India
As the monsoons retreat, folks venture to the beaches, wildlife parks and historical locations across India. The tea plantations in the foothills of the Himalayas are splashed with wildflower colour, the Ziro Music Festival Music takes place against a backdrop of temples and bamboo forest in Arunachal Pradesh, and elephants gather in the nature reserves of the northeast. October is off-season in much of India making everything that little bit less crowded.
Pakistan
The colours of the Pakistan landscape change by the day in October as autumnal reds and browns replace lush greens. The Gudjal and Hunza Valleys turn golden as the orchards of Fairy Meadows in the latter are plucked of their guava and apple harvest. The hills and slopes of the north are flecked with colourful leaves upon the creeping snows while in the Kashmir region, the Rainbow Lake bedazzles as the fading sun dapples upon it.
Jordan
October is a busy month in Jordan with lots of visitors at the main tourist sites as the first rains fall turning the parched earth into a carpet of green. Temperatures are more manageable for exploring and the magnificent red and yellows of Wadi Rum smoulder rather than burn. This is a good time to visit the so-called ‘Valley of the Moon’ as you can camp under the stars in relatively mild nighttime conditions and the famous springs burble back to life.
Uzbekistan
Temperatures remain in their 20s for much of October in Uzbekistan. Bright starts are the order of the day as the sun rises early with it setting mid-evening meaning nightlife in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara gets into full swing. Central and southern Uzbekistan are particularly picturesque in Autumn as the rice farms, cotton fields, orchards remain bathed in sunshine while the markets overflow with fresh produce.
Madagascar
From October to November, the rainforests of Madagascar welcome new life as lemurs give birth to their offspring. There are over 60 types of lemur on the island. Regular day trips run from the capital Antananarivo to the national parks to see the wide-eyed bundles of fluff as they’re carried on the back of their mums. The weather in Madagascar remains generally hot and dry in October for chilling on the beach.
Turkmenistan
You want to avoid Turkmenistan at the height of summer and in the depths of winter, as the country experiences extreme contrasts in weather. By October, the temperatures are winding down after summer. Temperatures are balmy in the early twenties and autumn sets in which is pleasant for exploring outdoors with most areas of the country accessible. In Ashgabat, the mood turns to remembrance for the victims of the 1948 earthquake.
Oman
October is hot in Oman but not as baking as June to August. This is the season to head into the wilderness of Oman - easily done as much of the country can be described as such. The eastern coastal town of Ras Al Jinz attracts lots of turtle watchers this month, tropical fruit is fully in season and the evenings are notably pleasant for strolling the shopping boulevards and souks of the capital Muscat or taking in a show at the stunning Royal Opera House.
Israel
There is perhaps no better time to visit Israel’s places of religious significance than October. That’s because the Sukkot Festival often falls in this month. The exact dates do depend on where the event lands in the Jewish calendar. Sukkot is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals in which people are ‘commanded’ to attend the pilgrimage sites. The holiday also gives thanks for the harvest. And the weather in Israel will still be rather lovely too.
Egypt
As October rolls around, the temperatures in Egypt have fallen from baking to a moderate simmer. The cooler days make exploring the many wonders of the country all the more enjoyable. This is a good time to explore the vast sweep of the Western Desert to witness the mesmerising Great Sand Sea and witness the Siyaha Festival held nearby at the Siwa Oasis and Mount Dakrur where friendships are renewed and the harvest celebrated.
Japan
If you’ve gazed at a photo of a Japanese temple, chances are you were looking at an image taken in Autumn. There’s something rather beautiful about such monuments framed by the russet, amber and gamboge branches of East Asian trees that were historically used in the construction of shrines and places of worship. The weather in Japan is comfortable and dry and there’s a pleasant uncrowded hubbub in the popular tourist spots.
Laos
As the monsoon ‘green season’ ends, Laos is warm and dry in October and the Mekong is free flowing for a carefree passage along its length. The banks are lush after the rainy period with an abundance of wildlife to spot. The mighty river is the focus when Boun Awk Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, is celebrated with boat racing and the magical Lai Heau Fai (festival of lights) illuminating the streets and candle-lit paperboats launched on the water.
Ecuador
October is the shoulder season in Ecuador, making it the perfect time to visit to avoid the crowds. In the Amazon Rainforest, the dry season is drawing to a close. The water levels are dropping, which attracts wildlife that you may have missed during the wet season.
India
As the monsoons retreat, folks venture to the beaches, wildlife parks and historical locations across India. The tea plantations in the foothills of the Himalayas are splashed with wildflower colour, the Ziro Music Festival Music takes place against a backdrop of temples and bamboo forest in Arunachal Pradesh, and elephants gather in the nature reserves of the northeast. October is off-season in much of India making everything that little bit less crowded.
Pakistan
The colours of the Pakistan landscape change by the day in October as autumnal reds and browns replace lush greens. The Gudjal and Hunza Valleys turn golden as the orchards of Fairy Meadows in the latter are plucked of their guava and apple harvest. The hills and slopes of the north are flecked with colourful leaves upon the creeping snows while in the Kashmir region, the Rainbow Lake bedazzles as the fading sun dapples upon it.
Uzbekistan
Temperatures remain in their 20s for much of October in Uzbekistan. Bright starts are the order of the day as the sun rises early with it setting mid-evening meaning nightlife in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara gets into full swing. Central and southern Uzbekistan are particularly picturesque in Autumn as the rice farms, cotton fields, orchards remain bathed in sunshine while the markets overflow with fresh produce.
Jordan
October is a busy month in Jordan with lots of visitors at the main tourist sites as the first rains fall turning the parched earth into a carpet of green. Temperatures are more manageable for exploring and the magnificent red and yellows of Wadi Rum smoulder rather than burn. This is a good time to visit the so-called ‘Valley of the Moon’ as you can camp under the stars in relatively mild nighttime conditions and the famous springs burble back to life.
Madagascar
From October to November, the rainforests of Madagascar welcome new life as lemurs give birth to their offspring. There are over 60 types of lemur on the island. Regular day trips run from the capital Antananarivo to the national parks to see the wide-eyed bundles of fluff as they’re carried on the back of their mums. The weather in Madagascar remains generally hot and dry in October for chilling on the beach.
Turkmenistan
You want to avoid Turkmenistan at the height of summer and in the depths of winter, as the country experiences extreme contrasts in weather. By October, the temperatures are winding down after summer. Temperatures are balmy in the early twenties and autumn sets in which is pleasant for exploring outdoors with most areas of the country accessible. In Ashgabat, the mood turns to remembrance for the victims of the 1948 earthquake.
Oman
October is hot in Oman but not as baking as June to August. This is the season to head into the wilderness of Oman - easily done as much of the country can be described as such. The eastern coastal town of Ras Al Jinz attracts lots of turtle watchers this month, tropical fruit is fully in season and the evenings are notably pleasant for strolling the shopping boulevards and souks of the capital Muscat or taking in a show at the stunning Royal Opera House.
Israel
There is perhaps no better time to visit Israel’s places of religious significance than October. That’s because the Sukkot Festival often falls in this month. The exact dates do depend on where the event lands in the Jewish calendar. Sukkot is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals in which people are ‘commanded’ to attend the pilgrimage sites. The holiday also gives thanks for the harvest. And the weather in Israel will still be rather lovely too.
Egypt
As October rolls around, the temperatures in Egypt have fallen from baking to a moderate simmer. The cooler days make exploring the many wonders of the country all the more enjoyable. This is a good time to explore the vast sweep of the Western Desert to witness the mesmerising Great Sand Sea and witness the Siyaha Festival held nearby at the Siwa Oasis and Mount Dakrur where friendships are renewed and the harvest celebrated.
Japan
If you’ve gazed at a photo of a Japanese temple, chances are you were looking at an image taken in Autumn. There’s something rather beautiful about such monuments framed by the russet, amber and gamboge branches of East Asian trees that were historically used in the construction of shrines and places of worship. The weather in Japan is comfortable and dry and there’s a pleasant uncrowded hubbub in the popular tourist spots.
Laos
As the monsoon ‘green season’ ends, Laos is warm and dry in October and the Mekong is free flowing for a carefree passage along its length. The banks are lush after the rainy period with an abundance of wildlife to spot. The mighty river is the focus when Boun Awk Phansa, the end of Buddhist Lent, is celebrated with boat racing and the magical Lai Heau Fai (festival of lights) illuminating the streets and candle-lit paperboats launched on the water.
