Top 3 Best Asian Winter Sun Destinations in October
Asia is one of the best parts of the world to find a great mix of relaxation, adventure, and unique cultural experiences. However, the sheer number of great travel destinations in this region can make it tricky to choose a winter sun destination that suits your preferences and budget because pricing, attractions, and October weather conditions vary greatly. Lucky for you, I’ve done the heavy lifting on your behalf and narrowed down your options to 3.
These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Asian winter sun destinations in October.
The top 3 best Asian winter sun destinations in October are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Bali. These destinations are pleasantly warm in October. They also provide a wide range of attractions, opportunities for laid-back fun, have accommodation options within most winter travelers’ budgets.
The rest of this post will cover these three winter sun destinations with a special focus on what makes them great to visit in October. Read on to learn everything you need to know about each before packing up your bags.
Contents
1. Abu Dhabi
Honestly, it was a toss-up between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for the number one spot. Both destinations have a lot to offer older people looking for a great mix of relaxation and warm temperatures.
Perhaps the one area where Abu Dhabi edges out its fellow member of the UAE is that it’s slightly more pleasant in October. By “more pleasant,” I don’t mean “warmer” because the cold isn’t the problem in the UAE; high temperatures are.
Abu Dhabi cools down a bit in October because this is when the summer ends. The transition from summer to milder weather begins at the end of September and carries on into early October.
This transitional period is a great time to visit Abu Dhabi because temperatures drop to bearable lows of 21°C (70°F) and highs of 29°C (84°F). Humidity levels drop, too, and rain becomes less frequent, effectively marking the start of more comfortable weather that allows people to enjoy all the outdoor and indoor adventures Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Good weather isn’t all there is to Abu Dhabi. There are a couple more reasons why I think this is the best Asian winter sun destination in October, particularly for snowbirds and 50+ visitors.
Here’s a rundown of those reasons.
Abu Dhabi is Relatively Slow Paced
Abu Dhabi isn’t as fast-paced as other parts of the UAE. It has a calm and unhurried aura, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a laid-back travel experience.
October is the perfect time to visit Abu Dhabi because this time of the year falls in what many call the “shoulder season.” That means more manageable crowds, which could translate to more reasonable accommodation rates if you do a bit of research.
There’s A Lot to See and Do in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has plenty of fun outdoor and indoor activities for mature travelers. Here are some suggestions for the best things to do and see if you end up visiting this part of the UAE:
- Visit iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Visit one of Abu Dhabi’s many beaches.
- Go on a desert safari.
- Enjoy some golf on one of Abu Dhabi’s show-stopping courses.
- Take a photography tour.
- Enjoy some cycling.
- Take a sunrise/sunrise cruise over the Arabian Gulf.
- Learn about Abu Dhabi's history and culture at The Heritage Village.
- Enjoy a nature walk at one of the city’s many natural reserves (I strongly recommend Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the Eastern Mangroves Promenade).
Abu Dhabi Has Accommodation Options for Every Budget
One of the main reasons many travelers shy away from visiting Abu Dhabi and other destinations in the UAE is the belief that housing is ridiculously expensive. However, that’s not necessarily true.
In fact, it’s cheaper to rent in Abu Dhabi than in many cities in the US. Here are a few stats to support that claim:
- Rent in Abu Dhabi is 51.9% cheaper compared to San Francisco, CA.
- Rentals in Orlando, FL, are 15.0% more expensive than in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi is 13.8% cheaper to live in than the USA.
Keep in mind that these are just a few stats; I could list a lot more, but you get the point. It’s worth pointing out that some parts of Abu Dhabi can be expensive to rent. This is to be expected in any city; it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find affordable housing in Abu Dhabi.
All it takes is a bit of research to bag a great deal on accommodation. Some of the best places to find affordable rentals in Abu Dhabi include:
- Khalifa City
- Shakhbout City
- Mohamed Bin Zayed City
- Muroor Area
- Al Ghadeer
October is a particularly great time to look for rentals in these areas because it’s the shoulder season. Even if you don’t mind living in some of the more expensive parts of the city, chances are you’ll find a better deal in October.
Abu Dhabi Has Diverse Cuisine
If nothing else, you’re going to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s food. The city’s cuisine is as diverse as its multicultural population, with dishes ranging from delicacies inspired by traditional Arab cooking methods to more adventurous delicacies featuring international flavors.
International dishes vary depending on what part of the world they’re from. Emirati cuisine typically features rice, meat, and fish, so expect to have at least one of these on your plate if you choose to go traditional. Other staple ingredients include dates and aromatic spices such as cardamom, turmeric, and saffron.
I highly recommend trying Khuzi (also known as Ghuzi). This is the UAE’s most famous culinary offering and one of the most wholesome foods you’ll ever try. It’s made of mutton vegetables, rice, and nuts 一 nothing too extraordinary, but tasty nevertheless.
Abu Dhabi is a Shopper’s Dream
Abu Dhabi offers diverse shopping options, from deluxe malls designed with the needs of the modern shopper (convenience, glamor, and access to variety) in mind to traditional souks that let you experience the local culture through shopping.
What’s more, Abu Dhabi is one of the few cities in the world with a tax-free shopping scheme for tourists. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can claim a refund on all VAT incurred on your purchases on your way out. Click here for details on how to go about it.
Last but not least, Abu Dhabi hosts several retail events and promotions throughout the year. Some of these are held in and around October, but the exact date may vary from one year to another. Here are a few to look out for when visiting in October:
- Abu Dhabi Shopping Season
- Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
- Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
2. Dubai
Dubai shares many similarities with Abu Dhabi. For one, they’re both in the UAE, so the weather in October is virtually the same. Both cities see little to no rain in October and have bearable humidity levels this time of the year. The only slight difference in weather is that Dubai is slightly hotter than its counterpart.
However, just because Dubai is slightly hotter doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy its attractions. There are many indoor and outdoor activities you can enjoy in October, including:
- Golf. Dubai has countless luxurious golf courses with beautiful landscapes. Some noteworthy mentions include the Emirates Golf Club and The Address Montgomerie Dubai.
- Visiting the beach. There are several beaches to choose from, but my top three recommendations for individuals looking for laid-back fun and fewer crowds would be Jumeirah Beach, Black Palace Beach, and Sunset Beach.
- Desert safaris. These offer stunning views of the desert with opportunities for exciting activities like camel riding and dune bashing.
- Exploring unique spots. Some of the most memorable ones include Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai Creek, the Dubai Fountain Show, the Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Frame, Al Fahidi Historic District, and the famous Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Dubai also offers relatively affordable housing. In fact, it’s cheaper to rent in Dubai than in most parts of the US. Add to that the fact that October is the shoulder season in Dubai, and you’ve got yourself nice odds of snagging affordable housing and unique discounts on some of the city’s most popular attractions.
Last but not least, Dubai has a VAT Refund Scheme that allows tourists to save significantly on eligible purchases. If you’re interested in tax-free shopping, click here to learn how to go about it, how much of a VAT refund you can expect, and more.
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia, is one of South East Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations. And as much as I'd like to go against the consensus, I’ll have to agree that it’s up there with the region’s best winter sun destinations.
Bali’s location near the equator means it remains fairly warm and sunny throughout the year, and October is a prime time to visit because it’s the middle of the dry season. Temperatures average 27°C (80.6°F) throughout the month, and the typical day sees about 8 hours of sunlight.
If you’ve been following my series on October winter sun destinations, you know that any location that makes my list has to offer more than just great weather throughout the month. Bali is no exception. This island is a montage of adventure, religion, vibrant culture, natural beauty, unique delicacies, and great festivals.
How this Top 3 list was made
The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.