Thinking about getting away from it all this October? Our favorite islands to visit in the heart of fall aren’t just a way to escape and relax. These islands help you extend your summer with beautiful beach days and turquoise seas.
But as the temps drop, the towns are easier to explore away from the mid-year heat and hiking just got that little bit easier. Come explore these islands to see why October can become your new favorite month to travel.
Rhodes, Greece
October in Rhodes brings mild weather, rays of sunshine and a budget-friendly vacation. There may be some rainy moments, enough to scare others off. But it leaves as quick as it arrives, allowing you to go on your merry way without the summer rush.
You can explore the island’s more remote corners in peace, sampling the delightful cuisine as you go. The seas stay warm adding even more beach days to your lengthened summer.
Where is Rhodes?
Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, lying close to the coast of Turkey, about 18 kilometers (11 miles) away at its nearest point. The main city, also called Rhodes, is on the island’s northern tip. The island is served by Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras Airport), about 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of the city, with flights from Athens and many European destinations. Ferries also connect Rhodes with Athens (Piraeus) and nearby islands.
Lanai, Hawaii, USA
Thanks to the shifting of the Pacific Trade winds, October is a delightful time of year to visit Lanai, Hawaii. Comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall at this time of year (Lanai is the driest of the Hawaiian islands) make this month a treat.
Without having to deal with thundering rain or soaring heat, you’ll be better prepared to explore the island’s memorable scenery, the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center and petroglyphs on epic road trips. All while rubbing shoulders with fewer travelers.
Where is Lanai?
Located in the Hawaiian Islands, Lānaʻi sits just west of Maui and south of Molokaʻi in the central Pacific Ocean. The island is about 9 miles (14 km) from Maui across the Auʻau Channel. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Lahaina, Maui, which takes about 45 minutes, or by flights into Lanai Airport, located 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Lānaʻi City. There are no direct international connections, so travel typically routes through Honolulu or Maui first.
Malta, Malta
Malta’s shoulder season marks the ideal time to visit the island nation. Featuring all the classic shoulder season benefits, from prices to crowds, you’ll also find cleaner beaches and even some vibrant fall foliage.
While still warm through the month, October in Malta is less humid and the evenings are pleasant. The rain from the summer highs splashes the island with a fresh green hue.
It all makes for great hiking, including along coastal trails from Selmun to Mistra. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to explore the Cittadella and Victoria without copious sweat. Of course, there’s still time for sunbathing at Golden Bay or Riviera Beach.
Where is Malta?
Located in the central Mediterranean Sea, Malta Island is the largest of the Maltese Islands, lying south of Sicily, Italy (about 93 kilometers / 58 miles away) and north of Libya. The island is served by Malta International Airport, about 6 kilometers (4 miles) southwest of Valletta, with frequent flights across Europe and some to North Africa and the Middle East. Ferries also connect Malta with Sicily, linking the port of Valletta to Pozzallo and Catania.
Hokkaido, Japan
Many of our top October destinations are warm, beachy escapes. However, Hokkaido brings an autumnal spirit to your island getaway. The season brings clear skies and crisp but pleasant temperatures, and Hokkaido’s trees are some of the earliest in Japan to transform into a sea of burgundy and gold.
But it’s not just fall foliage and rolling coniferous forests. Hokkaido is home to the Cosmos Fields where over 10 million stunning flowers bloom across sprawling fields. With nature covered, it’s time to explore the National Ainu Museum and Park. In October, the Ainu people celebrate Kamuinomi and you can experience local delicacies and try your hand at making dumplings.
Where is Hokkaido?
Located in the north of Japan, Hokkaidō is the country’s second-largest island, separated from Honshū by the Tsugaru Strait and linked by the Seikan Tunnel. The island lies north of Tokyo, with its main city, Sapporo, about 1,150 kilometers (715 miles) from the capital. Travelers usually arrive via New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, which handles domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and other Japanese cities, as well as international routes from East Asia. Ferries also connect Hokkaidō with Honshū at several ports.
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
October isn’t just welcomed here in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, it’s celebrated. The changing of the climate and the departure of the summer travelers make the month arguably the region’s best time to visit.
Fantastic weather, that’s mild in the afternoon and pleasant in the evenings makes exploring OBX a breeze. It’s warm enough to keep those swim trunks handy and try your hand at surfboarding. But not too hot to not want to kayak the coast or hike through the state parks.
But it’s not just outdoor fun in October, it’s also Oyster season (heralded by the OBX Seafood Festival), pumpkin patches pop up and live music flows through the local streets.
Where are the Outer Banks?
Located off the coast of North Carolina, USA, the Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands stretching more than 100 miles (160 km) along the Atlantic Ocean. They begin near Virginia Beach to the north and extend south toward Cape Lookout. The main access points are by car via U.S. Highway 158 and U.S. Highway 64, which cross bridges from the mainland. The closest major airport is Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, about 90 minutes’ drive from the northern Outer Banks.
Madagascar
A country and an island, Madagascar finds its way onto our guide thanks to October’s ideal traveling conditions. Clearer skies, less rain and pleasant weather allow you to explore the island with great ease, from the coast to the highlands.
The island’s color isn’t quite in full bloom as it will be in a few months, but it’s blossoming as the dry season comes to an end. Nature brings you away from the beaches and towards protected lands, such as the trekking-centric Andasibe National Park and the Anjajavy. The latter is found in the west and is home to deciduous forests and the native fossas.
Where is Madagascar?
Located in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar lies about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Mozambique, across the Mozambique Channel. The capital, Antananarivo, sits roughly in the island’s center. Most visitors arrive via Ivato International Airport near Antananarivo, with flights from African hubs such as Nairobi and Johannesburg, as well as from Paris and other international cities. Ferries are limited, so air travel is the primary way to reach the island.
Cyprus
A getaway close to major European destinations, Cyprus can be a brief, warm escape from home or a nice break from Autumn on your cross-continental adventure. Shoulder season prices, nice temperatures and fewer crowds make it an easy place to fall in love with at this time of year.
Foliage, autumnal harvests and beer steins don’t have to be the focus of your October trip. In Cyprus, you can kayak on the azure waters of Protaras and Ayia Napa, discover the mesmerizing Aphrodite’s Rocks and explore the historic Kyrenia all under a bright blue sky.
Where is Cyprus?
Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus lies south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon, and southeast of Greece. The island’s main international gateways are Larnaca International Airport on the southern coast and Paphos International Airport in the southwest, both with extensive European connections. Ferries also link Cyprus with Greece and occasionally nearby Middle Eastern ports, though air travel is the primary way most visitors reach the island.
Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA
In October the fall foliage in New England is in full swing. But rather than go to Stowe or Camden, come and experience a unique Maine getaway. Mount Desert Island lies along the state’s southeast coast in Frenchman Bay.
Surrounded by Atlantic waters, it’s home to one of the USA’s best national parks, Acadia. Not only is the park and wider island alight in gorgeous russet reds and golden yellows, the cool October weather is perfect for outdoor adventures and bike rides.
For relaxation and romance, it doesn’t get more cute and cozy than historic Bar Harbor. In addition, seafood lovers will find it hard to say goodbye.
Where is Mount Desert Island?
Located off the coast of Maine, USA, Mount Desert Island lies about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Bangor and is reached by bridges from the mainland at Trenton. The island is home to Bar Harbor and much of Acadia National Park. Travelers can arrive by car via U.S. Route 1A and State Route 3, or by flying into Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport, just a few miles from the island, with connections through Boston.
Mauritius
The weather stays warm but the rain goes away in October in Mauritius. During the island’s driest month, you can laze by the calm ocean and experience some of the best festivals on the annual calendar.
Although less crowded than other times of year, the island never ceases to boast a vibrant atmosphere. A part of that is Mauritius’ celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Not only is it an immersive cultural display but the lights themselves transform the landscape.
As you explore the island, you’ll notice that October marks tropical fruit season, from beach to beach stop and sample the litchis and mangoes.
Where is Mauritius?
Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Mauritius lies about 870 kilometers (540 miles) off the African coast. The island’s main entry point is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, on the southeastern shore, which offers flights to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Ferries are not a common way to arrive, so nearly all visitors come by air. The capital, Port Louis, is on the northwest coast, about an hour’s drive from the airport.
Galveston Island, Texas
Great weather, festivals and fishing combine to make Galveston Island the perfect October getaway. As other destinations turn their attention to wintry temperatures, the summer fun continues in southern Texas.
Come and enjoy clear days spent inshore fishing on the hunt for flounder, speckled trout and redfish. If you prefer to stay on dry land, trade the seas for Galveston’s Artoberfest where food and art collide. On top of that, enjoy the Greek Festival and our favorite, Island Oktoberfest.
Galveston Island’s own Oktoberfest celebrates its German heritage and fills your day with hearty eats, plenty of steins and traditional wear.
Where is Galveston Island?
Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, USA, Galveston Island sits about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Houston. The island is connected to the mainland by the I-45 causeway, making it easily accessible by car. Visitors can also arrive via William P. Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, with shuttle and rental car options to the island. A cruise terminal in downtown Galveston serves ships from major cruise lines, offering another way to reach the island.
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