Where is it hot in October? Best sunny destinations for autumn 2023 (2023)

If you dream of onetravel abroadtowards the back of the year, there are plenty of hot holiday options in October.

For fans of European beaches or shorter flight times, the usual culprits of sunPortugal,Greece,Cyprus, and Morocco offers much warmer weather than typical for the UK.

Happy to travel further afield? You have plenty of choices, from hot and humid Mexico (see:Cancun) to remote island paradises such asThe Seychellesand Asian Rainforest Adventures.

Strand escapesis a given, but there are also a few city breaks and nature-filled trips to consider.

Excited? Let's take a look at some of the hottest destinations around the world in October.

Where is it hot in October?

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Temperature:26°C
Hours of sunshine:Seven hours
Flight time:Four hours, 10 minutes

Tenerife is lovely in the summer, but it's sunny all year roundweatheralso makes it an ideal place to be in autumn.

The possibility of 26°C, the average high for October, is too good to miss – as is the fact that sea temperatures hit a wonderfully warm 24°C and that you'll be visiting just after the majority of tourists (in August ) and leaves just before the rainiest months.

So what to do in Tenerife? The largest of all the Canary Islands, you can go to an all-inclusive resort, laze by the pool, the beach or maybe have a swim in the water park Siam Park.

But if you can tear yourself away from the lounger: take an island walk, admire Mount Teide in Teide National Park, enjoy a day trip to Garachico, check out the Los Gigantes cliffs, or try whale watching.

You can't go wrong elsewhere in the Canary Islands either, as Lanzarote and Gran Canaria also have an average high of 26°C this month.

Athens, Greece

Temperature:23°C
Hours of sunshine:Six hours
Flight time:Three hours, 40 minutes

With temperatures in the low 20s, you'll be just warm enough (but not too hot) to discover all that Athens – the sprawling capital of Greece – has to offer visitors.

Head to the ancient Greek citadel of the Acropolis and explore the ancient neighborhood of Plaka below, or uncover the history of Greek mythology at the Temple of Poseidon.

Historic sites and UNESCO sites are not the only draw. You are in Greece after all, so there will be plenty of delicious food to try (and Athens has no shortage of guided tours on the subject).

There will also be plenty of time to relax, perhaps in the beautiful national garden, or enjoy art at its modern museum.

If you like exploring cities on foot, you can walk to the top of Mount Lycabettus, Athens' highest point at 277 meters (or, if you don't, hop on the cable car instead).

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Temperature:31°C
Hours of sunshine:10 timer
Flight time:Five hours, 20 minutes

If you really want to feel the heat, Egypt in October does the trick – with average temperatures of 31°C, a sea temperature of 27°C and cardigan-cloudy evening temperatures of around 20°C.

After all, it's still technically summer, with Egypt's (mild) winter only beginning in November, and lasting until mid-April.

Expect golden sandy beaches along the Red Sea, with plenty of resort hotels to choose from. If you are keen to explore the area, try the local old market which is home to the Al Sahaba Mosque.

Want more beach time? Na'amba Bay is known for its diving, snorkelling and water sports opportunities, as well as its nightlife, while Ras Um Sid and Shark's Bay Beach are also worth a visit.

Brisbane, Australia

Temperature:Up to 26°C
Hours of sunshine:It's not a timer
Flight time:22 to 23 hours

Travel toAustraliawas off the cards during the pandemic, but as Down Under ismore open these days, it's nice to dream about a possible visit. Not so nice? Flight time. Practice.

Still, if you have the time and money, Australia in October is a wonderful choice for a warm yet adventurous holiday.

And Queensland - home to the Great Barrier Reef - is no exception.

The state capital, Brisbane, is a wonderful city focused on its vast river, from where you can hop on a CityCat ferry or explore nearby riverside parks.

It is also known for its restaurants and nightlife, and also for the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the largest koala sanctuary in Australia.

Of course, it's worth flying (or driving along the Queensland coast) to see (and dive in) the reef – despitetalk of climate change damaging its UNESCO World Heritage statuslast year.

Tahiti

Temperature:26°C to 29°C
Hours of sunshine:Eight hours
Flight time:23 to 25 hours

Reaching Tahiti is no walk in the park as flight times vary wildly from 23 hours to well over a day including connections.

But a breathtaking paradise in the South Pacific is definitely worth the extra effort.

The island is also the most important hub for and largest island in the 118-island archipelago of French Polynesia.

Tahiti is famously shaped like a figure eight, divided into Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti, both of which offer fantastic beaches - surrounded by crystal clear seas ripe for swimming, snorkelling or catamaran sailing.

Tahiti is also known for black sand beaches, hidden caves, beautiful lagoons, cascading waterfalls and green mountain peaks that ring the island - all of which can be explored, ideally with a guide.

You can also experience the municipal market in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti and French Polynesia – as well as visit a museum dedicated to the archipelago.

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

The Seychelles

Temperature:30°C
Hours of sunshine:Eight hours
Flight time:10 timer

The Seychellesin October practically guarantees warm weather: low 30s during the day for sunbathing and low 20s to keep you warm in the evenings.

However, it is perhaps the rainiest month in this East African country, so expect a few scattered showers to cool you down throughout your holiday.

Even though it's freezingit would be impossible to get bored with the many islands that make up the Seychelles, their white sandy beaches and endless views of the Indian Ocean.

Smaller islands to consider include La Digue – home to Anse Source d'Argent beach, which really looks straight out of a postcard – the resort island of Ile du Nord, the Curieuse giant tortoise park or Praslin, taken over by the lush Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve.

However, Mahé is the main island and it is here that you will find the majority of the Seychelles population and the country's capital, Victoria.

Here you can expect to visit a vibrant local market, see interesting architecture and enjoy several beaches.

Marrakesh, Morocco

Temperature:Up to 30°C
Hours of sunshine:Eight hours
Flight time:Three hours, 45 minutes

Marrakesh, Morocco, located in North Africa, often lands on the 'where's the hottest?' lists, thanks to its high temperatures.

In October you can expect averages of 24°C rising as high as 30°C – with warm days, balmy evenings and very little rainfall a real possibility, a salve when arriving from chilly Britain.

Even if it ends up being a touch cooler, there's plenty to keep you busy in this fast-paced city.

Popular places to visit include the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market square, the Jardin Majorelle gardens, local souks for shopping and the Koutoubia Mosque, which dates back to the 12th century. If you can, stay in a riad.

And if you're looking for some shade, there are also museums in Marrakesh – devoted to photography, Moroccan handicrafts and the Algerian-born French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Borneo

Temperature:28°C to 31°C
Hours of sunshine:Six hours
Flight time:15 timer

Borneo is a real bucket list destination for many travelers.

And October is right at the end of Borneo's peak season, making it an ideal time to visit, both weather-wise and price-wise.

This Southeast Asian destination is a place you go to explore and catch a glimpse of nature in all its glory – namely the many species of animals that live in its 130-million-year-old rainforest.

Borneo is famously one of only two places where you canstill find orangutansin the wild.

According toAudley travels, they can still be seen in their natural habitat in the month of October, although dedicated sanctuaries on the island tend to them year-round.

It's also a wonderful time to try diving at Sipadan, a nearby Malaysian island. If you plan things right, you'll also visit during Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights.

Portugal

Temperature:23°C
Hours of sunshine:Seven hours
Flight time:Two hours, 20 minutes

Portugal is often a safe bet in October, at least compared to the UK.

If you don't get the average high of 23°C, hopefully you'll be looking at 21°C, but no less than 18°C ​​- which, compared to the UK's cooler 13°C, is quite comfortable.

The only problem? Deciding where in Portugal to go. Yep, you have loads of holiday options in this southern European gem.

A city break to Lisbon, the capital, is always a winner – as fantastic views, delicious food (such as pastel de nata) and exciting excursions (such as to the cities of Sintra or Evora) are built right in.

There's also popular Porto, a city famous for its stunning bridges and incredible wine – or venture out to a lesser-known destination such as Braga, Coimbra or Aveiro.

Do you just want to relax on the beach before winter comes? Fair enough. Go tobeautiful Algarve, which includes the popular resort town of Albufeira and the region's historic capital, Faro.

Kos and the Dodecanese, Greece

Temperature:23°C
Hours of sunshine:Eight hours
Flight time:Four hours (to Kos)

If you want to escape the cold here in autumn, one of the Dodecanese is a good place to spend your holiday.

After all, it is often dubbed 'the sunniest corner of Greece', with temperatures reaching up to 23°C in October.

Choose to relax on the beaches inpopular Kos, overlooking the pristine, turquoise Aegean Sea, orexplore Rhodes, the island's capital – famous for its mountains, archaeological sites and medieval town.

If you want to veer a little further away from the well-trodden islands, you can visit Symi, with its dazzling yellow harbor town, or nature-filled Nisyros.

Kalymnos, meanwhile, is known worldwide for its natural sea sponge. Yep, as in... actual mushrooms.

If you are a big fan of the Greek island of Crete, why not consider Kasos? The Visit Greece tourism website notes that they both share many similar qualities.

Muscat, Oman

Temperature:Up to 35°C
Hours of sunshine:10 timer
Flight time:Seven hours and 30 minutes

For scorching temperatures in October, the city of Muscat in Oman delivers.

You average around 30°C, typically rising to 35°C as the day progresses and the sun continues to shine through cloudless, rain-free skies – stay warm in the evenings at a balmy 25°C.

Thomas Cookalso notes that the water in the Gulf of Oman, which Muscat's sandy shores overlook, is around 29°C at this time of year.

In addition to beaches, there is much to explore in this part of the Middle East, such as mountains, the souq [souk or market], the Mutrah Corniche, the National Museum of Oman and the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

In addition to Muscat, a visit to the Wahiba Sands desert and the ethereal oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid is a must - both can be visited as part of an organized guided tour.

Paphos, Cypern

Temperature:23°C to 27°C
Hours of sunshine:Eight hours
Flight time:Four hours, 40 minutes

Paphos is a family holiday favourite, with plenty of hotels to choose from for a laze by the pool.

Sometimes you just need a cocktail to sip while lying on a sun lounger. Or a dip in the 25°C sea. Or the type of relaxing trip where warm evenings allow you to enjoy a late dinner outdoors.

But you'd be wrong to think that this destination in southwestern Cyprus doesn't have much else to offer, as it's also home to afascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Both the neighborhood of Kato Paphos and the nearby village of Kouklia are home to some seriously important ancient sites, including the mosaics and archaeological remains of Nea Paphos (Sacred City of Aphrodite) and the Temple of Aphrodite respectively.

In Kouklia you will find the sea stack Petra Tou Romiou, aka Aphrodite's Rock, which is mythologized as the birthplace of the legendary Greek goddess of love and beauty.

Dubai, UAE

Temperature:Up to 36°C
Hours of sunshine:10 timer
Flight time:Seven hours, five minutes

Like Muscat, you can expect soaring temperatures inDubaiin October.

The city in the United Arab Emirates could see 30°C, with a high of 36°C not unheard of - while the average minimum is still a sunny 24°C.

Along Dubai's beaches, a paddle in the sea will keep you warm with water temperatures reaching 32°C.

Of course, Dubai is not all about the beach. It is fantastically luxurious. Expect glamorous and expensive hotels (which thankfully have good air conditioning) and lots of shopping opportunities.

Marvel at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, or try to break away from the glitz and visit a local souk, cafe or gallery in the Deira or Al Seef districts.

Also worth exploring is the historic quarter, Al Fahidi, with its 18th-century fort and carefully restored houses that offer a glimpse into 19th-century life.

Before you travel...

It is wise to checkUK Foreign & Commonwealth Office websitefor the latest travel advice to your dream destination.

Check your destination's government website for their entry requirements and ensure you meet any remaining testing or vaccination requirements before purchasing or flying.

It is also wise to bookcomprehensive travel insurancebefore you go on holiday to make sure you are covered in case you get sick or your trip is cancelled.

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