Where to Go on Holiday in November
Whisk yourself away somewhere wonderful on a warm holiday in November and escape the cold snap that’s setting in at home. Make a beeline for the paradise beaches of Antigua or Grenada, where you can find island paradise or island adventure, respectively. Or in Cambodia, bask in the tepid, dry weather as you uncover jungle-clad temple ruins.
For a more coastal scene, go in search of serious adventure in South Africa, where migrating whales are making a splash off the coast and warm weather wraps around metropolitan Cape Town. Alternatively, embrace the cold and with it, the gorgeous autumnal colours that awash the landscapes in gold and orange – and Europe is the perfect place to welcome the changing seasons.
Below are our top picks for where to travel in November.
Best Places to Visit in Europe in November
After a summer of heat waves and beachy escapes, something is revitalising about autumn’s cold snap, leaving the air crisp and refreshing. The sunny skies mixed with the chilly winds create bright eyes for the scenery ahead. Plus, as November is Europe’s shoulder season, you’re likely to experience fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Here’s where to travel in November in Europe.
November is the start of the Northern Lights season in Sweden when you have the highest chance of viewing this natural phenomenon. This is also the last month before the daily frost kicks in, although still expect single-digit temperatures. But the cities are extra cosy this time of year, with the leaves painted yellow and orange, the dark nights aglow with streetlights, and the markets and medieval architecture beckoning you in from the cold with warm golden tones.
Perfect on its own or paired with a European tour, Slovenia is one of the best places to go on holiday in November. It’s an ideal time to explore the city of Ljubljana and enjoy the wine season as it fully opens. Explore its historic castles, famous landmarks and charming architecture, whilst diving into its world-class wine selection. More boutique than other European counterparts, there’s something special about this country's rustic wine scene.
Best Places to Visit in November for Couples
With the festive season around the corner, much of our time goes to other people, but now is the ideal to come together with your partner before the rush.
Here are the best places to go on holiday in November for couples.
We love Bhutan; it’s largely protected from the influences of the 21st century and it is full of surprises: colourful festivals, hidden monasteries, beautiful traditions and hospitable residents. A trip here is always a memorable experience but it is particularly special in November when the annual Black Necked Crane Festival takes place in the Phobjikha valley. The occasion marks the arrival of the endangered and majestic bird and large numbers of locals gather for the occasion. Encompassed by the majestic Himalayas, this is the perfect opportunity to come together and immerse yourself in Bhutan's fascinating culture.
The Seychelles is an exotic archipelago of white sand beaches, sparkling waters, ancient rainforests and craggy mountains. Welcome to a land where giant tortoises roam free, exotic birds patrol the skies and wild orchids thrive. A land where smooth granite boulders rest at the water’s edge, creating secluded coves just waiting to be explored. The Seychelles is one of the best holiday destinations in November; the weather is unbeatable, particularly on the east side of the islands. Hawksbill turtles also come to the beach to lay their eggs in the Seychelles in November.
Best Hot Holidays in November
November is one of the best cold months to go chasing the sun, as many destinations enter their dry season, or in the Southern Hemisphere, they are gearing up for their summer. Get warm sunny days without the unforgiving heat, and your choice of culture, adventure or relaxation.
If you’re looking for hot weather in November, these are the best places for November holidays in the sun.
From rugged wilderness and world-class wines to migrating whales that can be glimpsed along the coastline, South Africa really does have it all. While exciting Big Five safaris, impressive coastal landscapes and the cosmopolitan cool of Cape Town entice many visitors to the country, there is plenty to keep you busy beyond this on your second, third or tenth trip. South Africa is a year-round destination with different highlights every month. In South Africa, enjoy warm holidays in November with bright blue skies and warm weather in Cape Town and the Winelands, while whales frolic in the waters around Hermanus and De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Teeming with awe-inspiring antiquities and time-etched temples, Cambodia is a beguiling country that never ceases to amaze. From the iconic temple complex at Angkor and the frenetic capital of Phnom Penh to the colourful floating villages of Tonle Sap, and the idyllic sun-kissed sands of Sihanoukville and Kep, there is something seriously special about this Southeast Asian kingdom, which remains relatively untrodden compared to neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. November in Cambodia is the start of the dry season, meaning ancient ruins are still shrouded in deep greens, while the warm, dry days make it as perfect for temple hopping as it is for lazing on the beach.
Did you know there are 1,430 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat? This small area in Indonesia has the richest coral reef life in the world. Indonesia's expansive archipelago is a must for both diving enthusiasts and beginners alike, with crystal waters such as these you don’t need a mask to appreciate the vibrancy and variety of marine life beneath the waves. This is where to go on holiday in November for sun and calm weather, making it an excellent time to visit for all travellers.
Best Beach Holidays in November
It’s always a good time for the beach and warm weather holidays in November. Choose between lush tropical jungles or pristine sandy shores, with adventure and calming bliss at your doorstep with these tropical destinations.
Characterised by tropical rainforests, dormant volcanoes, plunging gorges and pristine beaches, Grenada is a relaxed island that charms everyone who steps on its shores. Slip easily into the laidback atmosphere and uncover the secrets of one of the Caribbean’s lesser-trodden islands. Ignite your adventurous side with everything from sailing and snorkelling to hiking and river tubing. Or for a dose of culture, wander the historic capital with its charming harbour and 18th-century fort. November in Grenada is the very start of the peak season. It has some of the best holiday weather in November and there can still be some good deals to be had.
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 beautiful islands in Malaysia; a truly tropical paradise of crystal-clear emerald waters, azure skies, lush green vegetation and wondrous limestone formations. November hails the end of Malaysia's rainy season, providing a quintessential hot holiday in November; the islands' lush jungles are at their most impressive and the panoramic views from the famous sky bridge stretch all the way to the coast of Thailand.
One of the best holiday destinations in November for sun, this sun-drenched island is the epitome of Caribbean bliss and a great antidote to the dreary winter months. November is a particularly good time to visit Antigua as it’s the end of the turtle nesting season so it's a good opportunity to spy these endangered species. If you stay over the 1st of November, you can see the streets decorated in the colours of the national flag for the island's Independence Day celebrations.
Best Places to Visit in November for Long-Haul Adventures
Travel to these far-off destinations for the best holidays in November. In Argentina, spring is here along with its local wildlife, ready to stretch their legs after the long winter. Further afield, Antarctica awaits for those after a true bucket list adventure.
Here’s where to go on holiday in November for a long-haul trip.
While it's our autumn, it's Patagonia's spring. It may not be the warmest time to visit but there are fewer crowds, the prices are lower and it’s a great time to see the local wildlife. This is also a good time to explore the rest of Argentina, especially heading south where penguin chicks will be hatching. Buenos Aires comes alive in November as the locals are raring to get outside after a long and rainy winter.
Discover a place where you can see huge penguin colonies and kayak alongside immense glaciers that have taken a millennia to form. As you gaze out at this extraordinary landscape of ice sheets, glaciers and barren deserts, you really get the sense that this is the Earth's last frontier. This remarkable destination is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but the window to see it is relatively small so you have to book in advance!
Explore the Best Places to Visit in November with Scott Dunn
Whether you’re after the beach or a far-flung expedition, we’ll tailor-make the perfect trip for you. Get in touch with us by calling the number below or filling out our online enquiry form, from there we’ll get to know you and your interests and get to work planning your ideal itinerary.