The Best Places to Visit in October for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide

Find top-notch festivals, seasonal activities and cozy places to stay at these destinations.

Photo: sborisov / Getty Images

Updated Nov 24, 2023

October is the perfect time for a romantic getaway. The weather is like Goldilocks in much of the Northern Hemisphere—not too hot, not too cold. Depending on the destination, airfare, hotels and attractions may be less expensive than summer's peak travel prices. October also happens to be one of the best months for all sorts of festivals, from food and music to beer (read: Oktoberfests). Destinations also tend to be less crowded and quieter as the kids are back in school. The big question is: What are the best places to visit in October?

Coming up with a list of places to visit in October is not a heavy lift, as options abound. Whether you're looking for a traditional beach vacation or you're hoping to embrace recent travel trends, like sustainability or slow travel, we've got you covered.

Tuscany, Italy

No doubt Tuscany is one of the most romantic places in the world, and part of the magic lies in the beautiful rolling hills. It's also one of the best wine regions on the planet. Make your way there in October when flights and hotels are likely less expensive compared to peak travel rates during the summer. There are also less crowds. We'd call that a win-win.

Things to Do: You'll appreciate fall's cooler temps if you choose to take a three-hour guided hike of the Cinque Borghi (Five Villages), where you'll be wowed by the Tuscan Forest with all its red, orange and yellow foliage. Consider a quick side trip to Lucca. Hop on bikes to ride along the walls that encompass the city. Do pack a picnic of those infamous Italian flatbread sandwiches and Tuscan wine as you'll surely find an idyllic spot for lunch along your ride. Wine tasting and truffle foraging are a must.

Places to Stay: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort and Spa, Grand Universe Lucca, Monteverdi Tuscany, Milu Hotel and Relais Ortaglia.

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Marrakech, Morocco

Autumn really hits in October as temperatures start to get lower during the day and cool off even further at night, offering the perfect excuse to get a little closer to your honey. Marrakech is one of the best places to visit in October, as there are numerous spots where you can cozy up with your honey. While Marrakech is known for its vibrant souks, there are peaceful oases like the Menara Gardens, too. October is quieter than the summer rush, and it's before the hubbub of the holidays. It's also harvest month, so the ideal time for a foodie-focused trip.

Things to Do: Stroll through the medina for the freshest produce, from saffron and apples to dates, or head to the nearby Ourika Valley or into the Atlas Mountains to learn about the harvesting process firsthand. October is a time of special events. The annual Dates Festival offers food, music, dancing and camel racing, and the MOGA Electronic Music Festival offers traditional Gnawa music, dance, art and electronic music.

Places to Stay: Royal Mansour Marrakech, Riad Luciano Hotel and Spa, Sol Oasis Marrakech, Riad Kniza and Riad Houdou.

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Muskoka, Canada

Muskoka's expanse stretches from the wilderness that is Algonquin Park in the east to the Georgian Bay in the west, and it's a couple hours drive north of Toronto. It's nature at its best, and is ideal for a romantic escape and road trip getawway. The destination is especially vibrant in October with the canvas of color brought about by the fall foliage. Another plus is the guilt-free retail therapy you can indulge in at the area's thrift and antique stores.

Things to Do: The Bala Cranberry Festival is in October. Go ahead and partake in the cranberry plunge at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery. Put on waders and dip into the cranberry marshes—you two will bond over the experience. There's something romantic about trains. Hop on the Scenic Train Ride from the Muskoka River to the Fairy Lake station. For water fun, take a cruise, kayak or canoe. If you're the adventurous type, go treetop trekking. Enjoy high tea at The Blue Willow Tea Shop.

Places to Stay: Touchstone Resort, Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa and Windermere House.

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Zurich, Switzerland

Perhaps it's no surprise that Zurich has been called one of the happiest cities in the world. Switzerland has storybook romance written all over it. With the stunning Swiss Alps, lakes, cascading waterfalls, cuter-than-cute villages and striking architecture, the mood is set for a walking hand in hand, can't take your eyes off each other type of trip. It's one of the best places to travel in October, as you can enjoy all of its beauty before the skiers take over Switzerland.

Things to Do: Hike in the Canton of Zurich. This time of year, it's awash in red, orange and yellow trees much like the Zurich Botanical Garden, with its autumn flowers and plants from around the globe. In October, Zoo Zurich is also especially nice, and with the cooler temps, you're likely to see more animals at play. For water lovers, there's Lake Zürich, Käferberg and Greifensee, which are ideal for a stroll, bike ride or picnic. Art enthusiasts will get their fix at the Kunsthaus Zurich, the country's biggest museum.

Places to Stay: The Dolder Grand, Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich, Widder Hotel, Storchen Zurich and Zurich Marriott Hotel.

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Bora Bora, French Polynesia

French Polynesia definitely tops the bucket list for couples seeking that perfect honeymoon or anniversary trip in an exotic, sun-drenched locale. Head straight to Bora Bora for romance, luxury and all of the sunbathing you could ever want. What you won't get is crowds—Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than Bora Bora gets in a year.

Things to Do: Bora Bora is infamous for its overwater bungalows and fab resorts. You could stay in a resort without ever leaving—The St. Regis, for example, offers a "Lagoonarium" full of tropical fish and other sea life, plus candlelight massages in a gazebo. When you two are ready to explore, the diving and snorkeling is epic. There are pearl shops, boutiques and galleries. Most everyone hits the legendary Bloody Mary's Bar for its cocktails and seafood.

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, Conrad Bora Bora Nui and InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa.

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Savannah, Georgia

The city's Spanish moss, colonial architecture and beautiful gardens are downright dreamy. In Savannah, you'll feel like you're smack dab in the middle of a romance novel. Go ahead and write your own story. There will likely be a tale or two worth telling in a fun city where you can take your cocktail to go.

Things to Do: During October, some of Savannah's signature events include Oktoberfest and the Savannah Film Festival. If you're in the mood for spooky stuff, Savannah is known for its ghost tours. You'll always remember a moonlit stroll in Forsythe Park or an evening carriage ride through cobblestone alleyways. Foodie couples will be in heaven with excellent restaurants like Cha Bella, a farm-to-table spot with the freshest ingredients, and a.Lure, which serves up contemporary Southern fare. Show yourselves some love at Spa Blue.

Places to Stay: Perry Lane Hotel, Andaz Savannah, JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, River Street Inn and The Marshall House.

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Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona can be overrun with tourists in sweltering summer, but fall is another story. The milder temps offer ideal honeymoon weather and are perfect for spending time in the city's many parks and green spaces. The locals return home from their time spent traveling in the summer, so you'll mix more with them instead of Sarah and Joe from Kansas and get a more authentic experience. Fewer crowds in Spain's second largest city means less lines everywhere, plus dinner reservations at the city's best spots will be much easier.

Things to Do: Find out the date of the annual 48-Hour Open House Festival. It's in October and much beloved, as more than 200 iconic buildings and museums open their doors for free admission. October also means there will likely be rooftop concerts at Casa Batllo, one of the legendary architect Gaudi's masterpieces. Beer lovers will want to time an October visit around Oktoberfest. Check out the city via a rented bike. The terrain is flat and there are bike lanes. See a flamenco show—they are quite romantic. The music alone makes you believe love conquers all.

Places to Stay: Almanac Barcelona, Seventy Barcelona, H10 Madison, Serras Barcelona and Hotel REC Barcelona.

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Albuquerque, New Mexico

Fall is a great time to visit New Mexico. Locals call it the "magical season." The changing colors of the Aspen trees in October are said to be something special, and that's just where the magic starts. Albuquerque is the state's largest city and known for its turquoise doors and quirky spots like the American International Rattlesnake Museum, which has the largest variety of live rattlesnakes in the world.

Things to Do: What's more romantic than an early morning balloon ride with Champagne? Albuquerque is all about hot-air balloons. In October, the city is home to the nine-day Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest balloon festival. Keep the good vibes sky high with a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway, where you go from the city to the Sandia Mountains. You'll remember those views long after you've gone home. When you're ready to chill, there's the St. James Tearoom. Walk hand in hand around historic Old Town. Take a day trip to Santa Fe.

Places to Stay: Hotel Parq Central, Sandia Resort and Casino, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town and Hotel Chaco.

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San Ignacio, Belize

There's nothing like a little jungle fever to fan the romantic flames. Head to Belize for romance and adventure. Belize is about exploring—with its extensive coral reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling—and making like Indiana Jones exploring the more than 900 Mayan temple sites. October is shoulder season, so you'll have fewer crowds and you can find discounts on hotels and attractions.

Things to Do: Your days will be as adventurous as you want. Explore the ruins of Xunantunich. Climb to the top of El Castillo, a 130-foot temple where you'll see sweeping views of Belize and Guatemala. Keep the mystery going with a canoe ride through Barton Creek Cave. The cave's natural formations tell a story about burial grounds, human sacrifices and ancient Mayan life. If you want to skip the cave but still canoe, wind your way through the Macal River and marvel at the magic of the Maya Mountains. The exotic birds and iguanas on the riverbanks are a bonus. San Ignacio is a small town, but has a restaurant and nightlife scene that is surprising. The fun hardly stops when the sun goes down.

Places to Stay: San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Maya Mountain Lodge, Table Rock Jungle Lodge and Mystic River Resort.

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Sydney, Australia

For the couple looking for a far-flung romantic getaway, add Sydney to the list. October is a good time to visit, as it's within the Southern Hemisphere's spring season—meaning you can soak up long, sunny days and all of spring's glory, like the blooming jacarandas. You'll love the temps, which are about 70 degrees, so not too hot or too cold, ideal for scoping out all the yachts in the infamous harbor and people-watching at dozens of beaches.

Things to Do: No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the Sydney Opera House or The Royal Botanic Garden. The great weather is ideal for strolling from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. For a bit of a thrill walk, bike or climb to the peak of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Check out the Art Gallery of New South Wales and its vast collection of Australian and international art. In October, there are signature events like the Night Noodle Markets—where Hyde Park becomes the epicenter of a lively Asian street food festival—and Sculpture by the Sea, one of the world's largest public sculpture exhibitions.

Places to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, Little National Hotel Sydney, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney.

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Stowe, Vermont

For postcard-perfect photos of fall foliage, choose Stowe. Don't expect mega, all-inclusive resorts (even though Stowe is Vermont's largest town). The charm here lies in quaint inns and boutique hotels. It's also for foodies, with lots of organic, locally produced food. In October, it's quieter than in the winter when folks descend on the "Ski Capital of the East." This small town is something truly special, and we guarantee it'll take you only about five minutes to reach the same conclusion.

Things to Do: You know you'll be leaf peeping, but there's plenty else to make you two happy. Go hiking in Smugglers Notch State Park. Bike the Stowe Recreation Path or take a horseback ride. If you're looking for something more low key, pick pumpkins and walk through a corn maze. Visit the Gold Brook Covered Bridge. For amazing views of the foliage, take a gondola ride up Mount Manfield. If you're in the mood for warm apple cider and donuts, make your way to Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Places to Stay: Green Mountain Inn, Topnotch Resort, Talta Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark and Basin Harbor.

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