10 Best Countries to Visit in October

By October, countries around the world, depending on the hemisphere, find themselves deep in the beauty of autumn or awash with a blooming spring. This provides Travelers with amazing opportunities to explore destinations rich in culture, cuisine and memorable nature.

You can choose to chase the warming spring that brings out the wildlife, the foliage of autumn and harvest festivities, or something in between. Either way, cultural events fill the itinerary and ideal weather allows you to break out the hiking boots or embark on epic road trips.

Argentina

If you don’t want to chase autumnal vibes and foliage, take a peak instead at springtime in Argentina. In the central and northern regions, you’ll find warming temperatures that mark a great time to spot blooming jacarandas and wildlife along the Valdes Peninsula.

Speaking of adventure, the Ibera Wetlands are prime in October. Jaguars and macaws wander, 350 bird species come and go, while guides help you see the best. Further south, the first cruises of spring depart for Patagonia.

In Mendoza, a premier wine region, vineyards open their doors with head-turning mountainous backdrops. As for cultural events, Buenos Aires hosts the Festival Emergente.

Czech Republic

By October the summertime crowds have melted away leaving you to explore the nation’s historic cities and enchanting countryside in relative peace. Crisp mornings are perfect for a stroll down Prague’s Novy Svet and Rue de Paris. The evenings arrive earlier, lighting up the small town streets of Olomouc and Kromeriz.

The Czech Republic’s autumn marks the beginning of several major events, including the Signal Festival. The festival of lights occurs over four spectacular days near Prague Castle. In addition, the city hosts the world-renowned Prague International Jazz Festival.

Madagascar

October in Madagascar means warmer temperatures, clearer skies, better Traveling conditions and yes, the lemurs are out and about. Towards the end of the dry season, slightly more rain brings out the colors, so the national parks begin calling your name.

Dry roads allow you to get from the coast to the highlands with ease. Purple jacaranda trees dot the way and you must explore the Avenue of the Baobabs. Later, lace up the boots and trek among the lemurs in Andasibe National Park before spotting western Madagascar’s fossas in the deciduous forests of Anjajavy.

New England, USA

In the top right corner of the United States, New England comes into its own each October. Pumpkin spices float through the air, cinnamon coats the beer pints and apple picking fills the calendar. America’s premier fall destination also features some of the best foliage in the country.

Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine battle for foliage supremacy. Roads like Vermont’s Route 100 and NH’s Kancamagus Highway promise immersive leaf-peeping experiences. Add on cozy small towns like Stockbridge, Camden and Stowe that are just the right level of cozy, historic and filled with nature, and you’ve found your perfect fall destination.

Luxembourg

Bye, bye summer, hello autumn. Rolling green country fields and dense forests have turned crimson and burning auburn. Castles dot the misty (and sometimes gloomy) hills and the cooler temperatures mark the premier time for some outdoor beverages at small town taverns.

It’s a vibe that will put a smile on your face. It’s more than a fun coincidence, however, that this all combines with the many festivals and harvest events of October. Nut Market takes over Main Street in Vianden, Luxembourg City has the Night of Museums, and grape harvest festivals come with parades, music and great eats in places like Grevenmacher.

Mexico

October marks the time to experience both Mexico’s diverse landscapes and its rich heritage. Although technically the shoulder season, the warm and pleasant weather allows you to both laze by the beach and spend all day walking the streets of San Miguel de Allende. For both History, culture and beaches, you can have it all along the Yucatan Peninsula.

Whether you take the adventurous or relaxing route, there’s no escaping the celebrations of culture, art and cuisine in October. Traditional events such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Alfenique Fair showcase ancient customs and gastronomic brilliance alike.

Germany

Before the country takes a deep dive into Christmas, Germany enjoys a vibrant October. The days before and at the beginning of the month mark one of Germany’s biggest celebrations, Oktoberfest. It’s not just about steins either, rather an exploration of historic Bavarian culture.

The ensuing national hangover leaves the door open for you to embark on an alluring road trip. While not known for its mountains, the Bavarian Alps and surrounding foothills offer memorable leaf-peeping. Follow this with wine tasting along the German Wine Road in Rhineland-Palatine. Between the vineyards lie ancient castles and endearing half-timbered homes.

Nepal

When the calendar flips to October the dry season arrives, just in time for some of the best trekking conditions in Nepal. With clearer skies comes comfortable hiking conditions both of which make hiking, especially in the Himalayas a dream.

Thanks to the conditions, it’s easier to get around the country. Not to mention the stunning views one can enjoy from the plane’s window seat. But first, start the festivities in Kathmandu (Dashain) before meandering through the brilliant valley.

Of course, the Himalayas are always calling and October is a fantastic time to tick the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp off your list.

South Korea

South Korea summons that serene autumn weather every October, marking the beginning of a great month to explore the Land of the Morning Calm. The humid and rainy summer is in the rearview and a drier climate opens the door to exploring the Songnisan National Park ablaze with auburn and burgundy leaves.

Seoul is certainly more pleasant in October, however, it’s a great time to explore the East Coast and the beaches of Busan. On your journey, you may run into many local October festivals which overload the calendar. The most famous is the inspiring Yeondeunghoe, otherwise known as the Lotus Lantern Festival.

France

In October, France enjoys a small break after the busy summer months. The month marks an array of cultural events, including Paris Fashion Week, film and jazz festivals. You can also expect some more breathing room in some of France’s top museums and galleries.

With the lowering of the temperature comes the turning of the leaves in the Chamonix Valley and Verdon Gorge. Not only is the backdrop spectacular on your drive but the weather is prime for some on-foot exploration.

Wine harvest season takes place in all of France’s six major wine regions. Come sample the local tipple in a festive atmosphere.