BROWSE BY MONTH
Best Places to Visit in October
Whether you’re exploring Morocco’s magical cities of Fes and Marrakesh, celebrating the colorful Mani Rimdu Festival in Nepal, or savoring the fall harvest delights in Portugal and the San Juan Islands, October is a wonderful time to experience the changing seasons without the summer crowds.
Take a look at our full list of favorite places to visit in October.
Portugal
Portugal is a fantastic destination to visit any time of year, but there is something special about October, when the grape harvests in wineries are in full swing and the beach towns are less crowded. Temperatures are generally mild, reaching the mid-70s°F during the day and the 50s°F at night. It is slightly cooler in the mountains but still pleasant and ideal for hiking.
Nepal
During our journeys in October, we can experience the colorful Mani Rimdu Festival at Tengboche Monastery, with its chanting monks, masked dancers, and receiving blessings from the lamas. Nepal is a dry, high-altitude realm, and the weather in October is normally quite comfortable, with clear blue skies, and chilly nights. At high altitudes, the weather is always unpredictable, so bring your spirit of adventure.
Madagascar
This diverse island shines in October when the weather is warm and baby and juvenile lemurs abound. The southern and northern parts of the island can still be hot, and there is a chance of afternoon showers in the east. It is also mating season for fossa in Kirindy, and a great time for birding.
Morocco
Cooler weather and far fewer crowds make October a fantastic time to explore Morocco’s magical cities of Fes, Marrakesh, and seaside Essaouira, to the surreal Sahara Desert. Morocco’s weather is mild and dry during the fall—with comfortable hiking temperatures.
Italy
If Italy’s love language is food, then October is the time to visit. Harvest season throughout the country means you’re likely to savor some of the best—and freshest—cuisine from the land and sea and the weather is beginning to cool off as it edges closer to winter.
San Juan Islands
With an average temperature in the high 50s°F, the San Juan Islands is a magical destination for those who want to experience the full breadth of what the autumn season has to offer. Fall harvest means fresh fruit, veggies, and seafood during meals. We’ll also visit tasting rooms to sample wine, beer, cider, baked goods, and other artisan-crafted island delicacies.
Greece
Greece is blessed with a delightful Mediterranean climate, and October is one of the best times to visit when the summer crowds are gone, the fall colors are in full swing, and the weather cools a bit. Daytime temperatures range in the 70s°F, perfect for hiking.
Japan
With the summer heat and rains subsiding, Japan in October welcome travelers with cooler, drier weather. There are fewer crowds compared to peak fall foliage time, but you’re still likely to enjoy the autumn leaves in higher elevations and in the north.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has drier yet cooler weather during this time and it’s perfect for our cultural adventures. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s°F, dropping to the 60s°F or below at night. We visit bustling markets brimming with a wide variety of fruits, wines, and seasonal goods after the harvest season.
Churchill
The best times to see polar bears in Churchill are October through November, when they are most active. Temperatures range from -4°F to 32°F, but can vary greatly each season and feel colder than expected because of the wind chill. Luckily, our specially designed Tundra Buggies are heated, for total comfort and safety.