Best Holidays for OctoberThe best holidays for October sunshine are the Canary Islands at around 26°C, Cyprus and Turkey at 25–27°C, and Egypt’s Red Sea at 30°C. For long-haul luxury, the Maldives and Mauritius both offer 29°C and calm seas as their dry seasons approach.
October is a brilliant month to travel. Summer crowds have gone, prices drop outside half-term week, and a surprising number of destinations are still genuinely hot.
Where is hot in October?
Short-haul, the reliable heat sits at the southern and eastern edges of the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic islands. Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt all stay summery well into November.
Long-haul, October marks the start of the season for the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, with hurricane risk fading and prices still pre-peak.
1. The Canary Islands — the dependable choice
The Canary Islands average 26°C in October with sea temperatures at their warmest of the year, around 23°C. It is their best month, combining summer warmth with thinner crowds.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria suit families wanting resorts and water parks. Lanzarote offers volcanic drama and quieter beaches.
2. Cyprus — warm seas and empty ruins
October in Cyprus brings 26°C days and a sea still at 24°C after the long summer. You can swim comfortably right through the month.
It is also the ideal temperature for sightseeing. Explore the mosaics of Paphos or the Troodos mountain villages without July’s draining heat.
3. Turkey — summer prices without summer crowds
The Turquoise Coast stays warm into late October, with Antalya around 26°C. All-inclusive resorts drop their prices noticeably once the peak season ends.
Combine beach days with Roman ruins at Side or a gulet boat trip from Fethiye. October’s softer light and cooler evenings make it many regulars’ favourite month.
4. Egypt — genuine heat guaranteed
For guaranteed heat, nothing short-haul beats Egypt in October. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh sit at 30°C with the Red Sea at 27°C, perfect for snorkelling and diving.
October also makes Luxor and Cairo bearable for sightseeing, so it is the smart month for combining a beach stay with the ancient sites.
5. The Maldives and Mauritius — long-haul luxury begins
October is the shoulder of the dry season in the Maldives, with 29°C days and improving visibility for divers. Prices remain below the December peak.
Mauritius enjoys one of its best months, warm and dry before the summer humidity. It is ideal for honeymoons and special occasions.
October half-term tips
UK half-term concentrates demand into one week, usually late October, and prices can double. Booking by early summer secures the best family deals.
If you can travel in the first two weeks of October instead, the same holidays often cost 30–40% less. The weather is usually marginally better too.
6. Malta — culture in comfortable heat
October in Malta means 25°C days, a 24°C sea and streets finally free of the summer crush. It is the ideal month to explore Valletta, the silent city of Mdina and the megalithic temples in comfort.
Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on Comino still run daily, and with fewer visitors you can actually enjoy the water rather than queue for it.
7. Marrakech — the souks in their sweet spot
Summer in Marrakech is brutal, but October drops the city into its sweet spot at around 28°C. The medina, the Jardin Majorelle and rooftop dinners above Jemaa el-Fnaa are all at their best.
Add a night or two in the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay desert, both an easy drive away and beautifully cool in the evenings.
October long-haul: is the Caribbean ready?
October is technically still hurricane season in the Caribbean, but the southern islands sit largely outside the belt. Barbados, Aruba and Trinidad carry far lower risk than the northern chain.
Prices are at their yearly low as a result. If you are flexible and insured, late October can deliver a five-star Caribbean holiday at three-star money.
What to pack for October sun
Pack for summer days but throw in one warm layer for evenings, which cool noticeably after sunset in the Canaries, Malta and Marrakech. A light rain jacket earns its place for the odd short shower.
Sea shoes are worth having for rockier autumn beaches, and high-factor sunscreen still matters. The October sun feels gentler than August but burns almost as effectively at these latitudes.
8. Greece — the season’s last hurrah
Early October is Greece‘s secret. The sea is at its warmest after the long summer, tavernas are still open, and island-hopping crowds have vanished with the school holidays.
Crete, the southernmost big island, holds its warmth longest at around 24°C. By late October the smaller islands wind down, so aim for the first half of the month.
October temperatures at a glance
- Egypt (Red Sea) — 30°C air, 27°C sea
- Marrakech — 28°C air, dry
- Canary Islands — 26°C air, 23°C sea
- Cyprus — 26°C air, 24°C sea
- Turkey (Antalya) — 26°C air, 24°C sea
- Malta — 25°C air, 24°C sea
- Maldives — 29°C air, 29°C sea
Our verdict: which October holiday is right for you?
For families locked to half-term, the Canary Islands offer the shortest flights and the most reliable sunshine for the money. Egypt is the pick if the kids are old enough to snorkel and you want real heat.
Couples free to travel in early October should look hard at Greece and Turkey, where shoulder-season prices meet summer seas. And if the budget stretches, October is quietly one of the smartest months of the year for the Maldives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the hottest place in Europe in October?
The Canary Islands are the hottest part of Europe in October, averaging 26°C with eight hours of sunshine. Cyprus runs a close second at around 25–26°C with warmer seas.
Is October a good time for the Maldives?
Yes. October sits at the start of the dry season with temperatures of 29°C, fewer crowds and lower prices than the December-to-April peak. Brief showers are possible but rarely last.
Can you swim in the sea in Cyprus in October?
Comfortably. After the long summer, the sea around Cyprus holds at about 24°C throughout October, warmer than the Mediterranean around Spain or Greece at the same time.
How can I save money on an October half-term holiday?
Book early, as half-term week concentrates family demand. Travelling in the first two weeks of October instead of half-term week typically saves 30–40% on identical holidays.
