19 Best Places to Visit in November

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Personally, November is one of my absolute favourite times of year to travel – so many of the best places to go in November are at their peak at this time of year. Despite what many people say, I HATE (with a passion) summer in Europe, and autumn is easily my favourite time of year. The leaves are changing colour and everything is so fresh and crisp and pretty. But you can still find hot summer vibes if you really want to.

For the majority of Europe, November is well into the sounder season. Prices plummet and temperatures begin to follow (although some places in Europe remain nice and warm well into December). You’ll also experience far fewer crowds than in peak summer months. But, in many parts of the world, November marks the beginning of peak travel season as hurricane seasons end and temperatures are balmy and beautiful.

November is a month with a little bit of everyone and such a great time to travel.

19 Best Places to go in November

So, whether you’re planning on soaking up the start of the festive atmosphere, or want to experience a few more weeks of sunshine, these are the 18 best places to go in November. 

1. New York, USA

Average Temperature: 10°C

Let’s start with one of my favourite cities of all time. I absolutely love New York and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in November. Depending on the time of the month, you’ll either be treated to gorgeous autumn scenery in Central Park, the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or the beginning of the festive season in the Big Apple – or all 3!

New York is a great place for embracing the spirit of autumn. You can go for a crisp autumn stroll through the parks, or witness Times Square all lit up with Christmas lights as well as billboards. 

2. San Francisco, USA

Average Temperature: 16°C

Another of the most gorgeous cities in the USA, San Francisco is another great place to visit in November. Between September and November is actually considered the best time to visit San Francisco. The weather is typically warmer, it’s less foggy, and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. 

You can spend your days exploring the hilly streets, riding the trams, walking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and seeing the seals at Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t forget to book a boat trip to Alcatraz too!

The best places to travel in November for warm weather

If you’re seeking warmth during the shoulder season, here are some of the top warm places to travel in November.

3. Malta

Average Temperature: 18°C

We actually visited Malta in late December and the weather was still a toasty 20°C most days. So, if you’re looking for a warm European destination for November, you can’t go wrong with this little island. 

It’s such an underrated spot, with pristine beaches, historic old towns (seriously, Rabat is gorgeous), and ancient temples. You’ll also find the friendliest locals, delicious food, and even some beautiful walking paths with spectacular views over the ocean.

4. Cyprus

Average Temperature: 20°C

Cyprus is another of the most underrated islands in Europe. Located to the east, near Turkey, it’s a delightful combination of Turkish and Greek culture. You’ll find hidden monasteries, deep gorges, and elaborate tombs, but also beautiful beaches, cliff-top walks, and cute cobbled streets lined with shops selling homemade products. 

We stayed in Paphos when we visited Cyprus and it was the perfect base for exploring the island. We were able to explore the history of Paphos itself, but it was also just a short drive to gorgeous sites like the Kourion Amphitheatre or Troodos Monasteries. It’s one of the best places to visit in November because you’ll get much fewer crowds than the summer months, cheaper prices, and beautiful weather.

5. The Canary Islands, Spain

Average Temperature: 20°C

The Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe to visit for year-round sunshine and November is no exception to this rule. Located off the coast of North Africa, it’s really no wonder these islands are so toasty in the winter.

The Spanish archipelago consists of 7 islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. They are volcanic islands so all have some pretty impressive scenery, but they also have their own charm. 

You can explore the Teide National Park in Tenerife, go beach hopping in Lanzarote, hire a buggy and hit the dunes in Fuerteventura, or go hiking through the lush greenery in La Gomera.

6. Marrakesh, Morocco

Average Temperature: 22°C

For a taste of deserts, souks, and beautiful riads, a trip to Morocco is a must. November is the perfect time to visit – you’ll escape the scorching heat of summer but still might need to apply sunscreen in the daytime. Plus, the crowds are much more bearable at this time of year. 

Some of the highlights of Marrakesh include visiting the Bahia Palace, wandering the gorgeous Mederssa Ben Youssef, and exploring the maze-like streets of the medina. 

7. Florida, USA

Average Temperature: 24°C

Florida is another of the best places to visit in November because you’ll almost certainly miss the crowds. The part of the USA can get BUSY during the summer months, but by travelling a little more off-season, you’ll be able to miss a lot of the families that visit over summer. 

Florida is also good for many things. You can explore the theme parks in Orlando, travel down the beautiful Key West for a bit of snorkelling and watersports, explore the laid-back beach vibes in Miami, or search for wildlife in the Everglades National Park. It’s a pretty varied part of the USA and not one to dismiss during the shoulder season.

Where to go in November in Europe

Flying long-haul might not be everyone’s cup of tea for November travel – especially with the holiday season approaching. So, these are some of the best places to go in November in Europe.

8. Edinburgh, UK

Average Temperature: 8°C

For slightly moody vibes, rainy streets, and charming cafes, Edinburgh is perfect for a November escape. I won’t try to tell you that the weather will be perfect – it will most likely rain a little during your trip – but in a way, the rain almost adds to the appeal of this Scottish city.

You can explore the winding cobblestone streets, hike to the top of Arthur’s seat for stunning views over the city, and explore the historic Edinburgh Castle. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the picturesque Dean Village and climb Carlton Hill for even more beautiful views.

9. Athens, Greece

Average Temperature: 16°C

We spent 4 days in Athens in November and it was perfect. The weather was still very pleasant during the day – warm enough to wear a T-shirt and shorts at times. And, while the evenings did get a little chilly, we had a gorgeous hot tub in our apartment in Athens overlooking the Acropolis, so we were able to relax on the balcony with a glass of wine.

In November in Athens, you’ll also find it to be the perfect weather for exploring the monuments. You can walk around the Pantheon with half the crowds of summer and climb to the top of Mount Lycabettus without breaking too much of a sweat!

10. London, UK

Average Temperature: 10°C

London is one of my all-time favourite cities and November is definitely one of the best times to visit. Admittedly, you won’t get the floral vibes of the summer months. You probably won’t get much warm weather either. But with the gorgeous autumn foliage in the parks, reduced crowds, and the beginning of the Christmas season towards the end of the month, it’s a great time to explore this city. 

You’ll need to plan when you go carefully though, depending on what you want to see. You’ll find fireworks displays towards the beginning of November (around the 5th) for Bonfire Night, and then towards the end of November, the Christmas lights start to sparkle.

I also think that November is one of the best times for seeing the Christmas lights in London because you’ll beat the next wave of crowds that arrived in December.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Average Temperature: 16°C

Lisbon is another of the best places to visit in November. The mild weather is still a good temperature to explore the city’s hill streets and you won’t have to jostle through nearly as many tourists. 

In Lisbon, I highly recommend exploring the historic Belem area of the city. Climb the tower, explore the Abril Bridge (Lisbon’s version of the Golden Gate) and grab a coffee from one of the many stalls along the waterfront. I also highly recommend wandering around the Alfama District, visiting Lisbon’s castle, and also taking a day trip to Sintra to see the enchanting Pena Palace.

12. Dorset, UK

Average Temperature: 9°C

If you love dramatic seascapes and beautiful beaches, you really can’t go wrong with Dorset. The UK’s stunning Jurassic Coastline is just brimming with things to see and do, from the picturesque town of Weymouth to the beautiful Chesil Beach, iconic Durdle Door, and historic Corfe Castle, Dorset is the ideal selection of things to do.

I love visiting Portland in Dorset – the lighthouse and dramatic cliff formations are stunning. But Lulworth Cove and the coastline near Durdle Door is another great place to explore. You won’t find the warm weather of the summer months in November, but you will find fewer crowds, which makes the dramatic scenery even more spectacular.

13. Iceland

Average Temperature: 3°C

Iceland remains one of my all-time favourite countries to date. It’s simply a stunning place to visit and one of the best places to visit in November for many reasons. 

In Iceland, you can visit during summer and winter and pretty much feel like you’re visiting two different countries. The summer months are full of flowers, the midnight sun, and lush greenery, whereas winter is characterised by snowfall, Northern Lights, and frozen scenery. Autumn, (and November), is almost the best of both worlds. 

Admittedly, you’re not going to get the midnight sun in November – but you’re in with a pretty good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Plus, Iceland won’t be at the ultimate darkness that December brings yet, so you’ll have enough daylight to explore the country. That, coupled with the autumn scenery, the beginning of snowfalls, and the crisp weather, makes November a great time to explore Iceland. You will definitely want to pack your waterproofs though!

14. Frankfurt, Germany

Average Temperature: 7°C

If you’re looking for some of the best Christmas markets in Germany, you can’t go wrong with Frankfurt. This historic city is famous for its elaborate markets, and many of them begin in late November.

Frankfurt itself is a great combination of history and modernity. You’ll find tall skyscrapers and glass offices and then cross the river to cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered buildings, and pubs that date back years. It’s also a pretty good place to stay if you want to go Christmas market hopping because it’s just a short train ride to Cologne and Stuttgart which have some of the most elaborate markets in the country.

Where’s hot in November?

Okay, we’ve talked about warm weather and also covered some of the colder places. If you’re wondering which countries are hot in November, here are a few that might take your fancy.

15. Chaing Mai, Thailand

Average Temperature: 28°C

Chaing Mai is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand. And easily one of the best places to visit in November because of its infamous Lantern Festival, Loy Krathong.

The exact date of this festival varies but typically falls in November. If you’ve ever dreamed of watching thousands of lanterns ride up into the air, you absolutely have to visit Chiang Mai at this time of year – it’s beautiful.

November is also towards the end of the wet season in Thailand and the start of some of the country’s best weather. It makes the perfect temperature for exploring the temples, taking a day trip to Chaing Rai to see the stunning white temple, and exploring some of the national parks and waterfalls in the area.

16. Luxor. Egypt

Average Temperature: 27°C

For some of the most stunning history you could see, Egypt is one of the best countries to visit in November. And, in my opinion, Luxor has the best temples. Yes, I know most people will flock to Cairo to see the pyramids and I’m not denying that those are worth seeing. But in terms of magnitude, beauty, and sheer magnificent engineering, Luxor wins for me.

These temples are simply stunning from the Valley of the Kings to the breathtaking Karnak Temple. It will honestly stun you. Plus, Luxor is also within great proximity of the Nile if you want to cruise the famous river and the desert if you want to explore the dunes. In November, the temperatures are also much cooler, making it a more comfortable time to explore.

17. Mexico City, Mexico

Average Temperature: 24°C

I couldn’t possibly write about where to travel in November and not include Mexico. Famous for the Day of the Dead celebrations that occur during this time of year, Mexico City is the perfect palace to visit in November if you want to see stunning cultural events. The Day of the Dead is typically held at the beginning of the month and is definitely something you should add to your bucket list. 

Besides this festival, Mexico City is a great place to explore. You can wander the city streets for gorgeous architecture, culture and history, or take a day trip to the stunning Teotihuacan for a deeper dive into Mexico’s past. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología for the most stunning collections of Mayan artefacts I’ve ever seen.

18. The Caribbean

Average Temperature: 28°C

Depending on which island you visit depends on which experience you’ll get in the Caribbean. But wherever you choose to go, it’s a great choice during November. As the hurricane season comes to an end, November is the sweet spot, just before the crowds arrive in December.

The Caribbean is the perfect place for a relaxing trip. You’ll find water sports, pristine beaches, beautiful accommodations, and some of the tastiest food you can find. So, if you’re looking for a place to chill out and soak in the ocean vibes, the Caribbean should be your November travel choice.

19. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Average Temperature: 29°C

Last but not least, Siem Reap is another wonderful place to visit in November if you love culture. One of the most culturally rich places I’ve travelled to, Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, one of the most spectacular temples in southeast Asia. The sunrise from there is on plenty of people’s bucket lists (although this can get pretty busy), and the temples themselves are very cool. 

As well as Angkor Wat, you’ll find temples that have literally been taken by the jungle, a super cute town with bustling streets and market vendors selling all kinds of trinkets, and the Angkor Museum where you can delve deeper into the history of the temples.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in November

Overall, November is (and possibly will always be) one of my favourite months to travel. There’s just so much to see from snowy vibes in Iceland to baking heat in the Caribbean and everything in between. Plus, since it’s pretty much shoulder season everywhere, you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. What’s not to love?

I hope this article helped you discover your next November holiday and I hope you have a fantastic time!

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