The TOP 4 Destinations to visit in October

October is one of the best months for travelling, particularly for those who prefer cooler temperatures, seasonal colour and fewer crowds. Across major cities, autumn brings a fuller cultural calendar and more comfortable conditions for exploring on foot. Further south, warmer climates offer beach weather, tropical landscapes and an easy transition into the final months of the year.

The best destinations to visit in October offer more than favourable weather. Some combine historic neighbourhoods, design and dining with the changing colours of autumn, while others provide warm coastlines and resort stays away from the busiest travel periods. Together, they create a varied mix of city breaks, cultural escapes and late-season sunshine.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

October brings more comfortable conditions for exploring Marrakech after the intensity of the summer months. The UNESCO-listed medina remains the centre of the experience, with its souks, traditional riads and historic landmarks including the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace. Jardin Majorelle and the city’s growing collection of restaurants, galleries and design-led hotels add a more contemporary side to the destination.

Begin early in the medina before stopping for lunch in Gueliz, where modern restaurants and boutiques provide a contrast to the old city. October is also well suited to day trips beyond Marrakech, from lakeside Lalla Takerkoust to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. For something more secluded, spend a night in the Agafay Desert, where luxury camps offer sunset dinners and wide views across the surrounding stone landscape.

NEW YORK, USA

New York moves firmly into autumn during October, bringing cooler days, the beginning of seasonal colour and a packed cultural calendar. Central Park becomes one of the city’s main draws as its trees begin to turn, while neighbourhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens are easier to explore on foot than during the summer heat. October also brings major annual events spanning film, architecture, theatre and the arts, including the New York Film Festival and Archtober.

Move beyond Midtown by spending a morning around the brownstone streets of the West Village or Brooklyn Heights, followed by galleries and restaurants in Tribeca or the Lower East Side. Open House New York, scheduled from 16 to 18 October in 2026, provides access to hundreds of spaces that are not normally open to the public. Towards the end of the month, Halloween adds another layer to the city, from elaborate townhouse decorations to the annual celebrations in Greenwich Village.

SEOUL, KOREA

October is one of the strongest months for visiting Seoul as temperatures cool and autumn colour begins spreading through the city’s parks, palace gardens and surrounding mountains. Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung offer an atmospheric introduction to Korea’s royal history, while neighbourhoods such as Bukchon, Seochon and Insadong preserve traditional architecture alongside galleries, cafés and independent shops. The city’s contemporary side is equally present across districts including Hannam, Seongsu and Gangnam.

For the best seasonal scenery, visit later in October and spend a morning walking around the palace district before heading towards Samcheong-dong. Bukhansan National Park provides a more active alternative, with mountain trails and city views accessible without travelling far beyond central Seoul. Evenings can be divided between Korean barbecue, late-night markets and the city’s increasingly influential cocktail and fine-dining scene

MAURITIUS

October falls at the end of Mauritius’ cooler season, bringing warm coastal temperatures and some of the island’s driest conditions. Its beaches and lagoon-front resorts remain the main attraction, but the destination also offers mountain scenery, waterfalls, sugar-cane landscapes and a distinctive mix of African, Indian, Chinese and European cultural influences. Coastal temperatures during the May-to-October season generally range from 22°C to 28°C, with water temperatures between 22°C and 25°C.

Look beyond the resort by exploring the island’s south-west, where Le Morne Brabant rises above a coastline of beaches and protected lagoons. Black River Gorges National Park has more than 50 kilometres of walking trails, ranging from easier forest routes to more challenging hikes through the island’s interior. Chamarel, local rum estates and the quieter beaches around Bel Ombre can all be combined into a slower road trip through this side of Mauritius.