October Holidays: Best Destinations for UK Travellers in 2025

Best October Holiday Destinations from the UK for Sunshine, Beaches & City Breaks

Wondering where to go in October from the UK? As autumn sets in and the days grow shorter, October holidays offer British travellers the perfect excuse to escape, whether it's for sunshine, warm beaches, or a charming European city break. With better prices and fewer crowds than peak summer, it's one of the best times of year to travel.

Whether you’re dreaming of hot October beach holidays, a cultural European city break, or a far flung long haul adventure, here’s your guide to the best October holiday destinations from the UK — plus top weather picks, hotel recommendations, and insider travel tips.

Long-Haul Sunshine Escapes in October

For guaranteed warmth and tropical scenery, October is the perfect time to go long haul, often with better value than peak winter months.

Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi

Weather: 30°C, warm seas, occasional short showers.
Why Go: Overwater villas, world-class diving, and pure barefoot luxury.
Where to Stay: Gili Lankanfushi for sustainable, barefoot luxury. Think Traditional Dhoni Rides and Supper Under the Stars.

For multi-generational retreats Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. In a world filled with screens and schedules, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives offers families a chance to break free, explore the wild, and make memories that last a lifetime. From hands on conservation programmes and high octane water sports to castaway yacht adventures and spacious beachfront retreats, these Indian Ocean escapes transform family time into shared adventures filled with discovery, connection, and stories worth telling.

If you can head over in September you might catch the inaugural Fari Islands Festival. The Fari Islands broke the traditional "one island, one resort" model to create an interconnected archipelago, Patina embodies artistic curiosity and forward thinking luxury, while The Ritz-Carlton offers timeless refinement guided by the rhythm of the Circle of Life. Together, they form a rare destination where guests are encouraged to pause, feel, and connect.

Newly revealed festival highlights include collaborations with celebrated names across wellness, conservation, culinary and design.  

Mauritius

Shandrani Beachcomber

Weather: 27°C, dry and sunny.
Why Go: A mix of golden beaches, green mountains, and vibrant culture.
Where to Stay: Shandrani Beachcomber is a luxury beachfront resort on the southeast coast of Mauritius, renowned for its pristine lagoons, lush surroundings, and world-class hospitality. It is set to reopen in October 2025, following a four month transformative renovation. Be one of the first to experience it!

OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort is a five-star escape on the island’s southwest coast, blending beachfront luxury with authentic Mauritian charm and breath taking ocean views. They recently opened the brand-new OUTRIGGER Zone Marine Centre on property, an educational space designed to deepen guests understanding and appreciation of the island’s rich marine environment.

Oman

Shangri-La Al Husn 

Weather: 29–33°C, dry and sunny.
Why Go: Dramatic desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich Arabian heritage.
Where to Stay: Drawing from Oman's rich natural beauty, Shangri-La Al Husn is an adults-only clifftop sanctuary overlooking the Gulf of Oman. With a stunning infinity pool, a private beach and cove, and breath taking sea views, this retreat is designed for a peaceful escape.  

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is an iconic beachfront resort nestled between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. Famed for its grand architecture, private beach, and world-class service, it offers a luxurious base to explore the sultanate's natural wonders and cultural gems.

Thailand (Phuket & Koh Samui)

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

Weather: 27–30°C, drier late in the month.
Why Go: Tropical beaches, bustling markets, and fragrant street food.
Where to Stay: Banyan Tree Phuket is a luxurious tropical sanctuary in Phuket, celebrated for its private pool villas, lush lagoon setting, and world-class spa experiences.

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is a luxurious hillside-to-ocean retreat blending spacious pool villas, world-class dining, and authentic Thai experiences with warm island hospitality.

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from Phuket is Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. Set on Thailand's last unspoiled island and nestled amidst the breath taking vistas of Phang Nga Bay.  Named as one of TIME's 100 World's Greatest Places 2025, this serene sanctuary offers a rare blend of luxury and natural beauty.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Hilton Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Weather: 28–32°C, clear skies.
Why Go: Luxury shopping, desert safaris, and glamorous beachfront resorts.
Where to Stay: One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai is an elegant beachfront retreat, blending Arabian inspired architecture with luxurious accommodations, lush gardens, and exceptional dining. 

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is a family friendly haven offering spacious accommodations, resort-style amenities, and direct access to Abu Dhabi’s world-class theme parks.

 

Best European Beach Holidays for October Sun

Closer to home, southern Europe still offers sunny beach days in October, often with sea temperatures warm enough for a swim. With the rise of "season-stretching" holidays, more travellers are taking advantage of the quieter shoulder season. More travellers than ever are now opting for Mediterranean breaks in September and October, drawn by the friendlier temperatures and better value outside the peak summer months.

Cyprus

Amara Limassol Cyprus 

Weather: 26–28°C, sunshine most days.
Why Go: Sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Where to Stay:  Amara in Limassol for chic, panoramic sea views. Embark on a culinary escapade to the AMARA, a luxury sanctuary nestled in the heart of Limassol, with four world-class restaurants spearheaded by some of the world's most celebrated chefs.

Nestled on a clifftop on the west coast of Cyprus, Mare Paphos resort is surrounded by ancient ruins and crystal-clear waters, set within Mediterranean gardens which create a charming village-like atmosphere for guests. The resort is set within features 14 bars and restaurants ranging from local Greek Cypriot cuisine at Estia and Italian classics at Nico to the casual Burger Restaurant. Guests can enjoy five outdoor pools, including a serene adults-only retreat, and a spa centre that provides signature treatments and wellness amenities, whilst daily events range from live music and movie nights, to numerous land and water sports activities. 

Canary Islands, Spain

Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa

Weather: 24–26°C, mild evenings.
Why Go: Year-round sun, volcanic landscapes, and scenic hiking trails.
Where to Stay: Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort is a five-star oceanfront retreat in Costa Adeje, blending elegant Moroccan-inspired design with lush gardens, heated pools, fine dining, and a serene island atmosphere.

For Lanzarote, Dreams Lanzarote Playa Dorada Resort & Spa is a stylish, 5-star all-inclusive beachfront escape in Playa Blanca, offering a dazzling array of nine pools (including kids' splash zones and adult-only retreats), five restaurants, eight bars, upscale Preferred Club enhancements, a full-service spa with water circuit, and entertainment for all ages—all within steps of Playa Dorada Beach and Marina Rubicón.

Crete, Greece

Minos Palace Resort

Weather: 23–25°C, warm seas.
Why Go: A mix of sandy bays, mountain villages, and Minoan history.
Where to Stay: Domes Zeen Chania is a chic beachfront retreat on Crete’s North Western coast, blending earthy, minimalist design with laid-back luxury, offering pool-equipped suites and villas, refined dining, and a focus on slow, stylish island living.

Minos Palace Resort is a serene, adults-only luxury sanctuary perched on a private peninsula near Agios Nikolaos, offering 360° sea views, sleek suites with private or shared pools, a bespoke Nao wellbeing centre, fine Cretan dining, and an infinity pool that seems to float above Mirabello Bay.

Algarve, Portugal

Martinhal Sagres

Weather: 21–24°C, sunny with cooler evenings.
Why Go: Dramatic cliffs, golden coves, and superb golf courses.
Where to Stay: Domes Lake Algarve is a stylish five-star retreat in Vilamoura, set beside a tranquil private lake with direct access to Praia de Falésia, offering elegant rooms, creative dining, and a blend of Portuguese charm with Domes’ signature luxury.

Located on the eastern tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts’ flagship hotel Martinhal Sagres remains the leading light in luxury family holidays. With award-winning kids clubs, a large variety of activities ranging from mountain biking to surfing and sleek and stylish design, the hotel keeps even the most active of kids entertained and gives even the most stressed of parents a chance to breathe and unwind.

 

Top October City Breaks in Europe for UK Travellers

With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, October is an ideal time for cultural city escapes.

Venice, Italy

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Weather: 19–23°C, sunny.
Why Go: Atmospheric charm, seasonal flavours, cultural buzz.
Where to Stay: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a former flour mill turned luxury hotel on Giudecca Island, offering elegant rooms, a panoramic rooftop pool and bar, and stunning views of Venice’s skyline—perfect for an autumn escape.

Explore Venice with a Uniworld cruise, gliding past grand palaces and hidden canals before stepping ashore for exclusive tours of the city’s iconic landmarks, all while enjoying luxury and Prosecco on deck.

Istanbul, Turkey

Shangri-La Bosphorus

Weather: 20–24°C, mild and sunny.
Why Go: East-meets-West culture, Ottoman architecture, and vibrant bazaars.
Where to Stay: Housed in a former tobacco factory dating back to the roaring twenties, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul offers deep cultural immersion with its fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Sitting on the Bosphorus Strait, the hotel is just moments from the city's cultural landmarks, vibrant markets, and the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace.  

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxurious boutique property set in a century-old neoclassical Turkish prison, just steps from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. With its elegant courtyards, rooftop terrace, and refined interiors, it offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Old City.

Vienna, Austria

Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel, Vienna

Weather: 14–18°C, crisp and clear.
Why Go: Imperial palaces, coffee houses, and autumn wine festivals.
Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Das Triest Hotel, Vienna has opened in Austria's capital following an extensive renovation that revitalizes one of the city's most iconic design hotels. Situated on the historic Wiedner Hauptstraße, the hotel seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.

Hotel Sacher Wien is Vienna’s most iconic luxury hotel, renowned for its old-world elegance, impeccable service, and the legendary Sachertorte served in its opulent café.

 

Top October Weather Picks

• Hottest Long-Haul: Maldives, Dubai, Mauritius (28–32°C)

• Warmest Short-Haul: Cyprus, Canary Islands, southern Turkey (24–28°C)

• Best Mild City Break Weather: Seville, Rome (19–27°C)

• Crisp Autumn Charm: Prague, Vienna, Edinburgh (12–18°C)

Final Word from the Expert

“October is one of my favourite months to travel — you can enjoy sunshine in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations without the summer crowds or peak prices. From golden beaches in Cyprus to far-flung island escapes in the Maldives, it’s the perfect time to blend relaxation, exploration, and a touch of luxury.” – Clare Payne, UK Travel Counsellor & Travel Editor

Travel Smart: Insider Tips for October Holidays

1. Pack Layers – Warm days can turn cooler in the evenings, even in beach destinations.

2. Contact a Travel Agent for the best deals and expert advice

3. Plan for Earlier Sunsets – Start activities earlier and enjoy relaxed evenings.

4. Seek Local Autumn Events – Grape harvests, food festivals, and local fairs add authentic charm.

5. Enjoy Warm Seas – The Med stays swimmable well into October.

6. Check Attraction Hours – Some adjust opening times outside peak season.

7. Combine City & Coast – October is perfect for a mixed holiday itinerary.

 

What are the best destinations for October holidays from the UK?
Popular options include Cyprus, Dubai, Thailand, Oman, and the Canary Islands — all offering great weather and good value outside peak season.

Where is hot in October for UK travellers?
Destinations like Oman, the Maldives, Dubai, and southern Europe (Cyprus, Canary Islands, Crete) stay warm in October, with temperatures from 24°C to 33°C.

Are October holidays cheaper than summer?
Yes — flights and hotels in October are often significantly cheaper than July or August, making it a great value month for travel.

Is October a good time for beach holidays in Europe?
Absolutely. Places like Cyprus, Crete, and the Algarve still have warm sunshine and swimmable seas into late October.

What’s the best October holiday for families?
Resorts like Martinhal Sagres in Portugal, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and the OUTRIGGER in Mauritius offer family-friendly luxury with activities for all ages.

 

Whether you’re after hot October holiday destinations, short-haul European sunshine, or a romantic autumn city break, travelling in October means better prices, comfortable weather, and the joy of exploring without the peak-season crowds.