It’s hard to deny fall’s charms, whether its the billows of colorful leaves, the excitement of Halloween parties or the aroma of pumpkin spice in the air. Unfortunately, for those of us who love warmth, sunshine and cocktails by the pool, autumn marks a bitter end to our good-time agenda. If crisp air isn’t what you crave, here’s where to travel in autumn to keep those summer vibes going.

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Austin, TX

Barton Springs in Austin, Texas is a fun natural spring worth visiting.

Barton Springs in Austin, Texas | Photo by Meagan Wristen

The Texas capital is one of the best places to visit in autumn, even if you can’t manage to snag tickets to October’s annual Austin City Limits music fest. Austin‘s average October high of 82.4ºF makes fall the perfect time to discover the charms of the city, whether you’re stand-up paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, taking a dip in Barton Spring, drinking craft cocktails al fresco in East Austin or visiting historic Hamilton Pool Preserve in nearby Texas Hill Country.

Portugal

Algarve, Portugal, Europe, Mediterranean

Algarve Coast

If you’re looking for autumn beach destinations and don’t mind a quick hop across the Atlantic, consider booking a flight to Lisbon. Then, rent a car or ride public transport three hours south to the Algarve, a section of magnificent beaches and picturesque towns between the cities of Faro and Lagos. Or stick around the capital and hang out amid the ancient monasteries, yellow street cars and vibrant dining and nightlife scene of Lisbon, where high temperatures in October and November are generally in the low 70s.

Maui, HI

Maui, Hawaii

Maui

Thankfully, some places that are warm in autumn don’t require a passport. You could fly to the island of Maui, for example, in November which boasts highs in the mid 70s. This is just about as perfect as autumn weather gets, regardless of whether you prefer to laze on the beaches of Kaanapali and Kapalua, snorkel the Molokini Crater or drive the Hana Highway through the island’s wild and windswept eastern lobe. Autumn is also outside Hawaii’s traditional tourist season, which means you’ll avoid unruly crowds and outrageous prices on Maui hotels.

Tokyo

Tokyo, Shinjuku

Tokyo’s Shinjuku district

It might surprise you to learn that Tokyo enjoys perfectly warm weather in autumn. However, leaves don’t usually start to turn in the Japanese capital until late November or early December, which means that much of autumn is still balmy in Tokyo, with an average October high of 72ºF. Spend warm Tokyo days relaxing in lush green spaces like Ueno Park and Meiji Shrine, and evenings eating your way through raucous districts like Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio, Brazil

This list is about where to travel in autumn, and while October and November are spring months in Rio, we ask you to overlook this technicality. To be sure, this time of year doesn’t just present the perfect weather for lazing on the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema, or even trekking up to the Morro dois Irmãos viewpoint. Beyond boasting an average November high of 82.4ºF, Rio de Janeiro is also relatively uncrowded in fall (aka spring), with most tourist hordes arriving after Christmas.

Los Cabos, Mexico

All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts in Los Cabos

Los Cabos | Photo by PointsandTravel

Not surprisingly, one of the best places to visit in autumn is south of the border. The juxtaposition of golden desert beaches, towering rock walls and clear, turquoise waters you find outside of Los Cabos, Mexico is the perfect antidote to the chill air and grey skies of autumn in the north. Enjoy water spots in the Gulf of California, take in the nightlife of Cabo San Lucas or walk the cobbled streets of La Paz with an average November high temperature of 87.8ºF.

Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

When you think of autumn beach destinations, you might imagine traveling a bit farther south than South Carolina. However, even if the 75ºF average autumn high of Charleston is too cold for you to take a dip at Sullivan’s Island or the Isle of Palms, this is still the optimal weather for exploring Charleston’s charming old town. Autumn is also a great time to great deals on Charleston hotels, even those near popular landmarks like coastal Fort Sumter and lush Magnolia Plantation.

Morocco

Best Places to Travel in Your 20s

Morocco

Morocco might not be the first place you first think of when it comes to the best places to visit in autumn, but hear us out. From the lively souks in cities like Marrakech and Fes, to the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert just beyond the Atlas Mountains in magical Merzouga, Morocco is at its best in October. It’s still dry most days, but is warm (the average autumn high temperature is 82.4ºF) instead of scorching hot like it is during the summer.

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