The Best Destinations for Autumn Sunshine
October might mean cooler mornings, darker evenings and autumn coats back home, but you don’t have to travel far to find sunshine.
In fact, October can be one of the best months of the year for a sunshine holiday. The intense heat of July and August has usually eased, the Mediterranean Sea is still warm from the summer and many popular resorts are a little more relaxed than during the peak school holiday season.
So, where is hot in October?
If you're looking for warm weather within relatively easy reach of the UK, Turkey, Lanzarote, Rhodes and Cyprus are four destinations well worth considering for an October holiday from Newcastle.
Where is hot in October at a glance?
Typical daytime temperatures can vary by resort and from year to year, but as a general guide:
Turkey – around 26–27°C on the Antalya coast
Lanzarote – around 26–27°C
Rhodes – around 24–25°C
Cyprus – around 27°C
These are climate averages rather than guaranteed temperatures, but all four destinations can offer excellent conditions for an autumn escape.
Turkey holidays in October
Average October temperature: around 26–27°C
If you want to squeeze a little more summer out of the year, the Turkish Riviera is a great place to start.
Around Antalya, average daily maximum temperatures in October are approximately 27°C, although evenings are noticeably cooler.
Resorts including Antalya, Side, Lara Beach, Belek and Alanya are particularly appealing at this time of year. The fierce midsummer temperatures have eased, making October much more comfortable for combining lazy days beside the pool with sightseeing.
The sea remains inviting too, so there is still plenty of opportunity for swimming and watersports.
What can you do in Turkey in October?
Of course, you could simply find yourself a comfortable sunbed and enjoy the sunshine, but Turkey offers much more beyond the hotel pool.
Explore the atmospheric old town of Kaleiçi in Antalya, visit the impressive Roman ruins of Side, see the ancient theatre at Aspendos, take a boat trip along the Mediterranean coast or head into the mountains and countryside.
October's slightly cooler temperatures can make exploring much more enjoyable than during the height of summer.
Turkey is also famous for its huge choice of All Inclusive hotels, particularly around Antalya, Lara Beach, Belek and Side. With family resorts, adults-only hotels and luxurious five-star properties available, there is something for almost every type of holidaymaker.
Turkey in October is great for: All Inclusive holidays, couples, families, beaches, sightseeing and luxury hotels.
Lanzarote holidays in October
Average October temperature: around 26–27°C
For reliable autumn sunshine, the Canary Islands are always worth considering – and Lanzarote is a particularly good choice.
Official Spanish climate data for Lanzarote Airport gives an average October daily maximum of 26.7°C, with an average monthly temperature of 23°C.
One of Lanzarote's big attractions is its location. Sitting off the coast of Africa, the island enjoys a warm climate throughout the year and relatively little rainfall.
Popular resorts include Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, each offering beaches, restaurants and a good selection of hotels and apartments.
What can you do in Lanzarote in October?
A holiday to Lanzarote doesn't have to be all about the beach.
The island's extraordinary volcanic landscape is one of its biggest attractions. A trip to Timanfaya National Park is a must for first-time visitors, where the dramatic lava fields can sometimes feel more like another planet than a Spanish holiday island.
You can also discover the influence of Lanzarote-born artist and architect César Manrique, visit Jameos del Agua, explore pretty villages, browse local markets or spend the day discovering the island by car.
And if you'd rather do very little at all? Find a spot beside the pool, order something cold and enjoy the October sunshine. We certainly won't judge.
With warm weather continuing well beyond the traditional summer season, Lanzarote is also a good option if you're travelling towards the end of October, when some Mediterranean destinations are beginning to cool down.
Lanzarote in October is great for: Year-round sunshine, couples, families, beaches, volcanic scenery and exploring.
Rhodes holidays in October
Average October temperature: around 24–25°C
If you've spent the summer dreaming about a Greek island but haven't managed to get away, October doesn't necessarily mean you've missed your chance.
Rhodes is one of Greece's more southerly islands and October can still bring wonderfully pleasant weather. Typical daytime maximum temperatures are around 24–25°C, while the sea remains warm at around 24°C.
It is a particularly appealing time for travellers who want to see more of the island without sightseeing in the intense heat of midsummer.
What can you do in Rhodes in October?
Start with Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest medieval towns in Europe. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, shops and restaurants are perfect for an afternoon or evening wander.
Then there's Lindos, arguably one of the most beautiful places on the island. Its whitewashed houses tumble towards the blue Aegean, while the ancient Acropolis sits high above the village.
Hiring a car is a great way to discover quieter beaches, traditional villages and parts of the island you might otherwise miss.
And with the temperatures a little gentler than July and August, October can be a lovely month for walking and exploring.
One thing to bear in mind is that Rhodes has a more defined summer season than destinations such as Lanzarote, so towards the end of October some seasonal bars, restaurants and hotels may begin winding down.
Rhodes in October is great for: Couples, sightseeing, Greek food, beaches, history and exploring.
Cyprus holidays in October
Average October temperature: around 27°C
If warm weather is high on your October holiday wish list, Cyprus deserves serious consideration.
Official Cyprus tourism climate statistics show a mean daily maximum temperature of around 27°C in October, while the country's tourism organisation describes September and October as a period of warm days when swimming, sunbathing and watersports remain popular.
The Mediterranean has also had the entire summer to warm up, making October an attractive month for a beach holiday.
Popular resorts include Paphos, Protaras, Ayia Napa and Limassol, with everything from lively resorts and family-friendly hotels to peaceful luxury escapes.
What can you do in Cyprus in October?
Cyprus is one of those destinations where it is worth occasionally leaving the sunbed behind.
Around Paphos, you'll find fascinating archaeological sites alongside a lively harbour packed with restaurants and cafés.
Head towards Protaras and Ayia Napa for beautiful beaches and clear water, while a trip into the Troodos Mountains offers a completely different side to the island, with traditional villages, walking routes and spectacular scenery.
Food should also be part of the experience. Find a traditional taverna, order a Cypriot meze and prepare for considerably more food to arrive at your table than you were expecting!
October's temperatures make exploring the island much more comfortable, while still being warm enough to enjoy plenty of time beside the pool or on the beach.
Cyprus in October is great for: Beach holidays, families, couples, sightseeing, food and autumn sunshine.
Is October a good month for a beach holiday?
It sure is! For many people, October offers the best of both worlds. You can still find temperatures comfortably into the mid-20s in several popular holiday destinations, but without the extreme heat that can make sightseeing difficult during July and August.
The Mediterranean Sea also cools more slowly than the air, meaning destinations such as Cyprus, Rhodes and Turkey can still offer inviting sea temperatures well into autumn. Lanzarote's year-round climate makes it an especially useful option for later autumn travel.
Of course, October weather is never guaranteed. Temperatures generally start to fall as the month progresses and occasional rain is possible, particularly around the Mediterranean.
Where should you go for an October holiday?
It really depends on the type of holiday you're looking for.
Choose Turkey if you love impressive All Inclusive resorts, great beaches and plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Choose Lanzarote if year-round sunshine and warm weather are your priorities, particularly if you're travelling later in the month.
Choose Rhodes for a combination of Greek island charm, history, beaches and beautiful places such as Lindos.
Or choose Cyprus if you're looking for one of the warmer Mediterranean options, with beaches, sightseeing, fantastic food and plenty to explore.
Whichever you choose, October is a brilliant opportunity to escape the changing British weather and enjoy one last taste of summer.
Looking for an October sunshine holiday?
Looking for October holidays from Newcastle? Ask our team about the latest availability and offers to Turkey, Lanzarote, Rhodes, Cyprus and more..
From family-friendly All Inclusive resorts and adults-only escapes to luxury hotels and last-minute sunshine, why not send us a message, call us or pop into your local JLM Travel branch and we'll help find your October sunshine!
