Introduction

October is when travel really changes, but in a good way. Summer is now behind us, the crowds are back home, and the best places to visit in October are getting into a calmer, more local rhythm as Autumn approaches.

We’ve travelled a lot in October, mostly in places that benefit from cooler temperatures and a more relaxed pace. It’s not about beaches or being in t-shirts anymore, but about cities, tranquil hiking, and destinations where walking, wandering, and taking your time are part of the experience.

October is also one of the best months if you want a new vibe. Autumn colours start to show, evenings are cosier, and days are still long enough to explore without rushing. You might need a jacket, but you’re no longer planning your days around heat or crowds.

Another thing we love about the best places to visit in October is flexibility. Accommodations are much easier to find, transportation isn’t packed, and you can often change plans at the last minute without everything being booked out. It’s a fantastic month for short trips, city breaks, and regions that feel too busy in summer.

As always, this guide only includes the best places to visit in October that we’ve personally visited. These are destinations that really worked for us in October, where the season added to the experience rather than taking away from it. that truly shine in September and that we keep coming back to when we have the choice.

How to choose where to travel in October

October is a month when travel becomes much more intentional. It’s no longer about chasing summer, but about choosing destinations that actually benefit from a different weather than what you can have back home.

The weather is, as always, the first thing to think about. October is ideal for places that are uncomfortable in summer but are amazing once temperatures drop. Cities become easier to explore on foot, nature destinations are more inviting, and you’re no longer planning your days around heat. That’s why places like the Netherlands, Slovakia, or mountainous regions in France and Switzerland make a lot of sense in October.

Crowds drop significantly in October, especially in Europe. School holidays are mostly over, summer tourism is done, and destinations are calmer and more local again. This is when cities like Amsterdam or smaller capitals like Bratislava become far more enjoyable, with less pressure to book everything far in advance.

October is also a great month for nature-focused trips. Forests, hills, and lakes come into their own, and walking or short hikes feel much more comfortable. Regions like the Vosges or the Swiss countryside work particularly well if you enjoy being outside without extreme conditions.

For long-haul travel, October can be a smart choice too. In parts of Asia, the worst of the summer heat or rain starts to ease. Destinations like Hong Kong become much more pleasant to explore, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time walking or using public transport.

If you’re wondering where to travel in October, the best approach is to stop thinking in terms of “off-season” and start thinking in terms of comfort.

Weather in October: what to realistically expect

October is one of those months where the weather becomes a real pro rather than a con. It’s cooler, more changeable, but generally very comfortable if you’re prepared for it.

In much of Western and Central Europe, October brings mild days and cooler evenings. Expect temperatures around 12–18°C (54–64°F), depending on the region. It’s ideal for long-walking trips, hanging around cities, and hiking in the countryside. You’ll likely need a light jacket, but you’re no longer dealing with summer heat or crowded indoor spaces.

In northern and forested regions, October can feel especially rewarding. Places like the Vosges in France or parts of Switzerland start to show autumn colours, and being outdoors becomes about enjoyable walks, scenic drives, and shorter hikes rather than long summer days. Rain is possible, but it rarely dominates the whole trip.

Cities also benefit from the October weather. Cooler temperatures make exploring on foot much more enjoyable, especially in places like Amsterdam or Bratislava, where walking is a big part of the experience. Cafés, museums, and neighbourhoods feel easier to enjoy without rushing.

Further east in Asia, October marks a real shift. In Hong Kong, summer humidity finally drops, making it far more comfortable to be outside. Expect temperatures around 22–28°C (72–82°F), with lower humidity and fewer heavy rains than in summer.

Overall, the weather in October is still great, but you need to be flexible. It’s not perfect in a postcard sense, but it is great for tranquil travels and destinations where the environment matters more than sunshine.

Best places to visit in October (based on our travels)

Netherlands

October is a great time to visit the Netherlands. The city is calmer after summer, but it hasn’t slowed down or shut itself indoors yet.

Temperatures usually sit around 12–17°C (54–63°F). It’s cool, but comfortable for walking, cycling, and spending full days outside with a jacket.

Amsterdam, La Haye, and Delft are some of the best places to visit in October. We found them much more enjoyable than in peak season. Streets were easier to navigate, museums less overwhelming, and neighbourhood walks felt relaxed. It’s a great month to explore beyond the main sights and spend time in local cafés without feeling rushed.

If you’re looking for good places to visit in October for a city break, Amsterdam works very well.

Slovakia – Bratislava

Slovakia is definitely one of the best places to visit in October. Cooler temperatures make walking around the old town and along the Danube much more comfortable.

Expect daytime temperatures around 13–18°C (55–64°F). It’s ideal for exploring the city on foot without dealing with the summer heat.

We travelled to Bratislava in October and liked how low-key it felt. The city was lively enough without being busy, and everything was easy to reach. It’s a good stop if you enjoy compact cities where you can take your time and explore without a strict plan.

Bratislava fits naturally into the best places to visit in October and any October itinerary focused on slower travel.

Hong Kong

October is one of the best months to visit China. Especially Hong Kong, which is one of the best places to visit in October. After months of heat and humidity, the city finally becomes comfortable again.

Temperatures usually range between 22–28°C (72–82°F), with noticeably lower humidity than in summer. Being outside all day feels realistic again.

We visited Hong Kong in October and found it to be a huge contrast compared to summer. (I have been alone and with Tina many times in Hong Kong while we were living in China due to my visa) Walking between neighbourhoods, hiking trails like the Dragon’s Back, and using public transport were easy and enjoyable. October is a great time to see how green and varied the city really is.

If you’re wondering where to travel in October in Asia, Hong Kong is a very strong option.

Vosges (France)

October is a great month for the mountainous region of France. The region is tranquil, grounded, and perfect for slow travel making it one of the best places to visit in October.

Temperatures usually sit between 10–16°C (50–61°F). It’s cool enough for walking and short hikes without being cold.

We spent time in the Vosges in October and loved the atmosphere. Forests were quiet, roads were peaceful, and days felt made for long walks and scenic drives. It’s a destination that really benefits from the slower pace of autumn.

For anyone looking for where to travel in October with a focus on nature and calm, the Vosges make a lot of sense.

Switzerland – Lucerne, Lausanne & Gruyère

October works beautifully in Switzerland, especially in regions that combine lakes, towns, and mountains.

Expect temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F), depending on altitude. Days are cool and clear, and landscapes feel especially sharp at this time of year.

We travelled through Lucerne, Lausanne, and Gruyère around October and found them among the best places to visit in October. They are ideal for moving around without summer crowds. Walking along lakes, visiting small towns, and taking scenic train rides felt relaxed and unhurried. It’s a great month for appreciating Switzerland without the peak-season pressure.

Is October a good month to travel?

Yes, those are the best places to visit in October, especially if you value comfort and atmosphere over peak-season energy.

October is one of the most underrated months to travel. The rush of summer is gone, temperatures are easier to live with, and destinations feel calmer and more local. It’s a month that rewards curiosity, walking, and taking your time rather than rushing from one place to another.

What makes October special is how balanced it feels. Cities are comfortable to explore, nature destinations invite slower days outside, and logistics become much simpler. You don’t need to plan everything far in advance, and small changes to your itinerary are easier to handle.

October is also a great month for travel if you enjoy some of the best places to visit in October with character. Cooler weather brings a different mood, cafés feel cosier, streets are quieter, and regions that feel overwhelming in summer finally become approachable again.

If you’re wondering where to travel in October, the answer is often closer than you think. Look for destinations that shine once crowds disappear and temperatures drop. For us, October is less about chasing highlights and more about enjoying places for what they really are.