The Best October Holiday Destinations

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.

Where ancient meets modern, in the Middle East you can experience a rapidly growing new world in modern Dubai, exploring bustling souks and stretching out on a golden beach. If you're after adventure, escape to endless sand dunes by quad bike and end the day with a magical night under the stars. October marks the end of summer in the UAE, making the days perfect for a sunny and warm holiday in October but not unbearably so.

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 for the October half-term, 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 and just a short flight away, Cyprus offers that sought-after hot holiday in October whilst being easy to travel to. 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.

Jordan is the perfect place to get away from it all in October for families after some exploration. Combine adventure with relaxation as you walk through history and marvel at epic scenery. Discover the ancient treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, stay in a desert camp in Wadi Rum - a desert which is so striking it has been used as an alien planet in numerous films - and float in the Dead Sea. This small country is brimming with things to do and can be jam-packed into one unforgettable week.

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.

Japan is a land defined by quirky customs and innovative inventions, and nowhere is this more prominent than in the nation’s food scene. Traditional Japanese cuisine has been awarded heritage status by UNESCO and is an art form in itself. From the utter masterpieces of sushi to immaculately prepared kaiseki dinners, it’s important to the Japanese that their food looks as good as it tastes! Travel to Japan in October to combine a culinary tour of the country with the most captivating autumn hues, as Japan’s iconic temples are cloaked in warming displays of red, orange, and gold.

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.