It’s pretty common knowledge that there’s some really beautiful places to visit in autumn around the US. Places like New England, Appalachian Mountains, and even the Pacific Northwest or Colorado are well known destinations to see some colorful leaves. Even to the north in Canada, lots of people know destinations like the Canadian Rockies or Quebec for seeing fall foliage. But what about the rest of the world? There must be pretty autumns elsewhere, right? Right!
We’ve searched all over the world for some of the best, the prettiest, the most epic places you’ve got to see in the autumn. But keep in mind, we’re talking about Northern Hemisphere autumn here (that’s September – November time). So we’ve unfortunately had to leave off some gorgeous Southern Hemi places like Patagonia in South America (because that’s in fall color in March – May).
Top places to visit in autumn around the world
Asia
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is renowned for its stunning fall foliage. Temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Eikando Temple offer breathtaking views of maple and ginkgo trees in full autumn glory. The traditional Japanese gardens and historic sites provide a serene backdrop for the colorful season. Best time to see the colors? Peak is usually around mid November or so.
Seoraksan National Park, South Korea
Seoraksan National Park is famous for its stunning autumn foliage. The park’s diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, serene valleys, and clear streams, are highlighted by vibrant fall colors. Hiking trails like the Ulsanbawi Rock offer panoramic views of the seasonal splendor. You’ll find South Korea’s peak fall colors to be around mid October.
Hokkaido, Japan
While Kyoto is famous, Hokkaido in northern Japan also offers incredible autumn beauty. National parks like Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko showcase expansive forests and mountainous landscapes ablaze with fall colors, often with fewer crowds compared to southern regions. For the best of the best fall foliage, aim to visit mid-to-late October.
Europe
Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria’s enchanting landscapes become even more captivating in the fall. The Romantic Road winds through charming villages, lush forests, and rolling hills adorned with autumn hues. Plus the Black Forest offers stunning trails and scenic beauty during this season! If you want to see the richest fall colors, you’ll need to visit Bavaria in late September to early October. This is also a great opportunity to visit Munich and attend Oktoberfest!
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves turn golden in autumn. The harvest season brings vibrant colors and delicious local produce. Exploring towns like Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano during this time offers a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. October provides the best fall colors mixed with nice mild weather in Italy.
The Lakes District, United Kingdom
England’s Lake District is a picturesque region that comes alive in autumn. The combination of lakes, forests, and rolling hills painted in autumn colors creates a serene and beautiful setting. Popular spots include Windermere, Derwentwater, and Keswick. Mid-to-late October provides the best display of autumn hues across the lakes and hills of the region.
The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps provide a dramatic backdrop for autumn’s colorful display. Hiking trails, alpine meadows, and picturesque villages like Zermatt and Interlaken offer stunning views of the changing leaves against snow-capped peaks. Ideal fall foliage can be found in the Alps from late September to early October.
