Destinations To Visit In November

November’s a funny month, stuck between Halloween and Christmas. It’s easy to write it off as that grey bit before the festive season kicks in. But I’ve got to say, after years of November travels, I’ve come to see it as the perfect month to get away, at a fraction of the price.

From scrolling through countless travel forums and my own experiences, the consensus is clear, November travellers are onto something good. Most people report saving 20-50% on flights and accommodation compared to December prices. And yet the weather in many spots is still warm enough for beach days or mild enough for sightseeing without melting.

Whether you’re after warm beaches, cultural immersion, autumn foliage, or desert adventures, November’s got you covered. The trick is knowing where to go. So we’re going to explore the best places to visit in November—from North America’s sunny spots to Europe’s cultural gems.

North American Getaways: From Beaches to Deserts

Mexico: Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen

If you’re desperate for vitamin D before winter properly sets in, Mexico’s Caribbean coast should be top of your list. With temperatures hovering between 25 – 30°C, it is warm without being sticky, and you’re past hurricane season so the weather’s more predictable.

We spent a week in Tulum in November and couldn’t believe our luck with the weather. Perfect blue skies every day, warm enough to swim but not so hot that you’re constantly seeking shade. The cenotes (natural swimming holes) were practically empty on weekdays, which meant we could take our time exploring without feeling rushed.

One afternoon, we visited the Tulum ruins and had entire sections almost to ourselves, something that definitely won’t happen from April until July! The guide mentioned November visitors get about 70% more space at popular sites compared to peak season.

Just a quick tip though – while the beaches in Cancun are gorgeous, don’t skip Playa del Carmen’s street art scene. Some of the murals are absolutely massive and I took some amazing photos (without the tourist crowds getting in the way).

USA Southwest: Las Vegas, Phoenix, and National Parks

The American Southwest in November is a hiker’s dream. After months of scorching temperatures that make serious trails dangerous, November brings those lovely crisp days in the 10 – 25°C range—perfect for exploring without overheating.

If. you are thinking of doing a road trip, Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon in mid-November is a fantastic route. The mornings can be chilly (you definitely need a proper coat), but by midday, it’s t-shirt weather. The light at this time of year is different. Softer and more golden, which makes those red rocks look even more beautiful.

Vegas is also worth considering if you want a bit of city life mixed with nature. The casinos are gearing up for the holidays but haven’t hit peak pricing yet. Shows are easier to book, and you won’t melt walking down the Strip like you would in summer.

Death Valley is another gem in November when temperatures finally drop below furnace levels, making it actually pleasant to explore. There’s something wonderfully eerie about those vast salt flats and sand dunes when they’re not crowded with tourist buses.

Hawaii and Southern USA: Tropical Vibes and City Charm

Hawaii in November is another great option. With temperatures sitting comfortably at 27 – 29°C and the summer crowds long gone, you get those postcard-perfect beaches without fighting to find a spot for your towel.

The Big Island in November is the perfect spot. The Kona side is sunny and perfect for snorkelling (look out for the turtles) while the Hilo side had dramatic waterfalls without the usual queue of people waiting to take photos.

On the mainland, New Orleans comes alive in November with pleasant 20 – 25°C days that make wandering the French Quarter enjoyable rather and a lot less sweaty than the summer. The food scene is brilliant year-round, but there’s something special about beignets and café au lait on a crisp November morning.

Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches are another good shout and Clearwater and St. Petersburg have that perfect balance of warm-but-not-hot weather, and you’ll find accommodation at least 30% cheaper than winter rates.

European Escapes: Mild Weather and Cultural Riches

Southern Spain and Portugal: Sunshine and History

Southern Europe in November is brilliant for anyone who wants to properly explore without summer’s intense heat or crowds. Andalusia sits comfortably in the 16 – 20°C range—warm enough that you’ll often find locals still eating outside at lunchtime.

I’ve been to Spain in November and it’s so much better than visiting in the summer. The Alhambra in Granada which usually requires booking tickets months in advance in summer has same-day tickets available. And exploring the intricate Islamic designs without the heat makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto have this gorgeous golden light in November, and the famous tiled buildings seem to glow in the softer autumn sun. The beaches in the Algarve are quieter but still pleasant enough for a stroll, if not always for swimming.

For guaranteed sunshine, hop over to the Canary Islands. Tenerife temperatures are around 21 – 24°C through November, and you’ll find people escaping the colder climate of northern Europe without the peak winter prices that start in December.

Wander ancient streets and when you need a break, the tapas bars aren’t packed, so you can easily find a table and soak up the atmosphere.

Italy, Greece, and Beyond: Off-Season Magic

Rome in November is amazing. Visit in August and it is hot, overcrowded and a bit overwhelming, however in November it feels like a totally different city.

Temperatures hovering around 10 – 18°C mean you can enjoy walking everywhere without constantly searching for shade or water fountains. The Colosseum, which typically has queues that go on forever in summer, have maybe 15 minutes wait time. And finding a table at a charming little trattoria? No problem at all.

Head to Sicily and temperatures are a little warmer it can get up to 20°C during the day. Not beach weather but perfect for exploring all those picture perfect towns like Taormina with its ancient Greco-­Roman theatre and sweeping ocean views and Castellammare del Golfo for authentic local eateries and after dinner harbour walks.

Southern Greece stays warm well into November. While you might not be sunbathing in Crete every day, temperatures of around 15 – 20°C make exploring ancient sites and hillside villages comfortable. Plus, accommodation prices drop dramatically.

November in Italy gives you this wonderful mix of being able to enjoy the culture without the all the tourists, while still having decent opening hours before the proper winter schedule kicks in. Wine, pasta, and no crowds! What more can you ask for?

Asian and International Adventures: Foliage to Festivals

Japan: Kyoto’s Autumn Spectacle

If you’re after autumn colours, Kyoto in November is absolutely unbeatable. The maple trees turn gorgeous shades of red and orange, which is simply stunning.

In mid-November the foliage is at its absolute peak. The famous temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji are busy, but nothing like the madness of cherry blossom season. Temperatures range from about 8-15°C, which means crisp mornings warming up to comfortable afternoon temperatures that are perfect for temple hopping.

For similar vibes but slightly different culture, South Korea’s autumn colours last into November too. Seoul’s palace gardens are spectacular, and you’ll find them much less crowded than during spring or summer.

Thailand, Indonesia, and Middle East Gems

November marks the start of the dry season in much of Southeast Asia, making it an ideal time to visit before the Christmas tourism wave hits. Thailand hovers around a lovely 30°C, and you’re past the monsoon season so the beaches actually look like the postcards you’ve seen.

My husband spent two weeks in Chiang Mai last November and said the weather was just perfect – warm, sunny, and not too humid. It’s a big contrast to April, when we found it lovely but very sticky! November also brings the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival, which is absolutely magical.

Oman is a bit of a hidden gem for November travel. With temperatures cooled from the scorching summer but still pleasantly warm, it’s perfect for exploring ancient forts and dramatic mountain scenery. The contrast between traditional Omani culture and modern infrastructure makes it an interesting trip that feels very different from typical tourist spots.

A few years ago we visited Marrakesh in November, the temperatures during the day are still lovely but not too hot. We loved exploring the souks and wandering around the streets of Marrakesh which were still busy but without the heat it was really comfortable. In the evening you do need a light jacket as the temperatures drop and there are so many lovely restaurants with beautiful interiors we had an amazing time. The light at this time of year, especially that golden hour before sunset, makes the terracotta buildings seem to glow from within.

Central/South America: Eco and Ancient Wonders

Costa Rica begins its dry season in November, meaning you can explore rainforests and wildlife without getting soaked every afternoon. The transition period means lush greenery but more predictable weather, perfect for spotting sloths and toucans in their natural habitat.

Guatemala is gorgeous at this time of year. The lakeside villages are peaceful, accommodation is cheap, and the volcano views across the water are crystal clear most mornings. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay three days and end up staying a week.

Peru’s Sacred Valley is another good shout for November, you’re outside the main tourist season but still have decent weather for hiking. Machu Picchu without the summer crowds is a completely different experience, and one I’d recommend to any serious traveller.

Caribbean and Island Paradises: Tropical Bliss

Puerto Rico in November is perfect —hurricane season is technically over, but the winter tourism boom hasn’t kicked in yet. The temperature is usually around 30°C, and you’ll find hotel rates about 40% lower than the December-March period.

The Cayman Islands host their annual Pirates Week festival in November, which adds a bit of cultural fun to the standard beach holiday. There are street parades, mock pirate invasions, and local food stalls that give a much deeper insight into island culture than you’d normally get.

While some Caribbean destinations might still see the occasional short rain shower in November, they’re typically brief afternoon affairs rather than day-long downpours. And there’s something rather nice about watching a tropical rain shower from a covered beach bar, cocktail in hand, knowing it’ll be sunny again in 30 minutes.

Quick Comparison and Planning Tips

If you’re torn between destinations, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• For guaranteed warmth: Mexico, Thailand, Caribbean
• For cultural experiences without crowds: Southern Europe, Japan
• For natural beauty: US National Parks, Costa Rica, Japan
• Best value for money: Portugal, Thailand, Mexico

A few practical tips: book early for Thanksgiving week if that’s when you’re travelling, as prices do spike around American holidays. Check local festivals—Day of the Dead in Mexico or Pirates Week in Caymans can add a fantastic cultural dimension to your trip. And always pack layers—November weather can be changeable pretty much anywhere.

Final Thoughts

November travel isn’t just about escaping pre-winter blues or finding a deal (though those are brilliant bonuses). It’s about experiencing destinations at their most authentic, when they’re not putting on a show for peak season tourists.

Whether you’re chasing the last bit of warmth before winter, hunting for autumn colours, or exploring ancient sites without the crowds, November offers that rare combination of decent weather and low season perks.

So before you write off November as that grey month best spent planning your Christmas shopping, consider giving it a chance as your new favourite travel time. Your wallet and your Instagram feed will thank you for it!