Travel pros refer to October as the “gem of the shoulder season.” Fall colors, harvests, and temperatures are at their best, while tourist numbers and prices are declining. So I’ve rounded up the best destinations to visit in October.

The Best Fall Destinations in the U.S.

While most of the places on this list are centered around the beauty of deciduous forests this time of year, I’ve included a few “wild card” destinations if you want a tropical or desert adventure.

Here are the top destinations to visit in October!

Germany

Of course, Germany is on this list because of Oktoberfest! This is a celebration you should experience at least once in your lifetime. So while visitors descend on Munich this month, the rest of the country is blissfully less-crowded and less expensive.

All castles, national parks, and trails will still be open and accessible, and the fall foliage will be stunning. The weather will be cool and pleasant, though you’ll want layers for the mornings and evenings, and bring a rain jacket.

This is the perfect month to visit Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hamburg, and other popular places that will seem practically empty in October compared to the summer months.

Fiji

If you’re looking for a tropical October getaway, Fiji is for you. This month has one of the lowest chances of rainfall all year. The humidity will be low, and temperatures will be pleasant.

Out of Fiji’s best-weather months (May – October), this month has the fewest crowds and lowest prices.

Contrary to popular belief, Fiji isn’t just a destination for the rich. This country can be affordable if you choose your “home base” island wisely. It even ranks on my list of the best Budget Destinations Around The World!

The Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park in the United States, and the beauty of this region is on full display in October. The forests will be vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the surrounding towns and cities will have Halloween, harvest, and wine celebrations.

I highly recommend visiting The Smokies as part of a Blue Ridge Mountains Road Trip because this national park is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S.

My favorite “home bases” for exploring the Smokies are Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Highlands, or Asheville. These places have many accommodation options – camping, RV parks, resorts, lodges, hotels, and glamping – for any budget.

Morocco

Morocco’s weather and climate vary significantly within the country, but October gives you the best chance at good weather in almost every region. This is date season in the desert region and apple harvest season in the Atlas Mountains.

October is the end of the dry season, so rain is possible, but this risk is worth the lower temperatures. The cooler weather makes the cities and famous sites more enjoyable and is perfect for hiking in the mountains.

This month, Agadir, Sidi Ifni, or Dakhla are your best beach, surfing, and windsurfing spots.

Rome, Italy

Rome is almost unbearably hot and crowded from May to September, and borderline miserable in the Winter. So this leaves April and October to visit, and October is the better choice because it’s a peak wine month for the country.

The weather is still sunny and warm in October, and you’ll have a good chance of not having other tourists in your photos.

I recommend taking a day trip or two when you’re here, because the surrounding towns and villages, such as Hadrian’s Villa, Pompeii, Assisi, and Castel Gandolfo, will be practically empty.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos comprises two towns – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The former is more of the “party scene,” while the latter retains its traditional charm.

The Ultimate Guide To Mexico

Whichever city you visit, you can enjoy the sun, sand, and fun this month. This is an excellent destination for foodies, and tourist numbers are relatively low in July, so you can get any restaurant reservation you want.

New England, United States

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island make up New England in the Northeast U.S., and this region has some of the world’s most beautiful fall foliage.

The forests will be ablaze with color in October, so make sure you plan some hikes and scenic drives. I recommend hiking a section of the Appalachia Trail, exploring Acadia National Park, having a city getaway in Boston, and glamping in Vermont or New Hampshire.

Top New England Getaways

I think the best way to see New England is to bring or rent a car so you can visit the inland colonial towns. If you’re into Haunted attractions, New England’s history of Witch Trials makes for some genuinely frightening experiences in the area.

Mauritius

If you want a remote October destination, head to Mauritius. This island was once a real pirate hangout, and its location in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar makes you feel like you’ve discovered paradise.

October is spring in Mauritius, so the island will be covered in tropical flowers. The weather, water, and white-sand beaches will be warm, and the rain and humidity won’t come until later in the year.

Most of your trip budget will go towards getting you to and from Mauritius. But once you’re on the island, this is a relatively affordable luxury destination.

Many people are surprised that September – November are some of the sunniest and warmest months in Northern California.

The fog will finally have lifted from San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa will be harvesting their grapes, Mendocino’s coastline will rival Big Sur, and the Redwoods National and State Parks will be almost empty.

October is also a great time to explore Middle and Southern California, so consider a Pacific Coast Highway road trip!

Cambodia

October is a shoulder month for Cambodia, so the crowds and tourist prices will be relatively low. The rainy season is ending, so the temperatures and humidity will decrease throughout the month.

Angkor Wat is the must-visit attraction in Cambodia, but plan to spend enough time here to explore more of the country. I highly recommend heading to Koh Rong, Kampot and Kep, and the Cardamom Mountains.

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What are your favorite destinations to visit in October? Tell us in the comments below!

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