Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on sunshine just yet. With children back at school and cooler autumn weather settling in, many travellers are already thinking about their next escape.
Interest in warm autumn breaks is also growing rapidly, with Google searches for “hot places in October” reportedly rising by 9,900% in the past week. For travellers looking for sunshine without the peak summer prices, Wizz Air highlights several European destinations that offer warm weather and relatively affordable breaks in October.
Cyprus: Mediterranean Sunshine Without the Summer Crowds
Set in the Mediterranean, Cyprus continues to enjoy warm and sunny conditions well into October. Daytime temperatures can reach 28°C, making it an appealing option for anyone hoping to extend their summer.
October also falls outside the main summer season, so hotel prices can begin to become more affordable. That makes Cyprus an attractive choice for travellers looking for both sunshine and better value.
The month is particularly well suited to sightseeing. Visitors can explore the Aphrodite Nature Trail, stop at Aphrodite’s Rock and discover the remains of the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess. With fewer visitors than during the busiest summer months, historic sites can be enjoyed at a more relaxed pace.
The comfortable October temperatures also make walking and exploring much easier than during the intense heat of peak summer.
Tenerife: A Reliable Autumn Dose of Sun
As the largest and warmest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife benefits from a subtropical climate throughout the year. Temperatures rarely fall below 20°C, even during the winter months.
October is particularly appealing, with an average daily temperature of around 25°C, sea temperatures reaching approximately 24°C and a 63% chance of a sunny day.
Tenerife can also offer good value, with affordable flights frequently available. Its well-established hospitality industry means there’s something for a wide range of travellers.
You could spend your break relaxing on Tenerife’s distinctive volcanic black-sand beaches, exploring the waters through snorkelling or scuba diving, or simply enjoying the island’s restaurants and cafés. For travellers looking for autumn sunshine, Tenerife offers plenty of ways to enjoy it.
Rome: Mild Weather and Fewer Summer Crowds
October is a particularly pleasant month for exploring Rome. Temperatures tend to be warm without the intense summer heat, which makes walking between the city’s many historic sights far more comfortable.
Although October is still considered part of the high season, the city is generally less crowded than during July and August. That can make a difference when visiting Rome’s most popular attractions, with fewer crowds and potentially shorter waits.
The Italian capital can also work well for travellers watching their spending. Many attractions and public spaces can be visited for free or at relatively little cost.
Visitors can see landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese, the former vineyard shaped like a heart, without paying an entrance fee. Flights to Rome can also be cheaper during October, adding to its appeal as an autumn city break.
Budapest: An Affordable Autumn City Escape
With average temperatures of around 19°C and approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day, Budapest offers a pleasant setting for an October break.
The Hungarian capital is also known for being relatively affordable. A weekend away is said to cost an average of around £60 per person, while flights can also be inexpensive. Often described as the “Paris of the East”, Budapest combines historic architecture, culture and good-value travel.
And if the October weather doesn’t quite cooperate, there’s an easy way to warm up. Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and long-standing spa culture.
The city’s thermal waters have an average temperature of around 75°C and contain minerals including calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate. These properties are associated with benefits such as easing joint discomfort and supporting circulation.
For an autumn getaway that combines sightseeing, sunshine and relaxation without a high price tag, Budapest is a strong option.
