Town Square Christmas market fills Prague with lights, carols and mulled wine.
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct4 days · from $70/daySee the 4-day plan - 17
Hungary
Budapest
Thermal baths, ruin bars and Christmas markets on the Danube.
Soaking in an outdoor thermal pool while snow falls is a winter highlight, and the Christmas markets at Vörösmarty Square are among Europe's best.
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct4 days · from $60/daySee the 4-day plan - 18
Bavaria, Germany
Munich
Beer halls, Christmas markets and fairy-tale castles in the Alps.
Munich's Christmas markets and the nearby Neuschwanstein castle in snow make winter magical.
Sep – Dec4 days · from $90/daySee the 4-day plan - 19
Northern Norway
Tromsø
The northern lights capital, fjords and whale safaris.
Tromsø sits under the aurora oval, and from late October to January orcas and humpbacks feed in the nearby fjords.
Sep – Mar4 days · from $170/daySee the 4-day plan - 20
Iceland
Reykjavik & the Golden Circle
Geysers, waterfalls, ice caves and the aurora.
Long winter nights mean the best northern lights, and November to March is the only season for blue ice-cave tours.
Sep – Mar5 days · from $170/daySee the 5-day plan - 21
Tanzania
Zanzibar
Spice-island history, Stone Town alleys and white-sand Indian Ocean beaches.
December to February is a dry, hot season with calm, clear water: perfect after a safari or as an escape from northern winter.
Dec – Feb, Jun – Oct5 days · from $80/daySee the 5-day plan - 22
Kenya
Masai Mara
Lions, leopards and the Great Migration on the African savannah.
The Great Migration crosses into the Mara from July to October, and January to February is a quieter dry season with excellent predator sightings.
Jan – Feb, Jul – Oct4 days · from $250/daySee the 4-day plan - 23
Jordan
Petra & Wadi Rum
The rose-red city, a night in the desert and a float in the Dead Sea.
Spring and autumn are the best times: cool enough for the long walks in Petra and the desert nights in Wadi Rum.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May5 days · from $100/daySee the 5-day plan - 24
Mexico
Mexico City
Day of the Dead, Aztec ruins and the best tacos on earth.
Day of the Dead (1–2 November) transforms the city with marigolds, altars and a giant parade, and the dry season runs to spring.
Oct – Mar4 days · from $70/daySee the 4-day plan - 25
New York, US
New York at Christmas
The Rockefeller tree, ice skating and Broadway in the city that never sleeps.
From late November New York is at its most magical: the Rockefeller Center tree, store windows on Fifth Avenue and holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square.
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct4 days · from $180/daySee the 4-day plan - 26
Louisiana, US
New Orleans
Jazz, gumbo and the French Quarter's iron balconies.
Autumn to spring is comfortable and full of festivals; Mardi Gras season builds from January to Fat Tuesday in February or March.
Oct – Apr4 days · from $120/daySee the 4-day plan - 27
Arizona, US
Grand Canyon & Sedona
One of the world's great views, red-rock Sedona and Route 66.
Autumn and spring are ideal: summer is scorching and winter can close roads with snow.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $120/daySee the 4-day plan - 28
Argentina
Buenos Aires
Tango, steak and grand boulevards in the Paris of South America.
Spring (October to December) brings jacaranda blossoms and warm evenings perfect for outdoor parrillas.
Oct – Dec, Mar – Apr4 days · from $70/daySee the 4-day plan - 29
Peru
Cusco & Machu Picchu
The Inca capital, the Sacred Valley and the lost city in the clouds.
October and November are shoulder months: fewer crowds than summer and still mostly dry before the rains.
Apr – Nov6 days · from $70/daySee the 6-day plan - 30
South Korea
Seoul
Palaces, autumn leaves, K-culture and late-night street food.
October and November bring blazing autumn colours to Seoul's palaces and mountains, with crisp, sunny days.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $90/daySee the 4-day plan - 31
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
A skyline on the water, dim sum and mountain hikes minutes from downtown.
October to December brings clear skies, low humidity and the best harbour views of the year.
Oct – Mar4 days · from $110/daySee the 4-day plan - 32
New South Wales, Australia
Sydney
The Opera House, Bondi and the world's most famous New Year's fireworks.
Summer runs from December to February, with beach days and New Year's Eve fireworks over the harbour.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $130/daySee the 5-day plan - 33
Queensland, Australia
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree Rainforest.
October and November are among the best months for calm seas and clear water before the summer wet season.
Jun – Nov5 days · from $120/daySee the 5-day plan - 34
Florida, US
Orlando
Walt Disney World, Universal and Christmas at the theme parks.
Autumn to spring brings mild weather and holiday events: Halloween nights, Epcot's festivals and Christmas parades.
Oct – Mar5 days · from $180/daySee the 5-day plan - 35
Nevada, US
Las Vegas
The Strip, world-class shows and the desert parks beyond.
Autumn to spring is pleasant for exploring the Strip on foot and the nearby canyons, and New Year's Eve on the Strip is legendary.
Oct – Apr4 days · from $140/daySee the 4-day plan - 36
California, US
San Diego
Beaches, Balboa Park and gray whales migrating offshore.
San Diego has the mildest winter in the US, and gray whales pass the coast from December to April.
Oct – Apr4 days · from $150/daySee the 4-day plan - 37
South Carolina, US
Charleston
Pastel Rainbow Row, Southern cooking and oak-lined plantations.
Autumn is mild and pleasant, and the holidays bring candlelight tours of historic homes.
Oct – Dec, Mar – May3 days · from $150/daySee the 3-day plan - 38
California, US
Napa Valley
Harvest season, vineyard tastings and Michelin-starred dinners.
September to November is harvest ('crush') season, when the vineyards turn gold and wineries are at their liveliest.
Sep – Nov3 days · from $200/daySee the 3-day plan - 39
Mexico
Oaxaca
Mole, mezcal and the most moving Day of the Dead in Mexico.
Oaxaca's Día de Muertos (31 October–2 November) is famous for candlelit cemetery vigils, parades and altars.
Oct – Mar4 days · from $70/daySee the 4-day plan - 40
Italy
Florence & Tuscany
Renaissance art, truffle season and Chianti's autumn harvest.
October and November bring the grape and olive harvest, white truffle season in Tuscany and far shorter queues at the Uffizi.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $110/daySee the 4-day plan - 41
Spain
Barcelona
Gaudí, tapas and mild autumn sun by the Mediterranean.
October and November are still warm (18–22°C) with thinner crowds at the Sagrada Família.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May4 days · from $110/daySee the 4-day plan - 42
France
Nice & the Côte d'Azur
The Promenade des Anglais, Monaco and the flower-throwing Nice Carnival.
The Riviera's mild winter (13–15°C and sunny) draws Europeans south, and the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival fill February.
Oct – Nov, Feb – May4 days · from $120/daySee the 4-day plan - 43
Greece
Athens
The Acropolis without summer crowds, and tavernas in Plaka.
Autumn is warm enough for outdoor dining and much cooler for climbing the Acropolis than summer.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May3 days · from $90/daySee the 3-day plan - 44
Portugal
The Algarve
Golden cliffs, sea caves and Europe's mildest winter.
The Algarve has around 300 days of sunshine, with mild winters popular for golf, hiking and quiet beaches.
Oct – Nov, Feb – May4 days · from $90/daySee the 4-day plan - 45
Portugal
Porto
Port wine cellars, tiled churches and the Douro Valley harvest.
Autumn is grape-harvest season in the Douro Valley, and the city is still mild, golden and far less crowded than summer.
Oct – Nov, Mar – May3 days · from $80/daySee the 3-day plan - 46
Norway
Lofoten Islands
Red fishing cabins under sharp peaks and the northern lights.
Autumn and late winter bring dark skies for the aurora and enough daylight for dramatic drives and hikes.
Oct – Nov, Feb – Mar5 days · from $170/daySee the 5-day plan - 47
England, UK
The Cotswolds
Honey-stone villages, cosy pubs with log fires and Christmas at Blenheim.
Autumn colours and Christmas markets make the Cotswolds a classic cosy break, with festive lights at Blenheim Palace from November.
Oct – Dec, Apr – Sep3 days · from $130/daySee the 3-day plan - 48
Queensland, Australia
Gold Coast
Surf beaches, theme parks and rainforest hinterland.
Summer on the Gold Coast means warm water, school-holiday theme parks and long days on the beach.
Sep – May4 days · from $120/daySee the 4-day plan - 49
Queensland, Australia
The Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach's silica sand and sailing the Great Barrier Reef.
Spring (September to November) brings calm seas and warm days before the summer stinger season.
Jun – Nov4 days · from $130/daySee the 4-day plan - 50
New South Wales, Australia
Byron Bay
Surf, the Cape Byron lighthouse and a laid-back hinterland.
Spring and summer bring warm surf and long days, and humpbacks pass the cape until about November.
Sep – Apr3 days · from $120/daySee the 3-day plan - 51
Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru
The sacred red rock at sunrise and the Field of Light.
Autumn to spring is cooler in the desert; October still has comfortable mornings for the base walk.
Apr – Oct3 days · from $200/daySee the 3-day plan - 52
Western Australia
Perth & Margaret River
Quokkas on Rottnest, wine country and empty white beaches.
Summer in Western Australia is sunny and dry, with long beach days and wineries in full swing.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $130/daySee the 5-day plan - 53
South Australia
Adelaide & the Barossa
Shiraz country, Kangaroo Island and a festival city.
Summer brings outdoor dining, the Tour Down Under cycling race in January and Adelaide's Fringe festival in February–March.
Oct – Apr4 days · from $120/daySee the 4-day plan - 54
South Pacific
Fiji
Island-hopping, coral reefs and the warmest welcome in the Pacific.
May to November is Fiji's dry season, ideal for snorkelling, diving and island-hopping before the summer rains.
May – Nov6 days · from $150/daySee the 6-day plan - 55
French Polynesia
Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows on the world's most beautiful lagoon.
The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and calm water, and October is the shoulder month with lower prices.
May – Oct5 days · from $300/daySee the 5-day plan
Good questions
Which is the best place to visit in India in October?
Top picks for October are Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pushkar, Ranthambore, Gokarna.
Where can I travel abroad in October?
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay, Singapore, Kathmandu & Pokhara, Bhutan, Baku are all in season in October.
Where can I see snow in October?
Shimla, Chopta & Tungnath, Tirthan Valley & Jibhi, Gangtok, Tawang