Where to go on holiday In October

October is an ideal time to discover the temples and beaches of Mauritius as the temperatures rise as they head out of their winter season. The end of summer also sees the hardwood forests of New England take on a flaming red and golden hue, providing visitors with an incredible natural spectacle.

Mauritius

October is an excellent time to visit Mauritius if you’re craving tropical heat in a beautiful location. Days are sunny, dry and warm with mercury routinely rising to 27°C. It’s springtime so the island is starting to bloom with exotic flowers, making hiking trips and excursions to national parks a must, plus the transition season means it’s less pricey than peak times of the year. Though water temperatures are cooler than the summer, snorkellers and divers are still rewarded with a pleasant 23-25°C.

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New England

Fall is legendary in New England and October is a magical time to visit. Home to dazzling red autumns, quaint waterfront towns, pretty skylines and beautiful coastlines, holidays here are a visual treat. Highs of 20°C make days here easy-going and comfortable, whether you’re exploring the attractions of Boston, sampling wine at Martha’s Vineyard or tucking into Maine lobster in quintessential coastal towns. Harvest season means cider doughnuts and pumpkin pie are also on the menu, and the Boston German Oktoberfest takes place at the beginning of the month.

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India

October is the month of celebration in India, with Diwali usually taking place at the end of the month and the Rajasthan International Folk festival also drawing crowds. With warm temperatures averaging 25°C it’s an ideal time for city breaks and sightseeing, so prime time for exploring the Golden Triangle, heading to the wildlife parks in the central provinces or taking to the palm-backed beaches of Goa – without the crowds of peak season.  

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China

China is postcard-perfect in October when most areas are sunny and temperatures cooling down to the high teens, allowing visitors to explore the attractions comfortably. There’s a little chance of rainfall but you’ll be too busy admiring the stunning fall colours of the north – best viewed from the Great Wall of China – to notice, especially as crowds tend to be thinner compared to the hot touristy summer (although Golden Week at the beginning of the month is very busy).

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Cambodia

Unlike steamier months where humidity and high temperatures can make exploring temples and cultural sites of interest uncomfortable, October in Cambodia brings a much drier climate with temperatures ranging from 24-31°C. The weather is bright and sunny, although the odd rainy day is still to be expected. The countryside and paddy fields are full of colour thanks to the rain from previous months, making this a perfect time for a river cruise.

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