Where is Hot in Europe In October: The 13 Warmest Places to Visit
October is one of my favourite times to travel in Europe. It’s off-season, so the prices are much nicer than peak summer, the crowds from summer have long gone, and yet temperatures in much of Europe are still toasty. If you’ve been wondering where is hot in October in Europe, you’ve come to the right place!
Since I swore off-peak summer travel, autumn is pretty much when I explore the continent (I also love to travel in April or May). My first time in Croatia was in October, and then I visited Turkey later that same year towards the end of the month. My very first time in Greece was also in October.
If you were planning a trip to Europe during autumn, let me tell you that first, you have 100% picked the best month to travel Europe, and secondly, you can still catch a suntan if you pick the right spot! So, here are the best warm places to visit in October in Europe, so you can enjoy the heat without the crowds.
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Where is hot in October in Europe?
So, if you’re wondering where is hot in October in Europe, here are the top 13 places to visit.
1. Malta
Temperature: 25°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F)
While Malta is often thought of as a coastal destination, there’s no denying that it looks good with its autumn colours on! If you’re wondering where is hot in October in Europe, you may just have hit the jackpot with Malta.
With temperatures creeping up past 25°C during the day you may end up seeing tan lines when you take off your t-shirt after a day exploring! I do recommend bringing a light jacket though because there can be a chilly evening breeze.
There is also so much to do in Malta. Visit century-old temples, explore beautiful beaches, wander the old town streets of Rabat (this was where we stayed in Malta), step back in time at Mdina, and take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto.
You also have GOT to take a ferry to Gozo when you visit Malta and the neighbouring island has even more historic temples and fantastic historical sights including a gorgeous church on a lonely hillside.
For those who love the outdoors, head to the Dingli Cliffs or visit the Upper or Lower Barrakka Gardens to see Malta’s autumn colours in their full gorgeous glory.
2. Split, Croatia
Temperature: 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F)
I utterly love Split. When I was considering where is hot in October in Europe, I decided on a trip to Croatia. It turned out to be one of the best trips in Europe I’ve ever been on!
We planned our trip as a road trip which started in Zagreb and ended in Split, passing by Plitvice Lakes and Zadar on the way. It was all stunning, but Split was on another level.
There wasn’t much in the way of autumn leaves. For that, you want to head to the National Parks. But we visited the Diocletian’s Palace, explored the old streets of the city, and chilled by the Riva promenade.
I also highly recommend, staying in a cute apartment in the old town, spending some time by Bacvice Beach and climbing the bell tower of the Domnius Cathedral for stunning panoramic views over the city.
3. Rhodes, Greece
Temperature: 23°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F)
My first ever time in Greece was on a little trip to Rhodes and it is definitely one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in October. Rhodes is also one of the most historic Greek islands, but still pretty varied.
You’ll find gorgeous woodland (perfect for seeing autumn leaves), breathtaking beaches (just head to St Paul’s Bay), and history that dates back thousands of years.
While you’re in Rhodes, be sure to wander the Street of Knights, climb to the Acropolis of Lindos, visit the green oasis of Seven Springs, explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town, and maybe even take a boat trip to the island of Symi.
4. Antalya, Turkey
Temperature: 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F)
If you’re wondering where is hot in Europe in October, then you can’t go wrong with Antalya. This Turkish gem sits along the country’s Riviera and is one of Turkey’s top destinations.
Admittedly, if you go to certain parts, you’ll find a very touristy feel to it. But, that’s just one side to this coin. Flip it over and you’ll find secluded waterfalls, a historic old town, pretty beaches, and so much history within easy driving distance.
We actually hired a driver while we were in Antalya to take us around some of the nearby historical sites. If you do this, I highly recommend visiting Olympus, Phaselis Ruins (where you’ll also find a great secluded little cove), and Mount Tahtali for pretty impressive panoramas from above the clouds.
Also, Antalya is a great place to take a few day trips to other famous parts of Turkey like Pammukalle and Cappadocia. Check out my review of our 2-day tour to Cappadocia here.
In October, the temperature is warm enough that you can still enjoy these places but you certainly won’t have the crowds of the peak summer months – a great benefit to visiting Turkey in October.
5. Portimao, Portugal
Temperature: 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F)
The Portuguese coast is a fantastic place to visit in October in Europe. Pristine beaches, with gorgeous rocky cliffs, blue water, and cobbled streets in the old towns, Portugal will enchant you with its scenery.
Portimao in particular boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal. Praia da Rocha is the most famous, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters, but the Alvor Boardwalk is also well worth a visit, especially in the evening for peaceful sunset vibes.
The scenic wooden walkway stretches along the coastline from Alvor to Praia da Rocha, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs, beaches, and sea.
As well as the gorgeous beaches, Portimao also serves as a great base for exploring the Algarve further. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful hotels in the Algarve.
You could take a day trip to nearby towns like Lagos, Silves, and Albufeira, or explore the beautiful natural landscapes of the Ria de Alvor nature reserve, which comes alive in the autumn.
6. Kos, Greece
Temperature: 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F)
This stunning Greek island sits right underneath the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. As such, it’s still pretty toasty in October, but the warmth is just perfect for outdoor exploration.
Known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife, Kos is a great destination for those searching for a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration.
It doesn’t have as much history as the likes of Athens and Rhodes, but Kos certainly has something for the history buffs.
Explore the ancient ruins of Asklepion, a healing sanctuary dedicated to the god Asklepios, and the ancient agora, where you can see well-preserved columns and remnants of old buildings.
You can also visit Hippocrates Tree where, according to legend, the Father of Medicine taught his students.
As well as exploring Greek history, it’s worth taking a trip to Kos’s old town, where you’ll find a bustling hub with a picturesque harbour and narrow streets filled with restaurants and cafes. Beaches such as Mastichari, and Paradise Beach are perfect for those looking to get a tan.
7. Zadar, Croatia
Temperature: 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F)
When looking for the warmest places in October in Europe, Zadar is a very good choice. Perched on the Croatian coast not too far from Split, Zadar is a curious mixture of history and culture.
Zadar’s Old Town is charming. You’ll find historical buildings plonked in the city centre, narrow streets lined with cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, and a fantastic waterfront. The waterfront was one of my favourite places to visit in Zadar because of the Sea Organ.
This magnificent piece of architecture creates music with the ocean waves. It’s a totally unique experience to sit there by the waves and listen to the most haunting melody produced by the ocean.
If that wasn’t enough, the Sun Salutation, located next to the Sea Organ, is a series of solar-powered glass plates that light up in various patterns and colours at sunset.
Both of them together make the sunset in Zadar pretty magical. Especially in October when the crowds are much thinner and you’ll be able to find a seat by the ocean to witness this. It’s honestly stunning.
8. Oludeniz, Turkey
Temperature: 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F)
It goes without saying that Turkey can be HOT. Like roasting hot to the point where you are outside for 2 minutes and craving air-con. October is the perfect way to avoid this and still have a fantastic time by the Turkish coast.
Oludeniz is a fairly popular little town on the Turkish Riviera. It’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings, particularly the Blue Lagoon. This is undoubtedly the town’s main attraction, drawing in thousands to its clear blue waters.
The beach is set within a protected lagoon, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. It’s particularly famous for paragliding. Check out my review of paragliding in Oludeniz here.
If you don’t actually fancy taking the jump, you can just take the cable car up Babadag Mountain to watch the paragliders jumping off the mountain.
As well as the Blue Lagoon, you can also visit the nearby Butterfly Valley, a secluded cove where you can find lots of species of butterflies that can only be accessed by boat, and hike the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail providing history and stunning viewpoints.
I also recommend visiting the nearby town of Fethiye to explore the tombs and ghost villages.
9. Canary Islands, Spain
Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
If you’re wondering where is hot in October in Europe, the Canary Islands are your best bet. They are one of the warmest places in October in Europe.
In fact, these islands are one of the best places to visit in Europe for year-round sunshine due to their location off the north coast of Africa. They’re pretty toasty in December too!
In October, you can experience warm temperatures of around 25 degrees, perfect for exploring the beaches since the sea is still warm.
However, keep in mind that temperatures can vary depending on which island you visit. The southern islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria are generally warmer than the northern ones like Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Being the shoulder season, October is much less crowded. Most of the children have gone back to school (if you avoid the October holidays that is), and the prices and crowds will reflect this.
As well as visiting the beaches, October is also a great time of year for whale watching, especially off the coast of Tenerife and La Gomera.
Hiking is also great at this time of year since the weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the landscapes are lush and green from the late summer rains. La Palma and La Gomera are particularly beautiful for hiking in October.
10. Rome, Italy
Temperature: 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F)
Visiting Rome in October is a delightful experience. The weather is generally pleasant, and the city is much less crowded. You can enjoy comfortable temperatures, cultural events, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Popular attractions like the Colosseum are ideal, and you won’t find quite so much jostling for a good photo spot! This is also the case with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
Plus, while Rome is not known for its fall foliage like some other destinations, you can still find some parks and gardens with colourful leaves. Villa Borghese is a lovely place to enjoy autumn colours.
Don’t forget that October is the harvest season for Italian grapes. Definitely take advantage of this if you have more than one day in Rome by going on wine tastings and vineyard tours in the nearby regions of Lazio and Umbria.
11. Athens, Greece
Temperature: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
Our first few days in Athens were in October and it actually was the perfect time to see the city. There were next to no crowds (except a queue for the Acropolis, but that was expected), and we managed to snag an apartment with a hot tub with views of the Acropolis for a reasonable price.
The museums were also less packed and places like Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus were virtually empty. We only saw a few other couples walking around which made for a much nicer experience.
No matter what time of year you visit Athens, I recommend grabbing the combo ticket as it will save you so much money on the historical sites.
We also decided to walk up Lycabettus Hill, one of the best things to do in Athens and, if it was hotter, that would’ve been much less enjoyable! This is also a great place to see autumn foliage, as is the National Gardens which offers a peaceful break from the bustle of the city centre.
If you have more than one day in Athens, I also highly recommend a trip to Delphi. This is one of the best historical sites I’ve ever visited and was well worth the trip.
12. Barcelona, Spain
Temperature: 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F)
As with most of these cities in Europe, Barcelona in October brings fewer crowds, milder temperatures, and lower prices. This is especially important here, as Barcelona can be a pretty expensive Spanish city.
It’ll still be reasonably warm in autumn, but bring a jacket as the evenings can get much cooler.
October is the perfect time to explore Barcelona’s rich history, art, and architecture. Must-visit landmarks include the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and the historic Cathedral.
Plus, while it might be cool for swimming, Barcelona’s beaches are still great for sunbathing, strolling along the promenade, and beachside dining. The sea breeze is refreshing in the October sun.
The temperatures also make the perfect time to go hiking. The Montserrat Mountain and its stunning monastery offer fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
You can also take a day trip to the nearby Girona, Tarragona, or Sitges for their historical sites, and great beaches, and for a deeper dive into Catalonia.
13. Lisbon, Portugal
Temperature: 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F)
If you’re wondering where it is hot in Europe in October, Lisbon might not be your first choice. And, while it’s not the hottest destination on this list, temperatures can still reach up to 24°C making it the perfect time to explore the city without the summer heat or crowds.
Attractions like the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Alfama district are more pleasant at this time of year, and you’ll be able to spend a few days exploring Lisbon‘s history. Be sure to climb to the top of the São Jorge Castle for stunning panoramic views over the city.
It’s also a great time of year to take a day trip to places like Sintra and Cabo da Rocha. These beautiful destinations will give you a deeper dive into Portugal’s culture.
Particularly at Sintra where the colourful buildings and curious wells of the Quinta de Regularia are fantastic and make for some utterly beautiful photographs.
The best cooler destinations in October in Europe
So, those are the warmest places to visit in Europe during October. Of course, if heat isn’t an issue and you simply want to know the best European places to visit in October, there are many options.
There are some fantastic cities to visit and plenty of hiking trails that look their best once the trees dress up in their autumn colours. Then, you could also look at a countryside getaway in the UK, or explore some of the more hidden gems in Europe.
Here are a few of my favourite cooler places to visit in Europe in October:
- Milan, Italy – With the autumn leaves in Sempione Park and the lesser crowds around the Duomo, October makes for a fantastic time to visit Milan.
- York, UK – If you love historic streets, Viking history, and great proximity to the charming countryside of the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors, a trip to York in October is a no-brainer.
- Iceland – October is one of the best times to visit Iceland as you get the best of both worlds – the changing seasons as the country fades from its mild summer to its snowy winter blanket, and much cheaper prices and fewer crowds as a result!
- Edinburgh, Scotland – With its Harry Potter charm, historic castles, and fantastic viewpoints, Edinburgh is a great place to visit in Europe in October.
I also love some of the warmer places to visit in October in Europe, and Croatia and Turkey are definitely up there on the list of my favourite places!
Overall…
October is one of my favourite times to visit Europe. The combination of lower prices and fewer crowds is the main draw for me, but also the fact that you often have glorious weather still and can even see stunning autumn colours.
My overall favourite hot places to visit in October are Croatia, Athens, and Turkey as there’s just so much to see and the weather is fantastic.
But, if you don’t mind somewhere cooler, Iceland is very high on my list as well! There are also loads of great places to see in the UK in autumn.
👉 If you’re still wondering where to go in autumn, check out my favourite destinations in Europe in autumn, the warmest places in Europe in September, and the warmest places in Europe in November.
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Pamukkale is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. It is really appropriate for it to be on the list. Your article is very nice. Thanks
Thank you so much! 🙂 So glad I could help with your travel plans! 🙂