Where is hot in October? Europe and around the world

Average October temperature: 23C/75F

Sicily isn’t just gloriously warm in October (coming in at a hot 23 degrees), it can be pretty unbearably hot in the summer months. So October is actually the best time to visit to avoid getting seriously scorched. The best part? Sicily is typically a really affordable break once you’re there, even if the flight costs a little more than other cities in Italy. For a proper city break, head to Palermo or Catania, where you’ll find really great local restaurants, late night bars and street food stalls for days. Or head to Cefalu on the northern coast for beach vibes, cute cafés and the hiking you can actually do when it’s not 36C outside. 

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Average October temperature: 23C/73F

October is, without a doubt, the perfect time to be in Lisbon. It’s quieter, the air is crisper and the already-colourful city takes on a gorgeous autumnal glow. Tackling those seven hills and narrow streets is a breeze when the average temperature lounges around a pleasant 23C/73F. The nearby sands of Serra da Arrábida beckon for beach days, and confident surfers can head to Costa da Caparica to catch the more challenging waves at this time of year (swell can go up to 15ft in October).

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Average October temperature: 22C/71F

Though like many southern Europe destinations Malta’s high season aligns with its highest temperatures, the island’s warmth is so consistent that it’s actually one of the least seasonal getaways in the Med, and October is the perfect time to go. The sun beams at a much more comfortable low to mid 20s temperature, as opposed to the scorching heat of July and August, and there is actually room to sunbathe, stroll and marvel at the island’s unique architecture and archeological offerings without battling the crowds. St Julian’s Bay is an ideal location to stay, with easy access to Valetta and to the north of the island for boat trips to Gozo, the archipelago’s second largest island.

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Average October temperature: 28C/82F

The jewel of North Africa, Morocco promises guaranteed sunshine and plenty of sightseeing in the popular and lively city of Marrakech. Low prices over autumn mean treating yourself to a dreamy riad with a pool, not to mention shopping in the souks or booking an adventure tour in the Atlas Mountains, before treating yourself to a massage at a hammam. 11 hours of daylight and no rain? It’s basically summer in October. 

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Average October temperature: 26C/79F

October is springtime in tropical Rio, with all of the blue skies and none of the humidity. It’s hot enough to join the locals sunbathing on Ipanema Beach and cool enough to hike in its lush rainforest (or stay on the beach, we won’t judge). Fill 12 hours of daily sunshine with surfing and sipping caipirinhas by the pool – and during the equally warm evenings, go samba dancing to feel the rhythm running through this eclectic South American city. Sounds like paradise.

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Average October temperature: 27C/80F

An escape to southern Europe is a safe bet for hot weather in October, and the coastal Cypriot city of Paphos is a heady mix of ancient history, beautiful beaches and fresh food. Whether you take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, visit a vineyard to try the world’s oldest wine, or plant yourself under a beach umbrella for the duration, the long, hot days here pair will perfectly with your PTO.

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Average October temperature: 26C/79F

We’ll let you in on a secret: Hong Kong isn’t only home to towering skyscrapers and delicious dim sum – although you can look forward to these too. Beyond the world-class dining, shopping and activities, its 200 islands are home to tropical jungles, white sand beaches and epic hikes. October means less humidity and more sun for this South East Asian metropolis, where you can be sipping cocktails in one of the world’s best bars and surfing Big Wave Bay all in the same day. 

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Average October temperature: 25C/77F

This vibrant city in the Sunshine State is home to golden beaches, award-winning restaurants and October temperatures that mean you can pack your swimsuit and not much else. In the lively neighbourhoods of Miami Beach and Little Havana, there’s a pool bed somewhere with your name on it. Don’t forget to check out South Beach’s wild nightlife, where the Halloween parties don’t stop, even after the sun sets on 11 hours of daylight. As Will Smith said, welcome to Miami. 

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Average October temperature: 23C/73F

October’s long, hot days are known as ‘Ottobrata Romana’ to the locals, and the balmy temperatures are perfect for an autumn escape sipping espresso and people-watching in a piazza. Rome holds thousands of years of fascinating history, so make the most of the full eight hours of sunshine with a stroll around Villa Borghese or up Palatine Hill, then cool off with a gelato on the Spanish Steps – anywhere you can enjoy ice cream in October is a win in our book. 

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Average October temperature: 35C/95F

Far and away the hottest October destination on this list (and possibly in the world), Dubai retains its year-round designer glitz albeit with slightly less scorch than in summer. Put simply, the tail end of the year is the best time of year to visit Dubai. All the luxury beach clubs, rooftop pools, marina-side brunch spots and sunset cruises have far fewer people, and in October you’ll enjoy zero rainfall and 12 hours of sun. The word cold isn’t in Dubai’s dictionary.  

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