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Best holiday destinations in November
Winter has arrived, and the dark, colder nights are drawing in. Instead of thinking about all the festive planning for the next month, why not seek out tropical adventures and unique festivals? When it comes to November holidays, there are plenty of exciting options.
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Spain
Travel to southern Spain in November and you can look forward to warm days and uncrowded beaches, with temperatures still hovering around 20C in Andalucia and along the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca. If you’re happy to fly a little further to the Canary Islands, it’s even warmer in Tenerife and Lanzarote, ideal for some sightseeing or time relaxing in the sun without the crowds of the summer months.
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Cyprus
Cyprus in November sees plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures are usually in the low 20Cs. This makes places like Paphos perfect for holidaymakers looking to explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological sites as well as lie by the pool. Cyclists and hikers will be in their element this month too, as they seek out the trails along the dramatic Mediterranean coastline of the Akamas Peninsula, and the forest-covered foothills in the Troodos Mountains.
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Madeira
Although it’s winter in Madeira, the subtropical climate means it’s often more pleasant than northern Europe with agreeable weather in November for exploring the capital, Funchal, and taking a stroll around the pedestrianised old town and the São Tiago Fortress. It’s also a great time of year to go walking; head out along one of the former irrigation channels known as levadas as they wind their way through chestnut and pine forests, to walk under the autumnal foliage.
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Italy
Northern Italy might be embracing big scarves, roasted chestnuts and the Christmas spirit in November, but head to the south and there’s still sunshine to be found on an almost empty Amalfi Coast. It’s far more pleasant exploring Pompeii or strolling around the narrow streets of Sorrento this month than summer’s searing heat, while you can expect beautiful views over Capri too. And cooler evenings make the perfect excuse for a classic Italian hot chocolate.
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Iceland
If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights, head to Iceland in November. While the days are shorter, it makes the aurora borealis easier to spot, with more chance of seeing the dancing lights around the autumn equinox. Iceland’s landscapes are also memorably dramatic this time of year – think snow-capped volcanoes, thermal hot springs, and tumbling waterfalls, while in the capital Reykjavik, Icelanders are embracing the winter with reindeer sausages and mulled wine on sale at brightly lit market stalls.
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Cambodia
November marks the start of the dry season in Cambodia, making it the perfect month to discover the country’s iconic sights before temperatures rise. Step through the intricately carved entrance of one of Angkor’s crumbling, creeper-clad temples, watch a pink-hued sunset over the mighty Mekong River or stroll through the Parisian-style streets of Phnom Penh’s French Quarter. The crowds of peak season have yet to arrive, so you’ll find a more serene experience at the popular temples.
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Mexico
Ancient civilisations come alive among Mexico’s fascinating Aztec and Mayan ruins, and November is the ideal month to explore these for yourself, with hurricane season at an end but before the busiest months begin. You’ll find them dotted all over the country, whether hidden deep in the jungle, perched on the Caribbean coast, or basking in the sun on the high plains around Mexico City. In early November, the famous Day of the Dead festival transform the streets with colour and noise too.
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New Zealand
With summer on the horizon in November, it’s a fantastic month to discover some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet in New Zealand. It isn’t just about looks though. There's also a chance to learn about Māori culture, wildlife to watch out for and world-class wines to sample. The weather is perfect for discovering the highlights of New Zealand’s islands, as you travel from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the North Island.
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Japan
Japan might be known for its spring cherry blossom, but the blazing colours of autumn are just as lovely and are at their best this month. While you’ll need to pack a coat, you can expect clear, dry days to sightsee in Tokyo and Kyoto, and some great views of Mount Fuji. Discover picturesque historic towns, an 8th century temple, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and lose yourself in Japan’s ancient heritage.
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The Bahamas
Fly far from the dark days and rain of the UK with a Caribbean escape this month. It’s the start of the dry season in the Bahamas, and the sun will be shining with temperatures up to 28C (and rarely dropping below 20C even at night). You’ll find some beautiful white sand beaches on the well-named Paradise Island, a short journey from the islands’ capital Nassau with its colourful colonial architecture.
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Jamaica
If you’re looking for real winter sun, Jamaica is hard to beat in November, with temperatures in the high 20Cs and the weather getting drier throughout the month. Whether you fancy Ocho Rios, Montego Bay or Negril as your base, you’ll find plenty of choice for a beach break. There’s more than sun, sand and sea though – hike in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, visit the botanical garden in the capital Kingston, or climb the waterfalls at Dunn’s River Falls.
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Malaysia
While it’s monsoon season on the east coast of Malaysia this month, it’s blissfully sunny on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia this month, making it the ideal time to explore some of the country’s highlights. Along with the attractions of the capital Kuala Lumpur, the islands of Penang and Langkawi are perfect for a mix of culture, nature and beach, while there’s more history to be found in Melaka with its Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture.
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