Where to Go on Holiday in October

Set out on a safari adventure in South Africa for an audacious hot holiday in October. Explore its warming lands before the summer heat (and crowds) begin to trickle in. The warm, dry days beckon wildlife from their hiding spots in search of food and water, making for some of the best game viewing year-round. The flora also comes out of hiding as the wildflowers cover the west coast and Cape Town sees luscious 30˚ C days.

Mauritius offers white sandy beaches, the crystal-clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and wonderful luxury properties. With world-class diving, golf, deep-sea fishing and watersports it is a great spot for anyone wanting to mix relaxation with some action. But that's not all, if you venture inland you will discover verdant tropical rainforests, epic waterfalls, botanical gardens and steep-rising lush mountains. October days are warmer and drier so it's an ideal time to explore all the island has to offer.

As the largest Greek island, Crete is abundant in beautiful scenery, stunning beaches and remote villages. Visitors are seduced by the island's distinct character and way of life, especially the plethora of outdoor activities. Warm sunny days extend throughout October so visitors can enjoy hot, sun-baked breaks with less of the crowd, providing the best holiday weather in October.

Madagascar is a land of contrasts, of spectacular and amazing wildlife, towering mountains and white sand beaches, impossibly high dunes and deep freshwater lakes and of course - the lemurs. From the Aye-Aye to the Indri, these little balls of fluff are Madagascar's main attraction and the reason that so many visitors return year after year. Enjoy an exciting wildlife adventure exploring the National Parks, and then finish on one of Madagascar's pristine beaches for some fabulous diving and relaxation. October sees warm and dry weather, making it the best time to visit.

Portugal’s secluded beaches, rolling countryside and medieval towns have long made it one of our favourite European destinations. Travelling to Portugal in October brings a whole added allure – the opportunity to take part in the wine harvest in the Douro Valley. Stunning autumnal colours transform the vineyards at this time of year, and the grape picking is in full flow. Visitors can help with the harvest, as well as enjoy tastings and learn about the wine-making process. The perfect accompaniment to Portugal’s world-class wines is its exemplary food scene. Tuck into locally sourced octopus, Iberian pork and freshly grilled sardines.

If you’ve been to Italy before, then the perfect way to see this October holiday destination with fresh eyes is to visit during its grape harvest season. Many wineries open their doors during this time for tourists who are after something a little different and allow them to take part in a thousand-year-old tradition, or vendemmia. While there are many wine regions across this country, we recommend keeping to the Piedmont, Tuscan, Veneto and Campaignia regions for the best experiences.

Turn your favourite glass of Rioja into an experience when visiting northern Spain in October. With temperatures still in the mid-20s, Spain is perfect for October holidays in the sun combined with culture and tradition. Take part in grape-stomping and grape-picking as you walk amongst the vines and tour boutique wineries. You’re also delightfully close to Bilbao and San Sebastian, two cultural meccas in northern Spain that offer something wholly different to your typical Tenerife beach holiday.

Home to a colourful blend of African, Arabic and European influences, Morocco is an intoxicating destination that’s as popular with kids as it is with adults. If you’re travelling as a family, we can arrange a treasure hunt through the bustling souks, an exhilarating 4x4 safari in the Agafay Desert and a night spent sleeping in a tent under the stars. We’ll guide you through some of Morocco’s most untouched areas, where you can share tales with the Berber people over a pot of Moroccan tea.

Perfect for families with young children, and one of our top destinations, Cyprus offers the perfect family beach destinations. With our Explorers kids club at Parklane, Cyprus offers that sought-after hot holiday in October whilst having plenty on offer for both parents and children. With the rainy season not kicking in until November, it’s the ideal last chance to soak up some sun and get some R&R before the chaos of the festive season kicks in.

India’s summers are famously hot, so October is the best time to visit as the powerful heat starts to wane but still provides that nice toasty break from the autumn chill. Stay in some of the most indulgent luxury hotels we offer at Scott Dunn and get lost in the colourful magic of Rajasthan, intrepid tiger safaris and a private village house out in the countryside. Truly a place that tantalizes all the senses, India is one of the best places to go on holiday in October.

Boasting a more elevated feel than other Indian Ocean retreats like the Maldives and Mauritius, the Seychelles remains delightfully under the radar and the perfect place for couples to have an October holiday in the sun, go island exploring and lounge on sun-soaked beaches. October is one of the best months to visit this destination as it brings calmer seas and drier weather, creating ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving. Explore its exceptional biodiversity as you hop between islands and tour this tropical paradise.

Extending like a frayed ribbon down the west coast of South America, Chile is revered as the world’s longest country and is a land of contrasts. From the lunar-like desert landscapes of the north to the ice-capped wilderness of the south, this spellbinding country showcases some of the world’s most diverse and beautiful scenery. In October, Chile emerges from its cold, frosty winter into the spring sunshine. Visitors can hike the Patagonian trails without getting too hot, while signs of winter can still be seen in the mountains of granite and ice which rise overhead. 

Autumn is a magical time in New England; the air is crisp and cool, the leaves have transformed into every imaginable shade of red and freshly pressed cider is sold at local eateries. Photographs can't adequately capture the charm of the scarlet, gold and orange that blaze across this historic part of America, complimenting quaint white churches and sweeping valleys.