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Where to go in October

A list of global destinations with good weather in October for travelers looking for alternatives to California.

10 places3 min readUpdated 23 October 2026
Where to go in October in California and Beyond
The short answer

If you are looking for where to go in October in California, consider that October is a shoulder season with cooling temperatures across the state. If you are open to international travel, October is an excellent month for dry weather in East Africa and mild conditions across parts of Europe.

This list focuses on locations that offer stable weather and manageable crowds during the month of October. We selected these spots based on seasonal trends to help you plan your travel.

1

High altitude trekking in Ethiopia

Semien Mountains, Ethiopia
Photo: Hulivili, CC BY 2.0

This park contains the highest points in Ethiopia, including Ras Dashan. It is a rugged landscape known for its deep valleys and sharp peaks. You can see unique animals here like the walia ibex and the gelada baboon. Birdwatchers often look for the bearded vulture with its massive wingspan. An unpaved road connects the park to the town of Debarq. October marks the start of the dry season, making it a good time for hiking.

Suits
Experienced hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
Infrastructure is basic and the terrain is steep.
Planning Simien Mountains National Park?

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2

Wildlife viewing in a volcanic caldera

ngorongoro crater
Photo: Grahampurse, CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in Tanzania, this area is famous for its large volcanic caldera. It sits west of Arusha City and connects to the Serengeti. October is the end of the dry season here. Wildlife gathers around available water sources, which makes it easier to spot animals in the open grass. The area is managed by the Tanzanian government. It is a significant protected site for diverse African wildlife.

Suits
Safari goers wanting high density wildlife sightings.
Worth knowing
You must hire a guide or join a tour to enter the crater.
Planning Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

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3

Island life off the Tanzanian coast

Zanzibar·Tanzania
A juvenile Pantropical spotted dolphin leaps out of the water in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Photo: Sbork, CC BY-SA 3.0

Zanzibar consists of Unguja and Pemba islands. It is known for its spice production including cloves and nutmeg. Stone Town is the historic center and a UNESCO site. It reflects the island's long history as a trade hub. October weather remains dry and warm before the short rains arrive. It is a popular time for beach visits and exploring the historic alleys of the main city.

Suits
Travelers wanting a mix of beaches and cultural history.
Worth knowing
Be prepared for high humidity even in the dry season.
Planning Zanzibar?

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4

Modern art in Northern Spain

Tulips by Jeff Koons in Bilbao Gugenheim Museum
Photo: Ertly, CC BY 4.0

Located in Bilbao, this museum is known for its architecture designed by Frank Gehry. It sits along the Nervion River. The museum opened in 1997. It hosts both permanent collections and traveling exhibits from international artists. October brings mild temperatures to Northern Spain. It is a quiet time to visit before the winter weather sets in.

Suits
Architecture fans and art lovers.
Worth knowing
The museum can get crowded on weekends.
Planning Guggenheim Museum Bilbao?

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5

Engineering in the French countryside

Millau Viaduc Valley
Photo: commons:User:Mike Switzerland, CC-BY-SA-2.5

This cable-stayed bridge spans the Tarn gorge in Southern France. It was completed in 2004 and stands 343 metres tall. The bridge is a major part of the A75 autoroute. It was designed to help traffic flow between Paris and the Mediterranean coast. October offers clear views of the valley. It is a good time for driving through the Aveyron department.

Suits
Road trippers and engineering enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
There is a toll fee to cross the bridge.
Planning Millau Viaduct?

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6

A landmark in Paris

Eiffel Tower·France
The Eiffel Tower standing over Paris seen from Tour Montparnasse
Photo: David McSpadden, CC BY 2.0

Built for the 1889 World's Fair, this wrought iron tower remains the most visited site in Paris. It stands on the Champ de Mars. Initially criticized by local artists, it is now the most recognizable structure in France. Millions of people visit it every year. October is a pleasant time to walk around the area as the summer heat fades. The lines for the elevators are generally shorter than in July or August.

Suits
First-time visitors to France.
Worth knowing
Book tickets well in advance to avoid long waits.
Planning Eiffel Tower?

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7

The great migration in Tanzania

A fairly typical example of the scenery in Serengeti National Park in western Tanzania. The plains are wide and full of grass, with trees, mainly acacias, dotted around the landscape.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0

This massive park covers over 14,000 square kilometers of savanna. It is home to a vast population of lions and other predators. The park is famous for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. They move across the plains in search of fresh grass. October is dry, which forces animals to congregate near water. This makes it a prime month for game drives.

Suits
Those tracking large mammal migrations.
Worth knowing
The park is very large, so plan for long travel times between camps.
Planning Serengeti National Park?

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8

The world's tallest waterfall

Angel Falls·Venezuela
Panoramic view opposite Churun river. Composed of 21 individual pictures. Captured with Canon PowerShot SD600, assembled with Autopano Pro.
Photo: Jlazovskis (talk)), CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, this waterfall drops 979 metres from the Auyán-tepui mountain. The water falls over the edge of a flat-topped mountain. It is a remote site that requires a boat trip and a hike to reach the base. October is part of the rainy season, which keeps the waterfall flowing strongly. During the dry season, the water can turn into a thin mist.

Suits
Adventurous travelers looking for remote natural sites.
Worth knowing
Access is difficult and requires multiple days of travel.
Planning Angel Falls?

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9

Wildlife reserve in Kenya

As twilight descends over the Masai Mara, its savannah is bathed in a warm golden glow, silhouetting all animals and trees.
Photo: Danijel Mihajlovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contiguous with the Serengeti, this reserve is named after the local Maasai people. The name means spotted, referring to the trees in the landscape. It is well known for populations of lions, leopards, and elephants. The Great Migration often passes through here. October is one of the better months for weather. It allows for easier navigation of the reserve roads compared to the wet months.

Suits
Wildlife photography enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
Entry fees are required and vary by season.
Planning Maasai Mara?

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10

Northern lights in Norway

Tromsø·Norway
Kvaløya. Tromsø. Norway.

Tromsø is located on the island of Tromsøya in Northern Norway. It is known for having a high concentration of old wooden houses. The city serves as a hub for regional festivals and arctic research. It is a base for those hoping to see the aurora borealis. October marks the beginning of the dark season. The days get shorter, which increases the chances of seeing the northern lights at night.

Suits
People hoping to see the northern lights.
Worth knowing
Expect very cold temperatures and limited daylight.
Planning Tromsø?

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Choosing a destination depends on whether you want to focus on wildlife, culture, or landscapes. Research local weather trends for your specific dates before finalizing your plans.

Questions people ask


Is California good to visit in October?

Yes, October is a pleasant time to visit California. The summer heat has subsided, though coastal fog can still occur.

What is the weather like in California in October?

Temperatures are generally mild to warm across the state. It is a dry month, though forest fire risk can still be a concern.

Does it rain in October in Northern California?

October is generally dry in Northern California, though the rainy season typically begins toward the end of the month.

Are there crowds in California during October?

Crowds are generally lower in October compared to the summer months. Most schools are in session, making it a quieter time for travel.

Can I swim in the ocean in California in October?

The water temperature in California is cold year-round. While you can swim, most people find it too chilly without a wetsuit.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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