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

>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals


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

>>Check current Puerto Plata resort and package deals


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

>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals


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

>>Lisbon prices
>>>Check current Lisbon hotel deals


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

>>Barcelona prices
>>>Check current Barcelona hotel deals


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

>>Split prices
>>>Check current Split hotel deals


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

>>Athens prices
>>>Check current Athens hotel deals


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

>>Istanbul prices
>>>Check current Istanbul hotel deals


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

>>Antalya prices
>>>Check current Antalya hotel deals


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

>>Cairo prices
>>>Check current Cairo hotel deals


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

>>Amman prices
>>>Check Jordan hotels and resort prices


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

>>Goa prices
>>>Check current Goa hotel and resort deals


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.

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All Comments

  1. R. Husak says:

    Everyone commented so I guess I will too. I live in st.Louis, work for an airline and have been given tickets to anyplace American airlines flys!! My girlfriend and I have Oct 22-29 off to travel. Live adventure, activity,no crowds and cant decide where to go. We cant get to New Zealand. Still thinking about Australia, rome, Barcelona. Where would you go if the sky were the limit!! Thanks

    1. Roger Wade says:

      R. Husak,

      I think your suggestions of Australia, Rome, or Barcelona are all very good ones. I think late October is a great time to go to southern Europe because it’s still decent weather and the crowds are thin so hotel prices are pretty low as well. If you haven’t been to either I think Rome is more interesting than Barcelona, and you could even do Rome for 3 days then a train to Florence for 3 days and then a train to Venice for one day before flying out of Venice or taking a train back to the Rome airport.

      Obviously it’s spring in the southern hemisphere, but Sydney and Melbourne have pretty good weather then. You might also consider Buenos Aires and/or Rio de Janerio. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  2. Aditya says:

    thanks for great suggestion.it really help me to shortlist places.what are your best suggestions for other than asia with good budget for 7 days trip. please suggest.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Aditya,

      What part of the world are you interested in? For a trip of only 7 days you probably wouldn’t want to fly halfway around the world because that takes a full day in each direction. I’m happy to help if you give me more clues as to what you want. -Roger

  3. aditya says:

    hi roger..i am planning to travel for a enjoying trip.7 days trip with wife and without any thing else like work n all.i will travel from india.any suggestion in reasonable price. asian country or anything else

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Aditya,

      October is a tricky month in Asia, as you know, because so many places have heavy rains. The best of the cheaper places are on the list above, but I also have a newer list of the best places to go in Asia in October that has 15 options. I put all of my best recommendations and the reasons why October is a good month on that list and I think it will help you narrow it down a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  4. Robin says:

    Hello Roger,
    I will be traveling Las Vegas for my bday the last weekend in October, but would love to add a tropical destination with great beaches from Vegas. I would love your recommendation for a location.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Robin,

      If you want something fairly close to Las Vegas I would go either with Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta. By the end of October both of those should be done with their rainy season so you’ll get good weather but still with off-season prices. And the flight should be fairly cheap as well. -Roger

  5. Roxy says:

    Hi roger my fiance and I have been looking at honeymoon destinations. We are getting married at the end of October 2018 and looking to travel at the end of Oct 28 thru the beginning of November. We have looked into the Dominican republic and Tahiti. Any great recommendations for 2 very overworked newlyweds looking to relax but still want some great excursions. Just dont want our honeymoon ruined by too much rainfall since we are traveling in October to November.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Roxy,

      October is a tricky month for sunshine holidays, as you’ve noticed. Many of the most popular islands and tropical destinations have the potential for heavy rain in that month, so booking is a bit of a gamble. Personally, I lived in Miami a couple years ago and I would book to those places on short notice as long as the weather was looking decent, but for a honeymoon you don’t have that luxury.

      The good news is that October isn’t particularly rainy in Tahiti and French Polynesia, so that could be a great choice. The rainfall in the South Pacific tends to come in quick bursts almost all year round, so it’s rare that it’s rainy all day or for days at a time. Often you’ll get a shower overnight, and also often you’ll get a 15 minute cloud burst in the late afternoon. And I actually prefer Moorea to Tahiti, and it’s a short ferry ride or super short flight from Tahiti. Moorea is a more beautiful island and it feels more like paradise. Bora Bora is a little farther and it’s also a wonderful place, although a bit more expensive. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  6. Jeffrey says:

    Hey Roger,

    My wife and I would like to travel to Switzerland at the end of October for our honeymoon. We will have about 10-12 days at our destination and will probably be flying into Geneva before taking a train to a more remote location that still has cafes and some attractions, perhaps a castle or two to tour. Do you have any recommendations for us? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Jeffrey,

      First off it’s probably worth at least scanning my main article on where to go in Switzerland. The country isn’t really known for castles in the way that many of its neighbors are. Switzerland is mostly about the amazing Alpine scenery and its lakes including Lucerne and Geneva. The cities aren’t as filled with sights as most of the neighboring countries either. I’m happy to help more, and hopefully that article will help you at least get started with a plan. -Roger

  7. Chantalle says:

    Hi Roger,

    I’m from Holland and looking for a (female) solo backpack destination where I can spend my 2,5 week holiday in October. I love to travel around, spend some time in the sun and if possible learn how to surf! I was thinking about Bali, but with the vulcano that might errupt today or tomorrow I’m looking for a backup plan. Do you have any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Chantalle,

      This is a tough one. As you’ve probably discovered, most of southern Asia is in peak rainy season in October. Most of the year the rainstorms only last 30 minutes or so, but in October you can get rain for full days at times. The same is true in most of Central America as well.

      Your Bali plan would be ideal if not for the possible volcano eruption. They are saying that the danger zone is only a small part of the center of the island, but still I think I’d avoid it too because if they have an eruption then many bus routes and such could be closed for some time. The best part of the island in my opinion is around Lovina, which is north of the volcano, and that might get cut off because the main road goes just west of the peak.

      You just don’t have a lot of good sunshine holiday choices in October for backpacking. You could try Brazil or Argentina or both of them. Aside from those, I think your best choices are the ones on the list in the article above. Sorry I couldn’t help more. -Roger

  8. Daphne says:

    Hi Roger
    I’m based out of Southern Germany. I was wondering if you had any ideas for where to travel solo for two weeks in mid October. I was hoping to get away from the crowds and big city hustle. On my list were Tanzania, Jamaica etc, I’d like to explore and get to know locals. Perhaps finish off with a couple of days in an all inclusive resort. I’d appreciate any advice.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Daphne,

      I haven’t made it to Tanzania yet, but I have done lots of research as I helped run a website (with an expert) on Kilimanjaro. It sounds like a fairly challenging place for a solo traveler, but I don’t think it’s too dangerous if you stick mainly to the popular tourist cities and avoid spending time in Nairobi on the way. But I really can’t help you with much confidence on that one.

      As for Jamaica, I really wouldn’t recommend it for a solo traveler. The problem is that it’s one of those countries where the shopkeepers and roaming vendors will hassle you mercilessly, trying to guilt you into a purchase. There are other places like that and maybe you’ve visited one before. Especially as a solo traveler, it’s hard to avoid them and it can be disheartening. Everyone speaks English though, and that at least makes it easy to talk to people if you don’t know Spanish.

      The place nearby that I would recommend instead would be Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s a lovely town just a bit south of Cancun. It’s relaxed and very touristy, but in a fun way. There are great sights nearby such as Tulum and Chichen Itza, and there are many good-value all-inclusive resorts just outside of town. Because they are such a popular tourist destination, English is widely spoken so it’s pretty easy to get around and chat with people. You should be able to get a fairly cheap flight into Cancun, and then it’s just a one-hour shuttle ride to Playa del Carmen.

      Sorry I couldn’t be of more help on Tanzania, and I’m happy to answer other questions if you have them. -Roger

  9. Loraine says:

    Hello Roger,
    Great information! My hubby and I are in CT, planning a short (5 day) vacation for the third week of October for our 25th wedding anniversary. I am torn between Aruba, St. Martin or maybe even the gulf coast of Florida. We want a relaxing beach vacation. I prefer not to be on a plane for too long since we don’t have a full week, but if Aruba is that much better weather-wise for that time, then I would do the longer plane trip. Your input would be appreciated. Many thanks!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Loraine,

      This is a tricky topic, and made even trickier by the fact that Hurricane Irma is currently making its way through the Caribbean. My understanding is that big storms hit Aruba only every 100 years or so, which makes sense when you look at the map and follow the storm patterns. They typically start way out in the Atlantic and then move away from the equator. And in the case of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, a storm would have to enter the Caribbean and then turn back south towards the equator, and that is very uncommon.

      The one thing you can say about Florida is that it’s very easy to evacuate with all the major highways, and you always have around a week’s notice as the storm gets closer (or farther away). Even with all of that, tourists seem to be safe everywhere, and there is always a very tiny chance that you might have to be evacuated. Personally, I’d probably take my chances with St. Maarten as long as it gets through Irma okay, but other people are less willing to risk even a tiny chance at being inconvenienced. I’m not sure if this even helps you. Regardless, I would wait until Irma moves through before I’d lock anything in. This one looks serious and the scene might look different after it’s gone. -Roger

  10. Akwai says:

    Hi Roger, what destinations might you suggest in early October for a woman (me) and her two boys (8 & 10) that is not excessively far from No. California? We love beaches and would enjoy somewhere safe and easy to get around in, with lots of interesting cultural things to see and do. We have about 7-10 days total for this trip, interested in international but may be open to US as well. Thank you!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Akwai,

      My first thought is Puerto Vallarta, which is still untouched by the problems that some other regions of Mexico has. October is after their rainy season so you’ll have great weather (maybe with a quick shower or two), and they’ve got great beaches. There are some day trips you can do from there up and down the coast and a few things inland a bit, but most people stay in the main Puerto Vallarta area. One very nice thing about PV is that at its heart is an actual historic town with interesting architecture and local shops, unlike more purpose-built resort areas such as Cancun or Los Cabos. And there are nice hotel districts on both sides of the town center.

      October is a challenge for beaches near California because all of Central America is in their rainy season then. The weather in Hawaii will be pretty much perfect, and there are plenty of non-stop flights from Northern California. It’s not cheap, although October is one of the cheaper months. And you can get a decent deal on a condo rental there and save on all the restaurant meals and such. There are “cultural” things in Hawaii relating to the traditional Hawaiian population, although they are quite different from what you may have in mind. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger