Last updated: October 2026
Where to Travel in October: 5 Destinations to Consider
October can be a brilliant month to travel, whether you’re looking for warmer weather, island scenery, historic cities or a UK escape closer to home.
Conditions vary considerably between destinations at this time of year, so it pays to look beyond average temperatures and think about rainfall, sea conditions, seasonal opening hours and the activities you want to do.
Here are five very different October holiday ideas.
October Travel at a Glance
Tropical scenery, beaches, hiking and island culture.
Cycladic scenery with a different atmosphere from peak summer.
Beaches, rainforest, snorkelling and diving in the Seychelles.
Historic streets and Adriatic scenery after the height of summer.
1. Mauritius 🇲🇺
Mauritius combines beaches, lagoons, mountains and towns with a mixture of African, Indian, European and Asian influences.
October falls towards the end of the island’s cooler May-to-October season. Coastal conditions can still feel warm, although the island has local microclimates and weather can vary considerably between regions.
Things to consider:
- Explore Black River Gorges National Park.
- Spend time around Mahébourg and the south-east coast.
- Visit Port Louis for markets, museums and city life.
- Enjoy beaches, snorkelling or boat trips where conditions allow.
2. Mykonos, Greece 🇬🇷
Mykonos in October can feel quite different from the busy height of summer.
The island’s whitewashed villages, coastline and walking routes remain, but some seasonal venues, beach clubs and services may reduce their hours or close as the season winds down.
Things to consider:
- Explore Mykonos Town and Little Venice.
- Visit quieter beaches around the island.
- Take an organised kayaking trip when sea conditions are suitable.
- Visit local vineyards or enjoy a slower-paced food-focused trip.
Don’t rely on October automatically meaning low prices or empty streets — availability and visitor numbers vary by dates and events.
3. Mahé, Seychelles 🇸🇨
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and combines granite-framed beaches, tropical vegetation and mountain scenery.
October can be attractive for beach and water-based holidays, but sea conditions, rainfall and visibility vary, so check local conditions before arranging diving or snorkelling around one particular site.
Things to consider:
- Explore beaches around Mahé.
- Visit Victoria and its markets.
- Walk in Morne Seychellois National Park.
- Snorkel or scuba dive with an appropriate operator when conditions suit.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia 🇭🇷
Dubrovnik combines medieval city walls, historic streets and a dramatic position on the Adriatic coast.
October falls outside the main summer period, but that doesn’t guarantee quiet streets or cheaper accommodation. Cruise arrivals, events and school holidays can all affect visitor numbers.
Things to consider:
- Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls.
- Explore the Old Town and harbour.
- Take a boat trip to Lokrum where services and sea conditions allow.
- Enjoy restaurants and viewpoints around the city.
Swimming may still appeal to some visitors, but sea temperature, weather and individual comfort vary later in the season.
5. Shetland Islands, Scotland 🏴
If you’d rather stay closer to home, Shetland offers rugged coastlines, archaeological sites, wildlife and wide-open landscapes.
October brings darker evenings and the beginning of the main aurora-watching period, although the Northern Lights — known locally as the Mirrie Dancers — can never be guaranteed.
Things to consider:
- Explore coastal walking routes and dramatic cliffs.
- Visit archaeological and historical sites.
- Spend time in Lerwick and smaller island communities.
- Watch the night sky when conditions are clear — but build your trip around more than the aurora.
October weather can be windy and changeable, and some visitor attractions begin operating reduced seasonal hours.
Planning Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkelling or Diving?
Several of these destinations lend themselves to active holidays, but check your planned activities before travelling.
Covered2Go Sports & Activities Level 1 includes many listed activities as standard, including eligible hiking up to 1,500 metres, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving to 30 metres, subject to the relevant policy conditions.
Higher-risk activities or activities beyond the Level 1 limits may require Sports & Activities Levels 2, 3 or 4 and an additional premium.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
October travel tip:
Average weather is only a guide. Tropical showers, autumn storms, rough seas or unusually warm or cool conditions can all affect a trip, so check the local forecast and any activity conditions shortly before travelling.
Travelling overseas?
Check current passport, entry, health and safety information for your destination using UK Government Foreign Travel Advice.
Travel Insurance for an October Holiday
Consider travel insurance that suits the destination and type of trip you’re taking.
Depending on the policy selected and the circumstances involved, travel insurance may provide protection for certain eligible events such as cancellation, emergency medical expenses abroad, baggage or travel disruption.
If you’re travelling within the UK, check the policy’s domestic-trip requirements and benefits, as these can differ from overseas cover.
If your plans include sports or activities, make sure the correct Sports & Activities level is shown on your policy schedule where required.
Where Will You Go This October?
October offers far more than one type of holiday.
You could choose tropical beaches in Mauritius or the Seychelles, enjoy a quieter side of Mykonos, explore Dubrovnik’s history or embrace the wild autumn landscapes of Shetland.
Choose the destination that suits the trip you want, rather than relying on average weather or promises of lower crowds.
Planning an October Getaway?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and choose cover that suits your destination, trip and planned activities.
This article is for general information only. Weather, sea conditions, wildlife, Northern Lights sightings, attraction opening times and activity availability can change. Travel insurance and Sports & Activities Cover are subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, activity levels, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
