22 Cheap destinations in 2023 with great weather in October
October is a great month to travel for most of us because the weather in North America tends to be mild in most of the better places, the crowds are a bit thinner, and airfares and hotel prices are generally lower than they were all summer. There are even places in southern Europe where you can spend time on a beach in the first half of October, and the weather is pleasant in most of the rest of the continent as well.
Asia has some fantastic options as well in October. Some parts of Asia and Latin America are extremely rainy in October, but many other places have really lovely weather and much smaller crowds as well. Quite a few places on the list below still have summer-like weather (or better than summer!) in early October and it starts getting cool towards the end of the month. You’ll have a few more options if you can go a bit earlier so you might also want to check our list cheap places with great September weather for some interesting options.
This article was updated in April, 2023.
Important October 2023 holidays
- September 16 to October 3 – Oktoberfest in Munich
- October 1 to 6 – China National Day and Golden Week (major public holidays)
- October 2 – Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday in India (major public holiday)
- October 3 – German Unity Day (major public holiday)
- October 5 – Republic Day in Portugal (major public holiday)
- October 9 – Thanksgiving in Canada (major public holiday)
- October 12 – Spanish National Day (major public holiday)
- October 23 – Republic Day in Hungary (major public holiday)
- October 28 – Ohi Day in Greece (major public holiday)
- October 29 – Republic Day in Turkey (major public holiday)
The Americas
Central America is still in the throws of its rainy season in October, but some very nice destinations both north and south of it have very pleasant climates this time of year.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is an interesting option in October because it’s still warm while everywhere to its north is quickly cooling off. This month marks the last month where hurricanes need to be considered at all, and the risk is still extremely low at any given destination for any given week. But because so many people overestimate the hazards, prices are at their yearly lows all through autumn. Most Caribbean islands are actually quite dry most of the time, so those who don’t get carried away with fear can get fantastic bargains. Still, it’s probably worth getting trip-cancellation insurance if you aren’t up for the small gamble.
Cancun, Mexico
- October avg high: 88°F/31°C
- October avg low: 75°F/24°C
- October avg precip: 8.7″/21.8cm
Cancun highlights
- Great, sandy beaches with clear water in many Cancun areas
- The Caribbean’s biggest and best nightlife for those who want it
- A huge range of all-inclusive resorts in all price ranges, including ultra-luxury
- Every activity, water sport, and golf, plus famous ruins
- Cenotes – semi-enclosed sea caves that are unique to this area
October is officially part of the wet season in Cancun, but if you know about tropical “wet seasons” then you know that rain tends to come in short bursts and sometimes that happens overnight. In other words, it will be warm and dry for at least 23 hours of each day in October, yet hotel rates are at their yearly lows because kids are back in school and few people are looking for sunshine trips this month.
Not only can you get a cheap flight into Cancun from most anywhere in October, but resorts charge around half what they were charging only a few months earlier. There are well over 1,000 hotels in this large area, which also includes Playa del Carmen and the nearby island of Cozumel just to the south. Even the all-inclusive resorts are unusually cheap in October, so if you mainly want to relax on a warm beach on your holiday, Cancun could be an ideal and cheap choice.
>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel
- 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- October avg high: 89°F/32°C
- October avg low: 73°F/23°C
- October avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
Puerto Plata highlights
- Great, sandy beaches in many areas and most resorts
- The Caribbean’s only cable car ride
- Adventure parks and other family-oriented attractions
- A wide range of all-inclusive resorts including many in the budget range
- A pleasant and authentic historical town center
As you can see above, Plata has pretty much perfect weather in October, with very little rain on average. October is the last month of the hurricane season that visitors need to keep an eye on, yet being on the northern coast, it’s among the safest places in the Caribbean. The best part is that resort prices continue at jaw-dropping lows all month, so you’ll be able to book a 4-star beach hotel for what you’d expect to pay for a 2-star hotel a couple of blocks inland. If you are wondering where to go in October for a cheap all-inclusive, look no further.
The all-inclusive resorts are also amazing bargains in October for those bold enough to go. Non-stop flights from many cities keep running this time of year, so airfare bargains tend to be easy to find as well. It’s probably also worth checking Punta Cana, which has even more all-inclusive resorts and is the southeastern corner of the Dominican Republic. The busy airport there often has better deals than to Puerto Plata as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$73 per night for two people
Montego Bay, Jamaica
- October avg high: 88°F/31°C
- October avg low: 76°F/24°C
- October avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Montego Bay highlights
- Arguably the Caribbean’s best food, especially if you like spicy
- Sandy beaches at nearly all resorts
- Excellent sunsets in Negril and other west-facing beaches
- Music and nightlife in the non-tourist areas for culture vultures
- The only large Caribbean island where all locals speak English
Similar to Puerto Plata above, Montego Bay is on the north shore, but quite a bit east on the island of Jamaica. Also similar, Montego Bay has a large and busy airport nearby so the absolute worst case scenario if a major storm approaches is you’ll have to fly home a day or two early. The rest is all great news, as Montego Bay resorts are also near their low prices for the year, in spite of nearly perfect weather most of the time.
Again, the all-inclusive resorts here are bargains worth considering even for those who’d normally shun that sort of thing. The prices in October can be so low that those places are only a bit more expensive than the a la carte resorts, so it can feel like a modestly priced room that comes with unlimited food and drinks for those who time it right. By the way, if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort on a lovely beach then Montego Bay or Ocho Rios are good choices, but if you prefer a small beach hotel with many restaurants and bars nearby, plus a real sense of Jamaica, then you should head to Negril instead.
It’s also worth noting that Montego Bay and Jamaica have a couple entries on the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean list, including some overwater bungalows.
- 3-star hotels from: US$101 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$249 per night for two people
New Orleans, USA
- October avg high: 80°F/27°C
- October avg low: 60°F/16°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
New Orleans highlights
- A famous nonstop party on Bourbon Street
- Excellent food at surprisingly great prices
- Arguably America’s most interesting architecture and culture
- Many diverse and interesting neighborhoods beyond the French Quarter
- Swamp tours and other unusual adventures nearby
October is one of the best few months of the year to visit New Orleans, so schedule a trip if you can. The temperatures cool off considerably so you are likely to be quite comfortable day and night, and this is the single driest month of the year as well, which is helpful in this city that gets more rain than most people expect.
It can be hard to find hotel bargains in New Orleans during October, as the secret about the perfect weather is out, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible, and perhaps even consider a bunk or a private room in one of the city’s hostels. Aside from the accommodation cost, bargains on food and drinks are pretty easy to find all year round, so this is a great budget destination in general. If you can visit New Orleans on weekdays you’ll get much cheaper rooms and smaller crowds to deal with in the tourist zones as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$163 per night for two people
>New Orleans prices
>>>Check current New Orleans hotel deals
Mexico City, Mexico
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 50°F/10°C
- October avg precip: 2.6″/6.5cm
Mexico City highlights
- Historic and gorgeous colonial city center
- Modern culture and shopping districts that are surprisingly fancy and upscale
- Excellent local food at affordable prices
- Pyramids and other nearby Aztec ruins that are easy to reach
- Very affordable accommodation at good standards in safe neighborhoods
As the short rainy season winds down in October, Mexico City returns to an ideal climate, with warm days and pleasant evenings. This is also part of the low season for hotels so you’ll be able to find some really good bargains at some of the more upscale places you might not otherwise consider during high season.
Mexico City is enormous and complicated, but the huge central tourist area is very nice and quite sophisticated. It’s more beautiful and interesting than many famous European cities, and it’s also easy to stay safe. Not many people outside the tourist industry speak English though, so if you don’t speak Spanish you’ll want to bring at least a menu translation app on your phone.
- 3-star hotels from: US$31 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel deals
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- October avg high: 73°F/23°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm
Buenos Aires highlights
- A vibrant and distinct culture unlike elsewhere in South America
- Tango lessons and dinner shows
- Probably the world’s best beef, which is also very affordable
- Famous nightlife that goes on and on
- Amazingly cheap as long as you know what the Blue Dollar is
As spring arrives in Buenos Aires the long season of pleasant weather kicks in, making this a particular bargain for most of the year. There could be a bit of rain to contend with, but BA is more of an indoor city anyway so there will always be plenty of places to pop in for some quick shelter. Daytime temperatures, especially toward the end of the month, are usually glorious.
As of 2023, Argentina continues on with massive inflation, but as usual, it has accompanied a similar drop in the value of the currency. In fact, as of spring 2023, the currency has collapsed (once again) and the place is arguably the best value destination in the world. Part of the trick is to bring US dollars or Euros and exchange them at the street rate once you are there. You’ll get about double the official rate that you’d get through international banks or credit card transactions. Read up on the Argentina “blue dollar” or “blue rate” and you’ll unlock prices that are about half of what you’d pay otherwise.
- 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$77 per night for two people
>>Buenos Aires prices
>>>Check current Buenos Aires hotel deals
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- October avg high: 82°F/28°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
Rio de Janeiro highlights
- Copacabana and Ipanema beach areas are lovely
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf cable car are stunning to see in person
- Famous beach culture where locals far outnumber tourists, even in high season
- Exceptional food and drink culture at affordable prices
- Surprisingly reasonably priced hotels in the nicer beach areas
The evenings will no longer be cool in Rio de Janeiro as October rolls in, but the weather will still be very nice by almost anyone’s standards. The wet season starts to become a minor factor as well, though it’s unlikely to rain for more than an hour or two at a time, in typical tropical fashion.
Another benefit about October in Rio is that it’s part of the dead zone for hotel prices so you’ll be able to get very good deals this month. This is an ideal season to shop around for big discounts at some of the larger beach hotels, which will often drop prices to come close to the smaller hotels a block or two inland during this month. Brazil had become somewhat expensive as of a few years ago, but it’s become weirdly cheap again. International chain hotels still charge a lot, but the local places are incredible bargains, especially in October.
- 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and resort deals
Europe
By the time October rolls around, everywhere in Europe that doesn’t border the Mediterranean is getting a bit too chilly to qualify as “great weather” but there are still some very good bargain choices left down south. If you are sure you want to head to Europe it’s probably better to pop over to our list of the best Europe destinations in October, which is now ranked from cheapest to most expensive so you can stay with cheaper places if you prefer.
Looking for some October beach weather? Check Europe’s cheapest beach cities for at least a few good options this month.
Lisbon, Portugal
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
Lisbon highlights
- Castles, towers, and cathedrals, all conveniently in the historic center
- Tram 28 – connects many of Lisbon’s tourist sights for €3
- Elevador de Santa Justa – the famous and photogenic outdoor elevator
- Great food at affordable prices for a large European city
- Fado (famous local music) shows to go along with great meals
With a longer summer than almost anywhere else in Europe, Lisbon is still quite pleasant even toward the end of October. Days will be warm, nights will be warm enough, and rain is very intermittent. It’s a bit of a shame that Lisbon tends to be more of an indoor city, but there will be plenty of chances to spend time in the sun if that’s what you are after.
Compared to elsewhere in Western Europe, Lisbon remains quite a bargain, with hotel rates that can be especially appealing during this time of year. Lisbon is also famous for having several of the highest rated hostels in the world, all with great locations, so you might look into a private room at one of those to save even a bit more money. The weather along Portugal’s southern coast, known as The Algarve, is also very pleasant for most of October, so combining a city trip and some time along the coast is a popular option for budget-oriented tourists.
- 3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
Barcelona, Spain
- October avg high: 71°F/22°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
Barcelona highlights
- Sagrada Familia cathedral and other Gaudi architectural highlights such as Park Guell
- La Rambla pedestrian zone is one of Europe’s best
- Sandy and pleasant beaches located within the city
- Marina complex with great food, shopping, and things to do
- Nightlife that is some of Europe’s best, especially in summer
Through most of October, Barcelona still has its wonderful beach climate, at least during the days, so it can be an ideal stop for an affordable European trip this month. It’s already getting a bit cold in Madrid by this time, though that can actually be a welcome change there after the sizzling summers.
The low season for hotels in Barcelona doesn’t really begin until after Christmas, so you’ll want to look early for the best deal, but it shouldn’t be too challenging to get something at a good price. The food and drinks are generally quite reasonable all year round by European standards, and many attractions are free or very cheap, making this a bargain compared to its northern neighbors. Some of the top attractions in Barcelona are pretty expensive, but fortunately you can save quite a bit using a Go City Barcelona Pass.
- 3-star hotels from: US$126 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$228 per night for two people
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- October avg high: 79°F/25°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 0.7″/1.7cm
Tenerife highlights
- Long, sandy beaches and endless supply of hotel pools
- A really nice atmosphere with very affordable food and drinks
- Interesting and mellow nightlife with no loud mega clubs
- Teide volcano and national park and cable car ride
- Easy for those who don’t speak much Spanish
If you want literally perfect beach weather in Europe, then Tenerife is your best choice in October. Okay, so it’s actually off the coast of Africa, but it’s part of Spain so it’s technically Europe. The largest and most English-speaking of the Canary Islands, this is a place to book a cheap flight to relax in the sun, rather than explore the culture. It’s probably worth checking some of the other Canary Islands as well since they all have similar weather and some of the others can be cheaper at times.
October is an ideal month in Tenerife because most of the tourists are elsewhere and yet the weather is just amazing. The restaurants and bars here are dominated by expats and tourists, so you won’t see many exotic options. Los Cristianos is the most interesting town as a former fishing village, but Playa de las Americas is more modern with larger hotels to choose from. You’ll find some of the best beaches in October anywhere in the world here, and the weather is pretty much perfect. Starting in December, Tenerife starts filling up with northern Europeans, but October is still fairly quiet and even more affordable.
- 3-star hotels from: US$50 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$82 per night for two people
>>>Tenerife prices
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel deals
Split, Croatia
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 57°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm
Split highlights
- Gorgeous white-marble historic center over 1,000 years old
- Beautiful and pleasant port area with ferries going to nearby islands
- Diocletian’s Palace and other easily accessible sights in the harbor area
- Pleasant seaside summer weather with sea breezes and some sandy beaches
- Much cheaper than Italy or even nearby Dubrovnik
Split is another one that may not have perfect beach weather in October, but it’s pretty much perfect for a cultural visit, and most of the other tourists will be long gone by this month. Until recently we had Dubrovnik in this slot, but it’s so expensive and overrun with tourists that we highly recommend Split as an even better alternative. The cities are both beautiful and historic, it’s just that Split is more like a real city and it’s also half the price.
While you might not want to plan to spend days working on your tan in Split in October, you can still take one of the ferries to the nearby islands to explore. And the city itself is gorgeous, filled with convivial town squares with outdoor restaurants and bars.
- 3-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people
Athens, Greece
- October avg high: 74°F/23°C
- October avg low: 56°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm
Athens highlights
- The Acropolis hill topped by the Parthenon ruins
- Acropolis Museum is new and amazing
- Great food and famous drinks at affordable prices, mostly outdoor
- Syntagma Square and its quirky ceremonies
- Great shopping and outdoor flea markets
October is probably the best single month of the year to visit Athens. The temperatures are quite nice all day and all night, and the massive summer crowds are long gone. This is usually a city that people are often anxious to be done with after 2 or 3 days hitting the main sites, but in October you might be tempted to linger a bit more.
The high season for hotels ends at the end of September so some good deals can be found, even at some of the nicer places. Many people like to spend a few days in Athens on their way to or from one of the Greek resort islands, and October is the last month of the year you’ll be able to pull that off as well, as ferry service cuts back to almost zero by the time November arrives. They still run regular ferries to the larger islands all year round, but honestly the beach clubs and many of the hotels are closed for the season at the end of October.
- 3-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$85 per night for two people
Istanbul, Turkey
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 54°F/12°C
- October avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm
Istanbul highlights
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, which are next to each other
- Grand Bazaar and great shopping all over
- Topkapi Palace
- Great food at very reasonable prices, especially the breakfasts
- Bargain hotels in central and tourist-friendly locations
While it can get a bit cool toward the end of October in Istanbul, it’s one of the best months to visit the city in general. It’s still warm enough during the way but never sizzling, and rain isn’t much of an issue either. Best of all, the massive summer crowds have thinned out quite a bit and hotel prices have also eased off their summer peaks. Tourism to Turkey has been down in the last few years even though it continues to be safe, so hotel bargains are easier to find these days.
As of 2023, the Turkish currency has plummeted to levels not seen in years, and the country is very cheap for visitors once again. There has also been a bit of political unrest in Istanbul itself, but that generally doesn’t affect tourists as long as they don’t purposely get in the middle of it.
- 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$76 per night for two people
Antalya, Turkey
- October avg high: 81°F/27°C
- October avg low: 59°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm
Antalya highlights
- Interesting historic town center overlooking the Mediterranean
- Much cheaper even than Istanbul
- Great beach areas and resorts east and west of the city center
- All-inclusive hotels ranging from amazingly cheap to rather affordable
- Pleasant place to experience Turkish culture without Istanbul crowds
Though it’s not technically in Europe, the resorts around Antalya are probably the best bargain and feature the best weather of anywhere in the region during October. Days will be warm, nights will be pleasant, and rain only factors in toward the end of the month, if at all.
You’ll be able to find great deals at the all-inclusive resorts along the beaches on either side of the main city area, or even better deals at some of the smaller boutique hotels in the heart of the historic district. There are few hostels but hotel prices can be shockingly low if you look around a bit, even at some of the nicer places with great locations. As with Istanbul (above), tourism is down and the currency is low, so finding bargains is easier than ever.
- 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people
Africa
Northern Africa finally cools off enough in October to be nice. The list below is quite incomplete due to how few cities we cover in the region.
Fez, Morocco
- October avg high: 75°F/24°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 2.5″/6.3cm
Fez highlights
- The Medina (Old City), which is very different from Marrakech
- Visit a tannery (unforgettable sights and smells)
- Ancient buildings and mosques, some are partly open to the public
- Spice and food markets (amazing for photos)
- Very reasonably priced hotels and local food
Things are even warmer in nearby Marrakech, so either one is a good choice in October. The cities have quite a few similarities so many people are better off just choosing one or the other and spending more time there, but those with more time could enjoy visiting both.
Since summers can be brutal this time of year in Northern Africa, the high season for hotels actually begins in October. Still, prices are quite low here compared to Europe so you’ll find something within your budget for sure. Be warned that the lowest rungs on the quality scale might be lower than you are used to, so it could be worth paying a bit more for a nicer place.
- 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people
>>>Fez prices
>>>Check current Fez hotel deals
Cairo, Egypt
- October avg high: 86°F/30°C
- October avg low: 64°F/18°C
- October avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
Cairo highlights
- Great Pyramids and Sphinx complex in Giza is unforgettable
- Egyptian Museum and Mummy exhibit in central Cairo
- Cairo Tower views
- Felucca (boat) rides on the Nile and dinner cruises
- Great food at great prices
After a brutal summer October is an ideal time to visit Cairo, when daytime temperatures are quite pleasant just as the evening temperatures are. There’s also basically zero rain in October ever, so you can leave your umbrella at home.
Better still, hotel prices in Cairo don’t really start climbing until December, so you’ll have your choice of really nice hotels at bargain off-season rates. As long as you look for meals outside the fancy hotels you should be able to get by on a very low budget, but splurging on some nicer meals can be fun as well when prices for them are still quite low by comparison.
- 3-star hotels from: US$34 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- October average high: 89°°F/32°°C
- October average low: 74°°F/23°°C
- October avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
Sharm el-Sheikh highlights
- One of the world’s best scuba diving destinations
- Great Red Sea beaches
- Ras Mohammed National Park
- Sharm Old Market
- Amazing prices on very nice beach hotels
By the time October rolls in, it’s officially cold in all of continental Europe. That’s also when travelers start thinking about Sharm el-Sheikh again, because you are guaranteed warm and dry weather every day of the month. This Red Sea beach resort has been very popular at times, and out of favor for security reasons at other times. Unfortunately, a single incident can cause people to avoid it for a year or more, and when that happens it’s even cheaper than usual. This is one of the hottest places in October and it’s worth some research because it’s generally very safe.
This town held a big international conference (COP 27) in November of 2022 with important attendees from all over the world. That should tell you something about the current state of security and stability, which is another reason hotels are no longer as cheap as they were a few years ago.
- 3-star hotels from: US$31 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
>>Sharm el-Sheikh prices
>>>Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals
Middle East
October is quite a nice time for weather in most of the Middle East, so there are more destinations to consider than just the ones we cover here. Some areas do get an early winter starting in November, so this is really ideal for most places.
Amman, Jordan
- October avg high: 80°F/27°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm
Amman highlights
- Gateway to Petra, Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum
- Roman Theatre
- The Citadel
- cafes, bars, modern malls and art galleries
- Very affordable hotels
October is definitely one of the best few months for a visit Amman and to Jordan in general. Daytime temperatures are guaranteed to be reasonable while nights are still warm enough to really enjoy yourself. There’s also pretty much zero chance of any rain this month, so it’s an ideal balance before the slightly chilly months in winter.
Amman is typically just a short stopover for people who are in the country to visit the desert of Wadi Rum and the Petra monuments, but it’s quite a pleasant place if you do a bit of research. Hotel prices are quite reasonable and food is cheap as well as long as you seek out places that aren’t built specifically for English-speaking tourists.
- 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$74 per night for two people
Beirut, Lebanon
- October avg high: 80°F/27°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm
Beirut highlights
- National Museum of Beirut
- Beirut Corniche (seaside pedestrian area)
- Souks (market areas)
- Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
- Lebanese food is arguably the best in the Middle East
Unlike most other cities in the region, Beirut does have a bit of a rainy season during winter, but you might only see a trace of it toward the end of October if at all. Generally this is a great month for weather, with evenings that are still warm enough to leave your pullover in your room.
Hotels aren’t as cheap as you might expect in Beirut, but fortunately October marks the beginning of the low season so bargains should be easy to find, even at the last minute. During low season you might see really good deals at some of the places that would be out of your price range the rest of the year, so shop around.
NOTE: In 2023, Beirut is continuing to go through some challenges and is probably best avoided for the foreseeable future. The currency devalued early in 2023 so prices are jumping around as well.
- 3-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$75 per night for two people
>>>Beirut prices
>>>Lebanon hotels and resort prices
Asia
October is a tricky month for Asia. Nearly all of notoriously cheap Southeast Asia is having its final month of heavy rains, while cities to the north are already quite cool. There are still a few really good ones left over though.
>>>New: 15 best Asia destinations in October
Pokhara, Nepal
- October avg high: 75°F/24°C
- October avg low: 59°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Pokhara highlights
- Gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and some of the world’s best trekking
- Devi’s Fall
- Phewa Lake
- Pleasant and quiet tourist town along a lake
- Very cheap food and drinks as well as hotels
There’s good news and bad news for those planning to travel to Pokhara (or elsewhere in Nepal) during October. The good news is that it’s one of the 4 months with perfect weather for trekking or just about anything else you might do outdoors, with ideal warm days and almost no rain. The bad news is that everyone else knows this too and schedules their visits for the same 4 months.
Still, prices for just about everything in Pokhara are shockingly cheap compared to most of the rest of the world, so even if you are paying high-season hotel prices you’ll be able to get by on very little. They’ve been building new hotels like crazy in the town as well, so there’s likely to be an oversupply of vacant rooms for years to come. Bargain a bit and you should find a good deal even in October.
- 3-star hotels from: US$23 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$80 per night for two people
>>Pokhara prices
>>>Check prices on Nepal hotels and resorts
Goa, India
- October avg high: 89°F/31°C
- October avg low: 72°F/22°C
- October avg precip: 4.6″/11.5cm
Goa highlights
- Excellent beaches, many extremely photogenic
- Old Goa historic area is unusual even by Indian standards
- Anjuna Flea Market – Famous hippie market and worth a visit
- Great and cheap Portuguese-inspired cuisine
- Famous beach parties and some of India’s cheapest alcohol
October is the first month in Goa where rain isn’t much of an issue, so it’s a perfect time to visit before the masses start arriving in November and December. You can expect warm and sunny days, and pleasant evenings, with only a couple quick downpours each week. But again, the best thing is that the deals are excellent even though the weather is quite good this month.
If you’ve never been to Goa or to India itself, you’ll want to do some research before you book a holiday here. Goa is lovely and far less crowded than most everywhere else in India, yet it can also be frustrating for some newcomers. Also, hotels here come in a wide range of quality, and the absolute cheapest places are that cheap for a reason. It’s better to pay more for a place with good reviews than to chance a super cheap place based on price alone. Those on the lowest budgets can just show up without a reservation and shop around. Again, many hotels in Goa are not up to international standards, but there can be great bargains among the nicer hotels if they are half empty and you turn up in person.
- 3-star hotels from: US$26 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$62 per night for two people
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
- October avg high: 86°F/30°C
- October avg low: 77°F/25°C
- October avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
Bali highlights
- Great beaches and surfing in many areas, including the Kuta tourist zone
- Stunning temples and monuments all over the island
- Amazingly cheap hotels, with strangely cheap food and drinks
- Fascinating Hindu culture and music
- Excellent resorts in secluded area of Nusa Dua
The last month before the rainy season really begins in earnest in Bali, October is the perfect time to visit for a balance of fine weather and lighter crowds. Starting in mid September the Australians are going back home so hotel bargains are much easier to find, especially at some of the higher-end places that you might think are out of your price range.
The traffic problem in Bali should ease off a bit in October as well, so it’s one of the better months for those hiring a driver for a tour of sites in different parts of the island. If you head to the smaller towns north of Ubud and on the northern coast you can find much smaller crowds as well. Bali is one of the best places to go in October as long as you do your research.
Bali was closed to tourism for most of the first two years of COVID and the travel industry suffered greatly. It’s now back open and deals are easy to find as they are still trying to get back to normal. Hotels in Bali are perhaps the best bargain in the world in 2023. We check the 3-star and 4-star prices of high-scoring hotels each year for this list and you can get a really nice place for next to nothing. As you can see below, good 4-star hotels start at US$24 (on weekdays) in October, and you can get a really amazing place for around US$50 per night.
- 3-star hotels from: US$17 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$24 per night for two people
>>>Kuta, Bali prices
>>>Check current Bali hotel and resort deals
Is your timing flexible? There are some great options if you can go later
October is one of the better months to travel, but it’s still in the heavy rainy season in much of Asia and the Caribbean. If you can push your trip another month you’ll have more interesting options. Check our list of cheap places to go in November with great weather.
Hi Roger. This is a great article. I’m in Southern California and usually take a trip for my birthday in October, usually between the 12th and 20th. This will be my first year leaving the country and after reading this article and the comments, I am leaning towards Mexico. You mentioned in the article that a lot of people stay away from all-inclusive resorts. Is there any particular reason for this? I am considering all-inclusive for this trip because it seems like the best option money-wise…
Angela,
I agree that all-inclusive resorts are often amazing value, especially for those of us who like a drink or three in the evening. I’m not sure the comment you are referring to, but I’d say the main downside to all-inclusive resorts is that they are essentially designed to keep you within their walls from the moment you arrive until the moment you are headed back to the airport. In other words, you get virtually no sense of culture or other benefits of travel. In your case if you are mainly just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the nice weather on a beach with abundant food choices and unlimited drinks, I think an all-inclusive resort is an excellent idea.
So my personal stance on all-inclusive resorts is that they are perfect for many people and a poor choice for others, including solo travelers in most cases. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Rodger, great blog! I was wondering if you could help? I am currently living in Melbourne and my mum is in the UK. I am flying back to the UK but my mum would like to meet me somewhere on the way back from Australia. It will be in mid October. We would like somewhere hot. We was thinking Asia or India but know it is wet season in a long of places. Any suggestions? We have been to Bali and Dubai. Thanks
Rebecca,
Thank you. Interestingly enough, I’m doing a couple of new series on the site, and the most recent article in one is the best places to go in Asia in October. I discuss the October weather averages for 15 places, many of which don’t get much rain that month. India is mostly done with its heavy rains by October, so you’ve got a few good options there.
Also, if you enjoyed Dubai you might also consider Abu Dhabi. It’s obviously similar in some ways, but quite different in others. It’s much more compact and walkable, as opposed to Dubai which is ludicrously spread out. If you can get cheap flights on Emirates, it might be enjoyable and easy. Hopefully those ideas help a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
Great page! Thank you for all your hard work. My boyfriend and I travel annually in mid October for my birthday, this will be our last year traveling in October, so we may pick a different month next year. We’ve been to Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Aruba. We are on a tighter budget this year and trying to figure out where to go. We both prefer warm weather and beaches. We are traveling from Washington, DC. I was thinking Mexico or Hawaii but I think the flights to Hawaii are just too pricey. Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙂 (He travels a lot and has been to Trinidad, DR, and Egypt all this year so he wouldn’t want to repeat those destinations)
Nadiya
Nadiya,
If you are looking for something warm in October with beaches, you’ve got quite a few options. Hawaii is obviously fantastic, but even if you can afford the flight you’ll be paying double or triple for hotels and food once you get there compared to many nice places in the Caribbean. October is the rainiest month by far in the Cancun area with Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, but by October it’s already starting to dry off in Puerto Vallarta so that’s what I’d recommend. Flights should be cheaper than going to Hawaii, and hotels should be quite cheap because October is still a low-season month even with great weather.
One thing I love about Puerto Vallarta is that it’s got a fairly large and cool town at its heart, which is something you don’t get in Jamaica, for example. Puerto Vallarta is a bit like San Juan, Puerto Rico, in that it’s got very good beaches and many great restaurants and such. You can get hotels close to the airport in the Hotel Zone that are all big chains and right on the beach, or a smaller boutique place in or near the town center or the so-called Romantic Zone. Almost every place in the Caribbean or Central America is pretty wet in October, so PV really stands out as a good choice for you. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Roger, my 50th birthday is the end of October; my husband and I live in Phoenix Arizona… Hot hot hot! Looking to honestly take our first vacation in 20 years of marriage. And really do not know where to go. I enjoyed hearing about Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Puerto Veallarta, etc. Would love some relaxing and romance time but also with the ability to do some sightseeing… What would you recommend?
Kimberly,
I lived in north Scottsdale for 5 years, so I know exactly what you are going through. The puzzling thing to me is that late October is when it’s very nice again in Phoenix, but you list places that will be much hotter. Since you mention those places I’ll assume that’s the sort of thing you are after. Unfortunately, October is the height of the rainy season in Costa Rica as well as the Cancun area, so I wouldn’t recommend those.
But October is the beginning of the dry season in Puerto Vallarta, and the rains in Puerto Rico are manageable even that time of year. Even then, being in Phoenix you can fly nonstop to Puerto Vallarta in about 2.5 hours, and it would take you MUCH longer to get to Puerto Rico. In other words, I think Puerto Vallarta is probably exactly what you are looking for. Unlike some other Mexican resort towns, Puerto Vallarta has been a real town for over 150 years so it has history and interesting sights, not to mention some really interesting downtown neighborhoods. The “Romantic Zone” is nice and close to the city center, even if that name is a fairly new marketing device. Then the hotel zone closer to the airport has many large chain hotels along the beach, and it’s easy to get back and forth from there as well.
There are nearby places where you can see how tequila is made and taste them like a wine tasting (highly recommended). And there are some good natural sights as well. The beaches are better outside of the city center than in it. And almost every high-rise hotel has lovely sunset views. I think you’ll like it a lot and the weather should be great for you, with crowds pretty light as well. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thanks Rodger, appreciate your input, it all sounds good. We are actually in Canada, in BC so would leave from Vancouver (sorry about that). My daughter has done Playa before…so someplace different for her would be good…..I had thought about Arbua and i wonder if San Juan is a busy city? I traveled through Greece for 3 months when i was younger and I really enjoyed the small towns and people…. What do you know about Jamaica? Also we could go for a week to 2 weeks…is there a standard time frame we should be looking at? Do you know if it is difficult to find AirB&B type places, in areas such as this? Wondering about all-inclusive versus, airb&b? Love your blog….thanks for your help,
Cheers
Maxine
Maxine,
San Juan, Puerto Rico has some busy areas, but the main tourist districts such as Condado (very close to Old San Juan) are fairly mellow and the beach is excellent. You could get quite a good deal on an airbnb there that time of year, because many people have apartments there that they rent out much of the year. I’m a big fan of San Juan, though I guess not everyone might be. There are other towns in Puerto Rico that you might also like, though I haven’t spent much time in any of them. Rincon is another one that could work for you. You should be able to find a good airbnb that time of year regardless of how long you want to stay.
But again, there are many other islands to choose from, and the smaller ones might suit you even better. They are typically more expensive though.
Jamaica is an interesting place, and it seems that at least half the people who go there vow to never go back. Unfortunately, it’s a place where local vendors and merchants often are mercilessly aggressive.
I’d say for up to a week an all-inclusive resort might be great, but not for longer than that. Those places, as you probably know, are designed to mostly keep guests on site the whole stay, except for a few daytime excursions that you buy from them. They mostly feature a fabulous buffet at every meal, but that gets old for many people in less than a week. Since it sounds like you are also interested in a bit of culture, you don’t get much of that at an all-inclusive resort. In Puerto Rico or another Caribbean island (excluding the Dominican Republic) you can visit little beachfront restaurants and shops and get to know the real place to some degree. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hey Roger….thanks for all the advice. My daughter who is in her mid twenties and I are planning to go someplace warm for my 60th Birthday, the first week of October. We would like to go someplace with beaches and hopefully with some recreational kayaking involved, we hike and love to explore the local culture ….can you suggest places that are safe for 2 women traveling by themselves.
Maxine,
It helps to know your starting point for this trip, but usually when someone doesn’t mention it it means they are in the US. If that’s the case, then the Caribbean would probably be the obvious choice. In October it’s technically part of the hurricane season, but there really isn’t much risk to travelers because they are very rare and they know about them at least 5 days before they might arrive. That’s plenty of time to get everyone out. Personally, I’ve been to the Caribbean many times between June and November, partly because it’s less crowded and room rates are lower. But some people here “hurricane season” and assume that means that it’s 50/50 that they’ll get hit by a hurricane.
If you are interested in going to the Caribbean then I can recommend San Juan, Puerto Rico as a wonderful and safe place that also has culture and lovely architecture in the Old San Juan area. And the beaches right in San Juan are excellent. I think all of the islands and especially the smaller ones have kayaking and paddle-boarding and such.
The ABC islands, as they are known, are so far south that they haven’t been near a hurricane in 50 or more years. They are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. The problem is that they don’t have a lot of sandy beaches, although they do have good snorkeling.
Another option that I like a lot would be Playa del Carmen or even Cozumel, which is a short ferry ride across the bay. Playa del Carmen is on the mainland and just south of Cancun, so the hurricane danger there is zero because it’s easy to leave on the highway in the very unlikely occurrence of a big storm. Those two places are very safe because they are packed with tourists all the time and security is something they take serious. They are also a LONG way from any troubles in Mexico.
Those are a few ideas. Let me know if you have any questions or had something else in mind. -Roger
Hello,
Love this post and would like to have some advice for my holidays.
I have two weeks available, last of september and first of october. I was planning to go to Vietnam or Cambodia but apparently it’s not the right time to go there because it’s the wet season. Then thinking about Sri Lanka, or Carribeans, or central or South America. I am looking for a beach holiday away from tourist traps, wild landacapes and enjoyable weather! Obviously the cheaper, the better. Don’tAny advice? Thanks a lot!
Giorgia,
If we are looking for the cheapest beach option, it would help to know your starting location. You list places all over the world, and as you probably know, you can spend a LOT of money on airfare to get to a place that is cheap, and then the trip isn’t very cheap anymore.
Without factoring in the airfare, you might consider the Canary Islands. They have very nice beach weather pretty much all year round, and it’s quite cheap for what you get as well. Tenerife is the largest and easiest for English speakers. There are also parts of the Caribbean that don’t get much rain even during the wet season.
Have a look at our recent list of the cheapest all inclusive destinations in or near Europe. Even if you don’t want to go to an all inclusive resort, you will find some interesting destination options on there, and most of them are absurdly cheap. I’m happy to try again if you let me know your starting location and if none of these suggestions works for you. -Roger
My husband & I are active but recently retired. We would like to travel from Western Canada to Asia or Africa or New Zealand for the month of October. Weather-wise, what would be our best option? We love nature & exploring but are not beach people.
Fran,
October is a cool month in New Zealand, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy and the crowds are much thinner as well. Since you aren’t much for beaches it could be an ideal spot because New Zealand has amazing scenery in many different types, but not a lot of popular beaches. The typical and best way to see the country is to rent a camper van and drive around one island and then take the ferry to the other to explore the rest. Especially in October, you could get a pretty good deal on a camper van and it’s an economical way to see the country.
Africa is obviously an enormous continent, but most of it has very little tourist infrastructure. Morocco is the best place in the north for a visit like you have in mind, and October is a very good weather month there. The other main option is South Africa, and October is quite good in Cape Town as well.
Some parts of Asia are very rainy in October, including Phuket and Bangkok, but other parts of Asia are dry and lovely. I’d be curious what parts of Asia you were considering, and I’ll be happy to offer advice based on that. -Roger
Hello Roger
We live in California and promise ourselves at daylight savings we will get to somewhere sunny and affordable, this is the year we do it! We’re currently planning a thailand_vietnam trip for December “first time” so we would like somewhere a little geographically different, closer. If you had any advice on either trips we’d appreciate it.
I should’ve noted that we are in our mid 40s but young hearted, active and don’t mind being around a younger crowd)
Thank you
Tmas,
I’m not exactly sure what you are asking. I think a Vietnam and Thailand trip would be excellent. The flight is long, of course, but those flights from California are also fairly cheap, and once you get there everything is very affordable and exotic.
If you are looking for something sunny and different from California that is also closer you might think about Central America, which is tropical and warm all year round. Costa Rica is the best first stop for most visitors because it has a very good infrastructure and it’s very safe. Panama is another very good choice for those who haven’t traveled the area before. You could even go to Colombia, with Cartagena being the being the best first stop. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this and I’ll be happy to help more. -Roger
I am planning a weekend escape to relax before a particularly stressful time for me. I’m looking for warm weather, hopefully a beach, good eats and possibly a nice massage. I was thinking Cancun or Puerto Rico due to cheap, direct flights. But I worry about storms. Any thoughts on how this will be the last week on October? Or should I just stay state-side and go to somewhere like Arizona where there’s no threat of tropical storms?
Susie,
While it’s true that a hurricane did move through Haiti and a bit through Jamaica and the Dominican Republic a couple weeks ago, that was the first one in many years to inconvenience any tourist. And by late October, any powerful storm is far less likely to appear as the season is almost over. I’ve been all over the Caribbean in autumn, partly because the weather is still pretty much perfect, the crowds are small, and the prices are amazing.
Honestly, the chances if having to change your plans to Cancun or Puerto Rico, whether flying in later or flying out earlier, are probably 1 in 100 at most. And even when that does happen, they get everyone out of the way with days to spare. Both of those places have large, busy airports, with hundreds of flights each day. And those storms are all tracked a week or more in advance. So personally, I think the fact that some people fear hurricane season is an excellent source of bargains for savvy travelers. And I don’t feel it’s dangerous at all. Some people get trip insurance that would cover a change of plans. Of course, the chance of a storm in Arizona in late October is more like 0.1%, so if you need that degree of safety, then go to Arizona.
And again, I think it’s a great time to go to the Caribbean in general, but places like Cancun or San Juan that have large and busy airports are the safest. I hope this helps. -Roger