The best autumn half-term destinations
Where’s hot? Where’s not. These are the top destinations to travel to during the UK's October school holidays.
The Autumn half-term (usually late October in England and Wales, and mid-October in Scotland) might be the trickiest holiday to pick a destination for. October marks the end of the season in many Mediterranean countries, meaning the weather is unpredictable.
The Caribbean is still in the midst of the rainy season. So is Southeast Asia. The first snow is at least two months away, so ski holidays are also out of the question.
It’s not all bad, though. The Canaries and North Africa are still in play. The weather in Dubai and the Middle East is cooling off after the unbearable heights of summer. And pockets of the Med, including Turkey and Cyprus, are still pretty safe in terms of weather.
Plus, with many places approaching the end of their season, some destinations may not feel as overpriced during the October half-term as other school holidays.
So where should you go? Here’s Family Holiday Deals’ picks of the best Autumn half-term destinations.
Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the most reliable short-haul options for October sunshine, sitting further south than most of Greece and enjoying a longer, warmer autumn. While the beaches of Protaras and Ayia Napa are buzzing in July and August, by late October, things are calmer, making it a great spot for families to enjoy good weather without the summer crowds.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 24-26C
Sunshine hours: 8-9
Rainy days: 3-4
Sea temperature: around 24C
Why choose Cyprus in October?
Cyprus benefits from one of the longest beach seasons in the Mediterranean. Resorts in Paphos, Limassol and along the east coast are very much open in late October, with pools, kids’ clubs and restaurants still running as usual. Compared with the Greek islands, which begin to wind down at this time of year, Cyprus feels more lively and dependable for families.
On value, Cyprus is competitive too. All-inclusive packages in Paphos or Protaras start from roughly £1,200 for a family of three at a solid three-star, with four-stars from around £1,400. For families wanting warm seas and a proper resort atmosphere at half-term, Cyprus is one of the safest bets without needing to fly long-haul.
Crete
Crete is the standout Greek island for late October. Thanks to its southerly location, it holds onto the sun longer than most of the Aegean. While some of the smaller islands begin to feel sleepy as the season winds down, Crete’s size and popularity mean that resorts, restaurants and attractions remain lively through to the end of the month.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 22-24C
Sunshine hours: 7-8
Rainy days: 5-6
Sea temperature: around 23C
Why choose Crete in October?
Crete offers a good compromise between beach weather and sightseeing. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, but it’s also cool enough for exploring ancient sites like Knossos or hiking in the Samaria Gorge without the summer heat. Families will find that most larger resorts around Heraklion and Chania stay open until the end of October half-term, with pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment still running.
On price, Crete can be excellent value once you’re outside peak summer. A week in a decent three-star all-inclusive starts at around £1,050 for a family of three, with four-star resorts from £1,250. It may be a touch cooler than Cyprus or Turkey, but for families wanting the best of Greece in October, Crete is the reliable choice.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is one of the strongest bets for guaranteed sunshine in October. Being closer to Africa than mainland Spain, the Canaries stay warm year-round, and Lanzarote’s dry climate means you’ll see very little rain. The island is compact, easy to get around, and popular with families thanks to its sandy beaches, waterparks and relaxed resorts.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 25-27C
Sunshine hours: 8-9
Rainy days: 1-2
Sea temperature: around 23C
Why choose Lanzarote in October?
Lanzarote is a safe pick if you want weather certainty without flying long-haul. Unlike many Mediterranean destinations, resorts here don’t start to wind down at the end of October - the Canaries are a true year-round holiday spot. For families, the island balances beaches with activities like Timanfaya National Park, volcanic caves, and waterparks in Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca.
On price, Lanzarote usually edges out Tenerife and Gran Canaria in October, particularly for all-inclusive packages. A week at a decent three-star all-inclusive starts at around £1,050 for a family of three, with four-stars from £1,250–1,300. With reliable weather, family-friendly resorts and shorter flight times than Egypt or Cape Verde, Lanzarote is hard to beat for value at half-term.
Turkish Riviera, Turkey
Turkey has increasingly been advertising itself as a year-round destination to take on the likes of the Canaries or Egypt. While we’re not quite ready to recommend a January in Belek, October is a great time to visit the country, especially Antalya and the Turkish Riviera.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 23-25C
Sunshine hours: 8-9
Rainy days: 5-6
Sea temperature: around 24C
Why choose Turkey in October?
The benefit of Turkey’s attempts at becoming a year-round destination is that most resorts will still be fully operational in October. By contrast, by mid-to-late October, some Greek islands may start to feel sleepy, with some resorts not operating their full sets of facilities.
Value for money is another reason to consider Turkey, not just in October, but at most times of the year. An all-inclusive holiday at a well-rated three-star hotel starts from around £1,100, total, for a family of three, and about £200 more for a four-star hotel.
Hammamet or Djerba, Tunisia
Tunisia has long been a favourite for affordable sunshine, and in October it comes into its own. The summer heat eases, leaving pleasantly warm days and balmy evenings, while the Mediterranean stays swimmable. Resorts along the coast, from Hammamet to Djerba, are open and welcoming, but without the peak-season bustle.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 24-26C
Sunshine hours: 7-8
Rainy days: 4-5
Sea temperature: around 23-24C
Why choose Tunisia in October?
Tunisia’s big draw in October is value. Prices are consistently lower than in comparable Mediterranean destinations, and package holidays here usually undercut the Canaries, Cyprus or Turkey. Families can expect a well-rated all-inclusive three-star hotel for around £950 for a family of three, with four-stars starting closer to £1,150.
Beyond the beaches, the cooler autumn climate makes it a great time to explore Roman ruins at El Jem, take a day trip into the edge of the Sahara, or wander the medinas of Tunis and Sousse without the stifling heat of summer. With shorter flight times than Egypt and a good balance of beach and culture, Tunisia is a solid October option for families seeking warmth on a budget.
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is Morocco’s main purpose-built beach resort, with a wide sandy bay, a long seafront promenade and plenty of family-friendly hotels. While Marrakech can still be baking hot in October, Agadir is a little cooler and breezier, making it comfortable for both beach time and exploring. It’s also only a few hours from the UK, which keeps travel costs down.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 24-26C
Sunshine hours: 8-9
Rainy days: 2-3
Sea temperature: around 22C
Why choose Agadir in October?
Agadir offers a blend of affordable beach holidays and a taste of Morocco’s culture. Resorts are fully operational in October, but without peak-season crowds. Families can mix lazy days on the beach with day trips. Marrakech is about three hours away, while the Souss-Massa National Park is right on the doorstep.
In terms of value, Morocco is hard to beat. Packages to Agadir in late October start at around £900 for a family of three in a decent three-star all-inclusive, with four-stars from roughly £1,100. That makes it cheaper than Cyprus, Crete or the Canaries, while still offering sunshine and a unique atmosphere.
Orlando
October is one of the best months to visit Orlando for families. The summer heat and humidity ease off, crowds thin out after September, and the theme parks put on their full Halloween celebrations. It’s still hurricane season in Florida, but by late October, storms are less frequent, and you’ll usually find warm, sunny days mixed with the odd short downpour.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 28-30C
Sunshine hours: 7-8
Rainy days: 7-8
Sea temperature (east coast beaches): around 26C
Why choose Orlando in October?
The biggest advantage is the theme parks. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios run special Halloween events throughout the month, and crowd levels are much lighter than in summer or at Christmas. This makes queuing easier, hotels cheaper, and the whole experience far less overwhelming for families.
On value, Orlando in October is significantly cheaper than during the UK summer or Christmas school holidays. Packages combining flights and hotels can be found from around £1,400 for a family of three self-catering, with resort hotels or family suites closer to £1,700–1,800. Park tickets and meals are the biggest extras, but overall, October is one of the most affordable times to tackle Disney or Universal with kids.
Bali
Bali is one of the top choices in Southeast Asia for late October. It sits at the very end of its dry season, so families can still expect plenty of sunshine, warm seas and fully operational resorts. The island is also great value compared with many long-haul destinations, with family villas and all-inclusive resorts often costing less than in Thailand.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 30-31C
Sunshine hours: 7-8
Rainy days: 5-6 (usually short showers late in the day)
Sea temperature: around 28C
Why choose Bali in October?
The main draw is that Bali offers reliable late-season weather just as Thailand’s Andaman resorts are still coming out of the monsoon. Resorts around Nusa Dua and Seminyak remain lively, beaches are swimmable, and it’s one of the few affordable options for guaranteed tropical sunshine at half-term. Families can balance beach days with easy excursions. Rice terraces, monkey forests, temples and cultural shows are all within a short drive.
On price, Bali is consistently strong value. A 10-night stay in a well-rated three-star resort starts around £2,800 for a family of three, including flights, with four-star options from £3,100–£3,200. Private villas with pools are also widely available and often cheaper than you’d expect. With dependable weather, family-friendly hotels and a broad mix of culture and activities, Bali is one of the most compelling long-haul options for late October.
Iceland
Iceland in October is a brilliant family-friendly wild card. The weather is crisp but manageable, making it ideal for exploring without the extremes of winter, and the nights are long enough to offer a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights. October also falls in the shoulder season, so flights and accommodation are more affordable than in summer, and popular sights are far less crowded.
October weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 3-7C
Sunshine hours: 2-3
Rainy days: 20-21 (usually short showers)
Sea temperature: around 7C (the beaches are beautiful, but not exactly suited for a dip with the kids)
Why choose Iceland in October?
The main draw is that Iceland offers a mix of adventure, nature and spectacle that works well for families. Children can explore geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and black sand beaches, or take gentle hikes along scenic trails. Evening skies provide a real chance to see the Northern Lights, and shorter daylight hours mean the outdoors is cooler but still comfortable. Popular routes like the Golden Circle and South Coast are easy to navigate with children, and family-friendly geothermal pools and spas add a relaxing element after a day of sightseeing.
On price, Iceland is more affordable in October than during the summer peak. Return flights from the UK can be under £200 per person, and family guesthouses or apartments start from around £120 per night. A short break of four nights for a family of three, including flights, costs roughly £1,200–£1,400. With stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, Iceland is a safe, memorable, and surprisingly good-value destination for an October half-term adventure.
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