By Heather Benac 
Your scarf is no longer a fashion choice but a shield against a biting wind. The world is turning grey, and the lure of a thermostat battle is losing its charm. What if you could trade it all for the scent of frangipani on a warm breeze, the feel of sun on your skin, or the spectacle of a thousand lanterns floating into a tropical night?
November is the secret handshake of seasoned travelers. It’s the sweet spot—the “shoulder season”—where summer crowds have vanished, prices soften, and the climate in countless global gems is nothing short of perfection. It’s a bridge between autumn and winter where you can chase endless summer or embrace a different, warmer kind of fall. Let this be your guide to the best places to travel in November, a curated list for those who believe the best adventures happen just off-season.
Southeast Asia’s Golden Hour
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For: Culture seekers and festival lovers.
Forget everything you think you know about crowded tourist hubs. In November, Northern Thailand sheds its rainy season cloak and emerges, vibrant and cool. The heat and humidity of summer have mellowed into a comfortable warmth, ideal for exploring temple complexes without breaking a sweat. But the true magic happens on the night of the full moon, typically in mid-November, for Loi Krathong and Yi Peng.
The sky becomes a constellation of floating fire—thousands of paper lanterns (khom loi) carrying hopes and worries into the heavens. Simultaneously, rivers and waterways glitter with small, decorated baskets (krathong) holding candles and flowers, a beautiful act of letting go. It’s a spiritual and sensory experience that transforms the entire city. Pro-Tip: Book accommodations and festival-viewing spots months in advance for this specific period.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
For: History buffs and budget-conscious luxury travelers.
November marks the end of the rainy season, meaning the jungles surrounding Angkor Wat are lush and brilliantly green, yet the downpours have ceased. The weather is hot but manageable, especially if you plan your temple explorations for the early mornings and late afternoons. Crowds are still thinner than in the peak December-February period.
This is your chance to feel like an explorer rediscovering a lost world. Watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat’ iconic towers, but then wander to the enigmatic faces of the Bayon or the strangled ruins of Ta Prohm, where stone and silk-cotton tree roots are locked in an eternal embrace. The value is exceptional, with beautiful boutique hotels and world-class dining available at a fraction of peak-season prices.
Da Nang & Hoi An, Vietnam
For: Beach lovers, foodies, and romantics.
Central Vietnam hits its absolute stride in November. The relentless rains have passed, and the days are sunny, warm, and dry. This is the perfect time to split your trip between the stunning beaches of Da Nang, the history of the Imperial City of Hue, and the enchanting, lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a historian’s dream. Its Ancient Town is a perfectly preserved tapestry of Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and French colonial buildings. By day, it’s a marvel. By night, it’s pure magic, as thousands of silk lanterns cast a multicolored glow on the Thu Bon River. Take a cooking class, get a bespoke suit tailor-made in 24 hours, or simply cycle through the surrounding rice paddies.
The Caribbean & Latin American Sun
The Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
For: Culture vultures and sun worshippers.
While the Caribbean is slowly emerging from hurricane season, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a safe, spectacular bet in November. The weather is hot, the water is warm, and the chances of a storm are low. But the cultural calendar is on fire. The first two days of the month are Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant, beautiful celebration of life and ancestry, not a somber affair.
Witness ofrendas (altars) overflowing with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs. For a truly profound experience, visit a cemetery like Xcaret’s or in a local village, where families gather to sing, eat, and remember their loved ones. Pair this cultural immersion with dips in cenotes (natural sinkholes), and exploring Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá or Tulum, without the oppressive crowds of high season.
The Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)
For: Beach-goers seeking all-inclusive value.
By November, the Caribbean’s hurricane risk drops significantly, especially in the south-facing coast of Punta Cana. This is the start of the dry season, meaning you’re greeted with near-guaranteed sunshine, minimal rain, and lush, post-rainy-season greenery. Resorts, eager to kick off the season, often offer fantastic opening deals.
This is your quintessential palm-fringed-beach escape. Think miles of pristine white sand, clear turquoise water perfect for swimming, and a plethora of resort amenities. It’s one of the best cheap places to travel in November for a luxury all-inclusive experience, offering incredible value for couples and solo travelers alike.
Cartagena, Colombia
For: Romantics, photographers, and salsa dancers.
Cartagena sizzles with color and energy year-round, but November offers a slight reprieve from the peak heat and humidity, with occasional short, refreshing showers. The real draw is the city itself—a storybook of Spanish colonial history enclosed within formidable stone walls.
Get lost in the Old City’s cobblestone streets, where bougainvillea cascades from wooden balconies and horse-drawn carriages clatter by. The history here is palpable, from the pirate-fortified walls to the Palace of the Inquisition. As dusk falls, the city transforms. The plazas buzz with life, street food vendors sizzle, and the sound of salsa spills from open-air cafes.
European & Middle Eastern Escapes
The Canary Islands, Spain
For: Year-round sun seekers and outdoor adventurers.
Tired of the “will it, won’t it” of Mediterranean weather in the fall? The Canaries are Europe’s secret weapon. Located off the coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago boasts warm places to visit in November in Europe with daytime temperatures consistently in the low to mid-70s°F (low 20s°C).
Each island has a unique personality. Tenerife offers the dramatic volcanic landscape of Teide National Park. Lanzarote feels like a Martian colony, with architecture seamlessly blended into the black lava fields. Fuerteventura is a windswept paradise for windsurfers. It’s the perfect prescription for a dose of vitamin D without a long-haul flight from Europe.
Cyprus
For: History lovers and budget-minded sun seekers.
Steeped in myth (the birthplace of Aphrodite) and layered with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history, Cyprus in November is a dream. The scorching summer heat has faded, making it ideal for exploring the sprawling archaeological sites like the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos or the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion without the tourist throngs.
The sea is still warm enough for a swim, and the rolling hillsides are green and lush. You’ll find fantastic travel deals in November, with lower prices on flights and charming villas or hotels. It’s a historically rich, sun-drenched alternative to the more crowded Greek islands.
Dubai, UAE
For: Luxury shoppers and futuristic city lovers.
As the Gulf region finally cools from its blistering summer, November is when Dubai comes alive. The weather is, quite simply, perfect—sunny, warm, and dry. This is the start of the outdoor season, meaning you can comfortably lounge at beach clubs, dine on rooftop terraces, and explore the old Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Beyond the opulence of the malls and the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, Dubai serves as a fantastic gateway to deeper history. Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the profound Louvre Abu Dhabi. For the true explorer, a desert safari offers a glimpse into the Bedouin past, complete with dune bashing and a starlit dinner in a Bedouin-style camp.
Read Also: Le Mont Saint-Michel: Where Stone Meets Sky and Centuries Collide
Africa & The Indian Ocean
Cape Town, South Africa
For: Wine connoisseurs, outdoor enthusiasts, and scenic drivers.
Flip your calendar upside down! November is late spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and Cape Town is bursting into life. The iconic Table Mountain is carpeted in wildflowers, the days are long and sunny, and the famous “Cape Doctor” wind is usually at its calmest.
This is the ideal time for hiking, visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach, and driving the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak. It’s also the start of the wine harvest in the nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek valleys, meaning the vineyards are gorgeous and wine tasting is at its most vibrant. The energy in the city is infectious, making it one of the best places to travel in November for a mix of urban culture and unparalleled natural beauty.
Marrakech, Morocco
For: Sensory adventurers and shoppers.
The fierce heat of the Moroccan summer has dissipated, leaving behind balmy, sunny days and cool, crisp evenings—perfect for exploring. Marrakech is a city that attacks the senses in the best way possible. The scent of spices, the sound of the call to prayer, the vibrant chaos of the Djemaa el-Fna square, with its storytellers, snake charmers, and food stalls.
Get lost in the labyrinthine souks, but be ready to bargain. Retreat to the serene beauty of the Jardin Majorelle or the Bahia Palace. For a true historical deep dive, stay in a traditional riad—a guesthouse with an interior garden courtyard, often showcasing stunning Islamic architecture.
The Maldives
For: Honeymooners, luxury seekers, and snorkelers.
November sits on the cusp of the dry and wet seasons in the Maldives. This translates to one thing: value. You’ll find some of the best travel deals in November for this bucket-list destination. While there might be a brief, passing shower, you’re also rewarded with stunning skies, excellent underwater visibility, and fewer crowds.
This is the ultimate digital detox and romantic escape. Your world shrinks to the size of your overwater villa, a stretch of private beach, and an infinite horizon of blue. It’s a place to reconnect, relax, and marvel at the marine life swimming directly beneath your glass floor.
North American Gems
Sedona, Arizona, USA
For: Spiritual seekers, hikers, and photographers.
Forget the summer scorcher. November in Sedona is crisp, cool, and absolutely magnificent. The cottonwood trees along Oak Creek are a brilliant gold, creating a stunning contrast against the region’s iconic red rock formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
The hiking conditions are perfect—energizing without being exhausting. Sedona is also famous for its vortex sites, believed to be centers of spiritual energy, making it a hub for wellness and meditation. After a day on the trails, unwind in the artistic Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village or enjoy world-class dining with a view.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
For: Foodies, history lovers, and couples.
Autumn lingers beautifully in Charleston in November. The humidity is gone, the air is fresh, and the city’s historic charm is on full display. It’s a fantastic time for a Thanksgiving getaway, offering a unique and warmer alternative to the classic New England holiday.
Take a historical walking tour through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, admire the antebellum architecture, and dive deep into the complex, poignant history of the Old Slave Mart Museum. Charleston’s food scene is arguably the best in the country, from low-country classics like shrimp and grits to innovative fine dining.
Big Island, Hawaii, USA
For: Nature lovers and adventure seekers.
While all of Hawaii is a great choice, the Big Island’s sheer diversity shines in November. The summer crowds have thinned, and the winter surf and rain haven’t fully set in. This is your chance to experience multiple climates on one island.
You can sunbathe on black sand beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and then drive up to the summit of Mauna Kea (13,803 ft) where you might need a winter coat for stargazing. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the primal power of the earth. The value for flights and accommodation is often better than during the December holiday rush.
Read Also: Maui on a Dime: 10 Budget-Friendly Trips Through Time
Your November Travel FAQs
Q: Where is hot in November for a guaranteed beach holiday?
A: For near-certainty, look to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam), the southern Caribbean (Aruba, Dominican Republic), or the Indian Ocean (Maldives). The Canary Islands also offer reliably warm European sun.
Q: I want a cultural trip, not just a beach. Where should I go?
A: Mexico for Día de los Muertos, Thailand for Loi Krathong, or Morocco and Cyprus for historical exploration without the extreme heat. These destinations blend perfect weather with deep cultural immersion.
Q: What are the best cheap places to travel in November?
A: Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam) and Southern Europe (Cyprus, the Canaries) offer incredible value as it’s the shoulder season. You’ll find deals on flights and hotels before the December peak.
Q: Is the Caribbean safe from hurricanes in November?
A: The official season ends November 30th, but the risk drops dramatically by early November, especially in the southern Caribbean. It’s generally a very safe bet.
Q: Where is the best place to travel for Thanksgiving to avoid the cold?
A: Hawaii, Arizona (Sedona), Florida, the Caribbean, or Mexico. These destinations offer a warm-weather alternative to the traditional holiday.
Your 3 Explorer’s Tasks for a Perfect November Trip:
- Act Fast for Festivals: If your destination includes a specific event like Loi Krathong or Day of the Dead, book your core accommodations now. These dates are not a secret.
- Pack in Layers: “Warm weather” can mean a balmy 85°F in Thailand or a crisp 65°F in Sedona. Pack light layers to adapt to cool mornings, warm days, and air-conditioned interiors.
- Embrace the Spontaneity: The joy of the shoulder season is the lack of crowds. Leave room in your itinerary to accept a local’s dinner invitation, follow a hidden path, or simply spend an extra hour at a café watching the world go by.
The world is warm, welcoming, and waiting. All you have to do is decide which chapter of history you want to walk through, which sunbeam you want to chase. Where will your November journey take you?
Share your favorite warm-weather November hideaways in the comments below.
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