October half-term 2026–27: when it is, and who differs

The usual dates

Councils that break at a different time

A council marked off-peak is on holiday in a week when most of England is still in school. That is a legal, penalty-free, off-peak window if you live there.

The last warm week, and the week the light goes

• This is the final week of the year when short-haul sun still reliably works: the Canaries, Madeira, southern Cyprus and Malta are all still swimming weather.
• Mainland Spain, Portugal and southern Italy are mild rather than hot - good for walking, cities and coastlines without the August crush.
• In the UK this is the busiest domestic week of the autumn. Theme parks and attractions run Halloween events and price accordingly; book those before the window, not during it.
• Nothing is skiing yet beyond a couple of glaciers.

Guidance, not a price promise — this site holds no pricing or availability data.

Councils using the usual dates