As summer fades and fall approaches, savvy travelers know it’s time to take advantage of one of the best-kept secrets in travel: shoulder season. We analyzed a ton of flight data from key destinations across multiple months to uncover significant price drops from the peak summer season to fall. Our findings reveal incredible savings on airfare, making September, October, and early November the perfect time to explore new places.
In this article, we’ll break down how much airfare has decreased and where you should travel for warm weather, autumn foliage, and budget-friendly trips. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or a city escape, we’ve got you covered with insights into the cheap places to visit in October and beyond.
Airfare price drops from summer to fall: Key destinations
In just a few short months, the cost of airfare has plummeted for many popular travel destinations. We’ve analyzed routes from key cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to show how much flight prices have dropped from their summer peak in June and July to fall in September and October.
- New York to Honolulu: In July, airfare was holding steady at $700. By August, it had dropped to $461, and now in September, it’s down even further to $420, a 40 percent drop from the summer high.
- Chicago to Miami: Airfare dropped from $450 in June to just $178 in August and remains low in September.
- Los Angeles to London: Prices went from $540 in June to $415 in August, with September flights still trending around the same low prices.
- Boston to Maui: A recent drop from $700 in July to $580 in September makes now a great time to visit Hawaii with fall deals still on the rise.
Cheap places to visit in October (and why fall is the best time)
From lingering summer temperatures throughout September to peak fall vibrance come October, shoulder season offers plenty of reasons to travel. But where should you go? Combine the allure of popular destinations with the excitement of cheap flight deals, and these are our to picks:
1. Hawaii: September and October tropical escape
Hawaii continues to be a top choice for warm-weather lovers. Airfare from the East Coast (such as New York to Honolulu) is down by nearly 40 percent compared to summer highs, and routes from the West Coast (such as Los Angeles to Maui) remain affordable as well. September and October offer fewer crowds and sunny weather, making it ideal for a fall escape.
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-80s°F
- Flight deals: $420 for a roundtrip from New York to Honolulu
2. Europe: Visit for fewer crowds and lower prices
While airfare to popular European cities like London and Paris decreased from June to August, September remains a prime time to book, with low fares still available. Expect to pay around $415 for a roundtrip to London from major US cities, with Southern European destinations like Spain and Greece offering similar deals.
- Destinations: London, Paris, Barcelona
- Why go now: Fewer tourists, cheaper flights, and mild weather (15°C-20°C or 60°F-70°F)
- Flight deals: $415 roundtrip from Los Angeles to London
3. Leaf-peeping getaways in the US
Fall is synonymous with leaf-peeping, and September to October is the perfect time to visit top foliage destinations. New England, Vermont, and Upstate New York are some of the most popular spots for admiring the vibrant fall colors.
- Best regions: New England, Adirondacks, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Flight deals: Affordable domestic flights from major cities (such as Chicago to New York for around $126 in September).
Travelers’ top dream destinations and flight price differences from summer to now
In addition to lower airfare, we also examined which dream destinations have been trending among travelers this fall. Based on search data and current deals, these are the places people are dreaming about the most—and the great news is that airfare has dropped substantially since the peak summer season.
1. Paris, France
- Why it’s popular: Paris remains a dream destination for many, with its iconic sights, art, and culture. Fall is a particularly magical time in the City of Light as the weather cools and the city is less crowded.
- Flight price change: In June, flights from Los Angeles to Paris were around $540. Now, prices have dropped to approximately $415, making it a perfect time to experience Europe’s allure.
2. Maui, Hawaii
- Why it’s popular: For travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure, Maui offers the best of both worlds. Fall’s lower prices make it more accessible for those who want to explore its lush rainforests and serene beaches.
- Flight price change: Airfare from Boston to Maui was about $700 in July. This has now dropped to $580 in September, providing a more affordable option for a dream vacation.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
- Why it’s popular: Southeast Asia is a bucket-list destination for many, and Bangkok serves as a gateway to the region’s diverse cultures, incredible food, and affordable experiences. The city continues to top search trends for dream destinations this year.
- Flight price change: In July, flights to Bangkok averaged $500 from major US hubs like Los Angeles. Now, fall travelers can find deals around $356, a 29 percent decrease.
4. Athens, Greece
- Why it’s popular: Athens is a top destination for those interested in history and Mediterranean beauty. Fall is one of the best times to visit, with warm weather continuing into October and lower flight prices.
- Flight price change: Flights from the US to Athens have dropped from $540 in June to $460 in September, a 15 percent decrease.
5. Tokyo, Japan
- Why it’s popular: Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, combining futuristic architecture with deep-rooted traditions. As Japan continues to top travel searches, fall is an excellent time to visit for both festivals and pleasant weather.
- Flight price change: Tokyo’s airfare has dropped from $687 in peak summer to $580 in September, representing a 15 percent decrease.
Why shoulder season is the best time to travel
The shoulder season between summer and winter is often ignored, but it’s a hidden gem for budget-conscious travelers. Here’s why:
1. Significantly cheaper airfare
As shown in our data, prices fall dramatically as the summer season comes to an end. You can enjoy savings of anywhere from 15-60 percent on international flights and even more on domestic routes.
2. Temperate weather
Most destinations still enjoy great weather in the fall. Whether you’re seeking a tropical escape in Hawaii or a city break in Europe, fall provides the perfect balance—warm enough for outdoor activities, but cool enough for exploring.
3. Lesser crowds
By traveling in September, October, or early November, you can avoid the peak-season tourist masses, enjoy shorter lines, and have a more relaxed experience at popular attractions.
Key takeaways
- Airfare drops of 15-60 percent make fall a great time to travel.
- European cities like London and Paris are less crowded, with mild weather and lower prices.
- Warm-weather destinations like Hawaii and Southern California remain sunny and inviting.
- Fall foliage destinations offer stunning natural beauty in places like New England and the Smoky Mountains.
So, why wait? Book now and make the most of the shoulder season by visiting cheap places to visit in October. You’ll save money, enjoy fewer crowds, and experience destinations in a whole new way.
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