Are you coming from a northern country with short, cool summers, or just looking to extend your summer a bit longer? Struggling to decide on a country for your autumn getaway? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 warm and sunny destinations for autumn. Read on, choose a spot, and book your trip!
Southern Europe, including Spain, hits its shoulder season in October, meaning fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Accommodation costs drop as well. By November, southern Spain remains a great choice. While the northern part can get chilly, the Mediterranean coast usually enjoys warm temperatures. Spain’s islands, like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, offer fantastic beaches, clear water, and various activities. Ibiza is perfect for partying, while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are ideal for a quiet retreat.
In Portugal, October marks the shoulder season as well. The Algarve is a top destination during this period with lovely weather continuing through November. Though it may be too cool for swimming, you can still enjoy blue skies and sunshine. Renting a car is the best way to explore Portugal’s major attractions as well as its charming smaller towns and villages.
Southern Italy is another fantastic autumn destination. It shares a shoulder season in October, especially in regions like Sardinia and Sicily. The summer heat subsides, but there’s still plenty of sun and warm sea temperatures. Besides the islands, towns like Lamezia Terme and Bari also offer warm weather during autumn.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become increasingly popular among European travelers due to affordable flights and warm weather. The UAE offers beaches, luxury hotels, parks, modern architecture, museums, bazaars, and theme parks. It’s a destination that combines modern comforts with unique experiences.
Morocco is a budget-friendly destination just three hours from London. It’s exotic, easy to navigate, and heavily influenced by European culture, making it perfect for less experienced travelers. The weather is pleasant nearly year-round, especially in coastal spots like Taghazout, Essaouira, and Agadir. Morocco is great for surfing, cultural exploration, history, and shopping. Adventurous travelers can even trek North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal.
Japan, while not tropical, offers a beautiful autumn season comparable to Europe’s. From October through early December, the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red. Fall foliage viewing is a popular activity, similar to cherry blossom season. The weather remains warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities, making Japan an excellent autumn destination.
By October, Israel cools down and sees fewer crowds. The temperature is comfortable, with cooler evenings. This is the perfect time to visit if you avoid hot weather. Israel features Jerusalem, a city sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims, as well as the unique Dead Sea where you can float easily due to its high salinity.
Turkey is famous for its affordable all-inclusive resorts and stunning beaches along the Turkish Riviera. Yet, there’s more to enjoy—like the bustling city of Istanbul, Cappadocia’s rock formations, Greek ruins in Izmir, and the Pamukkale terraces. Pleasant autumn weather, especially in southwest Turkey, makes September and October ideal months to visit with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.
Greece offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists during the September to October shoulder season. Popular islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Zakynthos, and Rhodes. For a quieter experience, consider Anafi, Amorgos, and Ikaria.
South America’s Brazil is an exotic travel haven with vibrant culture. October is the best month to visit, as it sits within the shoulder season with warm and dry coastal weather. Brazil promises luxurious beachfront hotels and also offers unique natural sights like Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses’ sand dunes and rainwater lagoons, the volcanic archipelago Fernando de Noronha, and Chapada Diamantina National Park—ideal for nature lovers with its caves, waterfalls, cliffs, and viewpoints.