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Best October half-term holidays: where to go in 2025
Looking for an autumnal escape? We've got the lowdown on where's best to head for a family holiday over October half term, as recommended by Mumsnetters.
By Karen Basnett & Rachel Erdos | Last updated Sep 8, 2025
The UK weather can be predictably unpredictable over the October half-term holidays which is why it's such an appealing time of year to escape for sunnier shores on a family holiday. It's also an opportunity to squeeze in a relaxing (or energising) break before the Christmas craziness kicks in.
Whether you've got tots or teens, October half-term provides a chance to book a family city break, a European beach getaway or a family adventure holiday. Prices are typically cheaper than in the peak summer months and there are still plenty of destinations that offer guaranteed sunshine or cooler climes for a traditional autumnal escape.
To help plan your October half-term getaway, we've rounded up destinations that Mumsnetters rate for escapes near and far, from the magic of Disney to sun-drenched beaches in Tenerife to the colourful streets of Lisbon. Take advantage of the last of the autumn sunshine in southern Europe, go further afield to fun-filled Dubai, or even jet off on a dreamy long-haul family holiday.
When is October half term in the UK?
It's best to double check exactly when your child's school term and half-term lands, as some dates vary across the UK. Generally October half-term 2025 is either 20 to 24 or 27 to 31 October, 2025.
Some schools don't follow these term dates including academies, free schools, foundation schools and faith schools so if you're unsure about your school's term dates, it's best to contact them directly.
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At a glance: best holiday destinations for October half term
Best for short-haul sunshine: Tenerife
Best for budget breaks: Turkey
Best for older kids: Marrakech
Best for luxury: Dubai
Best for babies and toddlers: Cyprus
Best for tropical sun: Sal, Cape Verde
Best for family fun: Orlando, Florida
Best long-haul destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Best city break: Lisbon, Portugal
Best for activities: Westerhoven, Netherlands
1. Best for short-haul sunshine: Tenerife, Spain
Flight time from the UK: 4 hours
Average temperature in October: 20-26C
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What Mumsnet users say
“We went to Tenerife at half term. Costa Adeje - was lovely. The high 20s. We were surprised by how nice the weather was.” voxnihili
"We've been at the beginning of November. Bikinis, shorts & vests etc in daytime - definitely sunbathing weather. Light jackets & cardigans needed most nights. We were in the South, I believe it can be cooler in the North." - JoyDivisionOvenGlovesx
Our verdict
Famous for its year-round sunshine, child-friendly activities, and huge range of accommodation options for families, Tenerife is a top destination on the Mumsnet holidays forum. Around a four-hour flight from the UK, you can touch down knowing there's something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets on arrival.
The most popular resorts are in the south, just a short trip from the airport. Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje are all firm favourites, with white sandy beaches and excellent family activities. Each resort has its quirks, so do your research before you book.
Top travel tip
Check out Siam Park waterpark which all the family will love, and the Teide National Park for hiking and mountain biking.
Read next: The best family hotels in Tenerife, as rated by parents
Editor's picks: Best family hotels in Tenerife
2. Best for budget breaks: Antalya, Turkey
Flight time from the UK: 4 hours
Average temperature in October: 18-25C
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What Mumsnet users say
"Antalya is lovely, there's a bus that goes on the front of Lara Beach straight to the old town with the ruins and harbour, a few lovely restaurants overlooking the sea." CustardGoodJamGoodMeatGood
"I've been to Antalya at that time of year and it was lovely - mid to high 20s! Perfect (and much warmer than the Canaries!)" Sleepthief
Our verdict
Turkey is a great destination for affordable family holidays. You can find some brilliant bargains and your spending money will go further than in popular resorts across Europe.
It's also home to some of the world's leading child-friendly hotels and resorts, many of which are dotted along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. When it comes to choosing an area to stay, Mumsnetters rate Antalya for its climate, beaches, choice of hotels and action-packed Lands of Legends Theme and Water Park.
Alternatively, Bodrum is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a short transfer from the airport. Or you can consider Fethiye for its crystal clear blue waters and sandy white beaches. Wherever you go in October in Turkey, the weather is gorgeous and you can expect temperatures of between 20C and 25C, depending on your location.
Top travel tip
Take cash with you as you cannot rely on cards. Most service providers prefer cash and ATMs can sometimes be unreliable.
Read next: The best family hotels in Turkey, as rated by Mumsnetters
3. Best for older kids: Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time from the UK: 3.5 hours
Average temperature in October: 15-28C
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What Mumsnet users say
"Morocco is usually lovely in October!" - WittyFatball
"I think Marrakech is reliable weather wise. Also lots of options for trips from Marrakech, Atlas, desert (and Essaouira). It’s not beachside of course but plenty of pool resorts just outside the town. With older kids I’d pick Marrakech over Tenerife but it’s all personal taste." minipie
Our verdict
Seek out sunshine and souks in Marrakech over the October half-term break. It's a busy, bustling, noisy, energetic city and as such can be tricky to navigate if you're travelling with small kids. That's why it gets our vote as a fantastic option for older children who will likely love wandering the labyrinthine streets and exploring colourful market stalls (perfect TikTok backdrops). The street food options should go down well and the city is home to excellent spas for wellness-loving teens.
The heat can be a little oppressive in the summer months so October is a great time to explore while it's still warm but not unpleasantly hot.
Top tip
Consider staying in the Palmeraie area if you're looking for more of a relaxing break. It's a peaceful alternative to the hectic central medina and is home to hotels with pools and lush gardens.
We've got plenty of recommendations for UK family holidays too if you don't want to venture far, from the best UK holiday parks and farm stay holidays to the best budget hotels in London and hotels that the family will love in the Lake District and the Cotswolds.
4. Best for a luxury holiday: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Flight time from the UK: 7.5 hours
Average temperature in October: 24-35C
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What Mumsnet users say
“For winter sun it’s a great destination. Hotels are excellent , service is good and if it’s a beach holiday you are after it ticks the boxes. We’ve been as a family many times and my kids love it.” Anjo2011
“We have stayed in Le Meridian Mina Seyahi 10 times now. It’s very child friendly and has just had a small water park built in its grounds.” ihearttc
Our verdict
On the coast of the UAE, Dubai offers both a city break and a beach holiday combined. Parents can enjoy huge shopping malls, topnotch restaurants and family-friendly hotels with kids' clubs. Popular attractions include KidZania, Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai, and the Green Planet.
Make sure to head out on a desert excursion too - activities like sandboarding and desert safaris are so much fun. Not forgetting the emirate's award-winning waterparks like Aquaventure and Wild Wadi, which everyone will love regardless of their age.
In October, the average high temperature is 35°C, with plenty of sunshine and a pleasant, warm sea. Evenings stay hot and it’s very rare for it to rain in October.
Check out our guide to the best family hotels in Dubai to help you plan your stay. We've also compiled a list of fun things to do with kids in Dubai with plenty of recommendations from Mumsnetters.
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Top tip
October to March offer the coolest temperatures for visitors. Aim to dress modestly and avoid PDAs. Try and choose a location that's close to public transport, like Dubai Metro, to help you get around easily.
5. Best for babies and toddlers: Paphos, Cyprus
Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours
Average temperature in October: 16-26C
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What Mumsnet users say
"Yes been a few times. Plenty of restaurants down by the harbour - you can walk or get the bus to tomb of the kings and there's plenty of historical stuff to see round the harbour." chipsandpeas
Our verdict
Cyprus is ideal for families seeking October sunshine thanks to its perfect mix of culture, glorious beaches, scenic mountains and family-friendly accommodation, all accessible via a five-hour flight.
Temperatures reach highs of 26C in October. But once the sun goes down little ones can get chilly, so it’s worth packing cardigans or light hoodies.
History-loving kids will no doubt love exploring the ancient sites in Paphos, all set within a small area so little legs can easily navigate around (if not, taking a baby carrier with you will help when they grow tired). Paphos is also home to the Aphrodite Water Park, which offers a play area designed for babies and tots.
Top tip
The capital Nicosia is divided by a green line between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. It makes an interesting day trip, but if you cross the border from North and South you'll need to show your passport.
Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Cyprus, as rated by Mumsnetters
6. Best for a laid-back tropical escape: Sal, Cape Verde
Flight time from the UK: 6 hours
Average temperature in October: 24-30C
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What Mumsnet users say
"I loved it. Boat trips, a little island tour, swimming, long walks on the beach and not too crowded with people like the Med is. The sea is very clean too. I’d go again." HotSauceCommittee
"Most things are imported, the tourist industry is fairly new so don't expect the same service you might get at more established places, and it can be expensive. If you just want all inclusive and to laze around a pool it might suit. We like to explore, go out of the hotel, eat at different restaurants etc and this seemed very primitive on those fronts." Elouera
Our verdict
The archipelago of Cape Verde is made up of 10 volcanic islands and is about a six-hour flight from the UK. Thanks to its location off the west coast of Africa, the destination offers all-year-round sunshine.
Although the islands are an up-and-coming destination, they each offer fine white sandy beaches, lively surfing, and modern all-inclusive hotels. Plus, many of the resorts are child-friendly, making Cape Verde a must-try destination for Mumsnetters.
One particular island to visit is Sal. Known as a beach lover's paradise, Sal is the archipelago's most popular island for holidaymakers - and the easiest to travel to, and get around. Alongside golden, sandy beaches with azure waters, Sal is also home to Espargos and Santa Maria, and the latter offers hotels with everything you need within a 20-minute walk. Enjoy everything Cape Verde alongside a welcomed temperature of 30°C.
Where to stay
Ideal for families, experience world-class service at Melia Dunas Beach Resort & Spa complete with a water park, kids' club, all-day and evening entertainment.
Top tip
Pack baby necessities such as nappies, formula, baby food and wipes. Even though there are mini-markets in the larger towns, you may struggle to get these items.
7. Best for non-stop family fun: Orlando, Florida
Flight time from the UK: 9 hours
Average temperature in October: 20-29C
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What Mumsnet users say
"You can buy day tickets for specific parks but if you are there for 2 weeks and you are doing the parks the multi passes are better value. If your children like Harry Potter then the Universal Parks are a must and absolutely magical. I never thought id like Florida at all, but the whole park experience makes for a great family holiday. Not relaxing as very busy but so much fun." OverByYer
"Oct half-term is a brilliant time to go - we've been twice and it was perfect weather - neither too hot, nor too cold." - zafferana
Our verdict
Discover the land of theme parks, attractions and some of the best beaches in the world, right in the heart of the Sunshine State of Florida. Whether you're looking for thrilling rollercoasters or magical moments with Mickey and friends, Orlando keeps everyone entertained from morning until night and offers heaps of family fun.
October is a fantastic time to visit for non-stop entertainment. Mickey's not-so-scary Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom, the themed parades, the shows, and pumpkins everywhere, nowhere does Halloween like Disney!
In October, Orlando sees highs of 29C. Days are usually hot and evenings balmy, so visitors are advised to pack light and cool clothing.
Where to stay
A Disney resort hotel, a hotel near Universal Studios, a private villa, a hotel near International Drive… The choices of accommodation in Orlando are endless and depend on what suits you as a family. It’s worth researching different options and costs.
Top tip
If you visit before your child turns three you’ll avoid paying for park entrance at Walt Disney World - they're considered as 'special guests' of Mickey Mouse and do not need to pay for theme park admission.
Read next: The best Disneyland Paris hotels, as rated by Mumsnetters
8. Best long-haul destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Flight time from the UK: 10 hours
Average temperature in October: 24-30C
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What Mumsnet users say
"Have a look at Playa del Carmen - nice tourist town half an hour south of Cancun. Weather should be gorgeous in October/November half term." AyMamita
"Playa del Carmen is 20/30 mins in a taxi (which the hotel will arrange) and has shops etc. Lots of great trips - Xel-ha, Xsenses, Xcaret. We love it!" sidsgranny
Our verdict
Picture postcard beaches, clear turquoise waters, stunning scenery, vibrant culture and tequila and avocados galore!
Mexico is one of the most popular family destinations in the world and Playa del Carmen is a big hit with families.
There's so much to do outside your hotel for outdoorsy types too. With highs of 30C in October, you'll enjoy cooling off after a dive into cenotes (freshwater pools) - you can swim, snorkel and even scuba dive in remarkably clear depths. Catch the ferry to the island of Cozumel, or for families with older kids, check out the Mayan Ruins in Tulum or Chichén Itzá.
Not forgetting Xel-Há Park! A family-friendly aquatic theme park where the kids can snorkel, swim with dolphins and stingrays or explore the jungle.
Where to stay
Check out the all-inclusive Paradisus, a luxury resort designed with the entire family in mind. It has a nursery club for babies aged 12 months to 3 years, and a kids' club for older children.
Top tip
Avoid drinking tap water anywhere in Mexico. While the water is purified at the source, distribution systems across the country allow the water to be contaminated en route to your tap.
Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Mexico, according to parents
9. Best for a family city break: Lisbon, Portugal
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours
Average temperature in October: 15-23C
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What Mumsnet users say
"October is a lovely month to visit because it's not so hot that it's debilitating but still pleasantly t shirt weather. The sea stays warm enough for swimming." Ricekrispie22
"Warm, easy to get around, beautiful city, loads to see and do, lovely food, train to seaside at Estoril /Cascais. Nicest city break I've had." borntobequiet
Our verdict
Lisbon makes for a charming, affordable family city break with its fantastic food, quirky trams, and easy access to gorgeous beaches. There's plenty to keep kids and teenagers occupied, like the Oceanarium, Castelo Sao Jorge, and loads of colourful urban street art.
It's worth noting that there are some steep hills with cobblestones in Lisbon that are not ideal for buggies, so child carriers are always a practical solution. Look out for the electric tuk-tuk city tour, which children of all ages will love.
October temperatures reach highs of 23C, a comfortable heat to enjoy the city without getting too hot. But if you fancy getting outside the city limits to explore, you're a scenic 35-minute train ride from Cascais for a day at the beach.
Where to stay
Following on from the success of Martinhal Sagres in the Algarve, the team behind the ultra family-friendly resort has opened its first city apartment-style Martinhal Chiado hotel in the heart of Lisbon in the happening Chiado district.
Top tip
If you're planning to visit several sites and museums that charge an entrance fee and aim to use public transport, you should consider purchasing the Lisboa Card.
Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Lisbon, as rated by parents
10. Best for families that can't sit still: Westerhoven, the Netherlands
Flight time from the UK: 1 hour
Average temperature in October: 7-15C
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What Mumsnet users say
"Within the last two years we have taken teenagers to De Kempervennen (Eden VIP villa) and De Vossemeren (VIP villa).We enjoyed both. I preferred De Kempervennen, but that might be because the villa was more luxurious and spacious and the weather was more pleasant." TheFirstOHN
"Compared with UK Center Parcs the villas were a bit run down. I'm sure they are different now. What I would say is that if you plan to use the ski place then obviously Kempervennan is the one to choose. However if you have very small children Hejderbos might be a better choice." Hortz
Our verdict
For October half-term fun, why not book a classic Center Parcs break - albeit in a different location, away from the UK? Center Parcs originated in the Netherlands and offers an alternative to the UK locations, which can be insanely expensive during school holidays. School holidays in the Netherlands usually fall on different dates to the UK, meaning prices are super reasonable for the October half term - plus you get the bonus of travelling abroad and experiencing a different country too.
Located in the heart of nature, set around two lakes, Kempervennen is a 5-star Parc near Eindhoven with a variety of activities indoors and outdoors. It’s perfect for families especially those with energetic teenagers. The facilities include a long zip wire, aqua dome with waterslides, a snorkel pool, climbing, an indoor ski slope, an escape room and VR gaming.
Getting there
Westerhoven is around a 20-minute drive from Eindhoven Airport. Amsterdam Port and Schiphol Airport are both around two hours away.
Top tip
It can be costly to purchase food from an onsite Parc Market. Bringing supplies with you or stopping at a local supermarket away from the site can work out more cost-effective.
Read next: The best family hotels in Amsterdam, as rated by parents
How to save money on an October half-term holiday
Set up alerts on major airline sites like Virgin Atlantic and British Airways to be the first to know about flight sales. Or use Skyscanner's Explore Everywhere tool to see the cheapest routes in any given month. It's worth signing up for loyalty schemes like Booking.com's Genius programme in order to build up credit to spend on trips. On the Beach is a good place to search for affordable family holiday deals.
Where is the best short-haul destination to visit in October?
October is an excellent month for a holiday in Europe. It’s hot enough in the south, particularly in places like Tenerife, Cyprus and Turkey to bask in the sun, and the sea will be lovely and warm too. This time of year is perfect to explore Europe’s cities like Lisbon, and you’ll avoid the crowds, higher prices and the sweltering heat of summer.
Where is the best long-haul destination to visit in October?
It’s always sunny somewhere. Fly for another couple of hours and you can find yourselves in Dubai where you can expect temperatures of 36C and 10 hours of daily sunshine. October is also the start of the tourist season across southeast Asia.
Across the pond, if you're looking for hot weather and relatively crowd-free sightseeing, October is one of the best times to visit Florida with an average high of 29ºC. Mexico also sees highs of up to 32°C in October. Elsewhere, Africa is warm, dry and sunny and The Indian Ocean is starting to come out of the wet season which is a fantastic time to visit.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations by real parents
Before choosing any destination for our roundups, we first consult the Mumsnet forums. With over 10 million users per month, there’s a lot of suggestions by real parents who have been there, done that when travelling during October half-term with the family.
Expert guidance and traveller reviews
After we’ve collated our destination picks, we then turn to the experts and consult the likes of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia to see what their recommendations include for family holidays during October half-term.
Here we’ll also check what travellers are saying about each destination on these sites, taking into consideration both the positive and negative points of their trip to bring you a well-rounded and honest guide.
About the authors
Marketing Director and freelance writer, Karen Basnett is the mother of a very energetic two-year-old. Currently expecting her second baby boy, she has a passion for travel, live music, fashion and food, and loves nothing more than having a good time with family and friends. Plus, chasing after her crazy Golden Retriever, Alfie.
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel. She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.