The days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling, and the children have one or two weeks off school. Germans call these the Herbstferien, the autumn school holidays. It is time for one last bit of summer. Many warm destinations are about four hours away in October, with no long journey and hardly any time difference. That matters, especially with children.
Warm destinations in October
| Destination | Daytime air | Sea | Flight from Frankfurt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mallorca | 24 °C | 23 °C | approx. 2 hrs |
| Malta | 25 °C | 24 °C | approx. 2.5 hrs |
| Algarve | 23 °C | 20 °C | approx. 3 hrs |
| Madeira | 24 °C | 23 °C | approx. 4 hrs |
| Crete | 25 °C | 24 °C | approx. 3.5 hrs |
| Rhodes | 26 °C | 24 °C | approx. 3.5 hrs |
| Antalya | 27 °C | 25 °C | approx. 3.5 hrs |
| Cyprus | 28 °C | 25 °C | approx. 4 hrs |
| Canary Islands | 26 °C | 23 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
| Hurghada | 30 °C | 27 °C | approx. 4.5 hrs |
Approximate averages for October. Depending on the federal state, the autumn holidays fall between the end of September and the beginning of November.
Reliably warm: Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt
On the Turkish Riviera around Antalya it still feels like summer in October. The sea is around 25 °C, the hotels are geared to families, and all inclusive is especially common. Cyprus is similarly warm, with long sandy beaches near Ayia Napa and Protaras.
If you want it even warmer, fly to Hurghada or Marsa Alam on the Red Sea. At a little over four hours this is just above the limit, but sun and warmth are almost guaranteed. Even snorkelling from the beach, children see colourful fish.
Greece in autumn
On Crete and Rhodes the season only ends in late October. The water is still pleasant, the beaches are emptier, and the temperatures are good for excursions. Towards the end of the month, though, some hotels and restaurants close. If your autumn holidays are late, check that your hotel is still open.
Madeira and the Canary Islands
On Madeira you usually swim in seawater pools or at small pebble beaches, but the green island is a paradise for walks along the old irrigation channels. The Canary Islands are the most reliable choice in October. Temperatures hardly vary, and at a good four and a half hours the flight is still manageable.
Mallorca, Malta and the Algarve
On Mallorca and Malta the first half of October is still warm enough to swim. After that the days get milder and are better for excursions and walks. On the Algarve the water stays cooler, but the rocky coves near Lagos are almost empty, and the sun often shines all day.
Tips for the autumn holidays
- Choose short flights: with small children, four hours is a good guide.
- Mind the time difference: in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey it is one hour later, in Turkey two after the clocks change.
- Pack something warm for the evenings: even by the Mediterranean, October evenings get cool.
- Remember the clock change: at the end of October the clocks go back in Germany.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
