Maldives
Maldives
Autumn surf window and warm water.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 10 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Dec
October · Autumn surf + warm water
Where to Go in October: Autumn Surf and Warm-Water Escapes
Autumn reset and surf season.
October overview
The ocean in October
As Europe cools, the ocean does not stop being interesting. October brings meaningful Atlantic swell to Portugal, Madeira and the Canaries, while the Maldives and Indonesia offer warm water and Sri Lanka’s east coast closes its season.
Climate and conditions
Atlantic swells typically strengthen. The Maldives often sees a strong autumn surf window; Indian Ocean transitional months can bring calm seas.
For European travellers
Autumn half-term makes late October popular. Outside that, it is one of the most flexible months to travel.
Best-fit destinations
Where to go in October
-
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Portugal
Autumn swell, fewer crowds.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- Atlantic Europe
Portugal
Madeira
Swell returns, water still mild.
- Surf
- 8 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Nov
- Atlantic Europe
Spain
Canary Islands
The winter-swell season typically begins.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 8 out of 10
- Freedive
- 7 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Dec
- Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Bali + Nusa Penida
End of the dry season.
- Surf
- 10 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 9 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Oct
- Indian Ocean
Seychelles
Seychelles
Transitional months often bring calm, clear seas.
- Surf
- 7 out of 10
- Dive
- 9 out of 10
- Freedive
- 8 out of 10
- Best months
- Apr to Feb
- Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
East coast closes; the south coast begins to wake up toward month-end.
- Surf
- 9 out of 10
- Dive
- 7 out of 10
- Freedive
- 6 out of 10
- Best months
- Jan to Aug
Also often in season in October
Read next
Best Autumn Ocean Holidays for European Travellers
The European summer rush is over, but the ocean does not stop being interesting. Why autumn may be the best time of all.
Canary Islands vs Madeira: Best European Winter Sun Ocean Escape
Ocean time without a long-haul flight: variety across islands, or a compact, dramatic island with strong luxury appeal.
Surf and Dive
Plan Your Next Ocean Escape
Shortlisted a destination for October? Read its destination page for surf, diving, freediving, luxury and planning notes.