Amanda LimIf you’re planning a getaway between September and November, autumn is one of the most rewarding seasons to travel. Cooler temperatures, vivid foliage, and cultural festivals create a unique atmosphere in many parts of the world.
For Singaporeans looking to explore somewhere new, here are ten of the best autumn destinations in 2025.
Japan
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Autumn in Japan is a well-known travel trend, and for good reason. Kyoto’s temple gardens, Hokkaido’s national parks and Nikko’s lake mountains are at their most photogenic between late October and mid-November.
It’s also a great time to enjoy seasonal wagashi, onsen stays, and peaceful countryside escapes without summer’s crowds.
Also read: 7 Best Ryokans in Kyoto for Autumn 2025: Garden Views, Onsen & Kaiseki
South Korea
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From cinematic pink muhly grass to the crisp mountain air of Seoraksan, Korea’s autumn is a visual feast. Nami Island, just a short trip from the capital, transforms into a dreamy canopy of golden ginkgo trees.
Layer on café-hopping and street food with fewer tourists, and it’s easy to see why Korea is an autumn favourite.
Also read: Autumn in Korea: Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season to Visit Jeju, Busan, and More
China
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China’s sheer scale offers a diverse autumnal experience. Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan is particularly dazzling, with multicoloured lakes framed by snow-dusted peaks and amber forests.
Meanwhile, climbing the Great Wall in cool weather, surrounded by golden hills, is an experience that’s hard to beat.
Nepal
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October is prime trekking season in Nepal. Post-monsoon skies are clear, making it perfect for mountain viewing.
Whether you’re doing a full Annapurna trek or relaxing by Pokhara’s lake with distant snowcaps in view, Nepal offers an autumn full of soul-stirring scenery and quiet cultural encounters.
Bhutan
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One of Asia’s best-kept secrets, Bhutan is radiant in autumn. The Thimphu Tshechu, a masked dance festival held in September or October, brings locals and monks together in vibrant celebration.
The air is crisp, the skies are high, and monasteries perched on cliffs, like the famed Tiger’s Nest, are framed by autumn foliage.
Germany
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Germany in autumn means wine harvests, countryside road trips and of course, Oktoberfest. Held in late September to early October, Munich’s Oktoberfest is a bucket-list experience.
The festival grounds of Oktoberfest will be filled with massive beer tents hosted by Munich’s historic breweries, serving traditional German lagers by the litre. Expect brass bands, hearty fare like pretzels and roast pork and carnival rides. It’s festive, friendly and unforgettable.
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The surrounding Bavarian countryside also offers charming towns, forest hikes and golden vineyards if you prefer a slower pace.
Morocco
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With summer’s heat fading, Morocco opens up beautifully in autumn. The souks of Marrakech hum with activity, while the golden Sahara invites cool evening camel rides and starry desert camps.
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Autumn is also festival season: the Erfoud Date Festival celebrates the harvest with music, dance and camel races, while cultural hubs like Fès and Rabat come alive. In the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, autumn light and quiet charm make it feel like stepping into a painting.
Vietnam
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Autumn casts a gentle glow over northern Vietnam, transforming the landscape and city streets alike. In Hanoi, cooler weather and golden light make it a joy to explore ancient temples and narrow alleys, while the Mid-Autumn Festival fills the city with lanterns, laughter and mooncake stalls.
In the highlands of Sapa, rice terraces ripen into gold, and Ha Long Bay is at its most serene under blue skies. Vietnam as an autumn destination serves both culture and sights.
Taiwan
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Taiwan is a quiet star of autumn travel. As the mountains of Alishan glow with mist and maple, cities like Taipei and Taichung embrace the season with lively markets and warm street food.
It’s a time when the island slows just enough to notice the subtle charms: harvest celebrations, steaming hotpot in cool mountain air, and scenic train rides through flaming red forests. Autumn here isn’t showy, but all the more charming.
Italy
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Autumn brings out Italy’s soulful side. In Tuscany and Piedmont, vineyards turn golden just in time for wine and truffle season, with festivals celebrating everything from chestnuts to Chianti.
The Amalfi Coast, post-summer, becomes more relaxed and romantic, with mellow sunsets and quiet cliffside towns. You’ll find fewer tourists, deeper flavours, and a timeless atmosphere that makes even a simple village stroll feel like a moment from a film
Planning tips for autumn travel
- Book early: Autumn is a popular shoulder season in many regions, so secure flights and accommodation early, especially in Japan and Korea.
- Layer up: Weather can shift quickly, especially in mountain regions, so pack versatile layers.
- Check festivals: Dates for local events like Oktoberfest or Bhutan’s Tshechu can vary by year, so look them up in advance.
- Travel insurance: Always a must, especially for trekking or destinations with variable climates.
Fall for autumn travel
Whether you’re chasing fiery foliage, planning a spiritual retreat or just looking to eat your way through a market street, autumn offers some of the year’s best travel opportunities.
With cooler weather and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to explore somewhere new, or return to a favourite with fresh eyes.
