
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content.
With the summer holidays behind us, October often feels like the first true month of autumn, with the trees changing colour and cooler weather here in the UK. But that doesn't mean that you can't find warm weather in October - in fact, this is a great month for taking a city break somewhere in Europe or going a bit further away for a beach holiday!
Plus, if you're looking to avoid crowds, October is an ideal time to get away and you can also save a lot of money by choosing to travel this month, especially for a family holiday or a romantic holiday for two. Check out our best October travel deals.
If the hot, balmy weather of July and August feels like a distant dream, why not make the most of October by heading to a warm-weather destination? And, surprisingly, you don't even have to travel very far to find somewhere sunny.
If you weren't able to take a beach holiday this year - or just fancy taking another one - you'll have plenty of choice when it comes to finding decent weather in October. And if the beach isn't your thing, you could always enjoy a hot city break instead.
Here are some of our top choices for a warm-weather holiday in October:
🌡️ Average temperature in Marrakesh in October: 24°C
With temperatures still hitting up to 30°C in October, Marrakesh is a perfect October city break destination, especially since the summer month temperatures are almost too hot to enjoy yourself!
Stroll the markets, indulge in the delicious local food or visit the stunning Jardin Majorelle botanical garden. With so much to do and see, Marrakesh is a great choice for an action-packed mini break.
🌡️ Average temperature in Cancun in October: 27°C
One of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico, Cancun is the place to go if you want it really hot! In October, temperatures can reach almost 33°C on some days, making it an excellent spot for a beach trip.
While its incredible beaches should be the top priority on your holiday itinerary, Cancun is also known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to historical places like Chichen Itza. Tulum is another great day trip option.
🌡️ Average temperature in Crete in October: 20°C
If you're looking for a destination that's a little closer to home, don't worry - October sun can be found in Europe! Greece is one of the best places to visit in autumn, thanks to its year-round mild climate, so why not take a trip to lovely Crete?
In October, the weather is warm rather than hot, but that's perfect for being able to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the island, especially when it comes to outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling and rock climbing. If you'd like a stress-free experience, all-inclusive holidays to Crete are very popular.
🌡️ Average temperature in Algarve in October: 21°C
Another popular European destination, the Algarve in southern Portugal has lovely, sunny weather in October. You can expect temperatures that hover around the mid-20s°C. That's warm enough to enjoy beaches like the famous Ponta da Piedade, but it's also the ideal weather for exploring.
Take a boat trip to go dolphin watching, stroll the old town of Lagos or head inland to the stunning mountainous Monchique region.
🌡️ Average temperature in Cyprus in October: 23°C
For a warm island escape, Cyprus is one of our go-tos for October. In Paphos, you can expect an average temperature of 24ºC, with highs of 28°C across the island. That's perfect weather for checking out the beaches and enjoying the island's outdoor activities.
Watersports are especially good this month, with water temperatures well above 20ºC. Things get a bit cooler in the evening, so don't forget to bring a light jacket!
🌡️ Average temperature in Gran Canaria in October: 24°C
The Canary Islands are a safe bet for almost every month of the year and October is no exception to this rule! You can expect highs of 27°C, which is warm but not too hot - ideal for a family holiday in Gran Canaria.
The top things to do include visiting the awe-inspiring Maspalomas Dunes or the Roque Nublo in Nublo Rural Park. If you're with the kids, stop by Palmitos Park, a wildlife park that's fun for all the family.
🌡️ Average temperature in Malta in October: 22°C
Malta's beautiful capital city, Valletta, has an average temperature of 25°C in October. Valletta also happens to be a great compromise destination, blending a city break with a traditional beach holiday.
This lovely city is situated right by the sea, so you'll only need to head just outside of Valletta to find stunning beaches. Valletta itself is filled with cobblestone streets, old forts and plenty of romantic wine bars and restaurants.
🌡️ Average temperature in Bali in October: 28°C
If you're happy to go long haul, you can find brilliant weather in Bali in October. You can expect highs of 31°C and long, balmy days in the sunshine. In fact, October is the second-best month to visit Bali in terms of the amount of sunshine!
There's plenty to do in Bali; go island hopping, indulge in a stay at a luxury retreat and enjoy the stunning beaches. Bali provides one of the best ways to escape from real life - and what could be better in the middle of a UK autumn?
If the beach isn't your number-one reason for travelling in October, then a sunny city break may be a better option for you. This is especially the case if you only have a weekend to work with, as you'll still be able to see a lot if you stay in a single destination. (For city breakers really short on time, an extreme day trip is always a good choice too!)
Check out our top choices for sunny city break destinations in October:
🌡️ Average temperature in Athens in October: 19°C
With sprawling ancient sites and hilltop attractions, Athens' balmy mid-summer sightseeing can feel overwhelming. It's actually better to visit during a cooler month - like October - so that you can make the most of this city's bucket-list spots without overheating. There are even highs of 23°C during the month, which means that al fresco wining and dining will still be on the cards.
🌡️ Average temperature in Lisbon in October: 18°C
Lisbon is another great option for October, as the warm-but-not-hot temperatures make this hilly city much easier to explore. Prices will be cheaper compared to the peak summer months, and it'll still be warm enough to enjoy the sights - and the nearby beaches too. In fact, the average sea temperature in October is 19°C, which means you can partake in some swimming or watersports while in Lisbon.
🌡️ Average temperature in Dubrovnik in October: 18°C
Dubrovnik is another destination that combines city attractions and the seaside, and October is one of the very best months to visit this beautiful city thanks to the lower prices in this normally expensive destination. You'll need to pack layers and an umbrella, as there are occasional rain showers during this month, but you can still expect highs of 22°C on some days. The sea temperature hovers at about the same, so you can still take a dip on a warm afternoon.
🌡️ Average temperature in Seville in October: 20°C
Located in southern Spain, Seville still experiences gloriously sunny weather and warm temperatures throughout October. You can even expect highs of 26°C on some days, which definitely counts as t-shirt weather. And if you haven't yet visited Seville, you're in for a treat: from unique architecture (both ancient and modern) to delicious local food and drink, this is one of our all-time favourite cities to visit in Spain.
🌡️ Average temperature in Perugia in October: 16°C
The capital of Italy's Umbria region, Perugia is the ideal city break destination for foodies, especially at this time of year. That's because it's harvest time for many local delicacies: wine, chestnuts, truffles, olives and more. Don't miss out on a visit to a farmers' market while you're in the city. The weather is mild to warm, with highs of 21°C, so you'll be able to explore Perugia's sights (and enjoy its culinary delights) in comfort, as opposed to the sticky heat of summer.
🌡️ Average temperature in Budapest in October: 16°C
For warmer temperatures, it's best to visit Budapest in early October, when you can still experience highs of up to 19°C in the afternoon. This city is ideal for exploring on foot, and October's mild weather makes it an excellent time to do just that in Budapest. Even if you do get cold, Budapest is famous for its hot springs and thermal baths, which are located all over the city. The most popular is Széchenyi but you should also visit Gellért for a lengthy soak.
Most schools in the UK will have their half-term holidays during the last week of October (26-30 October) in 2026. With a weekend on either side, as well as a potential inset day (check your school's calendar), this gives you a good amount of time to head off on a holiday with your family.
Whether that's a staycation at a holiday park or a week-long holiday abroad, the October half-term holiday is an ideal time to get away and save some money while you're at it. Here are some destinations to consider for your October half-term holiday.
Why families love the Cotswolds in October: Halloween events, autumn foliage, charming villages and walking in nature
For those who love the outdoors, booking a glamping holiday in the Cotswolds (or a B&B if you prefer sleeping under a roof) is a great way to spend the October half-term holiday. There'll be plenty of Halloween events on the go, and you can pay visits to family-friendly attractions like Birdland, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and Cotswold Farm Park. The Cotswolds is a haven for walkers, with many kid-friendly short trails and other outdoor pursuits.
Why families love Majorca in October: Mild-to-warm temperatures throughout October, resorts with kid-friendly facilities and a relaxed atmosphere compared to summer
Majorca is always a favourite with families, no matter the time of year. But, if you like the sound of fewer crowds, especially on the beach and at attractions, then October is a wonderful time to be on the island. There's a surprising amount of family-friendly attractions, from theme and water parks like Katmandu Park and Hidropark to natural wonders like the Caves of Drach. When you want a more chilled day, the best family beaches can be found at Playa de Alcúdia and Playa de Sa Coma.
Why families love Transylvania in October: Halloween folklore and events, Dracula attractions, peak season in the region
While this isn't the destination to choose if you're looking for warm weather, Transylvania should be on your list if you and your kids love all things to do with Halloween. This region in Romania is, of course, renowned for its Halloween folklore as well as its connections to Dracula mythology. When you're not visiting Bran Castle or partaking in a Halloween event, you can explore the region's beautiful medieval villages and natural scenery.
Why families love Antalya in October: Family-friendly holiday resorts with kids' clubs, warm-to-hot temperatures, better value and fewer crowds
If you don't mind flying a bit further away, Antalya is one of the warmest places you can enjoy an October holiday, with temperatures still in the high 20s°C on some days. This means that beach time is a guarantee, as is comfortable sightseeing, with fewer crowds and without the sweltering heat of summer. Kids love Antalya thanks to attractions like The Land of Legends theme park, Dokuma Park and Antalya Aquarium. There are plenty of family holiday resorts to choose from too, many of which will offer kids' clubs and kid-friendly facilities.
A: Yes, absolutely! Flights and accommodation are cheaper in October and the most popular holiday destinations feel less crowded, making it a popular choice for all sorts of holidaymakers, including couples and families. There's still good weather in parts of Europe and north Africa, with temperatures ranging between mild and warm in most places.
A: The most popular short-haul October holiday destinations include France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy.
A: While you know which time period you'd like to travel in, flexibility with regards to your holiday destination and exact flight times is the key factor to getting a great deal. Last-minute holiday deals pop up all the time, even for all-inclusive holidays, so if you see a particularly cheap deal and it works for your dates, buy it as quickly as possible. The team at HolidayPirates finds new holiday deals every day, so it's worth checking back regularly or signing up for alerts too.
A: The exact dates may vary according to school or region, but most schools will break up for the last week of October in 2026.