8 of the best places to go cycling in October

1. Friuli Venezia Giulia

Best for Giro-level climbs, long-distance trails and vineyard landscapes without the crowds.

A vineyard landscape in the rural Collio region

Why cycle in October

Friuli Venezia Giulia (or FVG for short) is one of Italy’s most underrated cycling regions – and October is a fantastic month to explore it. Sitting between Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea, the region offers a mix of epic mountain climbs and peaceful touring paths, all wrapped in a landscape of autumn colours.

The mighty Monte Zoncolan, Passo della Forcella and Monte Lussari are all here, along with sections of the Giro d’Italia. But you don’t have to be a pro: the Alpe Adria cycle path rolls gently towards the Adriatic, passing through medieval towns, vineyards and historic cities like Udine and Trieste.

October brings mild daytime temperatures, clear air, and a calm, authentic atmosphere with fewer tourists than in summer. Vineyards in Collio are in harvest, towns buzz with food festivals, and the coast stays warm enough for a post-ride dip.

Other times to consider

Spring (April–June) is another sweet spot, with fresh greenery and quiet mountain roads before the summer heat sets in.

July and August can be hot in the valleys and busy along the coast, but they’re ideal for high-altitude riding in the Friulian Dolomites.

Winter brings snow to the mountains but milder conditions along the coast if you want a quieter, off-season escape.

More information

• Guide to cycling Friuli Venezia Giulia is packed with lots of useful information.
• Guide to cycling Northern Italy, may also be of interest.
• Guide to cycling Italy, covers eight of the best places to cycle in the country (including Friuli Venezia Giulia).

2. Croatia

Best for Mediterranean cycling with island loops, vineyard valleys and post-ride swims.

Motovun in Croatia (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Ivan Duran)

Why cycle in October

October is one of the best times of year for a cycling holiday in Croatia. The blazing heat of summer has passed, yet you’ll still find warm, sunny days – typically between 18 – 23°C, along the coast.

That means ideal riding weather, whether you’re tackling climbs in Dalmatia, exploring vineyard roads in Istria, or enjoying relaxed island loops in Kvarner.

Like in Greece, the sea remains warm enough for post-ride swims, and with the tourist crowds gone, coastal roads and harbour towns feel calmer and more authentic. Autumn also brings a rich seasonal atmosphere: vineyards heavy with grapes, olive harvests beginning, and golden light over Croatia’s medieval towns and islands.

Cycling in Croatia in October gives you a perfect blend of Mediterranean charm, manageable conditions, and quieter roads – all of which make exploring by bike especially rewarding.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to June) is another excellent option, with wildflowers in bloom and long, bright days. May and early June, in particular, balance mild weather with fewer crowds.

July and August are less suitable if cycling is your main focus. While the sea is warm and harbours are lively, the intense heat and busy roads make riding harder to enjoy.

November can still bring mild, sunny days, especially in the south, but shorter daylight hours and more unsettled weather make October the safer autumn choice for a cycling trip in Croatia.

More information

• Guide to cycling in Croatia, for an interview with Toni Hrvatin, the Destination Product Development Manager at Valamar Riviera, Croatia’s largest hotel group.
• 10 practical tips for Croatia cycling holidays, to help you prepare.
• Guide to Croatia bike and boat tours, offers practical tips and suggests some island hopping routes to consider.
• Guide to self-guided bike tours in Croatia, for anyone thinking about travelling without a guide.

3. Greece

Best for bike-and-boat adventures with warm seas and quiet island roads.

Poros bike ride in Greece (photo credit: Islandhopping, photographer: Kleomenis Koufaliotis)

Why cycle in October

October is one of the most rewarding times to experience a bike and boat tour in Greece. The summer heat has eased, yet days are still comfortably warm, with average highs around 22 – 25°C in many island regions. The Aegean and Ionian seas remain inviting for swimming, so you can still dive off the boat after a morning ride.

On the bike, the quieter roads are a huge plus – the crowds of peak season have gone, leaving you free to spin through traditional mountain villages, past ancient ruins and along stunning coastal lanes at a relaxed pace.

Tavernas and harbours feel more authentic and less touristy, while the golden autumn light adds another layer of magic to Greece’s olive groves, hillsides and historic sites. October also marks the start of the olive harvest, giving your rides a seasonal connection to local culture.

Other times to consider

Spring (April to early June) is another beautiful season, with wildflowers in bloom and mild, sunny days perfect for climbing without the heat. Early May in particular sees the islands at their most colourful.

July and August are best avoided if cycling is the main focus – the intense heat, busy ferries and crowded harbours make riding more challenging.

November can still bring pleasant conditions, especially on the southern islands, but shorter days and an increased chance of storms mean October is the safer autumn bet.

More information

• In-depth guide to Greece island hopping holidays, for an interview with Catharina Flaemig, destination manager at Islandhopping Greece.
• 12 practical tips for cycling in Greece to read before planning your Greek getaway.
• Ionian islands itinerary, for an insight into an island-hopping adventure in Greece.

4. Andalucia

Best for famous mountain climbs, quiet back roads and a mix of road and gravel riding.

Cycling Cazorla National Park and the final switchbacks on the ‘Puerto de Tiscar’ climb (photo credit: Sierra Sports & Tours)

Why cycle in October

October is a strong month for cycling in Andalucia. The intense heat of July and August has eased, while the region still benefits from plenty of sunshine. Autumn is one of the better periods for exploring areas such as Granada and the Sierra Nevada, Ronda and Grazalema, and Cazorla National Park.

The riding can be challenging. Andalucia’s mountain ranges are home to climbs such as Pico de Veleta, Puerto de las Palomas and Peñas Blancas, alongside roads regularly used by the Vuelta a España and Vuelta a Andalucia. Away from the highest peaks, routes wind through olive-growing countryside, whitewashed villages and quieter rural areas.

There is plenty beyond road cycling too. Gravel riders can explore tracks around Cazorla and the landscapes between Granada and Almeria, an area also crossed by the Badlands ultra-distance gravel route.

Off the bike, historic cities and towns add another dimension to a trip. Granada is home to the Alhambra and Albaicín, while places such as Ronda, Baeza and Úbeda offer very different architectural and cultural settings. Tapas, local food and Andalucia’s whitewashed villages are further reasons to spend time here beyond the riding.

Other times to consider

Spring is another good period for cycling in Andalucia. March to June can offer more comfortable temperatures before the hottest part of summer, although the highest Sierra Nevada roads may still be affected by snow earlier in the season.

September and November also fall within Andalucia’s main autumn cycling window. Lower and warmer areas, including Almeria and Renaissance Spain around Baeza and Úbeda, can have a longer season extending into early winter.

July and August are harder if cycling is the main focus, with daytime temperatures capable of reaching 35–40°C.

More information

• Guide to cycling in Andalucia, for detailed information on the best bases, routes and practicalities, with insights from Paul D’Andrea of Sierra Sports & Tours.
• Guide to cycling in Granada, for a closer look at riding in Granada and the Sierra Nevada.
• Cycling Spain, for more ideas on where to ride across the country.

5. Lanzarote

Best for wind-shaped roads, lava fields and winter training in otherworldly scenery.

Why cycle in November

Lanzarote is a classic autumn cycling destination – warm, dry and dramatic. As one of the eastern Canary Islands, it stays comfortably rideable year-round, but October is particularly good:  Air and sea temperatures are still high while there are fewer other visitors than during the summer. According to locals, the island’s famous trade winds are particularly strong from January to April. This makes cycling more challenging on the island during this period, which is why October is a far more appealing time to explore by bike.

The island’s landscape feels otherworldly – a patchwork of lava fields, black volcanic slopes, whitewashed villages and cobalt-blue ocean. Roads are generally smooth and well-maintained, with courteous drivers and very little traffic once you’re outside the main resorts.

It’s hilly rather than mountainous, but the steady climbs through Timanfaya National Park, the wine-growing region of La Geria, and up to Mirador del Río offer real variety and sweeping views across the Atlantic.

Lanzarote is also one of the world’s triathlon hubs, home to Ironman Lanzarote and Club La Santa, which means cyclists are well catered for – from high-end bike hire to cycling-friendly hotels.

Other times to consider

Lanzarote is a true year-round option, but September to November is typically the sweet spot for cyclists. Temperatures rarely drop below 18°C and rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for training and touring.

The summer months (June to August) can be very hot, with stronger winds and heavier tourist traffic, especially near the coast.

More information

• Guide to Lanzarote cycling 
• Best bike hotels on Lanzarote
• Guide to cycling the Canary Islands

6. Mauritius

Best for tropical rides mixing mountain climbs, beaches and rich cultural experiences.

Aerial view of Mauritius island panorama and famous Le Morne Brabant mountain, beautiful blue lagoon and underwater waterfall

Why cycle in October

October is one of the best months to discover Mauritius by bike. The island sits in a transition period between its cooler, drier winter and the hot, humid summer.

This means riders can expect warm but manageable cycling conditions, with average daytime highs around 25 – 28°C and low to moderate rainfall. The sea is comfortably warm for post-ride swims, and humidity hasn’t yet peaked, so both coastal loops and mountain climbs are enjoyable.

October also coincides with cultural highlights. Depending on the year, you may be able to experience Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, which transforms the island with candles, lanterns and festive sweets.

Combine that with lush green scenery after the winter rains and quieter beaches before the high season begins in November, and you have a perfect blend of culture, nature and adventure for a cycling holiday.

Other times to consider

September is another excellent option, with slightly cooler, crisper mornings and a lively atmosphere thanks to events like the Mauritius Cycle Tour.

November can still bring good riding early in the month, though humidity rises quickly and tropical storms become more of a risk as summer approaches.

From December through March, conditions become hot and sticky, with cyclone season adding unpredictability.

In contrast, June to August offers cooler, drier weather – great for riding – but with a little less beach time compared to the shoulder months of September and October.

More information

• Guide to cycling in Mauritius, for an interview with Epic Road Rides reader Claude Léger.
• Mahébourg to Pointe Aux Piments, for a road cycling route to try in Mauritius.
• Guide to the Tamarin Loop via Chamouny, the Black River Gorges National Park, Vacoas and Casella.
• Black River Loop via Case Noyale, Chamarel and Baie du Cap.

7. Northern Vietnam

Best for remote multi-day riding through rice terraces, limestone mountains, lakes and highland roads.

Limestone peaks in Cao Bang (photo credit: Mr Linh’s Adventures)

Why cycle in October

October is one of the best times of year to cycle in Northern Vietnam. Autumn generally brings more comfortable temperatures, more stable conditions and clearer skies, which can make a big difference in a region where long climbs, changing road surfaces and mountain weather all shape the riding.

It is also a particularly rewarding time to experience the landscapes Northern Vietnam is known for. Rice terraces can be at their most striking, while highland roads pass through limestone peaks, forested valleys, lakes and rural villages far from the country’s busier tourist routes.

One route that brings much of this together is The Highland Traverse: Mu Cang Chai to Ba Be to Cao Bang with Mr Linh’s Adventures. The six to seven-day point-to-point journey covers approximately 410 kilometres with around 3,800 metres of elevation gain. It begins among the terraced hillsides of Mu Cang Chai before continuing towards Ba Be National Park, where lakes, rivers and limestone scenery change the character of the ride. From there, the route heads into Cao Bang, where quieter mountain roads, limestone peaks and rural villages make the journey feel increasingly remote.

For cyclists looking for a long-distance October adventure beyond Europe, this is a route that combines sustained riding with a strong sense of progression through several very different parts of Northern Vietnam.

Other times to consider

March and April are also among the best times to cycle in Northern Vietnam, with more comfortable temperatures and generally more stable conditions.

November remains part of the favourable autumn period and can also offer good riding conditions.

December to February can suit cyclists who prefer quieter roads, although mountain areas can be cold, particularly at higher elevations.

More information

• Cycling in Northern Vietnam, our in-depth guide to the terrain, routes, practicalities and what cyclists should expect.
• Mr Linh’s Adventures, for more information on guided cycling tours in Northern Vietnam.

8. Japan

Best for dazzling autumn colours, epic climbs and unique cultural immersion.

Striking autumn colours in Japan (photo credit: Bike Tour Japan)

Why cycle in October

Mid-October onwards is a great time to cycle in Japan if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s spectacular autumn foliage. Summer’s heat and humidity have faded, the typhoon season is ending, and the trees are all beginning to change colour.

In regions like Kita Kanto and the Nagano Highlands, maple and ginkgo trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, creating spectacular riding scenery. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, often ranging between 15 – 25°C depending on the region.

It’s also a time when Japanese food culture shines: mushrooms, chestnuts, persimmons and seasonal fish appear on menus everywhere, adding a culinary highlight to your cycling trip. Combine this with courteous drivers, excellent road surfaces and car-free cycle paths in places like the Shimanami Kaido, and October is hard to beat.

Other times to consider

Spring (March to May) is another magical window, when cherry blossoms bloom and the countryside feels fresh and full of life.

Early summer (June to July) is wetter due to the rainy season, while August is hot and humid across much of the country – though it’s the prime time to ride in cooler Hokkaido.

Autumn foliage continues in Japan into December, peaking in Kita Kanto around late November! Whilst high mountain regions turn wintry, lowland and coastal areas such as Setouchi remain rideable into early winter.

More information

• Guide to cycling Japan covers all the essentials you need to know.
• Japan cycling tours helps you to learn more about the cycling holidays you can book.
• Guide to self-guided cycling tours in Japan, is also worth a read!

What’s next?

• Autumn cycling holidays, for cyclists looking for more options around this time of year.
• Spring cycling holidays guide has suggestions with similar climates to those in October.
• Summer cycling holidays, for those who prefer to get away during the warmest months
• Winter cycling holidays, for more options for out-of-season getaways.
• Christmas and New Year cycling holidays, should you want to try something different for the festive season.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.