October Leave List
Autumn colours & warm escapes.
Where to travel in October ?
October is the month for autumn adventures and warm-weather escapes.
The seasons are changing across much of the world, bringing crisp air, colourful landscapes and spectacular mountain conditions, while destinations further south and east are warming up or emerging from their wetter seasons.
You can hike through clear Himalayan landscapes, explore ancient deserts in comfortable temperatures, discover incredible wildlife or escape to warm Mediterranean and tropical islands. October is also a brilliant month for seeing nature at its most dramatic, from golden autumn forests to newborn animals and desert wildlife gathering around precious water sources.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, culture or one last dose of sunshine, October has plenty of destinations worth adding to your Leave List.
Best Places to Visit in October
Autumn landscapes & mountain adventures
China
Perfect for: Autumn foliage, culture, mountains & national parks
Average temperature: Around 10–22°C depending on region
Season: Autumn
October transforms parts of China into a spectacular display of autumn colour. Crisp air and clear days make it a particularly rewarding time to explore the country’s mountains, forests and national parks, while the cooler weather is ideal for sightseeing.
Best things to do: See the Great Wall surrounded by autumn colours, explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, hike through Huangshan, visit Beijing’s historic sights or explore Chengdu and its surrounding landscapes.
Nepal
Perfect for: Trekking, mountains, culture & adventure
Average temperature: Around 10–25°C depending on altitude
Season: Peak trekking season
Once the monsoon clears, Nepal’s mountains emerge under remarkably clear skies. October is one of the most rewarding times to trek, with spectacular Himalayan views and generally stable conditions.
For anyone dreaming of a mountain adventure, this is the kind of trip where the journey itself becomes the highlight.
Best things to do: Trek to Everest Base Camp, hike the Annapurna Circuit, explore Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, visit Pokhara or trek through the Langtang Valley.
Namibia
Perfect for: Safari, desert landscapes, road trips & wildlife
Average temperature: Around 20–35°C
Season: Dry season
Namibia’s extreme landscapes become even more dramatic during the dry season. With very little water available, wildlife gathers around permanent waterholes, creating excellent opportunities for spotting animals in the country’s vast desert landscapes.
Best things to do: Visit Etosha National Park, watch wildlife around waterholes, explore the dunes of Sossusvlei, visit Swakopmund, drive through Damaraland or search for desert-adapted elephants.
Warm weather, culture & adventure
Jordan
Perfect for: Ancient ruins, desert landscapes & hiking
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C
Season: Autumn
October brings some of the year’s most comfortable conditions for exploring Jordan. The intense summer heat has eased, making it much more enjoyable to spend long days walking through Petra or exploring the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum.
Best things to do: Explore Petra, float in the Dead Sea, spend a night in Wadi Rum, hike through the desert, visit Jerash or snorkel in the Red Sea around Aqaba.
Mexico
Perfect for: Culture, food, beaches & colourful celebrations
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C depending on region
Season: End of rainy season
October marks the transition towards Mexico’s drier season, while preparations for Día de los Muertos begin to bring colour and excitement to towns and cities across the country.
It’s a great time to combine Mexico’s ancient ruins and vibrant cities with some time on the coast.
Best things to do: Explore Mexico City, visit Chichén Itzá, discover Oaxaca, experience Día de los Muertos preparations, swim in cenotes or relax along the Yucatán coast.
Madagascar
Perfect for: Wildlife, rainforests, beaches & adventure
Average temperature: Around 20–30°C
Season: Dry season / early wet season
Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife makes October particularly special. As the island moves towards its wetter season, nature becomes increasingly active, with young lemurs appearing and the landscapes beginning to turn lush again.
It’s one of those destinations where the wildlife is the reason to go, but the landscapes make you want to stay.
Best things to do: Spot lemurs in national parks, explore Avenue of the Baobabs, hike through rainforest, search for chameleons and reptiles or finish your trip on the beaches of Nosy Be.
Sunshine, beaches & warm-water escapes
UAE
Perfect for: Beaches, desert adventures, luxury & city breaks
Average temperature: Around 25–35°C
Season: Start of the cooler season
October marks the return of more comfortable outdoor temperatures in the UAE after the intense summer heat. It’s a great time to combine city life with desert adventures and some time on the coast.
Best things to do: Explore Dubai, visit Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, go dune bashing, spend time in the desert, relax on the beaches or explore the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah.
Mauritius
Perfect for: Beaches, hiking, lagoons & island adventures
Average temperature: Around 22–28°C
Season: Dry season / transition to summer
October is a fantastic time for Mauritius, sitting between the cooler dry season and the warmer summer months. Days are generally sunny and warm, while the island’s spectacular coastline and mountains are ready to explore.
Best things to do: Swim and snorkel in the lagoons, hike in Black River Gorges National Park, visit Le Morne, explore Chamarel, go whale watching or take a boat trip to nearby islands.
Malta
Perfect for: Swimming, history, food & Mediterranean sunshine
Average temperature: Around 20–27°C
Season: Mediterranean autumn
October can be one of the last opportunities for reliable Mediterranean warmth before winter arrives. The sea remains pleasantly warm, while the cooler air makes Malta’s historic streets and archaeological sites much easier to explore.
Best things to do: Explore Valletta, swim around Comino and the Blue Lagoon, discover Mdina, visit Gozo, explore ancient temples or enjoy Malta’s coastal scenery.
Australia
Perfect for: Beaches, wildlife, road trips & the Great Barrier Reef
Average temperature: Around 18–28°C depending on region
Season: Spring
October is a beautiful time to explore Australia’s east coast, with spring bringing warm weather without the intense heat of the Australian summer. The Great Barrier Reef can also offer excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling.
Best things to do: Explore Sydney, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, visit the Whitsundays, road trip along the coast, explore the Blue Mountains or discover Australia’s wildlife.
Why travel in October ?
October is the month for autumn colours, incredible wildlife and warm-weather escapes. As the seasons change, destinations around the world offer some of their most spectacular experiences.
You can:
- Chase autumn colours through mountains and national parks
- Trek beneath crystal-clear Himalayan skies
- Go on safari as wildlife gathers around shrinking water sources
- Explore deserts and ancient ruins without the intense summer heat
- Experience vibrant cultures and celebrations across Mexico
- Escape to warm beaches and tropical islands before winter arrives
October is also a great month for travellers who want to see nature at its most dramatic, whether that’s golden forests, newborn wildlife, spectacular mountains or desert landscapes while still finding plenty of sunshine.