Where to Go in October for a Long Weekend

Lake Como is a deep, glacial lake located at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy. The lake is shaped like an inverted Y, carved out long ago by glaciers. The summer crowds depart by October, leaving the lakeside towns quiet. Temperatures average around 15 degrees Celsius, which is cool but comfortable for walking. Many ferry services reduce their schedules during this month. Some hotels and restaurants also close for the winter starting in mid October.

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of North Africa. October brings warm, stable weather with temperatures hovering around 22 degrees Celsius. The ocean remains warm enough for swimming, and the summer crowds have mostly returned home. It is a good time for hiking along the stone irrigation channels called levadas. You will need to rent a car to explore the island fully. The steep, narrow roads can be challenging for nervous drivers.

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel built on a high rocky outcrop. It contains several ancient structures, including the Parthenon. Visiting in October is much easier than in the summer. Temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and the intense sun is no longer a major obstacle. The queues are shorter, but the site still gets busy when cruise ships arrive. The marble paths can be very slippery, especially if it rains.

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, built on hills along the Tagus River. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, predating many other capitals. October weather is generally mild, making it easier to walk up and down the steep streets. You will find fewer tourists in the popular historic trams. Rain is more common in late October than in previous months. Be prepared with an umbrella and suitable footwear.

The Annapurna Massif is a major mountain range in the Himalayas of Nepal. It contains several peaks over 6000 meters, with the highest reaching over 8000 meters. October is one of the best months for trekking here because the monsoon rains have ended. The air is exceptionally clear, offering great mountain views. This is peak trekking season, so the trails and tea houses can be very crowded. You must book your guides and accommodation well in advance.

Kyoto is a historic city on the island of Honshu, known as the cultural center of Japan. It has thousands of traditional temples and shrines. October brings cooler autumn temperatures and the beginning of the fall foliage season. The weather is dry and ideal for walking between historic sites. This is a highly popular time for domestic and international travelers. Popular temples will be crowded, and accommodation prices rise.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a protected area in Hunan Province, famous for its towering sandstone pillars. It is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. October offers cooler weather and less humidity than the summer months. The mountain foliage begins to change color, adding variety to the landscape. National holidays in early October bring massive crowds of domestic tourists. Avoid the first week of the month entirely if you want a quiet visit.

Ha Long Bay is a large bay in northeastern Vietnam, filled with thousands of limestone islands and karsts. The name translates to descending dragon. October marks the start of the dry season, making it one of the best times to visit. The humidity drops, and the risk of typhoons is much lower than in summer. The bay is a major tourist hub, meaning you will share the water with hundreds of other boats. Day trips can feel rushed, so an overnight cruise is usually better.

Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife reserve in Rajasthan, northern India. It is bounded by the Banas and Chambal rivers and features an ancient fort. The park reopens in October after being closed for the monsoon season. The landscape is green and lush, though tiger sightings can be harder due to the thick foliage. Morning safaris can be quite cold, so you will need warm layers. You must book safari permits months ahead of your trip.

The Lotus Temple is a Bahai House of Worship located in New Delhi, India. It is shaped like a flower with 27 marble petals. October brings a welcome relief from the intense summer heat of Delhi. The gardens surrounding the temple are pleasant to walk through in the cooler air. As a popular attraction, the temple receives thousands of visitors daily. You will need to remove your shoes to enter, and the queues can be long.