Hotels
Where is hot in October? 9 sun destinations and where to stay
From Crete and Cyprus to Madeira, Marrakech and the Red Sea: these are the places where it is hot in October, with one hotel in each that makes the trip worth it.
By October the evenings draw in, the heating goes on and the rain finds its way into everything. Yet the Mediterranean is still warm from the summer, the beaches have emptied and the evenings are mild enough for dinner outside. October is the month to stretch the summer, whether that means a week away at half term or a long weekend before the clocks go back.
We have gathered nine places where it is hot in October, from Crete, Cyprus and Turkey, via southern Spain, the Algarve, Madeira and Tenerife, to Marrakech and the Red Sea. In each, we have picked one hotel we would happily check into.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose an October sun holiday
Early in October the whole Mediterranean is a safe bet, with summer-warm seas and afternoons on the beach. As the month goes on the weather becomes less settled further north, so for October half term it pays to head further south: to the Canaries, Madeira, North Africa or the Red Sea, where the warmth holds.
Late summer in the Mediterranean: Crete, Cyprus and Antalya
Sunshine and city life in Iberia: Málaga and the Algarve
Mild all autumn: Madeira and Tenerife
Hotter and further south: Marrakech and the Red Sea
Late summer in the Mediterranean: Crete, Cyprus and Antalya
Daios Cove
The pool and palms at Daios Cove.
Crete: Daios Cove
Crete is the southernmost of the large Greek islands, and its season runs longer than many people think. In October the sea is still warm, the villages are quieter and the weather is perfect for walking the gorges or a long lunch by the harbour. See more ideas in our guide to the best hotels in Crete.
Daios Cove sits in its own bay outside Agios Nikolaos, built into the hillside. Many of the villas have a private pool and sea views, and there are three restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Daios Cove
Cyprus: Amara
Cyprus is among the warmest places in the Mediterranean in autumn, and October is one of the loveliest months on the island. The summer heat has faded, but the sea and the days are still warm.
Amara sits right on the sea east of Limassol, a few minutes from the ruins of ancient Amathus. The hotel is built around its sea views, and breakfast, wifi and parking are included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Amara
Adam & Eve
Belek lies east of Antalya and is known for golf courses and long beaches.
Antalya: Adam & Eve
The Turkish Riviera around Antalya has a long season, and October often brings beach weather with fewer people than in summer. Belek, east of Antalya, is known for golf courses and long beaches.
Adam & Eve in Belek is adults only and all inclusive. The hotel is known for its white, futuristic design and a nightlife that carries on long after dinner. Autumn is the end of the season here, so check that the hotel is open on your dates.
Book your stay: See rooms at Adam & Eve
Sunshine and city life: Málaga and the Algarve
Catalonia Molina Lario
The rooftop terrace at Molina Lario.
Málaga: Molina Lario
The Costa del Sol keeps its sunshine well into autumn, and Málaga gives you beach and city in one. In October it is pleasant to wander between the Picasso Museum, the cathedral and the tapas bars, and La Malagueta beach is a few minutes away. Read more in our guide to the best hotels in Seville and Málaga.
Molina Lario is right by the cathedral, and from the rooftop pool you can see both the cathedral and the port. Guests especially love the food.
Book your stay: See rooms at Molina Lario
Conrad Algarve
The pool area in Quinta do Lago.
The Algarve: Conrad Algarve
The Algarve has golden cliffs, small coves and long autumn days. In October you can often still swim, and it is high season for golf and coastal walks.
Conrad Algarve is in Quinta do Lago, a green golfing enclave on the edge of the Ria Formosa natural park, with lagoons, birdlife and long beaches. There are three restaurants, and wifi and parking are included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Conrad Algarve
Mild all autumn: Madeira and Tenerife
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
The rooftop pool overlooking Funchal.
Madeira: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Madeira is mild all year, and in October the island is green after the summer, with flowers along the roads and levada paths leading into the mountains. See more hotels in our guide to the best hotels in Madeira.
Castanheiro occupies old town houses in central Funchal, close to the market and the old town restaurants. From the rooftop pool you look out over the rooftops, the harbour and the sea.
Book your stay: See rooms at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
The pools and palms at Abama.
Tenerife: The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
The Canary Islands are warm all year, and in autumn the sea still holds its summer warmth. Tenerife puts beaches, the Teide volcano and small fishing villages within easy reach, and the flight from the UK is around four hours.
Abama sits on its own on the west coast, looking out towards the neighbouring island of La Gomera. The pink hotel stands on a cliff above the sea, surrounded by palms and pools, and breakfast, wifi and parking are included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Abama
Hotter and further south: Marrakech and the Red Sea
La Sultana Marrakech
The pool between the arches.
Marrakech: La Sultana
Marrakech is at its best in spring and autumn. By October the summer heat has eased, the days are warm and sunny, and it is comfortable to wander the souks and the medina.
La Sultana is inside the medina, a few minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa, with its arcades, courtyards and pool hidden behind high walls. There are two restaurants, and guests praise the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at La Sultana
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
The coast and golf course at Soma Bay.
Egypt: Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
The Red Sea has hot days and warm water in October, along with some of the world’s best coral reefs. Soma Bay sits on a peninsula south of Hurghada, quieter than the big resort towns, with a golf course and good conditions for kitesurfing.
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a few minutes from the sea and has two outdoor pools. Guests are especially happy with the staff, and you can snorkel in the morning and dine outdoors in the evening.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay
When should you book an October sun holiday?
October half term is the busiest week of the month, and flights and the best hotels fill up fast. Outside half term, October is often better value than the summer, with the same sunshine in many of these places.
Book early if you are travelling at October half term
Head further south if you are travelling late in the month
Check the hotel is open: some Mediterranean resorts close for the winter at the end of October
Travelling later in the autumn? See where is hot in November, and our overview of where is hot month by month.
Frequently asked questions about where is hot in October
Where is hot in October in Europe?
The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Crete and Madeira are among the warmest places in Europe in October. Southern Spain and the Algarve also have warm days, especially early in the month, and so does Antalya in Turkey. The Mediterranean is still warm after the summer, so swimming is very much on.
Where is hot for October half term?
October half term falls late in the month, when the weather in the northern Mediterranean is less reliable. The Canaries, Madeira, Cyprus and the Red Sea are the safest bets for sunshine. Marrakech is a good choice for a short break, with warm days and cooler evenings.
Where is warm in late October?
As October goes on, the weather becomes less settled in the northern Mediterranean. The Canaries, Madeira, Cyprus, Marrakech and the Red Sea are then the most reliable choices. For more heat, Dubai, Oman and Cape Verde are heading into their best season.
Is the Mediterranean warm enough to swim in October?
Yes. The sea holds on to the summer warmth well into autumn, and in October it is still pleasant to swim in Crete, Cyprus, around Antalya and in southern Spain. It is warmest early in the month, and the eastern Mediterranean stays warm the longest.
When should you book an October sun holiday?
If you are travelling at half term, book well ahead, ideally before the summer. It is the busiest week of the month, and both flights and hotels get pricier. Outside half term it is often easier to find a good hotel at short notice.