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About Tanzania Say farewell to “Indian summer” in Canada, join the grape harvest festival in Georgia, chase red leaves in Japan, see rare mountain gorillas in Uganda, and conquer the “Roof of Africa” in Tanzania. Discover the best destinations for an October vacation in this Altezza Travel article.
Canada
The peak of the so-called “Indian summer” is considered by many travelers to be the best time to visit Canada. In late September and early October, after the first autumn chills, the country enters a unique period of warm, dry, and sunny weather.
In North America, the name “Indian summer” is linked to Indigenous peoples. Some say it referred to the last warm days that allowed them to finish important preparations for winter. Another theory is that the vivid autumn foliage resembled the colorful clothing of Native Americans. Either way, the term first appeared in the late 18th century.
Algonquin Park in Ontario is perfect this time of year for canoeing along rivers with ocher-colored forests as a backdrop. Travelers are also recommended to visit the Thousand Islands region or even embark on a two-week journey along a special route covering the most scenic areas of the country.
“Indian summer” has long become a symbol of local festivities. In October, visitors in Ottawa, Quebec, and Toronto will find themed street festivals. Markets offer seasonal dishes and local delicacies such as maple syrup and autumn pies.
Canada offers countless attractions year-round. It is the world’s second-largest country, bordered by three oceans — the Pacific in the west, the Atlantic in the east, and the Arctic Ocean in the north. Among its many natural wonders is the world-famous Niagara Falls.
Georgia
The grape harvest season in Georgia is called the “fifth season,” or . A visit in October shows why locals consider it such a special time of year.
Rtveli is an ancient tradition when locals gather to work in vineyards, crush grapes, prepare sweets from juice, share feasts, sing, and dance. The Georgian autumn is considered the happiest season in the country. The heart of the celebration is the Kakheti region, where harvesting typically begins in mid-September, whereas in the wetter western regions of Imereti and Adjara, it usually occurs in October.
Archaeological evidence shows winemaking traditions in Kakheti date back to the 6th millennium BCE, which is why the region is often called the cradle of wine.
Georgian wines may have appeared about 5,000 years before French ones.
The capital, Tbilisi, also becomes a hub of festivities in October during the noisy Tbilisoba festival. In the old town, you’ll find fairs, folklore performances, concerts, and tastings of national dishes. This year, organizers expect over 200,000 visitors.
About two hours from Tbilisi in mid-October, the Gurjaani Wine Festival is held. It is one of the largest themed fairs, hosting an international wine competition. A key goal is to promote as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors say the festival feels like the biggest outdoor barbecue you’ll ever see. The next day, you can head to Kvemo Alvani for the Tushetian Guda cheese festival.
Active travelers are advised to explore the mountain regions of Svaneti, Kazbegi, and Tusheti, known for their scenic hiking trails. Meanwhile, Batumi and Kobuleti are no longer suitable for beach vacations in October, but thanks to the mild climate they are ideal for long walks on the Black Sea beaches. All in all, Georgia is among the best places to visit in October.
Japan
Momijigari is the main reason to visit Japan in October. The term translates as “hunting for red leaves.” During Momijigari, people spend time in parks and mountains immersed in nature, as the tradition is tied to the Buddhist appreciation of each moment. Autumn leaves are seen not only as beautiful but also as symbols of life’s impermanence and contemplative harmony.
The timing of Momijigari varies across the country. In the north and in high-altitude regions such as Hokkaidō, Tōhoku, or the Japanese Alps, the leaves turn fiery red and gold as early as late September and October, making these the best places to start an autumn journey. Central and southern areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka begin to show their colors from mid-October, with the peak arriving several weeks later.
Autumn brings many tourists to Japan. The most popular destinations are Tokyo, followed by Osaka, and the former imperial capital Kyoto, a hub for traditional culture and religion. Kyoto boasts many temples and gardens, including the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates stretching up the mountain. You can also stroll through geisha districts and join tea ceremonies.
Tokyo combines ultramodern architecture, neon streets like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and quiet districts with temples and gardens. The first permanent capital, Nara, is famous for its temples and parks where tame deer roam freely. Here you will find Todai-ji, an 8th-century Buddhist temple housing the 15-meter (49 ft) Daibutsu statue of Buddha.
Mount Fuji (3,776 m / 12,388 ft), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is visible from many places in Japan. In summer, you can climb it, while in other seasons, travelers enjoy the view from observation decks.
Uganda
In October, Uganda enters its short rainy season, following the dry months of June to August. The savanna turns green, making it easy to spot animals in open areas. The country has 12 wildlife reserves, 13 sanctuaries, 5 protected areas, and 10 national parks, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, the Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla Park, and Bwindi.
“There is an adventure at every turn once one ventures into the national parks…Uganda boasts over 350 species of mammals, from the mountain gorillas to the smallest ones like bats, bush babies, and shrews. With over 1,000 bird species, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Uganda is also a home to over 1,000 bird species, with many reptiles, and herbivores, making it a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.” says the Ugandan Ministry of Tourism website.
Bwindi National Park, whose name means “impenetrable forest” or “place of darkness,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest is so dense that even on sunny days it feels like twilight. Travelers come mainly to see mountain gorillas: only about 1,000 remain on Earth, and roughly half of them live here.
Murchison Falls National Park lies along the Nile. It is home to vast numbers of animals, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, crocodiles, and hippos. A must-see is the waterfall itself, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge and plunges more than 40 m (131 ft) into a canyon known as the “Devil’s Cauldron.”
Birdwatchers should head to Bigodi Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can witness lions hunting antelopes. Covering 1,978 sq km / 764 sq mi, the park is also inhabited by elephants, leopards, hippos, and chimpanzees. Several traditional communities, including the Bakiga, Banyankole, and Batwa, also live here.
Mexico
In October, Mexico’s five-month rainy season ends. On the coast, the weather warms to about +30 °C (86 °F), perfect for beach season in Cancun, Los Cabos, Acapulco, and the Riviera Maya. Surfing, diving, and snorkeling are best on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
The weather is also favorable for excursions: you can visit Mexico City or explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal — ancient Maya cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. Each reflects different periods and architectural styles of this great civilization.
One of the most important annual events is the Maya Culture Festival in Mérida, held from mid-October to early November. The legacy of this civilization also includes writing, calendars, astronomical knowledge, and engineering achievements. The program features concerts, exhibitions, lectures, scientific conferences, masterclasses, and tours of archaeological sites.
October also marks preparations for one of Mexico’s most iconic holidays — the Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1–2. Those who have seen it say nothing compares. The Day of the Dead honors the memory of departed loved ones, and Mexicans believe that during these days, souls return to visit their families. Skeletons, skulls, and flowers are traditional holiday symbols, but the celebration is truly about life, love, and the bonds of family.
Markets fill with festive pastries, while museums, parks, and squares host exhibitions and carnivals. In Aguascalientes, the Festival of Skulls includes theatrical parades. At the night show Iluminale “Los Pies al Muerto” ( translated as to Illuminate the Feet of the Dead), more than 5,000 participants are expected.
Another highlight is Expo Tequila. This annual festival in Tijuana tells the full story of Mexico’s famous drink. Visitors can sample hundreds of varieties, from smooth añejo to fiery blanco. Good weather and a huge variety of activities make Mexico one of the best places to go in October.
Thailand
Thailand is said to offer the perfect blend of culture, nature, cuisine, and entertainment. Highlights include the white-sand beaches of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, and its buzzing nightlife. Most tourists head south to resorts like Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands, Samui, and Phangan.
The must-see list starts with Bangkok, a capital of more than 10 million people. The city amazes with contrasts: skyscrapers stand beside ancient temples, bustling markets alongside luxury malls, and restaurants serve everything from pizza and Ethiopian dishes to curry and satay.
Another top destination is Phuket, the country’s largest island, with architecture reflecting its Portuguese colonial past. In the north, Chiang Mai is considered the best base for exploring mountains, caves, and waterfalls.
Central and northern Thailand host two of autumn’s most important festivals. Loy Krathong, the Festival of Light, takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (October or November). People launch small floating baskets () — symbols of cleansing, forgiveness, and luck. In Bangkok and other central regions, rivers and bridges are decorated with lights, and fireworks illuminate the skies. On Phuket, the celebrations unfold directly on the beaches, where krathongs light up the shore before drifting out to sea.
In the north, Yi Peng takes place around the same time. Hundreds of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, accompanied by colorful parades, music, and dance performances. Thai people believe these rituals are deeply symbolic, with light representing the triumph of good over evil.
Tanzania
October is a great time to climb Kilimanjaro. Trails are less crowded than in peak months, allowing you to enjoy the silence of the mountains and breathtaking views. The peak rises 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level and is one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Those seeking solitude will enjoy Ruaha National Park. Thanks to its relative remoteness from major tourist routes, here you can experience tropical Africa without dozens of safari vehicles and crowded picnic areas. Ruaha is home to giraffes, lions, hippos, elephant herds, and more than 400–500 bird species.
Birders should also visit Lake Manyara National Park, known for its massive flamingo colonies. Their numbers are so great that from a distance the lake appears pink. A similar surreal sight can be found at Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, a shallow lake no deeper than 3 m (10 ft), which changes in size and color depending on the season. Around 75% of the world’s lesser flamingos are born here.
To see African elephants, head to Tarangire National Park, where the river of the same name is the main water source during the dry season. Herds of up to 30 elephants gather here. In Tarangire you can also spot other members of the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. Ngorongoro Crater offers even greater chances to see all five, as it has the highest density of wildlife in Africa, with about 25,000 animals inhabiting the volcanic caldera.
Where to go in October: in short
The best destinations for October vacation are:
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- Uganda
- Mexico
- Thailand
- Tanzania
Tourists are also often advised to consider Greece, Italy, Mauritius, India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Portugal, and Australia.
All content on Altezza Travel is created with expert insights and thorough research, in line with our Editorial Policy.
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