Where's Hot in October? Best Autumn Sun Destinations
October is one of the best months of the year to escape the UK as summer gives way to cooler temperatures and shorter days. While much of mainland Europe begins to cool, several destinations around the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and North Africa continue to enjoy warm weather, making October an excellent time for a beach holiday.
For many travellers, October offers the perfect balance. Resorts are generally quieter after the peak summer season, sea temperatures remain pleasantly warm and holiday prices often fall outside the school half term period. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach break, an affordable all inclusive holiday or a week of autumn sunshine, there are plenty of excellent destinations within a few hours of the UK.
If you’re looking for the best all round October destination, Cyprus is our top recommendation. The island remains one of Europe’s warmest holiday destinations during autumn, combining reliable sunshine, warm seas and a wide choice of resorts. Other excellent choices include the Algarve, Tenerife, Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt, each offering different advantages depending on the type of holiday you’re planning.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and how suitable each destination is for an October holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in October based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare temperatures and destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where's Hot in October?
If you’re looking for the best autumn sun destination, Cyprus is our top choice. Average daytime temperatures remain around 29°C, the Mediterranean Sea stays warm enough for swimming and resorts such as Paphos, Protaras and Ayia Napa continue to enjoy long sunny days well into autumn.
Travellers looking for a quieter escape should consider the Algarve, where pleasant temperatures, beautiful beaches and fewer crowds make October one of the best months to visit. For hotter weather, Egypt remains the warmest mainstream destination within a relatively short flight from the UK, while Tunisia and Turkey’s Dalaman Coast continue to offer excellent value all inclusive holidays.
October Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | 29°C | 9 | 2 | 26°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Tenerife | 27°C | 8 | 3 | 24°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Dalaman (Turkey) | 28°C | 9 | 3 | 25°C | 4h | ✓ |
| Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) | 29°C | 8 | 4 | 25°C | 3h | ✓ |
| Algarve | 24°C | 7 | 6 | 21°C | 3h | Limited |
| Malta | 26°C | 8 | 5 | 24°C | 3h 30m | ✓ |
| Rhodes | 27°C | 8 | 3 | 24°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Crete | 26°C | 8 | 4 | 24°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Costa del Sol | 24°C | 7 | 5 | 20°C | 3h | Limited |
| Costa Blanca | 25°C | 7 | 4 | 22°C | 2h 45m | Limited |
| Madeira | 24°C | 6 | 7 | 23°C | 4h | Limited |
| Egypt | 32°C | 10 | 0 | 27°C | 5h | ✓ |
Best Places That Are Hot in October
Cyprus – Best Overall
For most UK travellers, Cyprus is the best all round destination in October.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 29°C, while sea temperatures remain close to 26°C, making it one of the warmest places in Europe during autumn. Resorts including Paphos, Ayia Napa and Protaras continue to enjoy long sunny days, with very little rainfall compared with much of the Mediterranean.
October is an excellent time to visit because the intense summer heat has eased slightly, making it more comfortable for sightseeing, coastal walks and exploring traditional villages as well as spending time on the beach.
Compared with mainland Spain and Portugal, Cyprus remains significantly warmer throughout October, making it one of the most reliable choices for late season sunshine.
Best for: Couples, families, beach holidays and reliable autumn sunshine.
Algarve – Best for Relaxed Autumn Sunshine
Although daytime temperatures average a comfortable 24°C, the region continues to enjoy plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for travellers who prefer warm, pleasant weather rather than the intense heat of midsummer.
Popular resorts such as Albufeira, Vilamoura and Lagos remain lively throughout October, while the quieter beaches, attractive marina towns and dramatic coastline become far more enjoyable after the summer crowds have gone.
The Algarve is also one of Europe’s leading golf destinations, with superb courses, scenic coastal walks and excellent seafood restaurants making it a favourite for couples and retirees seeking a relaxed autumn break.
Compared with the Costa del Sol, the Algarve generally feels quieter and more laid back, while still offering excellent beaches and dependable sunshine.
Best for: Couples, golf holidays, walking, scenic coastal breaks and relaxed beach holidays.
Dalaman, Turkey – Best Value
Turkey’s Dalaman Coast remains one of the Mediterranean’s best value holiday destinations throughout October.
Average temperatures reach around 28°C, while the sea remains pleasantly warm for swimming and water sports. Resorts including Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye and Sarigerme continue to enjoy sunny days well into autumn.
October offers a more comfortable climate than the height of summer, making it ideal for boat trips, exploring local markets and visiting nearby historical sites.
Compared with many Mediterranean destinations, Turkey often provides larger hotels, excellent facilities and outstanding value for money, particularly for all inclusive holidays.
Best for: Families, couples, all inclusive holidays and value for money.
Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) – Best All Inclusive Holiday
Tunisia is one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated autumn sunshine destinations.
The popular resort of Port El Kantaoui enjoys average daytime temperatures of around 29°C, while the Mediterranean Sea remains warm enough for swimming throughout October.
Visitors can relax on long sandy beaches, enjoy marina restaurants or explore nearby Sousse, with its traditional medina and historic attractions.
Compared with many European destinations, Tunisia often offers exceptional value for money, particularly for all inclusive packages, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to maximise their holiday budget without sacrificing warm weather.
Best for: Affordable all inclusive holidays, couples and autumn beach breaks.
Tenerife – Best Canary Island
As autumn progresses, the Canary Islands become increasingly attractive for UK travellers and Tenerife is the standout choice.
Average daytime temperatures remain around 27°C, rainfall is generally low and the island enjoys reliable sunshine throughout October. Southern resorts including Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas offer excellent beaches, lively promenades and a huge range of hotels.
Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, Tenerife enjoys warm weather all year round, making it one of the safest choices for guaranteed autumn sunshine.
Compared with the Algarve and Costa del Sol, Tenerife is warmer, drier and offers more dependable beach weather during October.
Best for: Year round sunshine, families, couples and autumn beach holidays.
Malta – Best for Culture and Autumn Sunshine
Malta remains one of the Mediterranean’s best destinations during October, combining warm weather with fascinating history and beautiful coastline.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 26°C, while the sea remains pleasantly warm at approximately 24°C, making swimming and boat trips comfortable well into autumn.
Areas such as St Paul’s Bay, Sliema and Mellieħa offer excellent hotels, waterfront restaurants and easy access to Malta’s historic attractions. October is also a superb time to explore Valletta and the island’s ancient sites without the intense summer heat.
Compared with many Mediterranean islands, Malta offers one of the best combinations of culture, sightseeing and beach weather.
Best for: Couples, history lovers, diving and and beach holidays.
Costa Blanca – Best for Short Haul Sunshine
The Costa Blanca continues to enjoy pleasant weather throughout October and remains a favourite with UK holidaymakers.
Resorts including Benidorm, Altea and Calpe offer temperatures of around 25°C, plenty of sunshine and a relaxed atmosphere after the busy summer season.
Although the sea begins to cool slightly, many visitors still enjoy swimming, while the region’s cafes, promenades and attractions remain open throughout the month.
Compared with the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca often enjoys slightly warmer sea temperatures and a wider choice of lively resorts.
Best for: Short flights, couples, families and autumn beach breaks.
Costa del Sol – Best for Golf and Coastal Breaks
The Costa del Sol remains an excellent destination for travellers looking to enjoy mild autumn sunshine.
Resorts such as Benalmadena, Marbella and Torremolinos average around 24°C during October, providing ideal conditions for golf, sightseeing and outdoor dining.
While sea temperatures are cooler than in early autumn hotspots such as Cyprus or Turkey, the region remains perfect for relaxing by the coast, exploring Malaga or enjoying the many golf courses the area is famous for.
Compared with the Algarve, the Costa del Sol offers busier resorts and a livelier atmosphere throughout autumn.
Best for: Golf holidays, city breaks and couples.
Crete – Best for Exploring
Crete remains pleasantly warm throughout October and is one of Greece’s best islands for combining beaches with sightseeing.
Average temperatures reach around 26°C, while the sea remains warm enough for swimming in many coastal resorts.
October is particularly enjoyable for exploring Chania, Heraklion and Rethymnon, as well as visiting mountain villages and archaeological sites without the intense heat of midsummer.
Compared with Cyprus, Crete is slightly cooler but offers greater variety for travellers planning longer holidays.
Best for: Longer holidays, sightseeing and couples.
Rhodes – Best for Late Greek Sunshine
Rhodes continues to enjoy warm weather well into October.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 27°C, while rainfall remains relatively low compared with many other Mediterranean destinations.
Visitors can combine beach days with exploring Rhodes Old Town, Lindos and the island’s many historical attractions, making it a great destination for travellers wanting more than just sunshine.
Compared with September, October feels quieter and more relaxed while still offering excellent holiday weather.
Best for: Couples, history and Greek island holidays.
Madeira – Best for Walking Holidays
Madeira is an excellent choice for travellers looking for comfortable temperatures and spectacular scenery.
Average temperatures remain around 24°C, making October ideal for hiking the island’s famous levada trails, exploring botanical gardens and enjoying dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Although Madeira is not the hottest destination in this guide, it offers pleasant sunshine, lush landscapes and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to walkers and nature lovers.
Compared with the Algarve, Madeira offers greener scenery and a greater emphasis on outdoor adventure.
Best for: Walking holidays, nature and scenic escapes.
Is October a Good Time to Travel?
October is one of the best months of the year for travellers looking to extend the summer season.
Many Mediterranean destinations remain warm enough for beach holidays, while the cooler temperatures make sightseeing, hiking and outdoor dining far more comfortable than during July and August. Resorts are generally quieter and travellers outside the school half term period can often find better value holidays.
Reasons to travel in October
- Reliable sunshine across Cyprus, Turkey, Tunisia and the Canary Islands.
- Warm sea temperatures throughout much of the Mediterranean.
- Fewer crowds than during the summer holidays.
- Excellent value outside October half term.
- Comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- Great choice of beach and all inclusive holidays.
Things to consider
- School half term can increase prices and demand.
- Some smaller seasonal resorts begin to wind down towards the end of the month.
- Evenings can be cooler in parts of southern Europe.
- Mainland Spain and Portugal are generally cooler than earlier in the summer.
Our Top October Picks
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Cyprus |
| Best autumn escape | Algarve |
| Best value | Dalaman (Turkey) |
| Best all inclusive holiday | Tunisia (Port El Kantaoui) |
| Best Canary Island | Tenerife |
| Best golf holiday | Algarve |
| Best city & beach | Malta |
| Hottest destination | Egypt |
For most UK travellers, Cyprus offers the best combination of reliable sunshine, warm seas and excellent beach resorts in October.
If you’re looking for a quieter autumn escape, the Algarve is hard to beat, while Tunisia and Turkey continue to offer exceptional value for all inclusive holidays. Travellers wanting guaranteed heat should head to Egypt, while Tenerife is the strongest Canary Island choice for autumn sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
October is an excellent time to enjoy a sunshine holiday before winter arrives in the UK. Warm seas, fewer crowds and pleasant daytime temperatures make it one of the most rewarding months for travelling across southern Europe and beyond.
For most UK travellers, Cyprus is the standout destination thanks to its reliable weather, warm Mediterranean waters and excellent choice of resorts. If you prefer a slower pace, the Algarve offers relaxed autumn sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery, while Tunisia and Turkey continue to deliver fantastic value for money.
Travellers looking for year round sunshine should consider Tenerife, while Egypt remains the best option for guaranteed heat and warm seas.
In simple terms:
- Choose Cyprus for the best overall October holiday.
- Choose the Algarve for a relaxed autumn escape.
- Choose Dalaman for value and all inclusive resorts.
- Choose Tunisia for affordable sunshine.
- Choose Tenerife for dependable Canary Islands weather.
- Choose Egypt for the hottest temperatures.
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Dawn - Travel Expert
Dawn Morwood, who is based in Belfast, is our top deal finder! She has a passion for helping people see the world without overspending. At Cheap Deals Away UK, she shares great value holiday deals, travel tips and articles about affordable destinations.
She has been widely featured in the UK press. You can find articles published in The Sun, Express, Daily Mail, Mirror UK, Belfast Live, Liverpool Echo, Wales Online, Daily Record and many more publications.
Dawn's current favourite holiday destinations are Cascais, near Lisbon and Prague. Cascais for its charming old town streets with great quality Portuguese restaurants and Prague for its medieval castles and churches and of course the beer!
