November might not be an obvious month to travel, which is among the reasons why November is one of the best months to travel! This off-peak month is a great time to explore fall foliage or chase sunny beach days, depending on where you go. From cool European escapes to chasing the Northern Lights to taking a warm escape to the southern hemisphere, here’s a list of the best places to visit in November for a perfect getaway.
London, England
London is always a good idea, and it’s in November that you’ll see the city at its most local when summer crowds have long disappeared. In early November you’ll see the last of the fall foliage dusting its parks, while later in the month you’ll experience festive cheer as high streets begin to decorate for Christmas. It’s the perfect month to experience London – tick off landmarks, such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, then explore the historic streets of Covent Garden, stop for a traditional afternoon tea and wander the National Gallery.
VISIT LONDON: London Explorer
Hawaii
Sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests await in Hawaii, and November is the perfect time to explore. This time of year the summer heat subsides ahead of a mild winter, but it’s still warm enough for beach days and snorkeling with sea turtles in Kauai. You can expect daily temperatures around 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C).
Morocco
Pack a jacket if you’re visiting Morocco in November. It’s a great month to visit this North African nation, which is far too hot in the summer months. That said, the cool temperatures often surprise guests who think of the Sahara Desert and hot cities like Marrakech – but Morocco is a big country that has a huge variety, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Toukbal to dessert sands that cool off at night. The days can be as hot as 82°C (28°C) but the nights cool off to 48°F – 57°F (9°C – 14°C).
Piedmont, Italy
If you’re a truffle lover, then note that November is the peak season for white truffles in Italy. If you visit during this month you should skip straight to the picturesque region of Piedmont where you can indulge in truffle-hunting experiences, visit local markets, and taste delicious truffle-infused dishes, such as truffle risotto and pasta or cheese. While Piedmont is considered the truffle capital of Italy, Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche are the other best places to visit for truffle experiences in November.
Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather cools off to make exploring more bearable! November is the beginning of high season, so crowds will start to pick up making it a vibrant and fun time to visit and experience the buzz of Bangkok, relax on Phuket’s beaches, or discover culture in Chiang Mai.
READ NEXT: 7 reasons you’ll get the best of Thailand in October
Patagonia, Argentina
The start of spring is a fantastic time to explore the beauty of Patagonia. This time of year is less crowded, plus the landscape will be awash with wildflowers. Here you can hike through the stunning landscapes or Torres del Paine National Park, marveling at towering granite peaks. See the Perito Moreno Glacier, connect with Gaucho culture (Patagonian cowboys), and go on a wildlife safari to spot penguins and whales.
Andalusia, Spain
The south-west Spanish region of Andalusia is hot, hot, hot in the summer months when European crowds flock to the southern beaches for fun in the sun. But this area is rich in history and architecture, which is more fun to explore in milder weather. November is the perfect time to discover Seville and its stunning Alcázar Palace, Granada and the Alhambra Palace, or Córdoba and its Mezquita (a mosque-cathedral). Plus, you can still visit the beach and enjoy a long seafood lunch by the water.
READ NEXT: This is the best time to visit Spain
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feel the sway of the palm trees at Copacabana Beach when you visit Rio de Janeiro in November. The start of summer is just around the corner in Brazil, so expect to find the city warming up with sunny days and warm evenings. You can see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and dance to samba music in Ipanema.
New Orleans, USA
For mild weather in the United States, New Orleans makes for a great November escape. Discover the city’s vibrant French Quarter, historic Garden District, and lively music scene, and dive deep into delicious Creole cuisine. In November you can catch the annual Bayou Bacchanal, a celebration of Caribbean culture that falls on the first weekend of the month.
Portugal
While much of Europe is getting ready for snow, sunny Portugal still offers mild autumn weather and calmer crowds. On November 11, the country celebrates São Martinho by eating chestnuts and tasting the year’s wine production. It’s a good time to visit the picturesque Douro Valley region, which is famous for its wine, or escape to the southern Algarve coast where quiet beaches await.
South Island, New Zealand
November is the end of spring in New Zealand, a time when the landscape is green and at its most vibrant. It’s the perfect time to visit the South Island, and the month when the brilliant lupin flowers are at their peak. You can find these tall pink and purple flowers on the shoe of Lake Tekapo, and other lilies around the alpine areas of Mount Cook.
Lima, Peru
Shoulder-season is the perfect time to visit Peru and tick off the country’s highlights without the crowds. This time of year can bring some rainfall, so just pack well and be prepared for a few showers. In Lima, the capital, you can explore the historic center, marvel at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site, and taste the best of Peruvian gastronomy. If you venture out to Machu Picchu and the Andean Highlands, you’ll find the world-famous Inca Trail uncrowded!
Sicily, Italy
Sunny days, mild evenings, and no crowds make Sicily one of the best places to visit in November. The island state at the bottom of Italy has become very popular, but the crowds tend to disappear along with the summer heat. It’s a little cold for beach days, with the daily high hovering between 55-65°F (13-18°C), but there’s the ancient ruins of Agrigento, charming towns, and delicious Sicilian cuisine to explore.
New York City, USA
There’s no place like NYC. Besides crisp autumn days and cool evenings (ideal for sightseeing!), if you visit in November you might catch the famous Thanksgiving Day parade. It’s a chance to get into the holiday spirit, as after the parade Christmas decorations start to go up and the whole city is celebrating the season.
TAKE A TRIP: East Coast USA & Canada
Reykjavik, Iceland
Who doesn’t dream of one day seeing the Northern Lights? In November in Iceland you’ll have a greater chance of witnessing this natural marvel, and if the sky doesn’t display its show of color then there’s always Iceland’s glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and surreal landscapes that make this a top destination to explore.
Kyoto, Japan
In Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places to visit for fall foliage in November. A cascade of yellow, orange and red leaves explode beside the many ancient shrines, famous sights, and temples of this Japanese city, drawing tourists from across the country and the world. It’s a busy time – so book ahead – but expect fewer tourists than during the popular cherry blossom season.
Alaska, USA
It’s no secret that Alaska is cold, and November is the ideal month for visitors who enjoy icy winter weather without the extremes that December and January bring. Expect to see snow-covered landscapes, and massive glaciers, and cross your fingers that the stunning Northern Lights make an appearance. You can go dog sledding through the winter wilderness, and taste local seafood.
Cape Town, South Africa
November in the southern hemisphere means summer is nearly here, and if you visit Cape Town in November you’ll beat the summer school vacation rush. Expect warm sunny days and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring local beaches, hiking up Table Mountain, or taking day trips along the Garden Route or to go whale watching off the coast of South Africa.
Australia
Just like South Africa, November is an ideal time to visit Australia before local school students are set free for summer vacations in December and January. You can expect toasty, warm days without the crowds or peak summer prices. It’s perfect weather to explore city sights in Sydney, then go for a dip at famous Bondi Beach.
Colorado, USA
Picture yourself hiking through colorful aspen groves, visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, or soaking in the hot springs of Glenwood Springs. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado in autumn before the truly cool winter weather sets in. Though if you visit later in November, you might be able to go ice skating to enjoy the first ski runs of the season.
Those are the best places to visit in November. Where are you planning to go….? Let know in the comments.