Where is Warm in October? Top Outbound Winter Sun Destinations for UK Travelers
October is the month when much of southern Europe cools off and the Canaries, Cyprus, Egypt and the Gulf come into their own. We compare average October temperatures, rainfall and sunshine from national weather services, with the entry rules for each destination.
Sumcraft Editorial Team
Sumcraft
About these figures. Temperatures are long-term average daily highs for October from national meteorological services or the World Meteorological Organization, unless marked otherwise. They are averages, not forecasts: any given week can be cooler, wetter or hotter. Checked 15 October 2026.
October warmth at a glance
| Destination | Avg October high | October rain | Sunshine | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife (south) | 26.8°C | 12 mm, about 1.6 rain days | 214 hours | AEMET |
| Gran Canaria | 26.2°C | – | 220 hours | AEMET |
| Lanzarote | 26.7°C | – | 235 hours | AEMET |
| Paphos, Cyprus | 26.8°C | – | – | WMO |
| Larnaca, Cyprus | 28.3°C | – | – | WMO |
| Faro, Algarve | 23.3°C | 56 mm | – | IPMA |
| Funchal, Madeira | 25.2°C | 91 mm | – | IPMA |
| Heraklion, Crete | 23.4°C | – | – | WMO |
| Antalya, Turkey | 26.6°C | – | 7.8 hours a day | MGM |
| Hurghada, Egypt | 31.3°C | – | – | WMO |
| Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt | 31.9°C | – | – | WMO |
| Sal, Cape Verde | 28.6°C | – | – | WMO |
A dash means we did not find a primary-source figure. Other popular choices, from secondary sources: Malta about 25°C, Agadir about 26°C, Marrakech about 28.5°C and Dubai about 36.5°C. Treat these as indicative.
Short-haul and reliable: the Canary Islands
The Canaries are the UK's default winter-sun choice for good reason. Flights take approximately four hours, the islands use the euro, and October averages sit in the mid-to-high 20s with very little rain, according to Spain's state weather agency, AEMET. Tenerife's south coast averages just 12 mm of rain in October across fewer than two rain days.
- Tenerife: the south coast (around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje) is sunnier and drier than the north.
- Gran Canaria: the south, around Maspalomas, is the warmest part of the island.
- Lanzarote: the sunniest of the three in October, with 235 hours of sunshine.
The Canaries are in Spain and the Schengen area, so the EU entry rules apply: a passport issued less than 10 years before you arrive and valid for 3 months after you leave, and the 90/180-day rule.
Still summery: Cyprus
Cyprus holds on to summer longer than almost anywhere in Europe. Larnaca averages a high of over 28°C in October and Paphos nearly 27°C. Flights take approximately four and a half to five hours. Cyprus is in the EU but outside Schengen, uses the euro, and drives on the left.
Milder and greener: the Algarve and Madeira
Portugal's Algarve averages about 23°C in Faro in October, with autumn rain starting (56 mm on average, according to IPMA). It suits walking, golf and quieter beaches more than guaranteed sunbathing. Madeira averages about 25°C in Funchal but is wetter, at 91 mm, and the mountainous interior is cooler and cloudier. Both are within about three hours of the UK.
Late-season Greece and Turkey
Crete stays warm into October, averaging about 23°C in Heraklion. Many smaller Greek resorts begin to close in mid to late October, so check that hotels, restaurants and boat trips are still running before booking.
Antalya, on Turkey's southern coast, averages almost 27°C with about 7.8 hours of sunshine a day, according to Turkey's meteorological service (MGM). British passport holders can visit Turkey for up to 90 days in 180 without a visa, but your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive, according to GOV.UK's Turkey entry requirements.
Guaranteed heat: the Red Sea, Gulf and Cape Verde
Egypt
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh average highs above 31°C in October, and the Red Sea is excellent for snorkelling. British visitors usually need a visa, available on arrival for US$30. If you are staying only in the Sharm El Sheikh area for under 15 days, you can usually get a free entry stamp instead. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Read GOV.UK's Egypt entry requirements and travel advice before you book.
Morocco
Agadir's beaches and Marrakech's souks both stay warm in October. British citizens can visit Morocco for up to 90 days without a visa, according to GOV.UK.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is still very hot in October, with averages above 36°C. British citizens get a free visa on arrival. See GOV.UK's UAE entry requirements.
Cape Verde
Sal averages nearly 29°C in October. Before you travel, you must pre-register online at least five days ahead and pay an airport security (TSA) fee. GOV.UK reports that the fee doubled from 1 July 2026. Check GOV.UK's Cape Verde entry requirements for the current amount.
How to choose
- Under four hours and dependable: the Canaries.
- Warmest sea in Europe: Cyprus.
- Mild, green, active holidays: the Algarve or Madeira.
- Guaranteed heat and diving: Egypt's Red Sea coast.
- Long-haul with luxury: Dubai.
October half-term pushes up prices, so if you can travel outside school holidays, the same trip is often much cheaper. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for your destination close to departure, and buy travel insurance as soon as you book. Our British guide to travel insurance explains how to cover pre-existing medical conditions.