If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the sunshine, we’re right there with you. Here in the UK, autumn’s more about admiring the colourful leaves through a face full of rain. But in other places, autumn’s just as beautiful – if not better – with warmer weather and a lot more pleasant days.
So, if you fancy escaping the howling wind and sideways rain this autumn, grab a pumpkin spiced latte and have a gander at our list of some of the world’s most beautiful places to visit in autumn.
The world’s best places to experience autumn
Kyoto, Japan
Average temp: 10°C to 20°C
Daylight hours: 10-13 hours
Kyoto in autumn is like stepping into a real-life painting. The city’s famous temples and gardens, like Kiyomizu-dera and Arashiyama, are surrounded by fiery red maples and golden ginkgo trees, making it one of the most magical places you’ll ever see this time of year. One of the main reasons to visit Kyoto in autumn is the stunning display of autumn leaves, or ‘koyo’ as they call it. The colours sweeping across the city are absolutely breathtaking, perfect for wandering around the peaceful temples or taking a relaxed stroll through the quiet bamboo groves.
Another reason to head to Kyoto in autumn is the slower pace of things. Summer brings the heat and the crowds, but come autumn, the air’s cooler and crisper, so you can explore the city’s old streets without breaking a sweat. And let’s not forget the seasonal food – autumn brings out all sorts of flavours like chestnuts, mushrooms, and roasted sweet potatoes. Combined with Kyoto’s ancient charm, an autumn trip there feels like stepping straight into a storybook.
New England, USA
Average temp: 8 – 18°C
Daylight hours: 9-12 hours
If you’re after that picture-perfect cosy vibe, New England’s where you want to be this Autumn – sorry, fall. It’s the ideal season for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic getaway that feels like something straight out of a cheesy Hallmark film (but cheesy in the absolute best way). This north-eastern part of the U.S. is the ultimate spot for all things autumn, with miles of stunning foliage and cosy little villages dotted about. Covering states like Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, the main city to head for is Boston – but honestly, you can go anywhere in this region and be treated to postcard-perfect drives through pumpkin patches and apple orchards.
And let’s not forget the foliage – it’s something else. You’ll be surrounded by dazzling colours, and every drive, hike, or stroll will feel like you’re wandering through a magical autumn wonderland. Picture staying in a cosy B&B, sipping hot apple cider, and exploring towns like Woodstock or Stowe, where the local festivals are packed with that proper autumn charm
Tuscany, Italy
Average temp: 11-23°C
Daylight hours: 9-13 hours
Swap your hot chocolate for a glass of vino and head to Italy this autumn. We’ve picked Tuscany in particular because the rolling hills look even more stunning under autumn’s golden light, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed drive through vineyards and olive groves. Even better, it’s harvest season, so grape picking is in full swing, and there’s no better time to sample fresh wines straight from the source. Get yourself on a wine-tasting tour – you’ll find them all over the region, in places like Chianti and Montalcino, and trust us, it’s some of the best wine you’ll ever taste.
Another reason? The weather’s spot-on – it’s more like a UK summer! But, unlike summer, the crowds have thinned out, so you can explore Florence, Siena, or hilltop towns like San Gimignano without being elbow-to-elbow with tourists. You’ll have plenty of time to take in Tuscany’s autumn beauty, maybe while tucking into a truffle-infused dish at a local trattoria, and you won’t even need to bundle up in a jacket and scarf.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Average temp: 5°C to 15°C
Daylight hours: 8-11 hours
It may not be hot, or even far away (though we do sell flights to Edinburgh), hear me out. Scotland is so beautiful, especially in the autumn, and it’s well-deserving of a place on this list.
While Edinburgh’s not a top-spot if you’re after some last minute sun, what it does have is tons of character, history – and the moodiness of autumn brings it out just right. Edinburgh’s parks are bursting with colour at this time of year – especially the Royal Botanic Garden and Holyrood Park. The crowds of summer have passed, so you’ll actually have the space and time to absorb Edinburgh’s historic castles in peace, then wrap up your day with a dram from one of the city’s many whisky bars (and actually get a seat).
The weather may be a little chilly, but it’s the perfect time to get the blood pumping with a hike up to Arthur’s Seat, or even just a stroll through the streets. Not to mention that Halloween is the perfect time one of the most haunted cities in the world and to immerse yourself in some of its eerie folklore and sites, like the Edinburgh Vaults, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Mary King’s Close.
Quebec, Canada
Average temp: 2-12°C
Daylight hours: 9-11 hours
If you reckon autumn looks good in the UK, just wait ‘til you see it in Quebec! This French-Canadian city looks like something straight out of a fairytale in the fall – and late September to early October is the best time to go. Don’t let the average temperatures put you off either – it usually feels warmer, especially when you’ve got a belly full of poutine!
The Laurentian Mountains near Quebec City are a dream for hikers, especially at this time of year when the colours are absolutely stunning along every trail. And if hiking’s not your thing, you can always have a wander around the charming streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, without all the summer crowds getting in your way.
South Korea
Average temp: 7-17°C
Daylight hours: 10-12 hours
South Korea might not be the first place you think of for an autumn getaway, but it really should be. The weather’s lovely and warm without being too hot, and the autumn colours are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you fancy exploring the cities or heading out to the mountains, you’re surrounded by stunning, vibrant colours. Seoul’s especially gorgeous in autumn – places like Namsan Park and Gyeongbokgung Palace turn into a proper riot of colour. And there’s nothing quite like tucking into some Korean street food while taking in the sights and sounds of an autumn festival. It’s got that ‘best of all worlds’ feel to it.
And if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere (or want to be)…
Whether you’re based in the Southern hemisphere or have your sights set on a long haul holiday to experience autumn (which will be at our spring time, from March til May), we reckon you need to get these destinations on your radar…
Patagonia
Average temp: 5-15°C
Daylight hours: 9-11 hours
If you’re after a bit of peace and quiet, Patagonia’s where you’ll find it, no question. Pack an extra layer or two and get yourself to one of the world’s most underrated beauty spots. It’s a favourite for hikers, wildlife lovers, and photographers, but it’s often missed off the holiday radar, probably ‘cause of the climate. But trust us, it should definitely be on your list.
The scenery is proper dramatic – think snowcapped mountains, jagged landscapes, stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and turquoise lakes surrounded by trees. It’s the kind of stuff you see on National Geographic. And in autumn? Well, it’s turned up to 11! The mild weather and blazing colours make it even more incredible, especially when the bright forests stand out against the grey mountains. It’s genuinely something else.
Plus, it’s one of the quietest times to visit, so you can soak up all that beauty in peace. You’ll also have a better chance of spotting some of Patagonia’s elusive wildlife, like pumas, armadillos, penguins, and deer – including the world’s tiniest one!
New Zealand
Average temp: 9 – 19°C
Daylight hours: 10-12 hours
Autumn in New Zealand (March to May) is something special, especially if you’re craving the peace and beauty of the great outdoors. From the golden vineyards of Marlborough to the snow-dusted peaks of the Southern Alps, New Zealand’s landscapes are at their most beautiful in Autumn. It’s the perfect time for a long-haul getaway, offering not just stunning scenery but also a quieter, more peaceful experience than the peak summer months. The first reason to go? The landscapes. You’ll find everything from glowing orange forests to tranquil lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
The second reason is that it’s the perfect season for wine lovers! The autumn harvest in regions like Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay is in full swing, giving you the chance to tour vineyards, sample world-class Pinot Noir, and enjoy farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you’re exploring Queenstown, driving through the stunning Fiordland, or simply soaking in the beauty of Lake Wanaka, autumn in New Zealand is the ultimate escape for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The best hot holiday destinations in autumn
Dubai
Average temp: 25 – 35°C
Daylight hours: 10-12 hours
Well it’s Dubai – expect hot temperatures! While the average autumn temperature is up in the thirties, it’s considerably cooler than the summer, where the mercury gets into the high forties. The autumn months, from September to November, are the country’s shoulder season, before the peak season starts (and pasts through to April). So you can expect lower hotel costs and flight prices, while still enjoying long days of bright sunshine, and a lovely warm sea temperature, too.
Bali
Average temp: 24 – 31°C
Daylight hours: 12 hours
Being close the equator, autumn in Bali means lovely long days and beautifully warm temperatures. It’s technically shoulder season, so the usual iconic spots like Uluwaty Temple and Ubud are a little less crowded. The same goes for the hotels too – not only are they quieter, but cheaper, too. Besides the weather, autumn is a fab time for a Bali holiday because of the Galungan festival, which the local population celebrates in typical Hindi style with vibrant colours and fabulous music.
Barbados
Average temp: 22 – 30°C
Daylight hours: 12 hours
An autumn escape to Barbados is just the ticket to get far, far away from anything dull and dreary. As is typical in the Caribbean, the temperatures are toasty and tropical, even in hurricane season. And because the country lies on the outer edge of the region, it’s less likely to be affected by hurricanes. Even so, this is a quiet time to visit, so expect fewer crowds and an even more laid-back vibe across the island. Anyone willing to head out there can enjoy the island’s historic sites and stunning beaches in peace. If that’s not enough to persuade you, how about the fact that autumn is one of the cheapest time to bag a Barbados holiday?