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October in Asia is pleasant, as long as you’re enjoying autumn weather in East Asia rather than dealing with the monsoon rains in Southeast Asia. October is a transition period, a “shoulder” month between seasons. The Southwest Monsoon gives Thailand a final blast before beginning to clear in November. China, Japan, and other places with moderate climates will be enjoying fall colors.
Urgent Information for September in Asia
The National Day holiday in China on October 1 is one of the country’s biggest events. Expect major transportation clogs as millions of Chinese people travel for the week-long event. September is a peak month for typhoons in Japan. Late storms could still be a threat in early October, so stay updated about potential weather systems before flying to East Asia.
Flooding is a frequent occurrence in Bangkok during October. Rain adds to the water already accumulated from heavy rains in September, causing the Chao Phraya to outrun its banks in Bangkok, leading to street closures and additional traffic problems.
Asia Weather in October
- Bangkok: 90.7 F / 76.6 F (humidity 78 percent)
- Kuala Lumpur: 89.6 F / 75.2 F (humidity 82 percent)
- Bali: 92.5 F / 74.7 F (humidity 80 percent)
- Singapore: 89.1 F / 76.5 F (humidity 83.1 percent)
- Beijing: 66.4 F / 46.2 F (humidity 61 percent)
- Tokyo: 70.7 F / 57.6 F (humidity 68 percent)
- New Delhi: 91 F / 66.4 F (humidity 52 percent)
Average Rainfall for the Month of October
- Bangkok: 11.5 inches (average of 18 rainy days)
- Kuala Lumpur: 10.43 inches (average of 21 rainy days)
- Bali: 2.48 inches (average of 6 rainy days)
- Singapore: 6.09 inches (average of 15 rainy days)
- Beijing: 0.86 inches (average of 5 rainy days)
- Tokyo: 7.79 inches (average of 11 rainy days)
- New Delhi: 0.56 inches (average of 1 rainy day)
Since October is a transition month for the monsoons in Asia, the weather in Southeast Asia is often hit or miss. October is the second-rainiest month for Thailand and the last month of the monsoon season. Flooding is sometimes an issue in Bangkok and northern regions along the Chao Phraya River.
Fall foliage in China, Japan, and Korea will be in full swing during October. Experiencing the autumn colors from the Great Wall is an unforgettable opportunity!
What to Pack
If you’re traveling to Bangkok, consider bringing a kayak and life jacket! Kuala Lumpur isn’t much better; storms can lead to temporary flooding in both capital cities. Prepare for you and your belongings to potentially get wet.
For travel in various Southeast Asian destinations north of Bali, ensure protection for electronics during sudden afternoon squalls. A waterproof daybag or dry stuff sack is advisable. While umbrellas are available everywhere, they may not be much help during intense torrential downpours.
Celebrating Halloween in a new country could provide a memorable experience. A few events and parties exist in countries that have adopted the spooky tradition. Consider taking a simple mask or small prop from home, as local stores might not have extensive costume options!
October Events in Asia
Major holidays and festivals in Asia are a mixed blessing. They can be exciting highlights on a trip, but they may also cause delays or disrupt your travel plans. Ideally, arriving a few days before any of these October festivals will help you settle in and avoid complications with accommodation prices and transportation.
Many of these significant fall festivals in Asia follow a lunisolar calendar; therefore, dates can vary from year to year.
- National Day in China: (Always on October 1) National Day is China’s most patriotic holiday and the busiest time to be in Beijing.
- Gandhi’s Birthday in India: (Always on October 2) Observed nationwide with prayers and celebrations, Delhi is the best place for vibrant events.
- Phuket Vegetarian Festival: (Dates vary; usually September or October) This unique celebration in Thailand features devotees engaging in extreme rituals.
- Full Moon Party in Thailand: (Monthly; not always on the exact day of the full moon) This famous party attracts over 10,000 travelers to Koh Phangan.
- Festival of Ages in Kyoto, Japan: (Always on October 22) The Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s largest cultural festivals with participants in traditional costumes.
- Diwali in India: (Dates vary; usually in October or November) India’s Festival of Lights offers a colorful celebration of traditions across the country.
October Travel Tips
- Traveling during the monsoon season at the end of October may help you save money as businesses often offer discounts.
- October is quite possibly the last opportunity to visit popular island destinations such as the Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island in Malaysia, which largely shut down in November.
- China’s largest public holiday (National Day) will be in full effect the first week of October, leading to significant transportation delays and crowds in Beijing.
Places with the Best Weather
- Hong Kong (with low humidity and less rain, October is considered one of the best months to visit)
- Taipei
- China
- Seoul, South Korea
- Nepal
- Northwest India
- New Delhi
- Goa, India (some rain)
Places with Poor Weather
- Bangkok
- The Thai Islands
- Cambodia
- Malaysia
- Malaysian Borneo
- Sri Lanka
