Best Beach Holiday Destinations to Visit in October

The summer isn’t the only season for a beachside holiday. Nope! The colder months are the perfect time to jet off for some much-needed winter sun.

Just picture it now. You’re chilling on a white sand beach with a fruity cocktail in your hand while your friends and family at home are complaining about the never-ending rain. It’s perfect and exactly what you need after a few months of colder temperatures.

But do you know where to find the best October holidays? That’s right. Not all destinations are suited to an autumn break.

We’ve got you covered from Cheap October Holidays to luxury destinations for those with a bigger budget.

Best October Holidays: An Ultimate Guide

Choosing a holiday is exciting, but not when you don’t know what you’re looking for!

We’ve created a complete list of October beach holidays to help you find the perfect one. From affordable breaks to family-friendly locations, we’ve covered all your needs. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and read.

Greek Islands

Perfect For: Island hopping, relaxing, and endless culture.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C.

The Greek islands are a favourite destination for holidaymakers all throughout the year. However, these fantastic islands are extra special in autumn when the crowds disappear. Plus, with over 6,000 islands to explore, you can mix up your holiday and enjoy different scenery daily.

Santorini is one of the most popular picks, but don’t worry about it being too busy. Even if you visit in the October half-term, it’ll still be much quieter than the busy summer months. Crystal clear seas all to yourself? Yes, please. Perfect for an October family holiday or a romantic getaway.

Other favourite islands include Crete, Mykonos, and Corfu, and each is well-equipped with tourist amenities, high-quality hotels, and endless tavernas with fresh Greek food. Mykonos is another must-see spot that’s best for any party animal. You won’t regret spending a night in the beach clubs here.

However, you can go off the beaten path with a more “undiscovered” island. For an even quieter Greek island escape, consider Milos for some unspoilt beach scenery. Alternatively, Milos is a great pick, and it’s very close to Athens. The sights of Greece’s capital city are only an hour away via ferry — perfect for a unique day trip.

Dubai, UAE

Perfect For: Hot temperatures and an autumn tan.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 35°C and lows of 24°C.

All the winter sun holidays on the list are hot, but if you want to seriously turn the temperature up, Dubai should be on your list.

This location sees whopping highs of 35°C in October, a start change from the drizzle we see in the UK. Visiting Dubai in the autumn is better than in the summer, as temperatures rise to 40°C between July and August.

Dubai has endless beaches and the turquoise Persian Gulf, leaving visitors spoilt for choice. However, the most popular beaches include:

• La Mer
• Mercato Beach
• Al Sufouh Black Palace Beach
• Kite Beach
• JBR Beach
• Sunset Beach
• Jumeirah Beach
• White Beach
• Al Mamzar Beach Park

So, if you want to spend your days topping up your tan and enjoying the heat, this could be your pick. However, sunbathing isn’t all that’s on the menu here.

Dubai is known for luxury, five-star hotels, and premium shopping trips. If a bit of luxe is your thing, you’ll be in heaven in the Emirates. You can spend your days in exclusive accommodation and finish each evening with a Michelin-star meal. Not ideal for those who want to save their pennies, but it’s a great way to splurge for celebrations or an anniversary.

Turquoise Coast/Dalaman, Turkey

Perfect For: Snapping up great deals and affordable October holidays.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C.

Ready to chillax without spending all of your savings? We know the place for you. Meet Dalaman’s Turquoise Coast in Turkey, one of the best October holiday destinations for warm weather and affordable prices.

Here you can relax on beaches with a crystal clear Aegean Sea view, access tourist-friendly amenities, and sample delicious cuisines. Most hotels here are perfect for family getaways, but you can find some adult-only options if you want to enjoy some serious peace and quiet.

But the Turquoise Coast isn’t only fabulous for beach days. You’ll also find lively bars, tasty fresh seafood, pretty towns, and historical sites.

We recommend visiting the OluDeniz Blue Lagoon, a UNESCO world heritage site that’ll leave you speechless. You’ll want your camera for this excursion. If you’re feeling extra daring, you can even go paragliding to see the lagoon from above.

Other top places to visit and stay on the Turquoise Coast include Fethiye, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Valley, Lycian Way, Patara, Kas, Olympos, and Antalya.

If this pick catches your eye, take time to explore EasyJet and TUI package holidays for the best prices.

The Algarve, Portugal

Perfect For: Relaxation and gorgeous beach scenery.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C.

If unwinding with a good book while you listen to the soft waves is your priority, check out The Algarve, Portugal. This favourite holiday destination is a summer staple, but it becomes even more relaxing in the autumn when the prices drop, the beaches become quieter, and the weather is still warm.

Sunseekers choose this destination for its many fine sand beaches, affordable accommodation options, and delicious food. Many also choose to explore the traditional Portuguese villages, which offer authentic culture and warm hospitality.

However, the presence of dramatic beige and red cliffs and secret caves makes this area unique. These can be accessed via boat tours or by swimming in beachside caves. Don’t worry about cold waters; even in October, The Algarve water temperature peaks at 29°C.

Want to add some action to your trip? The Algarve is also a premium surfing spot. You can rent a board and shout “Cowabunga” as you take on the waves. This is one of the best beach holidays, for sure.

Good news if you’re on a budget. This is one of the most affordable beach holidays in October, and you can find plenty of package holidays starting from £250pp.

Tulum, Mexico

Perfect For: Stunning ruins, exquisite food, and exciting nightlife.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C.

Tulum, Mexico, is a destination you should consider if you fancy travelling further afield. This coastal town is situated south of the country on the east side of the Yucatan peninsula. This means you’ll get hot temperatures no matter when you visit — result!

October is technically the end of the rainy season here. But don’t let that put you off. Downpours, if any, last for an hour maximum, and the temperature remains scorching throughout the day. You’ll want your SPF here.

Tulum’s beaches all offer white sands, azure waters, and gentle waves, perfect for a day of basking in the sun. However, you can also find some rather unique seafronts here. For example, Playa Ruinas — a beach home to ancient Mayan ruins. Visitors should also check out Soliman Bay in the Akumal Beach area for some stellar snorkelling. You won’t regret making the day trip to this area. Trust us!

Tulum isn’t a secret anymore, but that’s not a bad thing! This beach town is tailored to your holiday needs, with authentic Mexican restaurants, eccentric bars, and clubs that are open all night. If you want to indulge in a night of non-stop dancing, downtown Tulum is happy to oblige.

Finally, another stand-out feature of Tulum is the food. From street food tacos to premium restaurants headed by famous chefs, your options are endless. Don’t forget to add a margarita to your order!

Cyprus

Perfect For: History buffs, rich culture, and family holidays.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C.

Cyprus is one of those countries that sees extremely high temperatures in the summer. So, their autumn temperatures are extra impressive to anyone who lives in a colder country (27°C in October? Woohoo!)

Autumn beach holidays here are essential for busting the stress of modern life. But the country’s pristine beaches aren’t the only appeal. This island is also home to phenomenal historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Pro Tip: Cyprus has so many small coves that if you avoid the most popular beaches, you could end up with a private beach!

The best historical sites in Cyprus include Tombs of the Kings, Kourion, Church of Agios Lazaros, Paphos Castle, Kolossi Castle, Nea Pafos, Palaipafos, Choirokoitia, Amathus, and more. It’s a world heritage site heaven. The best way to see it all? Via car. Cyprus is a small island, and renting your own car is the best way to see all the sights and hit the best beaches.

Pssst… want to relax after a day of sightseeing? Cyprus’ wine routes are the best way to unwind. With traditional and modern wineries in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus is an international winemaking hotspot that everyone should experience once.

Menorca, Spain

Perfect For: A family-friendly beach holiday.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C.

Menorca is the smallest Balearic island, but don’t let this put you off. Here you’ll find dreamy beaches, Instagram-worthy views, and one of the smallest capitals in Europe. Perfect if you want to make cherished memories with your family and friends.

But the key draw to this gorgeous island is the spotless beaches. With powder-fine sand and Blue Flag ratings, each section of the coastline has something different to offer. And, of course, you can find independent tapas restaurants along the shore. There’s nothing like a day of swimming followed by some sangria and a sunset. Pure heaven.

If you want to make the most of the island, add the Cami de Cavallis hike to your itinerary. This ancient route follows a path around all of Menorca’s beach land. You’ll find secret coves, valleys, wetlands, rocky landscapes, and more geographical wonders along the long-distance route.

Pack sturdy walking shoes and some water if you’re tackling this challenge. Hiking provisions are essential.

Mauritius

Perfect For: A romantic getaway in the Indian Ocean.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C.

Want to escape everyday life and indulge in a bit of couple-time? We’ve got just the spot for you. Mauritius is a must-see in the Indian Ocean, and during October, it comes to life after a long winter.

That’s right. In October, it’s springtime in Mauritius. There’s no excess rain or humidity, just comfortable highs of 25°C. Ideal if you want to enjoy the summer weather without any uncomfortable extras.

During this season, flowers are blooming, and the lush rainforest is thriving. You can also visit lagoons, white-sand beaches, reefs, and the famous Black River Gorges National Park. Imagine exploring these natural wonders with your beau. It’s simply amazing.

Mauritius has 720 miles of coastline, so beach lovers are spoilt for choice. Each beach provides different scenery and vibe; you can even find some party spots. Don’t forget to check out Le Morne — a beach with pristine sands and a view of the “Le Morne Brabant Peak, a UNESCO world heritage location.

Another hotspot is Flic en Flac, a favourite beach for snorkelling and swimming, thanks to a reef-protected lagoon. Crystal clear water and exotic fish? Check!

Malaga, Spain

Perfect For: A city and beach break in the sun.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 24°C and 15°C lows.

Beach breaks are rejuvenating. However, if you’re a city break person at heart, Malaga might be more to your liking.

Situated on Spain’s warmest coastline, Malaga is a coastal city with electric energy, a rich food scene, and countless beaches. Everything you need to extend your summer well into October.

The beaches here are as Mediterranean as can be. From premium facilities to busy bars, each is prepared to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Popular locations include Punta Chullera Beach for its sparkling waters, Mijas Costa for unrivalled sunbathing and swimming, and Malagueta for its proximity to the city.

When the sun goes down, it’s time to take to Malaga’s old town for some exquisite tapas, buzzy bars, and boutique restaurants. The old town is also home to boutique shops, art galleries, and a Picasso museum.

The best way to see the city and the promenade? With the carbon-free Urban Bicycles, of course!

Hawaii

Perfect For: Sun, surf, and tropical vibes.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C.

If you have enough time to jet off and explore, make Hawaii your October destination. Yes, it takes a little longer to get to this island destination, but October truly is the best time to go. In this season, the prices are lower as the summer tourists are gone, and the winter crowds have yet to arrive. This is your sign to take the plunge and go.

But what can you expect from an autumn in Hawaii? The temperatures reach a respectable high of 29°C, so sunbathing and swimming are definitely on the menu. If you’re on a beach mission, stay on Oahu island to make the most of its 227 miles of coastline. Oahu is also surfing-central, so don’t forget your board.

Maui is another top pick for beach days. You’ll find an impressive 30 miles of beach, hippy communities, and jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes here. From bustling beaches to secluded coves, you can expect calm, warm waters wherever you go in Maui.

While in Hawaii, take some time to explore the local shops, restaurants, and businesses. Due to the island’s remote location, lots of products get imported. Therefore, shopping locally is paramount to keeping the local economy alive. Plus, who doesn’t want to leave with some authentic, artisan-made souvenirs?

Sayulita, Mexico

Perfect For: Hippy vibes and endless watersports.

Average October Temperatures: Highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C.

Have you ever dreamed of a laid-back coastal paradise filled with colour, vintage boutiques, and friendly faces?

If this resonates, we know just the place for your October holiday. Introducing Sayulita, a Mexican Pacific coast town where surfers roam the streets, artists practise their craft, and delectable street food is available at every corner.

Sayulita has a hippy vibe, unlike other famous Mexican destinations (think Tulum or Playa del Carmen). You’ll find locals and tourists practising yoga on the beach before waxing their board and taking on the waves.

October is the perfect time to see this golden-sand paradise, as it gets busy in the winter season. The temperatures are high, but the humidity is low post-summer rainy season. This is hands down one of the best places to go in October for sun.

Sayulita is still relatively unknown, but this will likely change in the next few years. So, see it while it’s still authentic and make the most of the low-key surfer atmosphere. And if you fancy a change of scenery, you can visit other popular beach towns nearby, like Puerto Vallarta and San Pancho. A beach-hopper’s dream.

Final Thoughts On The Best October Holidays

From Europe to North America and all the continents in between, there’s an autumnal beach holiday out there for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a luxe resort or kick back in a hippy beach town, we hope this list has inspired your next journey.