Where is hot in October?

1. San Antonio, Ibiza

Weather

With average daytime temperatures of 21°C, autumn is a great time to hit San Antonio. The clubbing calendar will start to quieten down, but with closing parties still taking place, October marks the end of Ibiza’s summer. Some days rise to 25°C, so fun on the beach isn’t off the cards either. It’s also the last month you can take advantage of its warm sea waters.

You can also enjoy eight hours of sunshine, which gives you plenty of time to explore this compact island to its fullest. Evenings can drop to around 18°C with light breezes, so if you feel the cold we suggest bringing a jacket. You may also experience a shower or two, but this shouldn’t get in the way of your plans.

Why go?

Famed for its incredible sunsets with a strip of bars dedicated to viewing its glowing spectacles, San Antonio in Ibiza is one of the island’s most popular destinations. Its legendary nightlife is one of its biggest highlights with big-name beach clubs offering the ultimate VIP sunbathing experiences, while its biggest clubs Es Paradis and Eden play host to amazing DJ sets. Not to mention its pre-drinking hotspot the West End.

When it comes to beaches, you can hit the resort’s nearest shores where watersports are yours for the taking, or cross the water by ferry to discover its surrounding coves. Ibiza Town is just down the road when you want to go celebrity spotting with its trendy marina lined with yachts, swanky cafes and luxury boutiques.

Best beaches

S’Arenal de San Antonio

Caló des Moro

Cala Bassa

Cala Conta

Best things to do?

Sunset Strip 

West End 

Ocean Beach

Es Paradís

Aquarium Cap Blanc

Trip to Ibiza Town

Sun fact: The average temperatures in Ibiza stay above 20°C mark for over eight months of the year. 

Flight time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Best for: Beaches, nightlife, short haul and sunsets

Best hotels

Apartamentos Los Angeles: Found in Ibiza’s lively San Antonio in a prime spot close to Sunset strip, these convenient apartments are the perfect base for pre-drinks. With a kitchenette, en suite bathroom and a safe, they also come equipped with all your basic amenities. There’s also a beach nearby if you fancy a day on the coast.

Rosamar Aparthotel:  Set in San Antonio Bay, expect a warm welcome when you first arrive at these friendly apartments. There’s one main pool area when the sun is shining which comes complete with a children’s section, while the handy bar is ready and waiting to serve you a refreshing selection of local beverages. There’s a choice of rooms too, each decorated in a traditional style.

2. Kefalos, Kos

Weather

When you come to Kefalos on the Greek island of Kos, you can expect averages of 21°C and highs of 23°C – a lot warmer than October back home. Known for its fantastic set of beaches, you’ll be happy to discover trips to the coast aren’t out of the question.

With the combination of 23°C waters and a 15% chance of rain, they’ll be plenty of sunbathing opportunities alongside refreshing dips when you fancy a swim.

Why go?

Overlooking the southern Aegean, this quiet resort sits surrounded by stunning natural beauty with a hillside location offering unbeatable views. Made up of golden sand beaches where you’ll find a string of watersports and a quaint Old Town, where slender alleyways house must-see sights, this resort appeals to every taste.

The Folklore Museum is a great way to delve into the island’s rustic past, while The Basilica of Agios Stefanos is built on the rock just inches from the sea and is admired for its ancient columns and mosaic tiles. Days trips from here are always on the cards with cruising to Kastri Island and Kos Town can be reached in under an hour by car.

Best beaches

Agios Stefanos Beach

Agios Theologos Beach

Camel Beach

Paradise Beach

Kamari Beach

Best things to do?

Agios Theologos church

The Basilica of Agios Stefanos

Lido Waterpark

Folklore Museum

Trips to Kos Town

Sun fact: If you look at recent records, Kefalos reached a maximum of 28°C in 2009 during October and a minimum of 14°C in 2011.

Flight time: 4 hours and 15 minutes 

Best for: Beaches, history and scenery

Best hotels

Ikos Aria: Living up to its luxury name, stays at the Ikos Aria are nothing short of amazing. Foodies will be delighted to discover its eight restaurants, which are all part of the hotel’s All Inclusive Plus programme. Take in glistening sea vistas from your stylish room or get stuck into its extensive list of activities with yoga and beach badminton among its offerings. You’ve also got a fantastic selection of bars when you fancy a tipple including a drinking spot located on the beach.

Kordistos Hotel: Just inches away from the beach, this comfortable stay is perfect for families seeking great value for money. The swimming pool is its main feature with its palm lined sun terrace and sea views, while its onsite tavernas are a close second when you don’t want to venture out for a bite to eat. Rooms have a local touch when it comes to decor and have been kitted out with all your holiday essentials.

3. Protaras, Cyprus

Weather

The month of October is when the tourist crowds start to decrease with the climate cooling down slightly. But that doesn’t mean you won’t see warm days with averages of 22°C and highs hitting the 27°C mark. After sunset, don’t expect temperatures to remain the same with nights dropping to around 16°C.

Best of all, visits to the resort’s famed shorelines aren’t off bounds. The sea water is still perfect for swimming in at a toasty 26°C and with 10 hours of sunlight to bask in, you can take advantage of quiet beach days. What’s more, with low rainfall, October is the perfect time to avoid showers with just 19mm spread across the month.

Why go?

Big on family holiday and hotspot for wedding, Protaras has just the right amount of everything. There’s a main street bursting with bars and traditional tavernas when you fancy a night on the town, or you can always hit the country’s party capital Ayia Napa, which is just a taxi ride away. But most people come here to hit its beaches, from its sheltered coves to its Blue Flag awarded superstars.

When you’re not admiring its traditional churches, there’s plenty of coastal paths where you can admire the resort’s picturesque scenery.  The nearby Cape Greco National Park is a sight to behold with its pine covered landscape, small chapel, sea caves and nature trails.

Best beaches

Fig Tree Bay

Louma Beach

Konnos Bay

Sirena Bay

Green Bay

Vryssi Beach

Best things to do?

Cape Greco

Church of St. Elias

Magic Dancing Waters

WaterWorld Water Park

Protaras Strip

Sun fact: In Protaras the hottest day which is the 9th August can range anyway between 22°C and 31°C, while its coldest which is on 7th of February can range anywhere between 7°C to 16°C.

Flight time: 4 hours and 40 minutes 

Best for: Beaches, nightlife, families and weddings.

Best hotels

Hotel Tsokkos Garden: Adored for its central location, you can’t fault this 4 star property. Placing you close to all the resort’s bars and restaurants, it’s a real crowd-pleaser, especially with one of the country’s best beaches on your doorstep. Days are best spent around the curvy pool, while its All Inclusive option ensures families are catered for with its buffet featuring kids options.

Aparthotel Mandalena: Placing you a 10-minute walk from the resort’s main attractions, this hotel is found in a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and manicured gardens, the hotel has made sure its balconies are perfectly positioned for taking in the views. There’s a good-sized pool when the weather is at its hottest and an onsite restaurant specialising in local fare to combat those hunger pains.

4. Playa Jandia Morro Jable, Fuerteventura

Weather

It certainly doesn’t feel like autumn back home when you head for Playa Jandia Morro Jable. With warm days throughout the year, the weather is reliable. With afternoons peaking at 25°C and temperatures never dropping below 20°C, October is a great time to work on your tan before the harsh winter arrives in the UK.

Showers are minimal during October, so you don’t have to worry about packing waterproofs and an umbrella. At this time of year, you can expect 10mm of rain across just three days.  The warm sea temperatures linger too, which means you can bathe in 22°C waters when you head for its beaches. 

Why go?

Found in the idyllic Fuerteventura, which is part of the popular Canary Islands, Playa Jandia Morro Jable is a laid-back beach resort with a blend of modern and traditional touches. When night falls, the spot comes alive, especially if you head to Centro Comercial de Jandia where you’ll find a choice of bars and discotheques. 

Days on the sand are guaranteed here with 150 kilometres of shoreline to call its own. Home to some of the island’s most stunning beaches, you can expect Blue Flag accredited front-runners flaunting a number of amenities and a fantastic line-up of watersports alongside rural stretches backed my incredible scenery. Its Old Town comes complete with a harbour where you’ll find a good selection of restaurants serving seafood, while shopaholics can take advantage of the spot’s tax-free buying.

Best beaches

Playa de Mattoral

Playa de la Cebada

Playa de Cofete

Playa de Sotavento de Jandía

Playa de Butihondo

Best things to do?

Pico de la Zarza

Centro Comercial de Jandia

Avenida Salador Morro

Jandia Golf Course

Faro de Morro Jable

Oasis Park Fuerteventura

Sun fact: Fuerteventura is known for its windy conditions, but Playa Jandia Morro Jable has a number of small coves where you can enjoy breeze-free sunbathing sessions thanks to their sheltered surroundings.

Flight time: 4 hours 

Best for: Beaches, shopping, windsurfing and nightlife

Best hotels 

Occidental Jandia Mar: This hotel certainly lives up to its 4 star rating. Not only does it come with a fantastic All Inclusive programme with ample children’s options, but it also elegant pool areas make for stylish days in the sun. There’s also a splash park when you’re done with sunbathing. Adults will prefer days at the spa, where a Finnish sauna and seven treatment rooms anticipate your arrival.

Labranda Cactus Garden: Close to both the beach and resort centre, this hotel places you in a prime location if you’re looking to explore your surroundings. Everything has a modern feel with its whitewashed exterior and funky yet modern rooms. You can choose from a duo of pools when it comes to sunning yourself as well as rooftop terrace where elevated views are yours for the taking. You can also take advantage of a kids’ club, buffet restaurant and fitness room.

5. Side, Turkey

Weather

October is a great time to travel to Side with warm temperatures still remaining. Holidaymakers can average highs of 21°C and average  lows of 15°C with the start of the month promising the hottest days. The end of the month tends to be cooler, while your number of sunlight hours starts to slowly decrease.

If you’ve come here to hit the beach, you won’t be disappointed with inviting sea waters heated at 24°C – ideal for lengthy dips. You’ll see an increase of rain at this time of year, but don’t let this put you off as it is still low with just 70mm over six days – so don’t worry it shouldn’t get in the way of your outdoor plans.

Why go?

This small resort in Turkey’s Antalya region is a great pick if you like a mix of sightseeing and sunbathing. Often described as an open-air museum its ancient offerings are phenomenal, from a well-preserved amphitheatre allowing you to imagine the gladiator fights that would have been held there to a temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Alongside these camera-worthy landmarks, you’ll also find an impressive museum housing artefact belonging to multiple eras.

It also comes with a duo of beaches, one to the east and one to the west. Each shore offers something different – the west is much more developed while the east has more of a low-key feel with archaeological ruins sitting among its surroundings. The resort also has a contemporary side, which is evident when you hit its swanky harbour area where sophisticated waterfront restaurants mingle with trendy boutiques. If you’re looking for day trip options, Antalya City and Manavgat Waterfall are must-sees.

Best beaches

East Beach

West Beach

Kumkoy Beach

Colakli Beach

Sorgun Beach

Best things to do?

Side Amphitheatre

Temple of Apollo and Athena

Side Museum

Side Harbour

Manavgat Waterfall

Sun fact: The highest ever recorded temperature in Side during October is a sizzling 38°C. 

Flight time: 4 hours and 10 minutes 

Best for: History, beaches, shopping and day trips.

Best hotels

Side Premium: This hotel comes with a flashy 5 star rating, which isn’t surprising when you first clap eyes on its grand exterior and glossy pool areas. You’ve got four a la cartes to choose from with Italian, Turkish and Far East flavours whetting your appetite alongside a spot dedicated to seafood. There’s a real emphasis on mini holidaymakers here with the hotel’s Wizard of Oz Kids’ Kingdom, where animation staff make sure your little ones are enjoying themselves.

Side La Grande Resort & Spa Hotel: Spread across nine floors, this modern complex pulls out all the stops to impress you. With a waterpark and outdoor pool, guests can choose to spend their days relaxing or making a splash. Rooms are decorated beautifully with a slick, contemporary design and high-quality furnishings ensuring maximum comfort. There’s also a choice of a la carte options alongside an oriental spa where traditional Turkish treatments are on hand to ease your stresses.

Morocco

Weather

October is one of the best times to set your sights on Morocco as the weather is pleasant yet not too warm. Temperatures vary slightly from place to place, but you’re bound to see days hitting the 20°C mark and over. Along the coast you can expect a light breeze, while those travelling to the likes of Marrakech may even experience daytime highs of 29°C.

Your chances of rain are still minimal with 39mm falling throughout the month, but if you want to avoid participation altogether, Agadir is your best bet. Catching a few rays shouldn’t be a problem, thanks to its combination of heated 21°C sea waters and 11 hours of sunlight.

Why go?

Located in North Africa, Morocco has so much to show for itself thanks to its varied landscape, from Imperial cities housing magnificent mosques to its  easy access to the Sahara Desert and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Filled with culture, every experience is one to remember whether that’s tasting the local mint tea or haggling for handmade items in its colourful souks.

There’s nowhere quite as enchanting as Marrakech and its atmospheric Jemaa el Fnaa Square, where sweet-smelling food stalls awaken your senses and street performers pull in the crowds. Often nicknamed the ‘Santorini of Africa, the bluewashed buildings of Chefchaouen are enough to impress anyone, while the Medina of Fez is the largest in the world! There’s one sight you can’t afford to miss and that’s the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the country’s most intricate buildings with a minaret which stands at a staggering 210 metres.

Best beaches

Essaouira

Legzira Beach

Safi Beach

Taghazout

Agadir Beach

Sidi M’ghait

Best things to do?

Jemaa el Fnaa

Atlas Mountains

Hassan II Mosque

Fes el Bali

Sahara Desert

Blue Town of Chefchaouen

Sun fact: Despite the sun shining all year round and relatively warm temperatures, did you know the Atlas Mountains have their own climate? This area sees cooler temperatures annually with plenty of snowfall during the winter.

Flight time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Best for: Beaches, culture, shopping and desert adventures.

Best hotels

Labranda Targa Aqua Parc: With a free shuttle bus taking you to the centre of Marrakech every day, this hotel is a great choice for convenience. You’ll instantly know you’ve arrived in Morocco when you see its terracotta exterior and oriental touches inside. There’s plenty going on here too whether you choose to relax by its stylish pool, ride its array of waterslides or hit the spa for a traditional hammam experience.

Amadil Beach: On the beachfront in the resort of Agadir, this premium 4 star hotel invites you to experience Morocco’s tranquil side. Rooms come with sea, pool or mountain vistas and offer a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries and mini bar. On the dining front, you have a buffet option and three a la cartes where you can sample the local cuisine. Did we mention the resort houses an aqua park too? So, there’s plenty of splash-filled fun to be had.