written by
Joanne Owen
updated 13.08.2024
Looking for somewhere special to vacation in November? Keep reading. From tropical hotspots that offer idyllic escapes from chillier climes, to atmospheric European destinations that’ll have you embracing winter wonderland vibes, here we present the best places to travel in November, along with recommended places to stay.
Bratislava, Slovakia © Shutterstock
Why visit: winter magic and music
Average temperature: 1°C-9°C (34°F-48°F)
Average daily budget: $100-$150
When it comes to the best place to travel in November for those seeking winter wonder and stacks of culture, Bratislava is a fantastic choice
Boasting a café culture to rival Vienna and Prague, Bratislava – capital of Slovakia — is a top-notch city break destination that also offers plenty to see and do during longer vacations.
Come November, Christmas markets start to pop up, sprinkling extra charm over its fairy tale-esque landmarks, among them the beautiful hilltop castle that looms large over the old town.
With a museum and romantic Baroque gardens to stroll through, it’s easy to while away a whole day here.
Centred on Hlavné námestie (Main Square), the Old Town itself is a delight of eighteenth-century palaces and Romanesque municipal buildings.
Meanwhile, music lovers shouldn’t pass up the chance to catch a performance at the Slovak National Theatre, a place that’s hosted the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.
And, with the Mozart Festival usually running from late October through to mid-November, music lovers have extra reason to visit.
Editor’s tip: to discover Slovakia without the hassle of planning and booking, our customisable Danube Capitals trip takes in Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest.
Where to stay: celebrating something special? Marrol's Boutique Hotel is a splendid 5-star in walking distance of the Old Town.
Or, for an affordable 3-star stay, try the cosy, well-located Elisabeth Old Town.
It's clear why the Maldives is one of the places to travel in November for winter sun © Shutterstock
Why visit: bucket list beach bliss and world-class diving
Average temperature: 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F)
Average daily budget: $200-$350
Comprising 26 coral atolls and over 1200 islands, the Maldives really are the stuff of dreams, offering travelers the chance to enjoy the ultimate escape-from-it-all romantic break. And, with rainy season fizzling out from October, this is one of the best places to travel in November.
Beyond looking pretty, the archipelago offers some of the best deep-sea diving in the world. With visibility of up to forty metres, expect to see manta rays, whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill, loggerhead turtles, and a whole lot more.
If traveling better is on your mind, you’ll be pleased to learn that more and more Maldives resorts are embracing sustainability.
Editor’s tip: if you're looking for all-out luxury, you’ll love our customisable Luxurious Maldives trip
Where to stay: for all-out pampering, try Siyam World. Stretched across Noonu Atoll, the luxurious over-water villas have slides.
For a special family trip, Amilla boasts an in-house biologist and kids' village.
Acropolis, Athens © Shutterstock
Why visit: uncover culture in mild weather, and the Authentic Marathon
Average temperature: 12°C-19°C (54°F-66°F)
Average daily budget: $120-$200
Always fancied exploring Athens’ ancient treasures, but aren’t keen on the stifling heat of spending summer in a city? Head here in November to enjoy mild-to-warm temperatures, and very low visitor numbers.
As a bonus, sitting way out of the high season, visiting in November also means you’ll have your pick of the best places to stay at a better price.
But back to the main reasons to visit Athens. Of course, visiting iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum are among the best things to do here.
Outside the city, you could look to hike Mount Lycabettus, or enjoy a day trip to Delphi without the summer crowds.
Oh, and if you’re into uncovering authentic culture, alongside enjoying traditional Greek cuisine in cosy, less-crowded style, visiting in November means you could witness — or participate in — Athens’ Authentic Marathon.
Held over the second weekend of November, the route can be traced back to that ran by Pheidippides back in 490 BCE, when he brought news of Greek victory in the Battle of Marathon.
Editor’s tip: fancy seeing a stack of regional marvels? Check-out our customisable trip that covers cultural and natural sites in Athens and the Peloponnese.
Short on time? See our fabulous 4-day trip to the City of Gods.
Where to stay: for modern elegance in an ancient city, try The Modernist. The roof terrace on this boutique four-star offers sensational views of the sun setting over the Acropolis.
We also rate the glorious Gatsby.
Turners Beach, Antigua © Shutterstock
Why visit: winter sun, sailing trips and Independence Day celebrations
Average temperature: 23°C -29°C (73°F-84°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$250
As the tourist literature goes, Antigua has a beach for every day of the year. Yep, that’s right — 365 soft-sand spots that’ll have you living your best winter-sun life.
Add to that the unspoiled beaches on Antigua’s little sister island Barbuda, and this dual-island nation adds up to an idyllic destination.
What’s more, November falls before peak tourist season, which means you’ll more space to yourself, both on the beaches and while visiting the island’s historic sites.
To do both in one beautiful area of the island, head to Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site, no less.
When you’re done exploring this living museum (allow a good few hours), lunch in one of the lovely waterside restaurants before walking nearly trails for epic views.
One of the trails leads to Pigeon Point beach, an impossibly pretty stretch of sand that offers warm, calm water — great for kayaking and snorkelling — with a couple of bars on hand to keep you supplied with tropical juice and/or rum punch.
As a bonus, 1st November sees Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Independence Day.
Where to stay: for all-out luxury (and a private beach) in Nelson's Dockyard, try Admiral's Inn and Gunpowder Suites.
If that's beyond your budget, consider the fabulous Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort in the same area.
Interlaken, Switzerland © 4kclips/Shutterstock
Why visit: outdoor adventure and sublime scenery
Average temperature: 1°C-8°C (34°F-46°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$250
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and surrounded by majestic mountains, November is a magical month to visit Interlaken to see the landscape shift to full-on winter wonderland mode.
Located in Switzerland’s Jungfrau region, the city offers opportunities to enjoy lots of the best outdoor activities in Switzerland.
While not all ski resorts are open in November, it’s a great month to visit to try some quiet early-season skiing, or to go snowboarding and winter hiking.
You could also ask local operators about paragliding, skydiving and canyoning experiences, and take trips to nearby attractions like Jungfraujoch (the top of Europe), Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and Mürren. The region has stacks of scenic train routes that make getting around easy.
Oh, and you definitely won’t want to miss visiting Unterseen. This charming historic town won over Goethe for very good reason.
Want to see more of the country? Our customisable Unforgettable Switzerland itinerary covers Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt and Geneva
Where to stay: for old-world atmosphere, bed down in Hotel Restaurant Hirschen. This quaint, well-appointed 16th-centutry inn has been in the same family for some 300 years.
Looking for luxury? Victoria Jungfrau — one of the grandest hotels in the country — offers sensational views of the Jungfrau and a state-of-the-art spa.
M'Pay bay village on Rong Samloem island (Koh Rong), Cambodia © Shutterstock
Why visit: affordable tropical beaches
Average temperature: 24°C-30°C (75°F-86°F)
Average daily budget: $80-$120
Located off Sihanoukville, south Cambodia, Koh Rong Sanloem is a place to unwind on some of Cambodia’s best beaches.
It's also a wonderful destination to dive and snorkel during a month that marks the beginning of the dry season.
At the same time, November isn't a peak season period, so idyllic beaches like the aptly named Long Bay, Lazy Beach, and Sunset Beach will be all the more magical. Talking of magic, don’t miss seeing bioluminescent plankton on the likes of Sunset Beach and Lazy Beach.
Editor’s tip: want to take in more of Cambodia? See our customisable beaches and temples itinerary.
Where to stay: located a few steps from Lazy Beach, Saracen Bay Beach and Sunset Beach, the 4-star Eden Beach Resort is utterly gorgeous.
On a budget? Try Lazy Bones hostel.
Pensacola Beach, Florida © AdobeStock
Why visit: back-to-nature beauty and the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival
Average temperature: 10°C-21°C (50°F-70°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$250
If you love art, music and fun festivals — and fancy enjoying some low-season savings — Pensacola, Florida, is one of the best places to visit in November.
And the reason? Pensacola’s Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival — one of America’s best-regarded arts festivals — kicks off the month in fabulous style.
Drawing 200+ painters, potters, artists and craftspeople, this welcoming jamboree also showcases heritage arts. Expect to see demonstrations of woodcarving, engraving, spinning and weaving, with a dedicated Children’s Arts Festival offering tonnes of free hands-on activities.
if that wasn't enough on the festivities front, the US Navy Blue Angels call Pensacola Naval Air Station home, and early November sees their blue and gold F/A-18 Hornets fly in formations over the city and water in a homecoming show.
Events aside, Pensacola boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches on the Gulf Coast, and you can hike, bike and watch birds in the glorious Gulf Islands National Seashore and Big Lagoon State Park.
Where to stay: if you’re traveling with kids, Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview is close to Escambia Bay and has an on-site pool.
Meanwhile, Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn is a good 3-star option.
Labadi Beach, Accra, Ghana © Shutterstock
Why visit: beaches, nature, culture and the Hogbetsotso Festival
Average temperature: 24°C-31°C (75°F-88°F)
Average daily budget: $100-$150
Incredibly diverse, with a glorious coastline and plenty of places to safari in nature, the West African nation of Ghana offers travelers a bounty of unforgettable experiences, with dry-season November being a great month to max out your time here.
Let’s kick off with the coastline — November’s warm, dry weather makes it a top month to appreciate the best beaches in Ghana, among them Labadi Beach, Kokrobite Beach and Busua Beach.
Mix things up by taking expert-guided safaris in Mole National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Centre — to see elephants, antelopes, buffalo, warthogs, waterbucks, and many other species, including lions (note sightings are rare).
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Volta Region boasts sublime natural attractions, such as Wli Waterfalls, Mount Afadja — Ghana’s highest peak — and the serene Volta Lake.
Staying in Volta, come November this region hosts the Hogbetsotso Festival — the Festival of Exodus — that sees the Anlo people of Southern Ghana commemorate their escape from the region of Notsie in Togo through ritual processions and cultural activities.
On the subject of culture, be sure to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, which offer insights into Ghana’s history and the transatlantic slave trade.
Editor’s tip: in the market for an exhilarating trip? Be inspired by our Adventure in the Volta region itinerary.
Alternatively, if you prefer culture-focussed vacations, you’ll find food for thought in our Ghana: History and Culture trip.
Where to stay: for a beachfront stay in Accra, try Labadi Beach Hotel.
Want to get back to nature in 5-star style? Akosombo's Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort is a winner.
Colmar, France © canadastock/Shutterstock
Why visit: winter magic and fine wine
Average temperature: 3°C-10°C (37°F-50°F)n
Average daily budget: $120-$200
First up, a head’s up — to experience Colmar’s six captivating Christmas markets, you’ll want to visit from the last week of November, when around 200 stalls are set up with glittering lights to render this magical medieval town even more magical.
Located in the Alsace area of France, east of the main Route des Vins villages and a thirty-minute train ride south of Strasbourg, Colmar is a delight of crooked half-timbered houses, with its Little Venice neighbourhood certainly living up to its name.
Though grape harvest season peaked in October, November remains a great time to visit local vineyards and taste Alsace wines, particularly renowned whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
November being a chillier month also makes it the ideal time to tuck into hearty Alsatian cuisine like choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages), tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza), and baeckeoffe, a meat and potato stew.
Where to stay: for a 5-star, pre-festive-season treat, you can’t go wrong with Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes.
More affordable, and oozing Alsatian style, Hotel Saint-Martin is located in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town.
Blue Hole, LIghthouse Reef, Belize Barrier Reef © Tami Freed/Shutterstock
Why visit: diving, snorkelling and blissing out on beaches
Average temperature: 23°C-29°C (73°F-84°F)
Average daily budget: $100-$2000
The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the best places in the world to dive and snorkel, offering famous dive sites like the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, along with easy-access, vibrant coral reefs for less experienced snorkellers.
And, marking the beginning of Belize’s dry season, just ahead of the peak season, November hits a sweet-spot to visit the Barrier reef — the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, no less.
Indeed, this string of exquisite cayes (pronounced “keys”) is the country’s main attraction for most first-time visitors to Belize.
Caye Caulker is the most popular destination for budget vacationers, while the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye has transformed from a predominantly fishing community to one dominated by tourism.
Editor’s trip: want to explore Belize beyond the Barrier Reef? Browse our customisable itineraries.
Where to stay: located in San Pedro, a few steps from North Ambergris Caye Beach, Matachica Beach Resort and Spa boasts romantic cabanas.
Offering villas and suites, Sapphire Beach Resort is also dazzlingly dreamy.
Madrid, Spain © Shutterstock
Why visit: culture, cuisine and all that jazz
Average temperature: 6°C-14°C (43°F-57°F)
Average daily budget: $120-$200
Offering mild weather and low tourist numbers, November is fine time to head to Madrid to explore popular attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Retiro Park with fewer crowds and shorter lines.
It’s also the best month for music lovers to visit as a result of the Jazz Madrid Festival running from mid-October to the end of November. The focus is on jazz for everyone, with performances taking place all around the city.
In between all those jazz shows, and strolling Madrid's parks and gardens, which are particularly scenic during this time of year, November is a great time to enjoy Madrid's heartiest traditional food, like cocido madrileños stew.
Editor’s tip: for inspiration — or to take the hassle out of planning your trip — browse our customisable Made for Madrid itinerary.
Short on time? Find out how to spend the perfect weekend in Madrid.
Where to stay: for all-out luxury and elegance, try Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila.
At the other end of the scale, Ok Hostel Madrid excellent facilities that punch well above its budget price range.
Jardines del Rey, Cuba © Shutterstock
Why visit: sun-drenched bliss, snorkelling and diving
Average temperature: 22°C-29°C (72°F-84°F)
Average daily budget: $100-$150
The biggest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is also big in spirit, and one of the best places to travel in November for tropical sun before peak season strikes around these parts.
That’s especially the case if you’ve been dreaming of beautiful beaches, such as those on Cuba’s Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) off the coast of Ciego de Avila.
Though home to a host of hotels, Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo retain something of an away-from-it-all feel.
And, in good news for divers and snorkellers, Jardines del Rey is fringed by 400km of coral reef, with over forty dive sites to explore.
Want more than beaches? Browse our Cuban Feast for the Senses itinerary and, if you're planning to go it alone, read our tips for backpacking Cuba
Where to stay: grab a copy of The Rough Guide to Cuba for insider intel.
Bologna, Italy © Shutterstock
Why visit: fine food and music
Average temperature: 5°C-13°C (41°F-55°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$200
It’s not for nothing that Bologna, capital of Emilia-Romagna, is known as La Grassa — “The Fat One”.
The city’s restaurants are said to be the best in Italy, and its impossibly pretty medieval streets are speckled with fragrantly tempting delis and markets. Foodies really won’t want to miss visiting Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe.
Alongside enjoying local specialties like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, and mortadella, November is truffle season in Italy, so be sure to check out truffle-related events.
Once you’ve had your fill, meander the grand central square of Piazza Maggiore. An magnificent mass of red brick, tiled roofs and balconies, this is also the perfect place to people-watch while indulging in decadent hot chocolate.
Beyond all those fabulous food-themed reasons to visit, Bologna hosts various cultural events in November, notably the Bologna Jazz Festival.
Editor’s tip: if you love Italian food, you’ll relish our Gastronomic Journey itinerary.
Where to stay: for 5-star finery, it doesn't get better than Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni.
Meanwhile, dating back to 1375, Phi Hotel Bologna combines 600 years of hospitality with top-notch modern facilities next to Piazza Maggiore.
Charleston, South Carolina © Shutterstock
Why visit: food, festivals, Fall foliage and culture
Average temperature: 10°C-20°C (50°F-68°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$250
One of the prettiest cities in the USA — and one of the oldest — visiting Charleston in November means you’ll get to witness its well-preserved antebellum architecture and secret gardens with a fabulous Fall backdrop.
The weather will be mild, too — ideal for exploring the Historic District and waterfront at your leisure, or heading to nearby Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island.
A fine destination for foodies at any time of the year, with the city being known for its seafood, especially oysters, November is also an especially great month to visit for festivals.
These include the Charleston Literary Festival, AfroSouth Film Festival, Charleston Scottish Games, and the Holiday Festival of Lights.
Where to stay: featuring a full-service spa, the 5-star Wentworth Mansion oozes charm.
Overlooking Charleston City Market on Market Street, we also rate the historic French Quarter Inn.
Shirakami Sanchi Park Visitor Center, Japan
Why visit: Fall forest magic, walks on the wild side and ancient culture
Average temperature: 2°C-12°C (36°F-54°F)
Average daily budget: $150-$250
Located in the most northerly reaches of Japan’s main island, Shirakami-Sanchi was the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While its steep summits and undisturbed ancient forest wilderness exude timeless magic around the year, we’ll stick our necks out and say November is one of the best times to visit, when its beech forest wonderland shift to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Be sure to walk some of the region’s trails, with the Anmon Falls trail and the Daira-Kannon trail being among the most popular and rewarding. Or how about taking a trip to to the Shirakami Mountains?
When it comes to culture, Shirakami-Sanchi doesn’t disappoint, either. The area has been home to a hunting and gathering culture since Japan’s Jomon period.
Today the Matagi continue to protect and manage this pristine forest — take a cultural tour to gather wild vegetables and mushrooms, cook over a bonfire, go trekking and learn about their ancient way of life.
Editor’s tip: want to want on the wild side in Japan? See our customisable Hiking the Japanese Alps itinerary.
Where to stay: Art Hotel Hirosaki is a handy base from which to explore the region, as is Dormy Inn.
Little Venice, Mykonos, Greece © Shutterstock
Why visit: mild climes and low season serenity
Average temperature: 13°C-19°C (55°F-66°F)
Average daily budget: $120-$200
Bear with us. While mention of Mykonos is likely to conjure summer vacation vibes, bear in mind that this gorgeous Greek island has plenty to commend it during low season months like November.
First up, while the weather in Greece in November definitely takes a chilly downturn, Mykonos remains rather warm, though you will need to layer up when the sun goes down.
These conditions are all the better for hiking, cycling and appreciating the island’s natural beauty. Its iconic windmills, whitewashed buildings, and sunsets are just as beautiful in November, with the bonus that you won’t have to vie for space with many other fellow tourists.
Related, visiting in November renders exploring Mykonos’ rich history at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, the Aegean Maritime Museum and the Folklore Museum all the more pleasant.
Where to stay: located in Drafaki, near Megali Ammos Beach, Asty Mykonos Hotel & Spa is rather splendid, as is Mykonos View, where the sunsets are sensational.
Puerto Escondido's Playa Zicatela © Shutterstock
Why visit: surfing and stacks of festivals and events
Average temperature: 22°C-31°C (72°F-88°F)
Average daily budget: $100-$150
November marks the beginning of the dry season in Puerto Escondido on Mexico’s Pacific Coast — an area that’s renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, especially at Zicatela Beach, which hosts an international surfing tournament in the middle of the month.
Surfing aside, Puerto Escondido offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities. Take your pick from kayaking, hiking and fishing, and note that two fishing events happen in November, too.
Beyond coastal activities, if you visit right at the start of the month, you’ll catch All Saints’ Day, with the International Film and Video Festival, the Coast Festival of Dance, and the Day of the Mexican Revolution coming later in November.
Where to stay: for something special, consider Casa Joseph Zicatela — it offers suites and villas just steps from Zicatela Beach.
On a budget? Try Secret Beach Hostel.
Rough Guides tip: Find tons of ideas for your Mexican adventure in our guide to the best vacation spots in Mexico.
Hong Kong sunrise © leungchopan/Shutterstock
Why visit: uncovering culture in comfy conditions
Average temperature: 18°C-24°C (64°F-75°F)
Travel time from UK: 12-13 hours
Average daily budget: £150-£250
With mild temperatures and low humidity, November is a great time to visit Hong Kong to take advantage of the best it has to offer.
Alongside discovering Hong Kong's rich history and culture by visiting sites like the Tian Tan Buddha, Man Mo Temple, and the Hong Kong Museum of History, it’s a top month to explore Hong Kong's outdoor offerings.
You could, for example, hike the trails of Dragon's Back, Lantau Island, and the New Territories then return to town to sip sundowners on a bar overlooking Victoria Harbour.
Visit the end of the month, and you’ll get to experience the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival.
Fear not if you’re on a budget — from witnessing the Symphony of Lights, to seeing a show at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong isn’t short of great things to do for free.
Keen to uncover culture? See our Hong Kong Island Insights itinerary.
Where to stay: feel like royalty in the Rosewood Hotel, or bed down for a bargain price at the cosy Mahjong hostel. More accommodation options you will find in our guide to the best place to stay in Hong Kong.
Stockholm, Sweden © Shutterstock
Why visit: winter wonder, fika cosiness and culture
Average temperature: -1°C-4°C (30°F-39°F)
Average daily budget: $160-$250
Crisp and cold, with the chance of snowfall at the end of the month, visiting Stockholm in November means wrapping up in your cosiest clobber to uncover Sweden’s capital as it shifts into festive season mode.
While Christmas markets don’t pop up until the end of the month, November is a top time to embrace the Swedish fika tradition — taking coffee breaks in cosy cafes, accompanied by plenty of cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).
Tempting as it might be to spend hour after hour in full-on fika mode, be sure to visit the Vasa Museum, Royal Palace, and historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), with the Moderna Museet on hand for contemporary art aficionados.
Where to stay: offering rooms, dorms and social spaces, Generator is a great hostel option.
Looking for luxury? Try Hotel Skeppsholmen — it's located in a charming 1690s building on a peaceful city island.
Cola beach, Goa, India © Shutterstock
Why visit: beach bliss, parties, culture and markets
Average temperature: 22°C-33°C (72°F-91°F)
Average daily budget: $80-$150
Hot, dry and very sunny, the wonderful weather in Goa in November also marks the start of peak tourist season around these parts, with areas like Anjuna, Baga and Tito’s Lane upping their nightlife game.
Aside from spending time on beautiful beaches like Baga, Anjuna, Calangut and Palolem, be sure to factor in time to explore Old Goa, and visit Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market and Arpora’s night market.
Film buffs, take note that the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) takes place in Panaji at the end of the month, while outdoor types should head to the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, with post-monsoon month November being an excellent time to see them in full flow.
Want more November inspiration? Read up on the best winter sun destinations around the world, and the most beautiful winter destinations.
You’ could also use our handy trip ideas platform.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 13.08.2024
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