Where to Travel in Autumn

Autumn is often seen as a transitional period, a bridge between the warmth of summer and the chilliness of winter. In the northern hemisphere autumn falls between September and November, whilst in the southern hemisphere it’s between March and May. Many destinations are particularly stunning during this time as their landscapes transform into rich colours, whilst others celebrate festivals and the harvest season.

To help you decide where to experience autumn our experts have compiled a list of their favourite places. They’ll detail the best months to go and inspire you with explanations of incredible seasonal highlights.

Your fall vacations can include some of the world’s most fulfilling experiences, during the perfect time of year. Set out on invigorating hikes through Chilean Patagonia, savour sweet Port at harvest time in Portugal and marvel at India’s ancient historical sites. You can also experience the beginning of the olive harvest season in Greece, chase the colours of the season across South Korea or spot the Big Five on safari in South Africa, before diving into the underwater world of the Seychelles. 

March marks the beginning of autumn in Chile, with temperatures beginning to fall to around 24°C (75°F) in Santiago. It’s a great time to experience vendimias (harvest festivals) in the wine regions. Immerse yourself in local culture and traditions as you try your hand at grape stomping and savour velvety wine in the vineyards.

May is late autumn in Chile, bringing with it a drop in temperature in the south. It’s one of the best months to spot pumas in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. Patagonia itself is stunning during this month, its azure glaciers and granite peaks framed by crimson foliage, making guided hikes especially rewarding.

Need to know: Patagonia is one of best places to hike in South America. The W Trek is a challenging four-to-five-day hike traversing the French Valley, Grey Glacier and Base of the Towers. Opt to hike just a section of the trek, basing yourself at EcoCamp Patagonia for a comfortable experience. 

Autumn in Argentina (from March to May) ushers in pleasantly cool temperatures. Mendoza’s midday temperatures stay the low 20s°C (70s°F) and Buenos Aires feels a little cooler with temperatures around 17°C (64°F). For fall trips for families, we recommend a visit to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. You’ll be surrounded by the thunderous roar of the falls and feel the spray of water as you navigate the churning waters of the Lower Iguazú River and Central Falls in a Zodiac boat, which is a truly thrilling experience best for children over 12 years old.

In autumn we also recommend Argentina’s Esteros del Iberá, the wetlands in the tropical north of the country. Autumn is one of the best times to visit for excellent wildlife viewing conditions due to the cooler temperatures making it much more comfortable to explore. Enjoy gaucho-guided horse-back rides and safaris across the tropical forests and savannahs. Keep your eyes peeled for an array of creatures: capybara, caiman, deer, monkeys and giant otters, along with hundreds of species of bird.

Need to know: Stay at Estancia Rincon del Socorro during your time in Esteros del Iberá where you can enjoy a delicious asado (Argentinian barbecue) after a day immersed in nature in the Iberá National Park.

Autumn embraces Portugal from the months of September to November, a cool reprieve after the heat of summer. This cooler season is one of our favourite times to stroll the cobblestone streets of Lisbon and Porto. Our walking tours are led by expert guides, often artists, chefs or writers, who will explain Portuguese history, culture and gastronomy, leading you to secret hole-in-the-wall eateries to indulge in alfresco petiscos (small plates).

One of the best places to visit in Portugal during autumn is the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. The terraced vineyards will be ablaze with golden hues as the grape harvest arrives in October. Join vintners as they handpick plump grapes, then delve into the ancient ritual of grape-treading in stone lagares (wine press). Round off your experience with a taste of the first drops of what will soon become rich port.

Need to know: We recommend staying at Six Senses Douro Valley, a hotel in our Positive Impact Collection, for its hillside setting above the Douro River and close proximity to the vineyards and walking trails.

For Greece, we are big believers in the autumnal shoulder months being a great time to visit, particularly Athens. The summer heat steadily fades as the season progresses, with highs of 29ºC (84ºF) in late September, the start of autumn and 19ºC (66ºF) in November, the last month before winter takes hold. Situated in a naturally sheltered location, the capital remains largely protected from seasonal gusts of wind, offering the perfect balance of on-land exploration and seaside adventures along the Athenian Riviera.

In Athens, stories of ancient civilisations await around every corner. Wander the tree-lined archaeological promenade with your private guide, listening to explanations of gods, philosophers and empires as you pass byzantine churches and neoclassical museums and take in the arguable highlight of Athens, the Acropolis, towering over the city from its hilltop perch. Combine your fall vacation to Athens with the sunlit shores of Milos and Paros, Greek Islands which are best visited in September as the crowds disperse.

Need to know: The best time of the day to visit the Acropolis with an expert historian is at dawn, when the first light reveals the delicate carvings often lost in the midday glare. 

South Korea is one of the best places in Asia to see the glowing autumn leaves change the landscapes into a mass of warm colour. While autumn begins in September, October is when once-green parks and forests have fully transformed into rich reds and golds. It’s one of our favourite times to see South Korea’s landmarks framed by fire-red gardens in autumn, particularly Changdeokgung Palace in the capital Seoul, the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces.

Changdeokgung Palace is also where the Seoul Lantern Festival is held every November. Each year the kilometre stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream is illuminated with impressive lantern structures. The lanterns are lit between 5pm and 11pm each night, so there is ample opportunity for you to wander through them before or after a traditional Korean meal of kimchi stew and bap (rice).

Need to know: One of our favourite festivals in South Korea is Chuseok (harvest festival) occurring on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually at the start of October). This three-day celebration honours ancestors and gives thanks for the year’s harvest. It’s the perfect time to enjoy seasonal food such as sweet songpyeon (half-moon-shaped rice cakes). 

New Zealand is one of our favourite autumn travel destinations for outdoor explorations. March is the first month of autumn, when temperatures begin to drop with averages of around 15°C (59°F) in Queenstown. By the end of autumn in May the dazzling variety of winter weather sets in: snowy mountains and areas of high pressure that mean crisp, clear and windless days. May is also the month to enjoy the famed Oyster Festival on South Island.

These autumnal sunny days will turn to chilly evenings, often clear and perfect for stargazing. The clear blue sky and autumn hues make it a great time to head into national parks and along the West Coast on hikes and bike rides. We also love New Zealand in autumn for the opportunity to learn about and experience the grape harvest. Taste the wines of the North Island in Hawkes Bay and then sip on the famous Sauvignon Blanc in the south at Marlborough Sounds and Wine Region.

Need to know: One of the best hikes in New Zealand is the Tongariro Crossing, which leads you through the steaming mud pools and erupting geysers of Mount Ngauruhoe.

India’s autumn months are also known as the post-monsoon season (October and November). Temperatures drop to around 30–34ºC (86–93ºF) in October, falling below 30ºC (86ºF) by November. This is when we recommend visiting the Golden Triangle – comprising Agra, Delhi and Jaipur – for smaller crowds and clear skies. Marvel at the majestic Taj Mahal, known as the world’s greatest symbol of love, in the golden light of dawn. Or discover the incredible architecture of the Pink City, Jaipur, with a private guide. The city is the capital of Rajasthan and is home to the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, and the ancient Galtaji Hindu pilgrimage site.

India is also a great autumn travel destination as many festivals are held during the season. Our bespoke fall trips for families often include educational and interactive  experiences connected to Diwali, the festival of light, which falls between mid-September and mid-November every year.

Need to know: We recommend taking part in Diwali in Jodhpur. You’ll get to witness the Blue City come alive with dazzling fireworks, beautiful flower decorations and colourful lights illuminating the streets, temples and markets.

If you’re wondering where to travel in autumn, Scotland has to be at the top of your list. From September to November the highlands’ moors and glens are emblazoned with rich crimson and amber foliage. Edinburgh’s architecture and striking landmarks are also framed by the colours of the season. Guided walks of the underground vaults and the Real Mary King’s Close reveal the city’s ghostly history, setting the scene for Halloween at the end of October.

We also love exploring the great outdoors during autumn in Scotland. Cycle through Perthshire’s rolling hills before hiking along trails through ancient Caledonian pine forests and spotting majestic red deer. Autumn is when red deer enter their rutting season, sparring dramatically with their antlers to compete for mates. Keep your eyes peeled for other Scottish wildlife, such as red squirrels, mountain hares and pine martens.

Need to know: Soak up the autumnal beauty of Scotland with a journey onboard the grand Belmond Royal Scotsman to the Scottish Highlands. Disembark and experience some of our favourite highlights, such as a boat trip to see wild seals in Plockton or a guided tour through Eilean Donan Castle.

We love autumn (September to November) in Morocco. The intense summer heat cools with average temperatures lowering to 27°C (80ºF), an ideal time to explore the medinas of Marrakesh and tanneries in Fes on privately guided walking tours, without getting too hot. You can also wander the vivid blue alleyways and streets of Chefchaouen, uncovering Moorish history and seeking out handicrafts in the central Plaza Uta el-Hammam.

The High Atlas Mountains are a great hiking destination in autumn. Head out with a guide and you’ll find yourself strolling through fields of olives and plums, following rivers through valleys and wandering through local villages. Later in the season  you might spot local Berber women trekking across the Ourika valley to harvest saffron at dawn. This process takes several hours, starting with the removal of the purple crocuses from the fields and then the careful separation of the red stigma from the flower.

Need to know: Check into Olinto, a luxurious retreat in the Berber heartland of Morocco that will act as your gateway to the High Atlas Mountains. Wake up to glorious views of the olive groves changing colours with the season. 

From March to May South Africa is a great autumn destination. The weather is generally mild and dry with temperatures in the low 20sºC (low 70ºsF), although expect some rain around Cape Town. The harvest season gets underway in the Winelands with sunny skies and calm days setting the scene for vineyard visits, cellar tours and wine-tasting sessions with expert sommeliers. Autumn is also one of the best times to visit Grootbos Private Reserve along the Whale Coast, as the reserve’s fynbos fields turn red, orange, pink and yellow, and the southern right whales begin to arrive.

By the end of Autumn the dry season begins and so starts the best time to safari in South Africa. We particularly love the Kruger National Parks’ private reserves and the Sabi Sands Private Reserve. Dry conditions make wildlife visible as high densities of animals congregate around the remaining water sources. As it’s not too hot this is a good season for family safaris. Help your young ones spot an array of wildlife, such as the Big Five, giraffes, and hippos, along with colourful flocks of birds.

Need to know: You can experience exclusive access to off-road routes in Singita private concession, within the Kruger National Park, on game drives with an expert guide and spotter.

After an exhilarating safari in South Africa, the Seychelles makes for a delightful finale as part of a fall vacation – one of our favourite African combinations. October and November offer the perfect conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling excursions that reveal the Seychelles’ incredible marine life. It’s also the nesting season for hawksbill turtles. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness females creating nests in the sand and depositing their eggs – up to 200 at a time.

October is when Festival Kreol erupts across the islands. This six-day event in the capital city of Victoria celebrates the islands’ Creole culture with theatre and dance performances, art exhibitions and a lively parade. Take the opportunity to indulge in delicious Creole cuisine from food stalls, savouring freshly grilled fish, coconut curries and succulent tropical fruit.

Need to know: We recommend staying at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, one of the best private island resorts around the world. Set amid the emerald vegetation of Félicité island, the property’s villas offer front-row access to white-sand beaches and the sparkling Indian Ocean.