Autumn sees decreasing temperatures in various parts of the world. Some places start to experience cold weather conditions, whereas others might still witness warmer temperatures.

So, to help you escape the decreasing temperature, we have carefully sorted a list of the 11 best places to go for “sun.” These places are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and people who seek sun.

With their charming weather and scenic landscapes, these places will not make you regret your decision to visit.

1. 11 Best Places To Go In Autumn

1.1. Lisbon, Portugal

With temperatures around 16 to 23 degrees Celsius, Lisbon is the epitome of perfect autumn weather for your next travel destination. Lisbon receives an average of 7 hours of sunshine in Autumn (According to Climate Data); the sun here will make you wear glasses.

The temperature might as well be the perfect temperature for sightseeing and absorbing the best of Lisbon. Although Lisbon is brimming with vibrant culture year-round, the vibrancy in Autumn, which lies in the festivals and events, is unmatched—festivals and events of great cultural value, like Halloween-themed parties and community marathons.

Autumn is also the beginning of the roasted chestnut season in Lisbon. Once you have had the roasted chestnuts from the roadside stalls of Lisbon, no other chestnut will ever satisfy you.

Lisbon is less crowded in Autumn, and hotel rates are cheaper than during the peak holiday season. The scenic coastline, nightlife, and the perfect autumn temperature will enrich your experience and allure you to return.

1.2. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is Spain’s second most populous municipality, situated along the Mediterranean Sea coast. The leisure that Barcelona offers appeals to you time and time again. Famous as one of the trendiest cities in Europe, Barcelona is a blend of creativity and innovation on one hand while tradition on the other hand. It is the centre of art and marvellous architecture.

Barcelona is well connected within itself and with other parts of Spain, making commuting easy. While the average daily high temperature in Autumn is 22 degrees Celsius, the city receives 8 hours of sunshine daily (according to Climate Data).

Famous attractions like Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Picasso Museum, which welcome visitors from across the globe, are less crowded in Autumn, thus making your visit to Barcelona hassle-free and less hectic.

Barcelona offers a balanced platter of sandy beaches, sun, and sea. The airfare and accommodation expenses are quite pocket-friendly around this season. It would be best to give yourself a glimpse of the cultural spirit that Autumn in Barcelona emanates.

The independent Barcelona coffee festival will leave you high-spirited. In the pleasant weather of Autumn, you can undertake guided tours to discover the local hotspots. Enjoy some local fresh mushroom delicacies as Autumn marks the arrival of mushrooms in Barcelona.

Blend Preferences with Practical Considerations

Choosing a destination for an autumn getaway involves a blend of personal preferences, interests, and practical considerations. 

1. Weather and Climate

• Preference Variation: Some travellers may seek fall’s cosy, cool temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and leaf-peeping, while others might prefer destinations where summer’s warmth lingers longer.
• Impact: Destinations vary widely in their autumn weather, from crisp and cool in northern regions to warm and sunny in more tropical locales. This directly affects the type of activities available, from enjoying the fall foliage in New England to extending summer with a beach holiday in the Mediterranean.

2. Crowd Levels

• Preference Variation: Individuals looking for a quiet retreat may favor less popular destinations or those known for being off-season in Autumn, whereas others might enjoy the vibrancy and social aspects of crowded festivals.
• Impact: Autumn can be a shoulder season for many destinations, offering the dual benefits of lower prices and fewer tourists. However, certain places might be at their peak due to specific autumnal events, affecting both crowd levels and pricing.

3. Cultural and Seasonal Events

• Preference Variation: Travelers interested in cultural immersion might look for destinations with significant fall festivals or events, like Oktoberfest in Germany or Diwali in India. Others might prioritize natural events, such as the northern lights or wildlife migrations.
• Impact: Participating in these events can offer a rich, memorable travel experience but may require advance planning for accommodations and event tickets.

4. Nature and Scenery

• Preference Variation: The desire to experience Autumn’s natural beauty, such as fall foliage, might draw travelers to certain regions. In contrast, others might prioritize destinations where fall offers the best conditions for specific outdoor activities, like hiking or wine tasting.
• Impact: Destinations known for their fall landscapes, like the Canadian Rockies or Japan, offer stunning vistas but might also see a surge in tourism during peak foliage periods.

5. Cost and Availability

• Preference Variation: Budget-conscious travelers might look for destinations where their currency stretches further or where the off-peak season leads to lower prices.

Enrique Garcia, QMS, TravelFAQ

1.3. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, often referred to as thira, is located in the southern part of Cyclada. It is widely famous for housing one of the few active volcanoes in Greek and European land. In Autumn, the temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.

Santorini offers a relaxed and secluded Autumn holiday with fewer crowds than in other months. The city exudes warmth and calmness. The sea temperature in Autumn is ideal for swimming in crystal clear water and doing outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, and scuba diving.

The days here are mild yet sunny, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine daily (according to Climate Data). The weather is perfect for sightseeing, and witnessing the spectacular sunset will allow you to experience the sublimity that Santorini exudes.

The red beach, so hot that people prefer to view it from afar, can be absorbed and enjoyed correctly in Autumn and not soaring hot weather. A winery tour might as well leave you spellbound. Soak up the Autumn sun on the beaches.

1.4. Las Vegas, USA

Nevada’s capital, Las Vegas, is widely referred to as the entertainment capital of the world and America’s playground. With Autumn temperatures between 12 and 27 degrees Celsius, Las Vegas receives an average of 10 hours of sunshine (according to Climate Data).

Las Vegas is known for parties, glamour, and dressing up. Various options for entertainment come in handy in Las Vegas, which is famous worldwide for its casinos and exotic nightlife. The alcoholic pool parties, which usually take place around the same time, almost end by the end of Autumn, which gives people a chance to enjoy exclusive pool parties.

Halloween parties around the same time are a must-experience for uplifting your spirits and adrenaline levels. In Autumn, Many sporting events, such as soccer, hockey, and football, occur. Festivals like Muddfest and several concerts in Autumn in Las Vegas will leave you spellbound.

As the pleasant weather settles in Las Vegas, you can do anything from sightseeing to riding a helicopter to see the world-famous Grand Canyon, from the fountains of Bellagio to the museums of Las Vegas. The experience will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

1.5. Cape Town, South Africa

The legislative capital of South Africa and one of the oldest cities, Cape Town is the second most populous city of South Africa. Also referred to as the “mother city”, Cape Town is famous for its beautiful, clean, and well-maintained beaches to the extent that 10 of Cape Town’s beaches were certified as blue flags in 2016.

With temperatures ranging between 13 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, Cape Town receives 11 hours of sunshine per day in Autumn (according to Climate Data). The mild weather makes it ideal for visiting scenic beaches and doing outdoor activities like rock climbing, camping, paragliding, and hiking up the Table Mountains to get a panoramic view of the city.

Cape Town is a testament to the amalgamation of Asian, European, and African cultures. The entertainment and nightlife, always brimming with life, will leave you amazed. The neighbourhoods of Cape Town echo the stories of people from different communities.

The festival and cultural events, such as Rocking the Daisies (an outdoor music festival) and the international kite festival, held in Autumn, will make your experience more memorable. Cape Town perfectly blends beautiful landscapes, rivers, and mountains.

Seek Destinations with Autumnal Cuisine

I am a major foodie, so the culinary aspect of any trip is often something I plan for.

Autumn specifically brings a bounty of seasonal foods and flavors, so travelers interested in culinary experiences may seek destinations known for their autumnal cuisine, such as regions famous for their harvests of apples, pumpkins, mushrooms, or grapes.

Consider destinations with food festivals, farmers’ markets, or farm-to-table dining experiences to really take advantage of a fall harvest.

Autumn is also a time for cultural festivals and events around the world, so it can be helpful to consider destinations that host seasonal celebrations like harvest festivals, Oktoberfest in Germany, Thanksgiving in Canada or the United States, or Diwali in India.

These events can offer unique cultural experiences and opportunities to immerse yourself in local traditions. It helps to find an event or activity that is both autumnal and something you might be interested in.

Ha Malloy, Founder, Heat and Heartbeat

1.6. Bali, Indonesia

Bali, in Indonesia, is the most famous travel destination among tourists. The temperature of Bali in Autumn is between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, providing comfortable weather for outdoor exploration in nature’s lap. Visiting Bali in Autumn will make your vacation more memorable.

It receives an average of 9 hours of sunshine daily (according to Climate Data). Bali is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and water sports. Autumn in Bali offers you lower villa prices and one of the pocket-friendly experiences.

Transport yourself to the world’s calmness and spirituality by visiting the iconic temple, a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Beautiful beaches like Sanur beach and those beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Everything from Nusa Lembongan for watersports to the Agung Rai Museum of Art is less crowded in Autumn, allowing a serene experience.

Autumn in Bali is brimming with cultural festivities. One of Asia’s most important literary events, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival and the Bali Kite Festival offer a sublime experience. A hike on one of Bali’s many volcanoes is a must-do.

1.7. Dubai, UAE

One of the most visited travel destinations of the year, the Autumn-Dubai, is a sight to behold. With temperatures ranging between a high of 35 degrees Celsius and a low of 23 degrees Celsius, the average sunshine Dubai receives per day is 10 hours (according to Climate Data). Autumn is the ideal time for both outdoor and indoor activities.

Famous tourist attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, and the underwater zoo, usually crowded during peak vacation seasons, witness fewer crowds, allowing you to explore and absorb the places comfortably.

From the stunning architecture to the fancy beach clubs and concerts, Dubai will leave you spellbound. If you have not visited Dubai before and are looking forward to it, Autumn is the month for you. The whirlwind of available transport options makes it well-connected, thus making your travel more accessible and hassle-free.

If you are seeking some thrill, the weather in Autumn is perfect for a night or evening desert safari. For people seeking a thrill, the zip line in Dubai is the best. At the same time, the beaches experience a comfortable climate that is best for sunbathing, swimming, or walking along the coastline.

We recommend you remain hydrated; otherwise, you are good to go!

1.8. Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii, has a warm and pleasant temperate climate. In Maui, you will be confused about what to explore next, as wherever you go, there are one or other things that match your preference. The temperature of Maui in Autumn ranges between 26 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius (according to Climate Data).

Maui caters to the needs of budget-minded travellers with low accommodation and other activity prices during Autumn. It is known for everything under the sky, from beaches to waterfalls. Thus, Maui has a diversity of options that will suit every preference.

Maui’s island topography makes it the perfect destination for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing. A scenic road trip will help you absorb the beautiful landscape of Maui.

Hiking in nature’s lap along the trails of Makawao forest will capture your mind and heart. Maui in Autumn is brimming with festivities, including the annual Maui fair and Halloween, with lots of entertainment, food, and other competitions.

Culinary events like the annual Maui Food and Wine Festival will have you drooling. While a trip to Kula County Farms pumpkins patch will calm you, attending community events like the Maui marathon and Hawaiian music concert series will raise your spirits.

Balance Personal Hobbies with Local Offerings

Selecting a fall getaway destination boils down to a few factors that change based on individual desires and inclinations. The weather can play a huge role in decisions—while some crave the cozy feel of falling leaves and the crisp air, others might lean more towards a warmer atmosphere.

Local autumn activities such as hayrides or cider tasting can also be influential. Personal hobbies make a difference too—art enthusiasts might favor places with autumn-themed exhibits, while sports enthusiasts may choose locations with fall sporting events.

In essence, it’s all about striking a balance between what you love and what the place has to offer.

Abid Salahi, Co-founder & CEO, FinlyWealth

1.9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, capital of New Wales; when asked to describe in one word, we would say the diversity- A diversity ranging from marvellous architecture to scenic beaches. The perfect mild weather, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (according to Climate Data), makes it ideal to do several outdoor activities.

The warm and pleasant weather, coupled with flowers in full bloom in festivals like the annual Florida festival, will captivate and mesmerize your mind. It would be best to visit beaches like Bondi as the temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

Sydney boasts beaches like Bondi and Manly, offering opportunities like sunbathing, surfing, or simply strolling along the coastline. Autumn brings various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or picnicking in Sydney’s numerous parks and reserves.

Around the same time, baby kangaroos and koalas leave their pouches for the first time. To witness this cute moment, you can visit the Koala Park Sanctuary. Ranging from cultural events like art, food, and wine festivals to culinary delights, Sydney in Australia is thriving with life in Autumn.

1.10. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket in Thailand can be one of the best options when considering a travel destination in Autumn. With temperatures ranging between 28 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius (according to Climate Data), the tropical climate and clear days in Phuket around Autumn make it perfect for exploring beaches like Patong Beach in all their glory, with golden sand and crystalline water.

Phuket witnesses lower crowds compared to the peak vacation season, which increases the chances of you coming across pocket-friendly accommodations and charges for other activities.

Autumn might as well be a time to try outdoor activities like surfing, diving, and snorkelling. Temples and markets that emanate cultural vibes are open in Autumn. Exploring rich cultural heritage sites and historical sites and devouring Thai cuisine is to make your trip memorable.

Take a dip in a natural pool in Bang Pae, which provides an opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity and serenity of the waterfall. Everything from museums like Phuket Trickeye Museum to Coral Island will surely leave you with sublime memories of Autumn.

1.11. Mauritius

Mauritius is a stunning travel destination all year, and Autumn is no exception. Autumn in Mauritius offers delightful weather that ranges between 20 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius (according to Climate Data).

Mauritius is known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Autumn is the best season to experience outdoor activities like swimming, snorkelling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach.

Autumn in Mauritius sees fewer crowds, allowing you a more relaxed and calm experience. Explore the coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, or go on a whale-watching tour to spot humpback whales in the clear waters of Mauritius. Mauritius boasts scenic and diverse natural landscapes, perfect for hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, zip-lining through lush forests, or quad-biking along rugged coastlines.

Being the amalgamation of diverse cultures like Asia, Africa, and Europe, Mauritius is always with life. You can immerse yourself in sublime experiences by visiting. The luxurious beachfront resorts that Mauritius is known for offer better deals and discounts on accommodation.

Mauritius is perfect for your Autumn vacation, from waterfalls and sugar cane fields to cliffs and volcanic landscapes.

Consider Peak Fall Foliage Timing

When choosing an autumn getaway destination, the number-one factor travelers should consider is the timing of fall foliage.

As someone who has explored destinations across the country in Autumn, I’ve learned that peak fall colors can vary drastically depending on location and elevation.

For instance, Autumn arrives early in northern mountain towns, with leaves starting to change in September. Meanwhile, southern destinations and lower elevations see peak fall foliage closer to November. 

It’s important to research not just the destination, but specifically the areas within it to find ideal conditions. State and national park websites often provide fall foliage forecasts to help you pinpoint prime leaf-peeping weeks.

Those chasing vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows will want to aim for a spot nearing its color crescendo.  

Beyond foliage, personal interests also come into play. For culture lovers, fall festivals featuring food, music, and crafts may influence the choice. Outdoor adventurers should seek activities available like hiking among autumn hues.

And for foodies, farm-to-table cuisine showcasing seasonal produce could be a deciding factor. No matter your preference, choose a destination that aligns with your autumn agenda.

Mac Steer, Owner and Director, Simify

2. Tips That Would Make It All Easy

Since there are differences in temperature within these places and a lack of commonalities, we suggest a few tips to make your journey hassle-free and comfortable. Here are three tips that you can consider.

2.1. Stay Hydrated

The warm temperature can sometimes take a toll on you, especially when travelling. Staying hydrated then becomes a priority. 

This will prevent you from feeling tired or suffering heatstroke. Keep enough water bottles here; you are all geared up to go.

Carry Water, Pack Layers, Stay Informed

For a hassle-free autumn vacation, travelers should stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle and drinking plenty of fluids, especially in dry or cooler climates.

To prepare for unexpected weather changes, packing versatile layers and waterproof outerwear is essential, along with checking local forecasts regularly.

Staying informed about local events and news updates can enhance the vacation experience by allowing travelers to participate in seasonal festivities and avoid potential disruptions.

Madison T, E-commerce Manager, My Supplement Store

2.2. Carry Raingear

Warm weather may or may not be accompanied by rain or stormy weather conditions. So, to be safe, carry your rain gear so that even if you face rain, you are still secure and can travel comfortably. 

Check local weather forecasts beforehand to avoid such circumstances.

2.3. Follow Local News

Follow the local news channels for any last-minute updates on the place you will visit. This will help you avoid last-minute circumstances. Besides warnings, local news channels also post updates about local cultural events. So, if you do not want to miss important updates, follow the local news.

Pack Layers and Use Travel Apps

As a female digital nomad who cherishes exploring new destinations, I’ve learned several essential tips for ensuring a seamless autumn vacation.

Firstly, staying hydrated is paramount, so I always carry a refillable water bottle and prioritize drinking water throughout the day, especially when indulging in seasonal treats like pumpkin-spice lattes.

Secondly, packing versatile clothing layers helps prepare me for unexpected weather changes, ensuring I’m ready for crisp mornings and warmer afternoons.

Finally, to stay informed about local events and news updates, I rely on travel apps, social media groups, and local news websites to stay connected with the pulse of each destination, allowing me to embrace spontaneous adventures while staying informed and safe.

Sarah Marie Naska, Founder, SMHavice Investments

3. Conclusion

You are all set to go! The above-listed place perfectly blends ideal weather, marvellous architecture, scenic landscapes, and diverse culture. This platter of all the “perfects” will make your vacation the perfect moment.

From Bali’s iconic beaches to the pleasant weather of Sydney, all these places await your presence.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Khushahal Malakar