If you are wondering where is hot in October half term, hopefully this guide will inspire you for your next family holiday? It includes details on short haul destinations as well as inspiration for those further afield, ideal if you have a longer half term break!
October is an ideal time to travel on a family holiday or vacation as it avoids the peak season prices of school summer prices. Obviously, if you can travel outside of school term dates, then you benefit even more from the shoulder month prices – but you may be subject to fines.
Some schools are now offering two weeks for the October half term holiday, which means you can search a bit further afield for your next family trip!
If you want some autumnal sun and beach action, then you generally need to look further south.
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Where is still hot in October?
Short haul destinations which are still hot in October
Costa Brava
Whilst the majority of the water parks close in October, the temperature can reach a high of 22, making Costa Brava still a great place for some late sun. There are lots of things to do for all ages, including; medieval villages, the Jardín Botánico Marimurtra, Gnomo Park (which is open on weekends in October) and of course the beaches! To check out the latest deals for Costa Brava on Expedia see here.
Cyprus
Fairy-tale castles, sandy beaches, ample snorkelling and boat trips, Cyprus has plenty to offer for families. Temperatures can reach 26 during the day with cooler evenings. To check out the latest deals for Cyprus on Expedia see here.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is blessed with abundant sandy beaches, volcanoes, national parks and archeological sites. In October the temperature is typically 26 degrees but it can be windy all year round. To check out the latest deals for Fuerteventura on Expedia see here.
Gran Canaria
In Gran Canaria, you can pretend to be in the Wild Wild West at Sioux City, see wild dolphins or enjoy the beach at a balmy 26 degrees in October. To check out the latest deals for Gran Canaria on Expedia see here.
Kos, Greece
Experience Plaka forest with peacocks and turtles or Aquatica Water Park which is still open in October – all in a very pleasant 24 degrees.
Greece can be hit and miss in October, but consider Crete and Kefalonia too.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is perfect for families, with volcanoes, camels, beaches and some water parks which are open til the end of October. Temperatures can reach 26 degrees. To check out the latest deals for Lanzarote on Expedia see here.
Majorca/Mallorca
There are plenty of things to do with kids in Majorca. Head to beaches with average temperatures of 23 degrees, enjoy delicious food – we love Quince! and kayak or SUP or enjoy Port de Pollensa. And if the weather is not its best, head to the Caves of Drach for an incredible experience plus kids will love the stalactites and stalagmites. For the best all inclusive family hotels to Majorca see here. To check out the latest deals for Majorca on Expedia see here.
Portugal
The Algarve has an average daytime maximum temperature of 23°C. With beautiful golden beaches, delicious seafood, it remains a popular destination for October. We enjoyed a stay in Carvoeiro, a quaint fishing town. To check out the latest deals for Portugal on Expedia see here.
Rome
Rome might not be the first place you think of for an October half term break, but despite no beaches, there is plenty to do whatever the weather, including gladiator lessons, pizza making and of course the Colosseum With temperatures in the low 80sF/high 20’s °C, site seeing will be a lot more pleasant than the searing heat of summer. To check out the latest deals for Rome on Expedia see here.
Sardinia
Explore Neptune’s Grotto, ride on the green train or visit the wild ponies of the Giara plateau, all in a very pleasant 24 degrees. To check out the latest deals for Sardinia on Expedia see here.
Tenerife
Tenerife has volcanoes, Siam Park, cable cars, kayaking and beautiful beaches all with an average temperature of 25 degrees in October. With some amazing family friendly hotels in Tenerife too, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To check out the latest deals for Tenerife on Expedia see here.
Turkey
Near Marmaris you can visit the impressive ruins of ancient Kaunos and the turtles at Dalyan. Take a dip in Pamukkale Thermal Pools, which look like they are out of set of Frozen.
A popular instagram shot for teens is hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia. Stay in Antalya for stunning beaches. Average temperatures are around 24 degrees in October. To check out the latest deals for Turkey on Expedia see here • For some brilliant family hotels in Turkey, see here •
Zante
Zante’s main three child-friendly resorts are Tsilivi, Kalamaki and Alykanas where you can explore shipwrecked beaches, turtles, water sports, beautiful beaches and a mini train. Expect the October temperature to reach around 24 degrees. To check out the latest deals for Zante on Expedia see here
Long haul destinations which are still hot in October
In October, you do need to think about going South or East of the UK. Places like Thailand and Bali are always popular, but here are a few more destinations you may not have thought of.
Aruba
Explore Arikok National Park or cool off at Splash Park Aruba and enjoy the shallow sandy beaches. Animal lovers can head to the butterfly farm or donkey sanctuary. The weather in Aruba averages 32 degrees in October. To check out the latest deals for Aruba on Expedia see here.
Botswana
If you are heading to Botswana, it’s likely for a safari. Most organised safaris do not take children under 7, sometimes under 12 – so this is one for those with older tweens and teens. Whilst you take a break from seeing the Big 5 and more, most luxury safari camps offer a cooling pool. October temperatures can reach 34°C/93°F To check out the latest deals for Botswana on Expedia see here.
Cancun – Mexico
Cancun is a 9 hour flight time away where you can get temperatures of 31 degrees. With pirate cruises, water parks, boat trips to see wild dolphins, there is plenty of things to do for kids of all ages in October. Tulum is also a fabulous family friendly destination and easy to incorporate into a multi stop Mexican trip. (The drive from Cancun to Tulum is about two hours.) To check out the latest deals for Cancun on Expedia see here
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is just a 6 hour flight from the UK, off the west coast of Africa. From beautiful sandy beaches, to colourful picturesque houses in Sal, Cape Verde is a beautiful spot to escape the cold with a very pleasant 27 degrees in October. To check out the latest deals on Cape Verde on Expedia see here.
Egypt
I’ve visited Egypt several times including Taba, Sharm El Sheikh and Cairo and loved every stay. (Do check the latest travel advice for every country you visit.)
Seeing the pyramids as you land in Cairo or see these architectural wonders in person is absolutely one of those ‘wow’ moments. The Khan el Khalili colourful bazaar (souq) reminded me a little of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, with unique trinkets, souvenirs, antiques and jewellery.
It is busy in the capital, but the resorts along the sea are an oasis of calm and stunning beaches. October weather hovers around 30 degrees. To check out the latest deals on Egypt on Expedia see here.
Florida
Florida still has temperatures in the mid-80s/low 30’s and plenty of sunshine in October. Orlando with kids is one of the most popular destinations, worldwide!
Whilst October avoids the peak summer crowds, flights can still be expensive, so it’s worth looking at indirect flights. e.g. when we first visited Orlando as a family, we went via Chicago with United Airlines. and have flown into Tampa, rather than Orlando. To check out the latest deals on Florida on Expedia see here.
Hawaii
Hawaii has 6 major island to visits, although there are many more. The main six are Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
They are unique in the their own way, although Hawaii, aka Big Island will always have my soft spot due to it being my honeymoon destination!
However, the vast ecosystem within the island is incredible. The diverse terrain includes coloured-sand beaches white, green and black, rainforest and tundra meaning you can have completely different weather on one side of the island to the other.
The flora and fauna is very special with turtles coming up to the beach to next and more. Whilst it is a distance to travel from the UK and some parts of the USA, the 24 degrees average temperature in October is very appealing! To check out the latest deals on Hawaii on Expedia see here.
Jamaica
Or how about tropical Jamaica? Autumn is both the best time and the worst time to visit Jamaica. The temperatures still range between the low 70s and mid 80s, but the rain can be very heavy. Toward the end of October and November means you miss the high crowds though.
Kenya
Kenya can reach a very pleasant 26 degrees but can be a little chilly in the evenings. With action packed safaris, last days by the pool or exploring Nairobi with kids, there is something for everyone.
Oman
Oman is only a 7 hour flight from the UK and offers rich heritage, and unrivalled sights; from elaborate mosques to stunning scenery, wildlife and nature dolphin sightseeing, turtles, camping on the beach and in the desert dunes.
Modern Oman embraces its heritage and has plenty of beautiful beaches to laze around on to. In October, expect temperatures to hover around hover around an average of 30°C in Oman. To check out the latest deals on Oman Expedia see here.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a short easy four hour flight from the UK with a welcoming 28 degrees in October. Beautiful hotels, luxurious riads, bustling souks, sand-dune day trips, waterparks and more. To check out the latest deals on Marrakech on Expedia see here.
Mauritius
Mauritius is exactly how you would imagine a tropical island to be. With perfect white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, palm trees swaying gently, and a mild climate – it really is a little bit of paradise on Earth. With something for everyone, you can discover it’s natural beauty, an island with lagoons, reefs, rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and exotic wildlife.
From the UK it is about a 12 hour flight away, from Sydney it will take almost 16 hours and from Cape Town a mere 5 hours. October is a perfect time to visit with a very pleasant temperature of 24 degrees. To check out the latest deals on Mauritius on Expedia see here.
Trinidad and Tobago
Although October is the beginning of rainy season, the temperature is on average 33 degrees. Trinidad and Tobago offer huge coral reefs, beaches of dreams and a great selection of family hotels, including some with all inclusive options. To check out latest deals on Trinidad and Tobago on Expedia see here.
United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai , Ras Al Kaihamah etc
The UAE, especially Dubai has become a popular place to visit over the last 15 years. With man made islands along with natural sandy coastlines and so many activities for kids from indoor skiing to sand boarding, theme-parks, water parks, there is something for every member of the family. October brings cooler evenings of 29 degrees and it is only a 7 hour flight from the UK. To check out latest deals for the UAE see here.
- For family friendly places to visit in January see here
- For family friendly places to visit in February see here
- For hot destinations in April see here.
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