The weather can start to get a bit gloomy in October in the UK, so jetting off to warmer climates can be a great way of delaying the winter blues for at least a little while longer. While many places suffer the same fate at this time of year, some countries still enjoy a good amount of sunshine and pleasant temperatures deep into autumn. Here we’ve selected five of the best October breaks which will make all your friends back at home full of envy as you bask in the sun’s warmth.

Spain – Mediterranean Magic

• Average High Temperature: 21 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 40mm
• Average Rain Days: 10
• Average Sunshine Hours: 6

Spain makes it on to our list but as the coldest of our five destinations. The hottest places in the country are found in the south so here’s where we recommend you spend the bulk of your time in October. Sevilla, the Andalusian capital, is a fine choice for this time of year and here you can marvel at some stunning architecture such as the Plaza de Espana and the beautiful medieval Islamic palace, the Real Alcazar.

Nearby is Malaga on the Costa del Sol, known for its two towering hilltop citadels. There is plenty to explore here such as the 11^th century Alcazaba of Malaga and the 130m high Gibralfaro which offers some truly scenic views. All the key attractions can be seen by foot and if any tired legs develop then you are in luck as there are plenty of golden sandy beaches that are perfect for day of recovery.

Italy – A place of many possibilities

• Average High Temperature: 23 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 38mm
• Average Rain Days: 8
• Average Sunshine Hours: 6

There’s so much to see in Italy but the sometimes scorching temperatures can make moving around in summer a fairly exhausting task. The climate in October will be that little bit cooler and ideal for strolling around the many unbelievable sites on offer. In Rome you have places such as the historic Colosseum, the imposing St Peter’s Basilica and the iconic Trevi Fountain. Italian train links tend to be very good so exploring different places can be done without wasting lots of time and money.

From Rome you could visit the Tuscan capital Florence with its colossal cathedral and then take a day trip to Pisa to stand by the famous leaning tower. Head south from Rome to visit the Amalfi coast with its stunning vertical views and glistening blue waters. Close by is Pompeii and plenty remains to be seen of the town that was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

Greece – The archaeological dreamland     

• Average High Temperature: 24 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 53mm
• Average Rain Days: 5
• Average Sunshine Hours: 6

Ancient Greek civilization continues to be the intrigue of many and some of the remains stand in the heart of the Athens today. You can scarcely miss the Acropolis that towers of the city, a truly stunning site and one that must be visited close up. The Acropolis Museum is where many of the smaller remains are kept and it’s very easy to spend several hours here marvelling at the remnants of a once great civilization.

There’s more to Greece that just Athens however. Delphi, the ancient sanctuary, makes for a popular day trip out and Santorini is not to be missed if you have the chance. Located in the Aegean Sea, the island once devastated by volcanic eruption is one of the most distinctive places you could ever hope to visit.

Morocco – Experience a taste of Africa

• Average High Temperature: 29 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 24mm
• Average Rain Days: 6
• Average Sunshine Hours: 8

Most of Africa still remains expensive to visit for European tourists but flights to Morocco can be picked up at an extremely low price. The nation is certainly no stranger to tourists and although some of the locals might pester you for business, you quickly learn how to deal with them and to haggle prices down.

Places like Marrakech and Fez are best experienced simply by wandering freely down the narrow and bustling streets, going wherever the wind takes you. There will be an abundance of market stalls selling all sorts from dried fruits to fabrics and from spices to pottery.

The Sahara can be reached as part of a two or three day tour from Fez or Marrakech and it’s a once in a lifetime experience. During these you will spend a night under the starts in the vast sandy desert, riding a camel to get to and from your camp.

India – A continent in itself 

• Average High Temperature: 31 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 10mm
• Average Rain Days: 1
• Average Sunshine Hours:  11

Monsoon season in India runs from June to September so October is a fine month to visit and you are unlikely to see more than few drops of rain especially if you go later in the month. Temperatures in much of the country for October will be hot but not sweltering although things do vary a fair amount in what is a vast nation. India varies so much from region to region that in many ways it’s more appropriate to view it as a continent rather a country. Down south in places like Goa you have stunning beaches, the 600m Dudhsagar waterfall and clear Portuguese influences from earlier colonisation.

Further north on the west coast is the densely populated Mumbai which is not for the feint hearted. It’s here where you will experience the most authentic taste of India and dull moments will be in rare supply. New Delhi is perhaps the best starting point though and from here you can complete what is called the golden triangle. The tourist circuit takes you to Agra and Jaipur, the former of which is the location of the mesmerising Taj Mahal.

*Average temperature, rainfall and sunshine figures are based on the capital city of each country for the month of October.