Where’s Hot in October?

October is typically associated with fall foliage, cool breezes, apple picking, and Halloween fun. But if you’re looking for the best vacation spots in October that aren’t going to require a light coat, then check out this list. We’ve put together a curated list of where’s hot in October to ensure that the summer party is still going strong on your next getaway. Enjoy the elevated temps in these hot destinations as you cruise, surf, and snorkel your way into October.

Los Angeles

This southern California city is pretty reliably warm in October, and is a popular place for the best October vacations. You can enjoy cruises, boat tours, and even a whale watch if you’re itching to get out on the water. You should also make the most of the late-season opportunities to enjoy theme parks before they adopt winter hours or – in some cases – close for the season. Six Flags Magic Mountain is an exciting iteration of a classic franchise, while the indie Knott’s Berry Farm offers plenty of exhilarating rides and slides, too. Make the most of these warm temps with time spent outside in Griffith Park. Ride a bike around their miles of trails, hike up the Hollywood hills and snap photos with the iconic sign, and pay a visit to the animals at the L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Average High Temperature: 79 F / 26 C

Dubai

When we say hot, we mean really hot when it comes to Dubai. However, this is late enough in the season that the temperatures are actually kind of reasonable, allowing visitors to enjoy the full range of their outstanding attractions. Just remember to reapply sunscreen often! Cruise around Palm Island to enjoy the impressive scale of this man-made island, or opt for a speedboat sightseeing tour to combine spectating with exhilaration. The waters will be warm and the breezes just present enough to make these activities refreshing. For something different, spend some time in Abu Dhabi. Rent an eco-donut boat to explore the Eastern Mangroves, which is loads of fun and good for the environment to boot. Or, a popular way to cool off is with a cruise n’ dip excursion around the inshore islands. Average High Temperature: 96 F / 35 C

Cancun

What’s not to love about the tropical paradise of Cancun? It makes for one of the best October vacations with warm temperatures, cool breezes, and plenty of cold drinks. With an exhaustive selection of outdoors attractions to choose from, you could spend every minute on some new adventure. For one, exploring Puerto Morelos through a visit to the Extreme Adventure Park is a very popular activity in October. Snorkel the Great Mayan Reef, drowse and sunbathe on the beaches of Puerto Morelos, then ride an ATV through the nearby jungle. It’s a full-day excursion that promises endless fun. Of course, you can also enjoy the more slow-paced aspects of Cancun living with a leisurely shopping trip or an open bar at one of the city’s hot spots. There’s also plenty to explore in the Cancun Hotel Zone, including an observation wheel, more shopping, and an archaeological site. Average High Temperature: 88 F / 31 C

Las Vegas

Sin City is another contender for the best October vacation spot. With a flair for the dramatic, Las Vegas offers more than just glamorous gaming. You can enjoy a nighttime helicopter flight over the Strip, a tour through its historic neighborhoods, or a trek out to the Grand Canyon, among many other options. Indulge your adventurous side with a trip to a challenging escape room or a couple of hours spent at a trampoline park. In addition to their stellar observation wheel (a must-do), the LINQ also boasts an exhilarating zip line that’s not to be missed. Looking for some arts and culture on your trip to Vegas? Don’t worry – Springs Preserve has got you covered. This extensive natural preserve is filled with acres upon acres of gardens plus multiple museums and a butterfly habitat. It’s an oasis in the middle of urban Las Vegas. Average High Temperature: 82 F / 28 C

San Antonio

Yep – Texas is still hot in October. It’s one of our picks for best vacation spot in October for its ideal combination of indoor and outdoor attractions, with everything from tours and a river cruise to museums and a zoo. For starters, Brackenridge Park should be on your itinerary. It’s home to the educational San Antonio Zoo, as well as a serene Japanese Tea Garden and the engaging Witte Museum. There’s even golf course should you want to get in a few holes. Scope out the city from above with a visit to the Tower of the Americas, and then spend some time exploring the rest of the neighborhood. You can find some more museums (including the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures) and, for your little ones, the Yanaguana Garden and Playground. Plus, you’re a mere couple of blocks from Alamo Plaza, which is always a hot destination in San Antonio. Average High Temperature: 83 F / 28

Orlando

Sultry Orlando boasts plenty to do in October both indoors and out. Visit one of their most iconic attractions in the Kennedy Space Center, and then follow that up with a trip an amusement park or two. LEGOLAND® Florida is our pick for younger kids. Many visitors also enjoy a late-season tour of the Everglades, one of Florida’s most significant natural treasures and an ecological marvel. Ride aboard an airboat to whish through waves of tall grass as you keep an eye out for turtles, birds, and, of course, alligators. Another hot spot in Orlando in October is the I-Drive corridor, which is chock full of attractions and restaurants. Take a ride aboard The Wheel at Icon Park for stunning views of the city below. Enjoy a leisurely round of mini-golf with the family, then perhaps spend some time at Madame Tussauds trying to decide just how realistic those wax statues are. Average High Temperature: 84 F / 29 C

San Diego

With an average high temperature of the mid-seventies Fahrenheit / low twenties Celsius, you may not think of San Diego as “hot,” per se, but it’s one of the best vacation spots in October, hands-down. From one of the world’s most famous zoos to some of the best museums in America, there’s no shortage of top things to do in San Diego. Harken back to the summer with a visit to Belmont Park, which boasts some of the most exciting rollercoasters and other classic rides in the entire region. With an all-access pass, you and the kids can spend hours on end at this comprehensive amusement park. This time of year is also a good opportunity for a whale watch, as the water is still plenty warm. This attracts multiple different marine animals – including massive pods of dolphins, finback whales, seals, and more – and coincides with the migration patterns of blue whales. Average High Temperature: 74 F / 23 C

Save on Admission to Top Warm-Weather Destinations

We hope one or two of our suggestions for the best October vacations struck a chord with our readers. Whether you want to go all-out in the heat with a visit to Dubai, or prefer something a bit more mild on a trip to San Diego, these places are definitely where’s hot in October for your next fall getaway. Keeping to a budget? Save on your October vacation with Go City. Depending upon your destination, you can save upwards of 55% on admission to the best attractions without the hassle of separate tickets.