As fall ends and the weather shifts around the globe, we share the best places to visit in November. Travelers can find almost anything they desire in the month. Destinations such as South Africa, The Maldives, Taiwan, Jordan, Patagonia, Namibia, and Antarctica have ideal weather in November. It’s also a tremendous time to take in cultural festivals such as Loy Krathong in Thailand, Diwali in India, and Día de Muertos in Mexico.
So, ditch the misconception that many may have that November is a miserable time to travel. It is a fantastic time to get away and holiday to a warmer or perhaps colder destination. You can read more below about where to travel in November!
Best Places to Visit in November
- Thailand
- The Maldives
- Jordan
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Turkish Coastline
- The Algarve, Portgual
- Antarctica
- Mexico
- Golden Triangle, India
- Cyprus
- Patagonia
- Namibia
- Seychelles
- The Philippines
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Hawaii
- Arizona
- Egpyt
- Bali, Indonesia
- The Florida Keys
Thailand
We will start with this list of best places to visit in November with one of our favorite countries! November marks the end of Thailand’s rainy season, and many destinations, such as Phuket, Bangkok, Khao Lak, and Chiang Mai, have ideal weather. This is a great time to visit the Northern stretches of the country. It’s a great time to snorkel around Phuket, lay on the beaches of Khao Lak, or enjoy the jungle mountains. Destination choice is key, though, as the Lower Gulf (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao) are pretty rainy in November.
Across the country, the culturally significant festival of Loy Krathong. During the first full moon of the month, Thais all across the country release their krathongs, small boats from banana leaves, along rivers to symbolize a new beginning and bring good luck in the coming years.
Chaing Mai is the cultural heart of the festival and features a popular tourist version, which involves releasing thousands of floating lanterns into the night sky. However, those after a more authentic version of the festival will not be disappointed as locals flock to the riverbanks to shoot off fireworks and release their krathongs along the river.
The Maldives
Social media and the jaw-dropping resorts atop the Atolls of the Maldives have placed them firmly on many traveler’s “bucket lists.” Luxury resorts, azure waters, excellent surf, and some of the best diving in the world have visitors clamoring to visit. November is “shoulder season” in the Maldives, but it’s a short period to find some more affordable accommodation rates in the Maldives. Prices rise dramatically in December around the holidays.
The weather in November is ideal and sees only the occasional rain shower. We prefer the shoulder month as the rates are lower, and we don’t mind taking the risk of a thunderstorm to avoid packed resorts. Granted, some exclusive resorts manage numbers well, no matter the season. If you’ve been dying to travel to the Maldives but are scared of the price tag, consider traveling here in November!
Jordan
Jordan is a wonderful introduction to Middle Eastern culture, and its people are well known for their warm hospitality. It also has some incredible natural, religious, and historical sites worth the journey. The desert region of Wadi Rum is the home of Bedouin culture, and its dramatic landscapes have been featured in dozens of films such as Star Wars and Dune. Only a handful of historical sites in the world can rival the likes of Petra.
November happens to be a great time to travel in Jordan. Tourism is lower, and the heat of the summer is long gone, so days aren’t brutally hot. It’s technically winter in Jordan, and you may even get lucky and see some snow on mountain peaks. However, walking around ancient sites like Petra and hiking in the Wadi Rum desert is no fun in extreme heat. It’s also a great time to float in the Dead Sea.
That’s why November is truly a magical time to visit Jordan. Our days during November were comfortable and full of sunshine. However, make sure to pack layers as deserts see substantial temperature swings between day and night time. It’s common for the desert’s temperature to fall below freezing in November/December.
What are some of the best things to do in Jordan?
Cape Town, South Africa
One of the best countries to visit in November is South Africa! In particular, the Western Cape enjoys some beautiful weather in November, a staggeringly gorgeous part of the world. Cape Town is a city too beautiful for its own good. One can get easily lost in the depths of nature, grab a bite from a food truck, check out an art gallery, peruse a local market, or enjoy fine dining.
There are many things to do in Cape Town; making the most of your time, there is tricky unless you have a full year. But if you don’t have a year and are looking for a fantastic city to spend time in November, you’re in luck. Cape Town is heading into the summer season in November, meaning more visitors start making their way to the city. The average temperature in Cape Town is a nice 18°C. It’s also pretty dry compared to other places.
The weather across South Africa generally starts to warm up beginning in November. Some may say it gets unpleasantly hot in some places, but Cape Town stays pretty moderate. It should be visited before the holidays and complete high season! We recommended heading to Cape Town, before going to Stellenbosch and the Winelands for a trip, followed by a safari at Gondwana Tented Camps.
What are some of the best things to do in Cape Town?
The Turkish Coast
Turkey is one of our favorite places to travel to in November in Europe. The weather in Turkey is ideal in November for traveling around. Istanbul experiences mild days perfect for sightseeing and checking out sights such as the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Hagia Sofia, and Galata Tower. It’s also a pleasant time to head to central parts of the country, such as Cappadocia, without the summer crowds.
However, the real gem in November is the Turkish Coastline. Turkey is home to stunning beaches, marine parks, seaside towns, resorts, and tranquil coves. Beaches such as Ölüdeniz, Iztuzu, and Kabak Beach are some of the most breathtaking in the world. One of the best ways to experience the Turkish coast is by one of their traditional double-masted boats called a gulet. November still means beach time along the Southern Coast, so pack a swimsuit and sunscreen.
The Algarve, Portugal
Golden beaches, seaside cliffs, golf resorts, charming, colorful cities, reliable sunshine, and excellent surf has placed the Algarve in Portugal on many travelers’ bucket list. It’s a destination that offers something for everyone, from the buzzing Lagos to the undeveloped west coast.
One of the best places to travel in November is Portugal. We spent a month in the Algarve during November and had a fantastic time. In all honesty, we were looking for some warm weather while traveling around Europe, so we booked a one-way flight to Lagos and enjoyed the sunshine and beautiful Algarve beaches.
Sunshine, no crowds, and low prices are what met us in November. Southern Portugal is one of the best places to visit in the world in November. We were able to save a lot on accommodation, car rentals, and experiences this time. We had nothing but sunny days and even had some wonderful beach days!
See some of the best tours around the Algarve!
Antarctica
In November, the sea ice around the Antarctica Peninsula begins to break apart, and the cruise season begins. As it’s the beginning of the cruise season, it’s possible to find a reduced fare — granted, no cruise to the continent comes cheap, with the average cruise around 10,000 USD per person.
There is no easy way to reach Antarctica as it requires serious travel time. A journey to the continent requires most travelers to make it to Ushuaia, Argentina, nicknamed Fin Del Mundo or the end of the world. However, that’s only the beginning, as from there, it requires a multi-day sail across one of the world’s most notorious bodies of water, the Drake Passage.
After all is said and done, those who make it to Antarctica are rewarded with some of the most staggering landscapes on the planet. Mile-high glaciers, icebergs larger than a town, and staggering peaks are home to penguins. The scale of the continent is tough to comprehend. November happens to be the best opportunity to see the landscapes draped in white and visit pristine landing sites. Passengers only land at a few designated points, so many sites become muddy later in the season.
Mexico
There is a lot to be said about a country as vibrant as Mexico, as it has so much to offer travelers. With its palm-fringed coastlines, incredible cuisine, historic sites, buzzing cities, festive celebrations, and the artistic legacy of Frida Kahlo, Mexico inspires a spectrum of vibrant imaginings. The actual experience matches these expectations, as Mexico boasts lush tropical forests, towering snow-capped volcanoes, arid deserts adorned with cacti, and a 10,000-kilometer coastline adorned with sandy beaches and wildlife-rich lagoons, promising an ongoing sensory adventure.
It’s little surprise that many well-traveled reference it as one of their favorite destinations in the world. Away from its more unsavory tourist destinations, it’s a deeply rewarding country to travel. We couldn’t imagine a better time to visit some of its cities than during Día de Muertos or the Day of the Dead. It’s the country’s most well-known holiday, and cities across Mexico celebrate with unique traditions and huge parades.
Golden Triangle, India
As India shrugs off the country’s oppressive heat, they celebrate with the most significant Hindu holiday of the year, Diwali. It’s less famous and vibrant for travelers than Holi, or the festival of colors. However, November is a tremendous time to visit India as the weather across the country is pleasant, and it’s still possible to visit destinations such as Sikkim in the Himalayan mountains.
There is a dizzying amount of sites and a variety of things to do in India; it’s tough even to know where to begin. Travelers can find everything from the tallest mountains on the planet to hilltop palaces, wild cities, Hindu temples, and an extraordinarily vibrant culture. However, for most, November presents the perfect time to visit the Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
Cyprus
Not many think about the third largest island in the Mediterranean. However, the island has a rich history, close ties to Greece, and some gorgeous beaches. The sun-soaked island is full of fantastic cuisine and mythical landscapes with ancient sites. On two separate occasions, we escaped to Cyprus when facing winter conditions in northern Europe.
Cyprus is the go-to European vacation in November. The weather is still very comfortable, almost always sunny, and the water is warm enough to swim and enjoy those stunning Cypriot beaches. The best news is that after October 31st, the crowds start to die down. Some businesses will close, but all in all, you’ll be able to have a great time in Cyprus with minimal tourism and lower prices! One last tip is to avoid the cheap tourism around Ayia Napa and parts of Larnaca.
See the best tours in Cyprus!
Patagonia
Patagonia is all about wild landscapes, dramatic peaks, and adventures. It’s tough to comprehend its size as it’s an immense destination with gigantic sights and landscapes. Undoubtedly, it’s earned a solid, if not notorious, reputation for adventurers such as Charles Darwin, Paul Theroux, and William Hudson. These days, it’s more known for modern adventurers who push the bounds of what humans can do through climbing, alpinism, skiing, and even surfing.
It’s a region of extremes with punishing winds, snow, and rain. However, November marks the beginning of the brief period of more stable weather when hikers and climbers from around the world head to explore its wilds. It’s all about the natural world here, with world-renowned hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and climbing. El Chalten in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile are the most famous destinations. Few peaks in the world can stir the soul like the Fitz Roy. It’s truly awe-inspiring. Most importantly, the local’s warmth and hospitality are at the heart of a trip to Patagonia.
Namibia
A trip to Namibia feels like stepping onto another planet. Even though it’s shoulder season, there are still plenty of things to do in Namibia. Catching the sunrise at Sossusvlei and driving the Skeleton Coast are among our favorite memories. Namibia is becoming a trendy destination, so in the high season, it’s tough to do things last minute, unlike in November. Also, with the turning of seasons (from dry to wet), you’ll still find Etosha National Park very dry, meaning safari animals are easier to spot!
We ventured into Namibia in November (after South Africa) and had a fantastic time. November is shoulder season in Namibia and the end of the dry season. Because of this, you can usually get better deals on accommodation and roll up at the last minute to campsites (we did this a few times).
Seychelles
Paradise on earth may lie in the Seychelles, at least for those who love island life. The small islands in the Indian Ocean have gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise waters, verdant forests, and massive granite outcroppings. Warm waters around the islands teem with marine life, providing exceptional diving and snorkeling. Visitors don’t have to worry about living in a hut as some fabulously luxurious resorts are on the island.
One of my all-time favorite honeymoon destinations in the world is Seychelles! And the best time to visit Seychelles is in November. November is a calmer period between two trade winds that the Seychelles islands experience. However, this is also high season in Seychelles, so you may find many resorts and hotels are booked up and more expensive. You have to pay for paradise in Seychelles! If this November list has you debating between the Maldives vs. Seychelles, we have a post comparing the two.
The Philippines
The Philippines is well known for having some of the best beaches in the world, but it doesn’t stop there. The Filipinos are among some of the friendliest people we have ever met and can speak English better than many people I know! For those into surfing and other watersports, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Siargao, and places like Moalboal are great for waterfall exploring, free diving, and scuba diving.
It’s best to make a long journey (depending on where you are in the world) to the Philippines in the dry season. The dry season in the Philippines is between November and April, with November being the very start of the dry season. Like most places, the “start” of any season means tourism hasn’t picked up yet, and things are just starting to liven up again. This is very true for the Philippines. Because of this, you’ll find pleasant weather and lower crowds.
Australia
Australia has astonishing diversity and offers an array of travel experiences that cater to every taste and curiosity. With its vast and varied landscapes, from pristine rainforests brimming with unique wildlife to bustling cosmopolitan cities, and from the harsh and rugged Outback to the mesmerizing coastlines, this remarkable country ensures that adventurers and explorers will find their desires met.
November is the end of Spring in Australia and still a lovely time to visit before it gets brutally hot, and summer begins. In the north, like Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, temperatures range in the 70s-80s°F and are lovely. The further south you go, the colder it gets. Tasmania, for instance, is still hovering around the 50s-60°s. It’s relaxed and comfortable, and the crowds are lower. The perfect time to do a Sydney to Cairns Australia road trip
Hong Kong
With each new street brings something new and exciting. The food, the sights, the buildings, and the textures make Hong Kong a must-visit destination. It also happens to be an excellent entry to many other destinations within Asia. It’s also a decent introduction to Chinese culture, as the majority of people are of Cantonese descent. There are so many things to do in Hong Kong you’ll need days of exploring, and that’s best done without breaking a massive sweat or trying to find AC all day.
Any Hong Kong visitor knows it can be a hot and humid place. It’s a subtropical destination, but November is a perfect time to visit if you want to visit a city. November in Hong Kong typically means clear and sunny days with mild temperatures. It may also come as a surprise, but there are superb hiking and nature trails around the city. Hong Kong is a lot more than just another big city.
See all the most unique tours you can book in Hong Kong!
Hawaii, USA
If you’ve wanted to go to Hawaii for a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation, November is a fantastic time to do it! There’s never a wrong time to plan a trip to Hawaii, and November is the low season. This means you can score some outstanding deals on flights and accommodation this month, which is excellent as Hawaii can get expensive.
If you have wanted to enjoy a luxurious romantic trip but don’t quite have the budget for Hawaii, consider November, after the school holidays but before the holiday madness in December. Luxury hotel prices can dip as low as $250 a night, which may not sound like a steal, but trust us when we say that’s a decent deal for Hawaii. November also means fewer tourists so you can enjoy the fabulous beaches of Maui and Kauai without the masses.
However, it is essential to note that November is the start of Hawaii’s rainy season, though this isn’t necessarily bad! The rain brings cooler temperatures, with daytime temperatures dipping to 25°C, an incredibly comfortable temperature. Nevertheless, you should still get a travel rainjacket and umbrella. If you’re a surfer, you may already know that November marks the start of Hawaii’s prime surfing season, with large waves hitting the north shores of each island.
Arizona, USA
Thanks to Arizona’s position in the Southwestern USA, it is a year-round destination. However, summer in Arizona is HOT and crowded, so it’s best to avoid these months if you have the flexibility. The best time to visit Arizona is from September to April when the temperatures are comfortable, the crowds are few, and you can score some good deals on accommodation.
It’s a great time to take an Arizona road trip and hit sights like Sedona, Tucson, and Page. Make sure to do some desert hiking during the day, though you will want a jacket as temperatures drop drastically at nighttime. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon or Horseshoe Bend, now is your time while the crowds are away!
Egypt
The mighty Nile has been the lifeblood of Egypt since the beginning of civilization. Along its fertile banks, surrounded by the sands of the desert, ancient Egypt prospered. Thousands of years lure visitors in with the remains of breathtaking monuments, a rugged coastline teeming with coral life, and a culture that has evolved over millennia. Egypt is the gift of the Nile, so there is no better way to explore than a cruise down the river.
November is an excellent time of year to visit Egypt as things start to cool off with temperatures near a mild 22°C. You’ll even want a light jacket when thinking about what to wear in Egypt. The further the month goes along and the cooler it gets. It makes it a great time to go to Egypt and explore the many temples and ancient sites without sweating your butt off. There are so many fantastic places to go in Egypt; you’ll likely want as much time as you want in the country. We spent two weeks there and barely scratched the surface.
It's worthwhile to book one of these tours while in Egypt!
The Florida Keys, USA
Come May; the Florida Keys start to get hot. July and August are almost unbearable, and September marks the beginning of hurricane season. I bet you know where this is going to go. One of the best places to visit in November is the Florida Keys. In part because of low autumn crowds, part because it’s the end of hurricane season, but also because temperates fluctuate between 72 and 80 F. Can you say ideal?
Because it’s the shoulder season, you can score some excellent off-season pricing. However, bring a rain jacket for the occasional quick downpour – but don’t worry, it shouldn’t last too long! To make the most of your trip, we recommend flying into Miami and driving from Key Largo to Key West for the ultimate Florida Keys road trip. There are many interesting sights along the way, such as the Marathon Turtle Hospital, Morada Bay, and Robbie’s to feed the Tarpons. Visiting in November means you can eat at the best restaurants in Key Largo and Key West without making a reservation.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a vibe. Most importantly, it’s an island of many contrasts. Bali, a Hindu island, contrasts with Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation and conservative in values. So, traditional Balinese culture is starkly different from their neighbors. While still conservative by Western standards, they’ve fostered the culture of Western tourists and ex-pats that brought with them current trends, surf, and yoga. The heady mix altogether makes for a relaxed environment.
The second month of Bali’s wet season may be, but November still boasts a lot of daily sunshine and an average temperature of 27°C (no surprises there). Showers are typically short-lived and intermittent, and you can enjoy plenty of sunny days. It’s a quiet time of year to visit Bali, relaxing with almost no crowds. Head to the sanctuaries and yoga classes of Ubud, long abandoned by the tourists of summer. You can still get some good surfing and general lazy days at the beach in November.
The best places to visit in November FAQ
Where are the warmest places in November?
Some of the warmest places to visit in November are Bali, the Canary Islands, and the Florida Keys.
Is the Mediterranean nice in November?
Much of the Mediterranean region generally experiences mild to cooler temperatures in November, making it a pleasant time to visit for those who prefer milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Is traveling in November busy?
Out of all the months, November is one of the least busy months you can travel. It’s after all the summer crowds have come and gone, and before the Christmas holiday travelers.
Where is the warmest place in Europe in November?
Sicily is often said to be the hottest place in Europe. While in the summer, this can mean unbearable daytime temps, in November, it means temperatures ranging from 55°F to 66°F (13°C to 19°C). Sicily maintains a predominantly mild Mediterranean climate, resulting in pleasant temperatures (and low crowds and low prices) along its coastline during this time.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
Travel Month By Month
I hope you enjoyed this guide of the best places to travel in November. We break down the other months of the year here!
- The Best Places to Visit in January
- The Best Places to Visit in February
- The Best Places to Visit in March
- The Best Places to Visit in April
- The Best Places to Visit in May
- The Best Places to Visit in June
- The Best Places to Visit in July
- The Best Places to Visit in August
- The Best Places to Visit in September
- The Best Places to Visit in October
- The Best Places to Visit in December
