Where is hot in October? 12 hot holidays in October
As autumn approaches and the already slim promise of sunny spells in the UK begins to diminish rapidly, it's difficult not to long for sunnier climes and ask ourselves – where is hot in October?
Before it gets to November or the search for winter sun in January or February begins, October is the perfect time to escape the impending doom and gloom, soaking up the very last of the European sun or straying just a little further in search of some much-needed downtime.
Many of the best sunny spots in Europe remain warm into the early autumn months, including Spanish cities that are full of cultural intrigue – Granada and Barcelona among them – and Italian towns and cities that are the favourites of jet setters, like Positano on the timeless Amalfi Coast, or Lecce in the sun-kissed southern Italian region of Puglia.
October also makes a great time to visit tourist hotspots and escape the crowds, whether you're heading off on a southern French sojourn to enduringly stylish St Tropez or discovering what's behind the Bodrum boom in Turkey, where a host of five-star hotels and glitzy restaurants have opened their doors – which will remain open in October.
The Balearic Islands remain a top choice for those searching for where is hot in October. Ibiza and Menorca top our list, with the last of the closing parties happening in the former and the undiscovered charm of the latter coming to the fore in the quieter months.
Wherever you pick, some October sun is absolutely guaranteed to do no end of good, so read on for some October sun...
Granada, Spain
In the height of the summer months, Granada, located in Spain's Andalusia region, can be scorching. So on the search for where is hot in October, it's a great choice, especially for family holidays in Spain, with temperatures cooling down to highs of 21ºC (with the average a cooler 15ºC) and very little rainfall. These are the perfect conditions for exploring the city's Moorish architecture, notably the grand Alhambra, and buzzing food scene.
When it comes to where to stay in Granada, Airbnb has some brilliant options in the area. One of the best is this scenic Moorish style villa with its own pool and enough space for eight.
Positano, Italy
Ah, the Amalfi Coast. It's hard to beat this living incarnation of la dolce vita, every corner full of Slim Aarons glamour and pure Italian indulgence. Positano is one of its most popular hotspots for good reason, but to escape the crowds and find yet another compelling answer to the question where is hot in October, consider an early autumnal visit to this famous destination. Temperatures range from 19 to 25ºC, so you'll make some unexpected use of your summer wardrobe with an October trip here.
If you're going to visit Positano, you might as well do so in serious style with a stay at Le Sirenuse. This timelessly chic hotel is something of a Positano legend, and a stay here will induce plenty of pinch-me moments.
Tunis, Tunisia
When searching for where is hot in October, many travellers are tempted by Marrakech, but there's much to be said for saving that for November and instead discovering Tunis. Just a three-hour flight away from London, Tunis offers fresh cultural discovery in the form of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a bustling Medina and the seaside town Sidi Bou Said.
The ideal base from which to soak up highs of 26ºC, The Residence Tunis reflects the region's hypnotic Arab-Andalusian architecture in a host of rooms and suites. There are also five restaurants and a heavenly spa.
Kotor, Montenegro
With temperatures reaching 22ºC, Montenegro is certainly still hot in October, when you can enjoy the outdoor activities for which this gem of a Balkan country has become known. One of the best is admiring the medieval walled town of Kotor, a UNESCO heritage site, but so too are the delicious Mediterranean food cooked here, the unexpected joy of wine tasting and the always promising glint of the Adriatic Sea.
For a brilliant stay in the heart of Kotor's historic Old Town, try Boutique Hotel Astoria Kotor, a humble yet characterful spot with a sauna to relax in after a long day of exploring. Airbnbs are also a great option here, especially this seaview villa with space for eight.
Barcelona, Spain
Fancy seeing Barcelona's famous Sagrada Família without the chaotic crowds or sweaty heat? October is the time for this classic city and beach break, with highs of 23ºC and lows of 17ºC making it warm enough for a dip in the sea but cool enough to see the sights in T-shirt weather (you might want to pack a jacket for colder evenings).
For rooftop views and lodgings right at the centre of the action, book a room in Barcelona's Grand Hotel Central. Behind its cool 1920s facade, you'll find a thoroughly modern retreat, with every sleek creature comfort to suit savvy travellers.
Corfu, Greece
One of the most compelling answers to the question 'where is hot in October?' Corfu's average daily temperature ranges from 18 to 23ºC in October, meaning poolside bathing and trips to hidden coves are still eminently possible in the early autumn months. Sunset happens around 7.20pm at the start of the month, meaning sundowners and al fresco dining can also still be enjoyed.
Corfu is full of five-star hotels to choose from, but Domes of Corfu might just be our favourite, with its dreamy location near the white sands of Glyfada and Pelekas Beaches. It also has four restaurants on-site, so you barely have to move a muscle.
St Tropez, France
October is considered 'low season' for St Tropez in the south of France, making it a great time to enjoy smaller crowds and better deals in its many gorgeous hotels. You can expect temperatures getting up to 20ºC in the earlier part of the month, with things cooling down but remaining mild towards the end of it.
To soak it all up – and receive a welcome boost of wellness at the same time – head for the luxurious Lily of the Valley, which charms the most well-heeled guests with a dreamy spa and beach shuttle.
Menorca, Balearic Islands
Menorca is no longer the overlooked smallest Balearic sibling – it's a fully fledged hotspot with a blooming hotel and restaurant scene plus plenty of traditional charm. What is still little known about this lovely little island is that it makes a great place for a hot holiday in October as well as the warmest months, with daily temperatures ranging from 17 to 23ºC. The beaches are beautiful, as are the historic cities of Mahon and Ciutadella – what's not to like?
For a spoiling trip, Villa Le Blanc Gran Melia is one of the island's most luxurious properties. The beach is mere steps away, and the rooms are sprawling sea-facing spaces that will make you relax immediately.
Lecce, Italy
Summer lingers late in the gorgeous southern Italian region of Puglia, the heel-forming region that's famous for its divine food and impressive architecture. Lecce is a great place to discover this increasingly popular land, and the best news is that October remains warm here, with highs of 21ºC, especially in the first half of the month.
Brilliant boutique hotels abound in this charming city, dubbed the Florence of the south thanks to its Baroque architecture. Patria Palace is one of the highest rated hotels in the area, a former 18th century noble palace that's fresh from a four-year renovation.
Bodrum, Turkey
It's always been a haven for yachting and in-the-know Istanbulites, but Bodrum has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years, with seemingly endless five-star hotels and restaurants opening their doors on the gorgeous turquoise coast. Best of all, Bodrum remains hot throughout October, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 23ºC and the cosmopolitan port and city still buzzing in the early autumn.
Six Senses Kaplankaya is the place to discover this Turkish hotspot in serious style – with plenty of opportunities to relax at the flagship Six Senses spa.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Ibiza's legendary nightlife wraps up around late September to early October, so you can still catch a few closing parties on the White Isle if you head there late in the season. But if you're more interested in where is hot in October than where is happening, Ibiza is still the answer. With an average high temperature of 24ºC, it still feels positively balmy to Brits, and provides the perfect opportunity to discover the quieter, incredibly scenic side to the White Isle.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is the ideal place to soak up this serenity, with an idyllic position on the shores of Talamanca Bay – and every five-star luxury you could hope for.
Cairo, Egypt
It's always a good time to discover the ancient splendour and timeless intrigue of Egypt, but October might be one of the best of all. Balmy highs of 30ºC mean this very much still feels like a sun-soaked holiday even in the early autumn, while lower temperatures (heading down to 19ºC at points) provide welcome relief for those who don't like exploring in the scorching heat.
For a classic stay with plenty of places to cool off, book into Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, which overlooks Egypt's famous river and delivers classic Four Seasons comfort with five-star service and amenities.
More holiday ideas:
- The best all inclusive resorts
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