If you want to know where’s hot in October and doesn’t involve long flights with kids, our top 12 handpicked destinations for October sunshine will warm your heart.
Molos Promenade, Limassol, Cyprus
1. Limassol, Cyprus
Average October temperature: 21°
A busy, fun city with historical roots dating back to the 2nd century, Limassol’s sheltered position means it’s still hot in October, so it’s perfect for some off season Mediterranean beach time.
As well as the palm-fringed promenade – a lovely spot for flaneur-ing and enjoying the views – you shouldn’t miss the revitalised old port where traditional fishing boats and a modern entertainment complex mix old and new Cyprus in an totally original way.
Stroll the marina in the October sunshine and play pick your favourite luxury yacht, then head to the nearby old town to check out the medieval architecture. Although if that’s not enough history, Limassol Castle has Richard the Lionheart stories and a museum, and the ancient hillside city of Kourion has more incredible views along with an impressive Ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Direct UK flights from 4 hours, 25 minutes
Read more: Plan your next family holiday in Cyprus with our good beach guide
Praia do Camilo, Western Algarve
2. Algarve, Portugal
Average October temperature: 24˚
Not only does the Algarve practically guarantee October sunshine, it also comes with lots of outdoor adventure potential and fewer crowds. There’s still plenty of sun so you can make the most of endless stunning beaches, only with more room to spread your towels, and it’s also a great time to slow down at some of the best seafood restaurants in Portugal.
It might still be hot in October but it’s not too warm for families to get into the sporty side of the Algarve, with hiking, biking, tennis and golf all popular. Boat trips are also big, especially for dolphin spotting and sailing into dramatic coastal caves.
The huge Slide and Splash waterpark in Estômbar stays open until the end of October, with the late season bonus that it won’t be totally mobbed. And historic towns like Tavira and Lagos aren’t too hot in October for exploring.
Direct UK flights from 2 hours, 50 minutes
Read more: Find the best family beaches in Portugal, and not just the Algarve!
Taghazout, Morocco
3. Taghazout, Morocco
Average October temperature: 25˚
Once a small fishing village turned surfing hotspot, turned eco-tourism champion, Taghazout in Morocco is the laid-back alternative to Marrakesh for an October sun break.
It’s all about beach time here, and both Taghazout Beach and Banana Beach are great for families, with gentle Atlantic Ocean breaks and long sandy shores.
Family activities include surf lessons: small October waves are perfect for beginners. Older kids will like camel or horseback riding on the beach, there are plenty of hiking trails in the dramatic local countryside, and don’t miss Paradise Valley, an oasis with natural pools and waterfalls.
There are also local markets to explore, and cooking classes where you can learn how to make those mouthwatering Moroccan dishes, as well as trips to nearby Agadir for the Souk El Had, Agadir Birds Valley, and Crocoparc.
Direct UK flights from 3 hours, 50 minutes
Read more: How to do Morocco with your kids from Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
4. Sicily, Italy
Average October temperature: 24˚
Sicily is ideal for families in October, being less frenetic, still pleasantly warm, and with all the culture, amazing food, and beautiful beaches you could possibly need. Fly into Palermo and the less-touristy north coast for family-friendly Mount Etna tours, vibrant markets, great beaches like Mondello, and of course the legendary street food – crispy arancini balls are available on every corner, and Palermo regularly scores in the top to for best street food destinations.
Head southwest for an almost unbroken coast of white sand beaches and Insta darling Scala dei Turchi – usually less crowded in autumn. This is definitely the warmest part of Sicily in autumn, as well as the spot for several of its chic spa hotels and wildly expensive resorts, often a lot more affordable in October.
Direct UK flights from 2 hours, 50 minutes
Read more: West is best: Sicily’s less travelled coast wins hands down with kids
Villa Bighi, Kalkara, Malta
5. Malta
Average October temperature: 25˚
With 300 hours of sunshine a year, Malta is a solid bet for hot weather in October rom the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valletta with its 7,000-year history, to crystal clear seas ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Sail to the nearby island of Gozo and see its rivals to the Pyramids: the Megalithic Temples. Besides that there’s plenty more to make kids’ jaws drop, and that’s before we even mention jeep safaris.
Of course, as an archipelago, you’re never far from the beach in Malta, so it really is the perfect place to soak up some late season rays.
Direct UK flights from 3 hours, 20 minutes
Read more: 12 of the best destinations in Europe for warm weather in April
Seville bringing the drama and October sun
6. Seville, Spain
Average October temperature: 20˚
Seville is known for being one of the hottest cities in Europe in high summer, so it will be hot in October. But not too hot, as temperatures come down to a mild-for-here 26˚.
That’s perfect sightseeing weather and there are a lot of sights to see in Seville. Although we can’t promise you a tourist-free experience, big hitters like the Real Alcázar don’t feel too crowded in autumn.
Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral with its 104 metre La Giralda bell tower is also at home in Seville. Then there’s Las Seta de Sevilla, or the Mushrooms of Seville; the largest wooden structure in the world, and where you can walk across footbridges at the top for 360˚ city views.
Just add some Flamenco at the Plaza de España, along with tapas in Triana and a wander around ancient Santa Cruz, and you’ve got yourselves an October break to remember well into winter.
Direct UK flights from 2 hours, 40 minutes
Read more: Have we found the secret to peaceful sightseeing in sunny Seville?
Agios Nikolaos, Crete
7. Crete, Greece
Average October temperature: 23˚
Crete is the most southerly island in Greece so no surprise to find that it’s hot in October.
Even the sea is still warm enough for swimming, and historic sites, such as the Palace of Knossos and Spinalonga Island, tend to be less crowded.
Also, it’s worth thinking about car hire in Crete in autumn when the roads are quieter, particularly if you want to catch a glimpse of the island’s gorges and waterfalls to the south west: October is one of the best months to hike legendary Samaria Gorge.
For city vibes, Heraklion tops the list when it comes to museums, but Chania edges in front on looks thanks to its quaint old town and Venetian harbour. Or there’s Rethymno which delivers on lighthouses, forts, citadels and a Venetian harbour, as well as a long and sandy city beach for soaking up October sun.
Direct UK flights from 3 hours, 45 minutes
Read more: Where to find beaches in Greece worth planning your family holidays around
Head to Havana in Cuba for October sunshine
8. Cuba, Caribbean
Average October temperature: 23˚
The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba gives you October sunshine and plenty of options.
Going down the Caribbean beach holiday route, the majority of resorts are on the north coast and Varadero or Caya Coco are both good choices for families. However, for a bit more of a castaway mood, try Playa Ancón on the south coast, close to Trinidad.
Alternatively, a Havana city break in October lets you introduce older kids to one of the world’s greatest colonial cities along with its cool Cuban rhythms and iconic vintage cars. Then there’s Trinidad, another great colonial city that sits close to the Valle de los Ingenios in the south. Old Havana, the centre of Trinidad and Valle de los Ingenios are all UNESCO World Heritage sites.
You’ll find forest eco-adventures on the Zapata Peninsula and the nature reserve of Topes de Collantes.
Direct UK flights from 13 hours, 20 minutes
Read more: Why Beaches are the best all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, for your kids
Konyaalti Beach, Antalya
9. Antalya, Türkiye
Average October temperature: 20˚
Antalya is part of the Turquoise Riviera: the dreamy Turkish coast of azure seas, soft white sand, and lush green forests. Remains of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations provide the heritage, and milder October sunshine means hiking trails such as Düden Waterfalls, Termessos, and Saklikent Gorge should be high on your family to-do list.
Also an historic port city, Antalya has an old town that’s as quaint as you’d expect, with narrow streets and Ottoman-era houses, and the landmarks of Yivli Minaret and Hidirlik Tower. Don’t miss the museum either, it’s one of largest in Türkiye, and chock-full of fascinating artefacts.
Direct UK flights from 4 hours, 15 minutes
Read more: Feeling good: how Hillside Beach Club has perfected family holidays in Türkiye
Try Tenerife for reliable October sunshine
10. Tenerife, Spain
Average October temperature: 22˚
For a relaxing break doing the poolside thing, or something more adventurous, Tenerife is an obvious choice for easy autumn sun.
The island is famous for enormous Siam Park waterpark, and in October you’ll be jostling less for space on its chutes and slides. It’s also a good time to discover more authentic places, away from the resorts: try La Laguna, for pretty streets and historic buildings.
Of course you can visit Tenerife and never get into ‘the nature’. Although it’s home to Mt. Teide, the tallest mountain in Spain, so if you do venture forth, you’ll be rewarded by cable cars and epic views. Lush valleys like Masca are a good excuse for a guided hike. Or, if you prefer to go it alone, the island’s forests range from pine to prehistoric and most have decently marked trails.
Direct UK flights from 4 hours, 30 minutes
Read more: The best destinations for holidays with children of every age, and stage
Clearwater Beach in Florida is guaranteed hot in October
11. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida
Average October temperature: 25˚
Autumn is one of the best times of year to visit St. Pete/Clearwater, as conditions are ideal for seeing the sights without it being too hot and humid.
As well as October sunshine, there are also lots of family festivals to enjoy in the area, along with 35 miles of award-winning Gulf Coast beaches. Although possibly the biggest incentive to go is the fact that St. Pete/Clearwater holds the world record for most consecutive days of sunshine, so not just hot in October.
Orlando is just a 90-minute drive away if you want to fit in some theme parks. But there’s plenty to tempt you to stay put, not least Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a non-profit dedicated to conservation, rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals.
Direct UK flights from 9 hours, 40 minutes
Read more: How Northwest Florida Beaches will turn you into a fun parent again
Nice is where’s hot in October in France
12. Nice, France
Average October temperature: 21˚
We’ll take a sunny city break just about anywhere in France in autumn. However, Nice on the Côte d’Azur ticks just about every box from October sunshine and a gorgeous old town to celebrity spotting potential: good news for teens.
Despite the fact that the city beach is famously stony (don’t come expecting long, golden sands) Nice still gets very busy during summer. But it’s still hot in October when the crowds are thinning out, the Mediterranean is warm enough for swimming and everywhere is still bright and lively: Nice is a real city, not just a tourist town.
Don’t miss a stroll, cycle or run along the Promenade des Anglais is perfect for a leisurely stroll/bike ride. Parc de la Colline du Château is a bit of a climb but gives you great views over Nice, and comes with a playground and waterfall. Alternatively, seek out Jardin Albert 1er near the promenade where you’ll find a carousel amid the greenery.
Direct UK flights from 4 hours, 30 minutes
Read more: 10 of the most beautiful family beaches in France