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40 sweet spots for fall
The best places to travel for seasonal value
 Juan Mabromata / AFP - Getty Images Boasting wonders as diverse as the Amazonian rainforest, Iguazu Falls (on the border with Argentina), the beaches of Bahia, and sultry Rio, Brazil is both geographically stunning and culturally fascinating, and October and November bring temperate spring weather and fewer tourists in the cities. |
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In life, being in the right place at the right time can come down to serendipity, but in travel, it is almost always the result of good planning. To avoid crowds and inflated prices, we recommend the period between high and low seasons when the weather is fine, places are still open and happy to welcome travelers, and you can explore a destination at your own pace. We call this magical time and space continuum the Sweet Spot and make it a point to round up the best of them for you each season. We've covered the 40 best places to go this fall and grouped them by region.
Africa
Fall forecast: Across northern Africa, fall's cooler weather moderates the region’s typically desert-like climate, making a paddle down the Nile or a hike in the Atlas Mountains an attractive proposition. The safari season is winding down in southern Africa as the rainy season begins in late October.
1. Egypt
The ancient history and romantic fables of the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River have lured visitors to Egypt for centuries. The arid climate, hospitable people, and ongoing archeological discoveries keep the curious coming back for more.
Why go in fall: Hotels offer more reasonable rates and temperatures can be bearable during these transitional months. In Cairo, temperatures average in the 80s and fewer tourists spell shorter lines. Avoid Ramadan (exact dates vary) — during this 29-to 30-day Muslim festival many shops, restaurants, and sites are closed.
2. Tunisia
Blessed with a sunny climate, miles of Mediterranean beaches, Saharan oases, ancient walled cities and superb Roman-era archaeological sites, Tunisia — just 93 miles south of Sicily — offers visitors both modern resort facilities and easy access to its rich historical legacy.
Why go in fall: Visitors to the northern African city of Carthage are met with temperate weather, perfect for strolls among remarkable Roman ruins. This is also the best time to journey south along the Sahara. The sun shines most of the time, the sea is generally warm enough for a dip, and prices are below their summer highs.
Asia & Middle East
Fall forecast: Having been thoroughly saturated by summer monsoons, India is radiant in the fall, and a majority of tourists plan their visits accordingly. Rain and humidity haven’t loosened their grasp on the rest of Southeast Asia though, which is bursting at the seams with exotic orchids and off -season deals. Fall colors and clear skies make for an ideal mid-autumn stroll through some of Japan’s many traditional gardens. In the Middle East, temperatures can be moderately tolerable in the Gulf, but it comes down to luck. Hotel and air rates are generally lower at this time.
3. Angkor
You won’t be the first to discover the lost world of Angkor, but stepping into this famous vine-covered temple complex feels that way. The vast, thousand-year old ruins, which formed the capital of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, occupy an area of about 200 acres. Today, Angkor ranks as one of the great wonders of the travel world, with millions arriving annually by way of the former French colonial outpost of Siem Reap, which lies only five miles to the south.
Why go in fall: Autumn provides a short lull before the rush of peak season. The heat drops down to the 90s and the rains subside somewhat. This is the best time to take advantage of lower rates, fewer crowds, and the beautiful greenery, which is flush from rainy season showers.
4. India
The world’s largest democracy and second-most-populous nation, India is home to Bollywood, cricket, Darjeeling tea, and 22 officially recognized languages. Discover a diverse country whose national parks showcase tigers and elephants, and where urban centers are buzzing with history, culture, shopping, and nightlife.
Why go in fall: An ideal time to visit the subcontinent, this pre-holiday season means you beat out the NRIs (non-resident Indians) and pricey airline tickets and hotel room rates. Dry heat and monsoon seasons draw to a close across the season just prior to fall, and it’s yet to become too hot and dusty.
5. Macau
The West’s oldest outpost in the Orient, Macau has gone from a sleepy Portuguese enclave to the "Las Vegas of Asia," where towering casino hotels and garish neon lights coexist with centuries-old churches, Taoist temples, and a culinary heritage unique in the Far East.
Why go in fall: Weather-wise, warm and sunny fall days are the best times to enjoy Macau’s colorful sights. There are slightly fewer crowds at this time, but not by much.
6. Osaka
A vast, modern city, Osaka is the gateway to many of Japan’s most important tourist sites, including Kyoto, Nara, and Mount Koya. The city reflects its people: outgoing, food-loving, shopping enthusiasts, and business-oriented.
Why go in fall: Autumn is a great time to visit Osaka as prices, not to mention humidity and temperatures, go down (though September is the peak season for typhoons).
7. Seoul
If cities have personalities, Seoul is a type-A, on steroids. An insatiable appetite for money, a chaotic "me-first" street life, and a hurry-hurry approach to everything makes visiting the South Korean capital an entertaining, if occasionally jolting, adventure.
Why go in fall: Technically the “off” season, fall weather is much nicer, colored leaves abound, and hotel discounts abound. Warning: during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) roads and airports teem with travelers.
8. Tel Aviv
Israel’s Mediterranean metropolis glitters with gorgeous, clean beaches, multiple blocks of Bauhaus architecture, and smartly dressed Tel Avivians with a fierce appreciation for art, cuisine, and nightlife.
Why go in fall: The arrival of spring and fall signal fewer crowds, more moderate weather, and better deals at hotels. This is Tel Aviv at its laid-back best.
9. United Arab Emirates
Comprised of seven states, the UAE is rapidly transforming the Middle East by pulling focus away from distressing regional conflicts and emphasizing commerce and tourism. Unassuming Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, is one of the region’s hidden gems with its sense of tradition, clear blue skies, year-round sunshine, and laid-back lifestyle, while Dubai has emerged as the center of all things glamorous, replete with the world’s first “seven-star” hotel.
Why go in fall: Wedged in between the sweltering summer and the popular winter in 2008 and 2009, fall visitors take advantage of Ramadan holiday discounts, filling hotels and attractions. It's the best time to visit cities like Abu Dhabi, when temperatures average in the 90s and the skies are a perfect blue. Note that Ramadan, which runs through the month of September in 2008, and from August 21 through September 19 in 2009, can be uncomfortable for non-observant travelers as it is illegal to drink, smoke, or eat in public until the "break fast" (iftar) ceremony. Some restaurants operate during the day behind curtains or tinted windows.
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