Autumn is arguably the best time to go abroad. Not only have the crowds thinned and prices dropped, allowing you to have a more peaceful, less expensive break, but it also allows you to enjoy a final dose of sunshine before winter draws in.
Plus, staying in the UK during the summer months and going away in autumn means you can take advantage of the warmest months at home.
If that wasn’t enough reason to consider travelling later in the year, many destinations are best enjoyed in autumn – whether that’s due to fiery leaves or more comfortable temperatures.
So, to give you some inspiration, here are eight gorgeous holiday destinations to visit this autumn. And, for help planning your next trip, check out our holiday itinerary helper or browse thousands of holiday deals using the button below.
1. The Canary Islands, Spain
If you’re looking for a beach break but don’t wish to travel too far, then Spain’s Canary Islands are perfect. Located off the coast of North Africa, these islands enjoy year-round sun, but because the sea takes a while to warm up, autumn sees the warmest waters of the year.
The temperature on land is often balmy yet cooler than in summer, which can be a relief, and the strong north-easterly trade winds drop, too. Aside from half-term holidays, the islands are much quieter in autumn than in summer, which means peaceful towns and beaches, and slashed prices.
The beauty of the Canaries is that there’s an island for everyone. If you’re looking for dramatic, volcanic scenery and lunar landscapes, Tenerife and Lanzarote are your best bet. Whereas, if you’re drawn to lush forests and precipitous ravines – and exciting flora and fauna – head to La Gomera.
As the most central of the Canaries, Gran Canaria is the most geographically diverse, with everything from vast sand dunes to towering mountains and high-altitude forests. However, all the islands have buzzing towns and sleepy villages, so you won’t be short of things to do.
You can learn more in our article: 7 of the best things to see and do in the Canary Islands.
2. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia’s charms are no secret, which is why this gorgeous Italian island gets crowded during the summer months. Visiting in autumn means you can enjoy a far quieter holiday while still basking in warm weather; temperatures average 22°C in September and 18°C in October.
But there’s another reason why visiting in autumn is a smart idea – and we’re not just talking about the lower prices. From September to December, the island hosts Autunno in Barbagia, an autumn festival that takes place across 27 mountain villages in the rural region of Barbagia.
During this fun event, quiet streets are transformed into bustling markets, local craftspeople hold open workshops, and hikes are held through the rolling hills. Residents also fling open their doors – and kitchens – to visitors, giving you the chance to sample hearty and authentic home cooking.
Of course, there’s plenty to do beyond Barbagia, too. Boasting immaculate beaches, romantic towns, and fascinating Bronze Age remains, Sardinia is wonderfully diverse. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as the island is known for its mouthwatering cuisine – from stuffed pasta to sweet pastries.
3. Los Cabos, Mexico
If you’re happy to travel further afield, then Mexico’s Los Cabos is an excellent choice for an autumn break. Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is made up of two towns – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo – and it’s at its best in autumn.
Summer here is usually rainy, while spring brings hordes of American students celebrating spring break. In autumn, however, temperatures are high, while occupancy and costs remain low. By the time winter rolls around, the tourists flood in again, and prices skyrocket. So, autumn is the ideal window to visit this beautiful yet popular region!
If you’re looking for a quiet holiday, away from the hustle and bustle, then the town of San José del Cabo is for you. With a relaxed atmosphere and flourishing arts scene, it makes a lovely and laid-back base. Meanwhile, the city of Cabo San Lucas is livelier, so if you’re looking for an action-packed break, this is the place.
Wherever you base yourself, there’ll be plenty to keep you occupied. The Baja Peninsula is known for its blissful beaches and tropical waters, but there’s lots of culture around, too. You can admire colonial art and architecture, walk through cacti-covered hills, and feast upon tantalisingly tasty tacos.
Note: The FDCO recommends seeking the advice of local authorities before travelling. This is due to a dispute between rival Cartels, which began on 24th April.
4. Cambodia
Autumn is seen as one of the best seasons to visit parts of Asia, as the rain and humidity ease up during this period. Cambodia is one of the most beautiful, intoxicating, and compelling countries in South East Asia, and if you’re interested in visiting, October is the ideal time to go.
By the second half of the month, the six-month rainy season has drawn to an end, and the landscape is at its most spectacular: the lush rice fields blaze a vibrant emerald green, and the vast lake of Tonlé Sap, home to the popular floating villages, is at its fullest.
Cambodia’s legendary temples of Angkor also attract millions of visitors each year, and while spectacular, they can feel overcrowded in high season. Visiting in October means you can avoid the site when it’s at its busiest, allowing you to give these 72 temples the time and reflection they deserve.
Plus, prices are lower, too – and considering you already get good bang for your buck here, this means you can treat yourself to more luxurious accommodation without breaking the bank. Prices start to creep up in November, so if you can find a window in October, it’s worth it.
To find out more, you might like to read our quick guide to the perfect Cambodia getaway.
5. Finland
Finland may not get as much attention as its neighbours, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, but it has just as much to offer. While Finland is the eighth-biggest country in Europe, it has a very small population, so if you’re looking for peace and solitude, you’re in the right place.
Finland is known for its vast expanses of wilderness, from fairytale forests to gleaming lakes – as well as its Northern Lights. Despite popular belief, it doesn’t need to be winter to see the aurora borealis and, in Finland, the lights are visible from August to April.
Visiting in autumn also means you don’t have to endure freezing temperatures. While there may be some snow on the ground, the lakes won’t be frozen yet, which means you can admire the dazzling reflections of the northern lights on the surface of the water.
Plus, the temperatures are mild enough to do lots of exploring – so it’s a great time to visit the capital, Helsinki. Located in southern Finland, it boasts impressive architecture, a lively arts scene, and excellent restaurants!
6. New York, USA
If you’ve always wanted to visit the Big Apple, autumn is the best time to go. While spring can be rainy, and summer sweltering, September, October, and November are usually sunny and bright, with mild temperatures that may sometimes warrant a jacket, but rarely a coat.
At this time of year, crowds have thinned out and kids have returned to school, so exploring this magnificent metropolis is far more enjoyable. And, while New York City is always expensive, prices are much lower in autumn than in both the summer and December when there’s an influx of festive tourism.
The skyscrapers, museums, shops, and attractions of NYC need no explanation, and you’ll see a whole other side of this astonishingly diverse city in autumn (or ‘fall’). Central Park comes alive in a blaze of colour, and you can admire the leaves during laidback strolls – perhaps sipping a seasonal pumpkin latte!
But there’s more to New York than NYC. Upstate, you’ll find majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and charming small towns, which are a joy to explore. Whether you’d like to hike through red and ochre-hued forests, explore quaint villages, or admire thundering waterfalls, New York State has it all.
To help you plan your trip, why not check out our articles: 14 of the most stylish hotels in New York and 15 of the best restaurants in New York City?
7. Japan
While cherry blossom enthusiasts might insist that spring is the best time to visit, we think that autumn is Japan’s most exciting season. September to December sees the arrival of koyo (the changing of the colours), and few sites are as dazzling as whole mountain ranges turning red and gold.
If you enjoy hiking, there’s no better time to visit, and while the trails can get busy, the breathtaking vistas and vibrant autumn colours are well worth it.
Climbing the iconic Mount Fuji is always an unforgettable experience, but scaling this picture-perfect volcano is even more special in autumn when the land unfolds beneath you in fiery colours. If you aren’t looking to climb Fuji, the autumnal views from Lake Ashi or Lake Kawaguchiko are just as sensational.
Many other Japanese destinations are at their peak in autumn. Kiso Valley is home to some of the country’s most picturesque mountain villages where, after a long day hiking, you can stay in ryokans – traditional Japanese inns – relax in hot springs, and enjoy delicious kaiseki multi-course dinners.
Learn more in our guide: 10 places to visit and things to do in Japan.
8. Botswana
Another destination to consider if you’re up for a long-haul holiday – particularly if you’re looking for adventure – is Botswana. Arguably the world’s top safari destination, Botswana is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife on earth, and autumn is a great time to visit.
Unlike other African safari destinations, Botswana has a ‘low impact, high experience’ mandate, which means safaris are far more intimate experiences. This is a land of dusty deserts and wetland wildernesses, and this diverse landscape means a wonderfully unique range of wildlife.
Due to the rising heat, tourism tails off in October, which means lower prices and fewer people – but it’s not as hot as the winter months (which is summer in Botswana). Plus, the lack of vegetation – eaten by animals over the dry winter – means you have a better chance of spotting wildlife.
If it gets too hot, you can head to the water-cooled Okavango Delta, where countless animals seek respite from the heat. And, the stark Kalahari Desert is just as mesmerising, with endless salt pans, islands of baobab trees, curious meerkat colonies, and ancient Neolithic sites.
Final thoughts…
There are many perks to going on holiday in autumn – and the financial savings are just one of them!
If you’re looking for a short-haul holiday, from the beaches of Sardinia and the Canaries to the wilderness of Finland, there are many fabulous European destinations for autumn.
And for those looking for a longer holiday, you have so many options that there is something for everyone…admire the autumn foliage in Japan and New York, visit Cambodia’s iconic temples and rice fields, enjoy an African adventure in Botswana, or head to the Canary Islands for a dreamy beach break.
With fewer crowds and lower prices, you can explore these destinations at a far more leisurely pace – and get some last-minute vitamin D before winter!
For more inspiration on off-peak holiday destinations, you might like to read our articles: Inspiring winter sun destinations and 9 of the best beach destinations for a winter escape.
Ready to book your next getaway?
Have you been to any of these destinations before – and, if so, did you travel in autumn? Do you have any other suggestions for places that are perfect for visiting in autumn? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.