If you are not sure which places you should visit in October, you have come to the right place. My name is Mike, and this is your ultimate October travel/visiting guide.
The weather during this month is very different from state to state. In Florida, the warmest state, it can still get up to 85°F (29°C) during the day. In Alaska, the coldest state, it can drop to 20°F (-6°C).. I know, you are probably not surprised. Anyway, you have a lot of choices in terms of October weekend trips or even full vacations.
This month gives you so many possibilities and it’s really exciting what some states and places have to offer.
Some states are still warm if you want to enjoy the last days of summer. Florida, for example, has temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). That is perfect for the beach. Hawaii is also warm and tropical, with 75-85°F (24-29°C).
This guide gives you the weather and helpful tips for the best states to visit in October. If you want sun or if you want cool air and fall colors, we have you covered.
For each state we tell you about:
- The Weather
- The Crowds
- What to Pack
- The Best Things to Do
💡 Tip: Read my tips about the warmest states in October and the best places for fall colors at the end of this article.
So here are the top 15 states I and my team really recommend for October:
1. New Mexico
New Mexico in October has mild weather and great cultural festivals. It is a nice mix.
Weather in New Mexico in October
October brings mild fall weather to New Mexico. The days are around 65-75°F (18-24°C). At night it drops to about 40-50°F (4-10°C). Higher areas, like the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, are cooler.
| Place | Average High Temps | Average Low Temps |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 70°F / 21°C | 45°F / 7°C |
| Santa Fe | 65°F / 18°C | 35°F / 2°C |
| Taos | 63°F / 17°C | 33°F / 1°C |
| White Sands National Park | 78°F / 26°C | 46°F / 8°C |
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 74°F / 23°C | 47°F / 8°C |
Temperatures can change with the weather, so check the forecast before your trip.
Rain is rare in October, about 1 inch, mostly short showers.
Tourist Crowds in New Mexico in October
October is a busy month in New Mexico because of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This event brings many people, so book early if you want to go.
What to Pack and Wear
The weather is cool to mild, so your packing list should have:
- Day clothes: T-shirts, jeans, and comfortable shoes.
- Evening clothes: Light jackets or sweaters for cool evenings.
- Rain gear: Rain is rare, but a small umbrella or rain jacket is useful.
- Sun protection: The sun can be strong even when it is cool, so pack sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
Things to Do in New Mexico in October
October is a great month in New Mexico with cultural events and nature:
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: This world-famous festival fills the sky with hundreds of hot-air balloons.
- Hiking: Explore the Bandelier National Monument or White Sands National Park for special landscapes.
- Santa Fe Independent Film Festival: Film fans can enjoy this festival in mid-October.
- Lesser Known Spot: Visit the artsy little town of Madrid in the Ortiz Mountains.
Check the local weather and events to have a good trip to New Mexico in October.
2. Maine
October is the best of fall in Maine. You get bright fall colors and cool, fresh air.
Weather in Maine in October
October is the middle of the fall season in Maine. On the coast it is 45-60°F (7-16°C). Inland it is a bit colder, with highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows around 32°F (0°C).
The state gets some rain this month. The south coast gets about 4.5 inches. The inland and north get up to 5.5 inches.
Tourist Crowds in Maine in October
October is popular because people come for the fall colors. But it is near the end of the season, so the crowds are smaller than in summer.
What to Pack and Wear
The weather is cool, so here is what to pack:
- Warm clothes: Sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and warm pants.
- Layers: Bring jackets or coats you can add or take off when the temperature changes.
- Rain gear: Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella. October can be rainy.
- Comfortable shoes: Good for hiking or walking to see the fall colors.
Things to Do in Maine in October
October in Maine is all about fall colors, but there is more to do. Here are some ideas:
- Fall Foliage Viewing: Drive along the Maine Foliage route to see the fall colors.
- Hiking: Visit Acadia National Park for great hiking trails.
- Harvest on the Harbor: Join this food and drink festival in Portland in late October.
- Lesser Known Spot: Visit the small seaside town of Camden for nice views and local food.
Plan your trip around the local weather and events to get the most out of Maine in October.
3. Georgia
Weather
October brings fall colors to Georgia. The temperatures are between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Atlanta gets some rain. The North Georgia mountains are cooler, mostly in the evening.
Tourist Crowds
October is a popular time because of the fall colors. But it is not as busy as summer.
What to Pack
The weather in Georgia in October is warm, but the evenings get cooler:
For the city:
- Comfortable day clothes (T-shirts, shorts, and jeans)
- A sweater or light jacket for the evening
For the mountains:
- Warmer clothes for the cool weather
- Strong shoes for hiking
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Georgia in October, from city sights to nature and fall colors.
- Explore Atlanta and visit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
- Enjoy the fall colors in the North Georgia mountains.
- Visit Savannah for its old and charming streets.
- Go to the Savannah Film Festival.
4. North Carolina
Weather
North Carolina has fall weather in October. On the coast, in Wilmington and the Outer Banks, it is 65-75°F (18-24°C). Inland, in cities like Charlotte, it is a bit cooler. In the mountains, in Asheville, it can drop to 50-60°F (10-15°C).
Tourist Crowds
October is a popular time because of the fall colors, mostly in the mountains.
What to Pack
The weather goes from mild on the coast to cooler in the mountains:
For the coast and inland:
- Comfortable clothes (shorts, jeans, T-shirts)
- Light jacket or sweater for the evening
For the mountains:
- Warm clothes (long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, jackets)
- Strong shoes for hiking
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in North Carolina in October, from the coast to the city to the mountains.
- Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
- Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway for the fall colors.
- Explore the old sites of Charlotte.
- Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in the Outer Banks.
- Go to the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City.
5. Oregon
Weather
Oregon has classic fall weather in October, with temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C). The coast is a bit cooler. Both the coast and inland areas, like Portland, get a lot of rain.
Tourist Crowds
The crowds get smaller in October, so it is a quiet time to visit.
What to Pack
Pack for rain and cool weather:
For the city:
- Layers (T-shirts, sweaters, light jackets)
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable shoes for walking
For the coast and mountains:
- Warm clothes and waterproof outer layers
- Strong shoes for hiking
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Oregon in October, from city sights to nature:
- Explore Portland, with its famous food trucks and Powell’s City of Books.
- Visit the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
- Take a drive along the Oregon Coast.
- Go to the Great American Tiny House Show in Portland.
- Join the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. More info here.
6. Colorado
Weather
The weather in Colorado in October changes a lot. In cities like Denver it is 45-65°F (7-18°C). In the mountains it is much colder and you can get early snow.
Average highs and lows for October:
| Place | Average High Temps | Average Low Temps |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 66°F / 19°C | 36°F / 2°C |
| Colorado Springs | 64°F / 18°C | 36°F / 2°C |
| Boulder | 65°F / 18°C | 37°F / 3°C |
| Aspen | 55°F / 13°C | 24°F / -4°C |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | 53°F / 12°C | 29°F / -2°C |
| Telluride | 55°F / 13°C | 27°F / -3°C |
These are average temperatures and they can change. Check the local forecast before your trip.
Tourist Crowds
October is off-peak for the big sights in Colorado, so there are fewer people.
What to Pack
The weather changes a lot, so pack for different conditions:
For the city:
- Comfortable day clothes (T-shirts, jeans)
- Layers (sweaters, light jackets) for changing temperatures
For the mountains:
- Warm clothes for the cold
- Snow gear if you want to do early ski season activities
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Colorado in October, from the city to the outdoors:
- Visit Denver for its museums, breweries, and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
- Drive along the Million Dollar Highway for the fall colors.
- Explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Go to the Telluride Horror Show, Colorado’s first and longest-running horror film festival.
- Join the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.
7. Nevada
Weather
Nevada is nice in October. In Las Vegas and Reno the days are 70-80°F (21-27°C). At night it can drop to 50°F (10°C). The desert gets much cooler in the evening. There is little or no rain.
Tourist Crowds
The crowds get smaller in October after the busy summer. So it is a good time to visit if you don’t like too many people.
What to Pack
Nevada is dry and the nights are cool, so pack for both:
For cities like Las Vegas:
- Comfortable clothes for the day (shorts, T-shirts)
- A light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- Comfortable shoes for walking and casino hopping
For the national parks:
- Hiking clothes and strong shoes
- Warm layers for cool evenings and mornings
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Nevada in October, from Las Vegas city life to the national parks.
- Visit the famous Las Vegas Strip.
- Explore the Hoover Dam.
- Enjoy nature at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
- Go to the Reno Balloon Race, one of the biggest free hot-air balloon events in the world.
8. Arizona
Weather
Arizona has nice weather in October. In Phoenix and Tucson the days are around 85°F (29°C), and the nights cool down to 60°F (15°C). The north, with the Grand Canyon, is cooler, about 50-70°F (10-21°C).
| Place | Average High Temps | Average Low Temps |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 88°F / 31°C | 62°F / 17°C |
| Tucson | 83°F / 28°C | 55°F / 13°C |
| Flagstaff | 61°F / 16°C | 30°F / -1°C |
| Sedona | 76°F / 24°C | 46°F / 8°C |
| Grand Canyon South Rim | 64°F / 18°C | 31°F / -1°C |
| Scottsdale | 88°F / 31°C | 59°F / 15°C |
Check the forecast before your trip because the weather can change.
Tourist Crowds
October is the start of the tourist season in Arizona, so there are more visitors, mostly in the national parks.
What to Pack
Arizona is dry and the nights are cooler, so pack for both:
For Phoenix and Tucson:
- Light clothes for the day
- A light jacket for cool evenings
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
For the Grand Canyon and the north:
- Warmer clothes for the cool weather
- Strong shoes for hiking
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Arizona in October, from cities to nature:
- Visit the Grand Canyon National Park.
- Explore the city life in Phoenix and Tucson.
- See the red rocks in Sedona.
- Take a nice drive along the Apache Trail.
- Go to the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix.
9. Alaska
Weather
October is the start of the cold season in Alaska. In cities like Anchorage it is 30-45°F (-1-7°C). The snow starts, mostly in the north, and the days get shorter.
Tourist Crowds
October is off-peak in Alaska, so there are fewer tourists and quiet places.
Getting Around by Train
Only the Aurora Winter Train runs from October until mid-May. It runs on weekends and on some days mid-week. This train connects Anchorage and Fairbanks. Check the schedule here: Alaska Railroad – Aurora Winter Train
Closed Facilities / Roads / Denali
Winter is coming. Many places, from campgrounds to hotels and restaurants, are already closed in early October.
Denali
Denali National Park is open all year, but many facilities are closed in October. There is a winter welcome center open through the season, except on holidays. Check their operating hours – NPS – Denali
Park Road Closure: The Park Road is the only way into Denali National Park. Since 2021 the road is closed at Mile 43 because of the Pretty Rocks Landslide. Buses only go to Mile 43, and the famous Road Lottery (when people could drive their own car deep into the park) is cancelled for now.
The new bridge over the landslide is not finished yet, so full access is not expected before 2027. Always check the current conditions before your trip: NPS Denali – Park Road updates.
What to Pack
The weather is cold, so pack warm and waterproof clothes:
- Warm layers (thermal underwear, fleece jackets, sweaters)
- Waterproof outer layers (coat, pants)
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Gloves, scarves, and hats for the cold
Things to do in October
Many popular places in Alaska are closing down in October, but there is still a lot to do:
- Visit Denali National Park for wildlife and early snow.
- Explore the cultural sights of Anchorage.
- Watch the northern lights. They show up more often now.
- Go to the Alaska Day Festival in Sitka. More info here.
10. Washington
Weather
Washington has fall weather in October, with 50-60°F (10-15°C) in cities like Seattle. It is also the start of the rainy season in the west of the state.
Tourist Crowds
There are fewer tourists in October after the summer rush. But the fall colors still bring many visitors.
What to Pack
Pack for rain and cool weather:
- Layers (T-shirts, sweaters, light jackets)
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Warm clothes and strong shoes for mountain hikes
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Washington in October, from the city to the fall colors:
- Visit Seattle sights like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- Enjoy the fall colors in the North Cascades.
- Explore Mount Rainier National Park.
- Go to the Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle. More info here.
11. New York
Weather
New York has nice fall weather in October. The temperatures are between 50-65°F (10-18°C). New York City gets some rain. Upstate areas like the Adirondacks are colder and can get early snow at the end of the month.
Tourist Crowds
The summer crowds are gone, but October still brings many people who come for the fall colors and the autumn festivals.
What to Pack
October in New York has cool days and colder nights. What you pack depends on your plan:
For the city:
- Layers (T-shirts, sweaters, light jackets) so you can adjust to the temperature
- Comfortable walking shoes
For upstate:
- Warm layers and a heavier coat for the cold
- Strong shoes for hiking or walking, maybe in snow
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in New York in October. From fall colors to Halloween events, you find something for everyone.
- Walk through Central Park in NYC and see the fall colors.
- Visit Watkins Glen State Park. The beautiful Gorge Trail is usually open until late October.
- Visit famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
- Go upstate for apple picking or a nice drive through the Adirondacks.
- Visit the New York Film Festival.
- Join the famous Village Halloween Parade in NYC.
12. Texas
Weather
Texas is big, so the weather changes a lot in October. In the north and center, in cities like Dallas and Austin, you get 60-80°F (15-27°C). In the south, in Houston, it can still reach 85°F (29°C). West Texas, like El Paso, is drier and cooler.
Average highs and lows for October:
| Place | Average High Temps | Average Low Temps |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | 82°F / 28°C | 59°F / 15°C |
| San Antonio | 83°F / 28°C | 60°F / 16°C |
| Houston | 82°F / 28°C | 61°F / 16°C |
| Dallas | 77°F / 25°C | 56°F / 13°C |
| Big Bend National Park | 82°F / 28°C | 56°F / 13°C |
| Amarillo | 70°F / 21°C | 43°F / 6°C |
Tourist Crowds
October is off-peak, so many places are less crowded.
What to Pack
Texas is big and the weather is different from place to place, so pack for that:
For north, central, and south Texas:
- Light clothes (T-shirts, shorts)
- A medium jacket for cool evenings
- Rain jacket or umbrella for showers
For West Texas:
- Light clothes for the day
- Warmer clothes (sweaters, jackets) for the cool nights
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Texas in October. From food festivals to the state fair and nature trips.
- See the State Capitol and the live music scene in Austin.
- Visit the NASA Space Center in Houston.
- Enjoy the Texas State Fair in Dallas, one of the biggest state fairs in the US.
- Visit the Marfa Lights Festival in West Texas.
13. Hawaii
Weather
Hawaii is warm in October, with 75-85°F (24-29°C) on all islands. It is also the start of the rainy season, mostly on the windward sides of the islands.
We have been to Hawaii (mostly the Big Island) many times in October, and the weather was always great! Only once it was not perfect. It was very windy, and some days were cloudy on the Kona side. But that was an exception and it surprised us. All our other October trips were superb.
Tourist Crowds
October is a quiet month in Hawaii, so it is a good time to avoid big crowds.
What to Pack
Pack for warm weather and some rain:
- Light clothes (shorts, T-shirts)
- Swimsuits and beach gear
- Rain jacket or umbrella for showers
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for the sun
Things to do in October
Hawaii is still tropical in October, with beaches, nature, and cultural events:
- Enjoy the beaches and water activities on the islands.
- Visit Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
- Explore the historic sites of Pearl Harbor on Oahu.
- Go to the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival.
14. California
Weather
The weather in California is very mixed in October. On the coast, in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, you get 60-75°F (15-24°C). The days are sunny and the evenings are cool.
Inland it is warmer. In Sacramento it can be around 80°F (27°C). In the mountains, like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, it is cooler, about 50-60°F (10-15°C). Rain is not common, but you can get a few showers at the end of October.
Average highs and lows for October:
| Place | Average High Temps | Average Low Temps |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 79°F / 26°C | 58°F / 14°C |
| San Francisco | 73°F / 23°C | 55°F / 13°C |
| San Diego | 74°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C |
| Yosemite National Park | 70°F / 21°C | 33°F / 1°C |
| Joshua Tree National Park | 82°F / 28°C | 50°F / 10°C |
The weather can change, so always check the forecast before your trip.
Tourist Crowds
The crowds get smaller at the end of summer. So October is a good time to visit the popular places without too many people.
What to Pack
The weather in California is mixed, so pack for different conditions. For the warm coast and inland areas, bring light clothes for sunny days.
- Casual clothes like shorts, T-shirts, sundresses
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for the sun
For the cooler mountains, bring:
- A light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- Good shoes or hiking boots for the trails
And no matter where you go, bring an umbrella or a light rain jacket for a few showers.
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in California in October. From wine tasting to theme parks, you find something for every age.
- Join the grape harvest and wine tasting in Napa Valley.
- Visit theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios without the big summer crowds.
- Enjoy the fall colors in Yosemite National Park.
- Go to the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival in San Francisco.
- Join the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, one of the biggest Halloween street parties in the world. Learn more here.
15. Florida
Weather
The weather in Florida in October feels like summer for people from the north. It is warm, about 75-85°F (24-29°C). It is not as hot and humid as in real summer anymore. But in the south, in cities like Miami, it can still be humid.
October is also the end of the hurricane season. So you can get some rain showers and thunderstorms.
Tourist Crowds
There are fewer people in Florida in October. The busy season starts in November.
What to Pack
Pack for warm and humid weather and for some rain. Here is what you need:
For the beach, bring:
- Light, breathable clothes
- Swimsuits and beach gear
- Sunscreen and hats for the sun
For cities or nature trips, bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket or umbrella for sudden showers
Things to do in October
There is a lot to do in Florida in October. From theme parks to the space center, you have many options.
- Enjoy shorter wait times at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
- Visit the Kennedy Space Center.
- Explore the Everglades National Park.
- Go to Fantasy Fest in Key West, a big and colorful 10-day festival.
6 Great Places to Watch Fall Colors in October
Fall is beautiful in many states in the U.S. Here is a guide on where to see the best colors:
1. New Hampshire: The White Mountains
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are famous for their fall colors. The sugar maples, birch, and beech trees turn red, orange, and yellow.
- Tip: For a nice drive, take the Kancamagus Highway. It has many viewpoints and hiking trails.
2. Vermont: Green Mountains
The Green Mountains in Vermont have great fall colors. The maples, oaks, and birch trees make a colorful mix.
- Tip: Take the Green Mountain Byway for a great foliage tour. Also visit Smugglers’ Notch State Park for good hiking with fall colors.
3. Maine: Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine is another great place for fall colors. They usually peak in mid-October.
- Tip: Drive or hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the North Atlantic coast, for a wide view of the fall colors.
4. Colorado: Aspen
Aspen in Colorado is famous for its golden fall colors, mostly the yellow of the aspen trees.
- Tip: The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area has beautiful views of the fall colors. The weather can change fast, so wear layers.
5. Oregon: Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon has great fall colors from its maple, cottonwood, and Oregon ash trees.
- Tip: The Historic Columbia River Highway has great fall views. You can also hike trails like Angel’s Rest for a view from above.
6. North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is called “America’s Favorite Drive.” It is famous for its fall colors.
- Tip: Stop at the Pisgah Inn around milepost 408 for wide foliage views. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more fall colors.
Each of these places has great fall colors. So grab your camera and get ready for some of the most beautiful scenes in October.
Warmest States to Visit in October
Fall comes to the whole U.S. in October. But if you still want summer, some states stay warm. Here is a guide to the warmest states in October:
1. Florida
Florida is 70-85°F (21-29°C) in October. That is great if you want warmth. The beaches, from Miami to the Florida Keys, have a lot of sun.
- Tip: Don’t forget your sun protection. It is autumn, but the Florida sun is still strong.
2. Hawaii
Hawaii is tropical all year, and October is no exception, with 75-85°F (24-29°C).
- Tip: Use the warm weather to explore the beaches and do water activities. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
3. Arizona
In Arizona the summer heat goes down in October, but it is still warm, about 65-85°F (18-29°C). Places like Phoenix and Tucson are warm and nice.
- Tip: This is a great time to visit outdoor places like the Grand Canyon and Sedona without the strong summer heat.
4. California
Southern California, with cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, is 65-75°F (18-24°C) in October.
- Tip: Use the warm weather to visit the beach or the many outdoor places in California.
5. Texas
In Texas, October is 65-85°F (18-29°C), so it is warm but not too hot.
- Tip: Do outdoor activities like the San Antonio River Walk or Big Bend National Park.
Remember, these states are warm, but the weather can still change in October. Always check the forecast before your trip so you can pack right.