November is often considered the sweet spot for savvy travelers. Nestled between the summer rush and the peak holiday season, it offers a unique window of opportunity to explore the world with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and often, more affordable prices. The crisp air and beautiful fall foliage in many regions also make it a photographer’s dream. If you’re wondering Where To Go In November, look no further. We’ve curated a list of exceptional destinations perfect for your fall escape.
Discovering Northern Italy in November: Truffles, Wine, and Culinary Delights
view of Canelli, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy with greenery, old buildings and blue skies
November in Northern Italy, particularly Piedmont, is synonymous with truffle season. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of white truffles, and Alba hosts its renowned White Truffle Fair throughout the month. Imagine indulging in truffle hunting excursions, savoring the robust flavors of local Barolo wines, and witnessing the artistry of cheese makers. For active travelers, cycling through vineyard-dotted landscapes or hiking the gentle hills under clear blue skies offers breathtaking views. Consider a family Thanksgiving villa getaway to fully immerse yourselves in the Italian lifestyle. November also marks the olive and wine harvest, providing opportunities for unique culinary experiences. Learn to cook traditional Italian dishes al fresco amidst olive groves, goat cheese farms, or picturesque vineyards. For a truly unforgettable experience, follow in the footsteps of our editor Billie Cohen and embark on a dream Italian cooking vacation this November.
Start a trip to Northern Italy
Provence, France: Autumn Charm and Artistic Inspiration
the hilltop village of Gordes, Provence, France
Provence, with its idyllic villages and stunning landscapes, is a perennially popular destination. Visiting in November, during the shoulder season, allows you to experience its beauty without the summer throngs. The unique winter light that captivated famous artists continues to bathe Provence in a golden glow well into November, making outdoor lunches a delightful possibility. Provencal markets are vibrant with autumnal produce, and truffle hunting season commences in November. Explore the Luberon’s hilltop villages and hike through landscapes painted in fall colors. Cycle through the Gigondas and Vacqueyras wine regions, enjoying peaceful roads and charming eateries. November in Provence offers a tranquil and authentic experience of this captivating region.
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Andalusia, Spain: Immerse Yourself in Culture, Crowd-Free
Skyline in the Old Quarter of Seville, Spain
Andalusia, in Southern Spain, is a treasure trove of culture. However, experiencing its authentic essence can be challenging during the summer high season due to tourist crowds. November presents a refreshing contrast. With the summer visitors gone, you’ll find yourself immersed in local life, enjoying genuine interactions with residents and ample space to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites. The weather remains wonderfully mild, with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Seville, in particular, transforms into a city enjoyed by locals, offering a more intimate and enriching travel experience.
Start a trip to Southern Spain
Portugal: Mild Weather and Diverse Landscapes
Beautiful nature view on Azores with small villages, tows, green nature fields. Amazing Azores. View of typical Azores village in Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal.
Portugal beckons in November with temperatures lingering in the comfortable 60s, ideal for al fresco dining well into the month. River cruises along the Douro River, aboard private boats offering a superior sightseeing experience compared to typical cruises, continue through November. For even milder weather, venture to the subtropical islands of Madeira and the Azores. Madeira is renowned for its hiking trails, while the Azores offer a blend of European charm with stunning landscapes perfect for hiking, biking, and off-roading around picturesque lagoons. Portugal in November provides diverse experiences, from mainland river valleys to island adventures, all under pleasant autumnal skies.
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Greek Islands: Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes – Year-Round Greek Charm
While many Greek islands enter a quieter phase in late October or early November, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes remain vibrant year-round. These islands offer authentic cultural and culinary experiences throughout the winter months, including local festivities. November is an excellent time to witness rural Greek life, with activity at sheep farms, olive orchards during harvest, and the wine harvest in full swing. Experience the genuine hospitality and traditions of the Greek islands without the summer crowds by choosing Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes for your November escape.
Start a trip to Greece
Sicily: Culture and Outdoor Beauty in Perfect Harmony
Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.
Sicily shines in the fall, offering an ideal combination of cultural exploration and outdoor adventures. Autumn brings the olive, almond, and wine harvests, accompanied by sunny and mild weather perfect for exploring. Delve into Sicily’s rich history by exploring Greek and Roman ruins, hike the majestic Mount Etna, or cycle through nature reserves and wine regions. November in Sicily provides a balanced travel experience, blending cultural immersion with active exploration in a beautiful setting.
Start a trip to Sicily
St. Barts: Rejuvenation and Gourmet Delights Post-Hurricane Season
Le Guanahani, St. Barts
St. Barts emerges refreshed and renewed in November. Following the hurricane season, many resorts, boutiques, and restaurants reopen, offering a pristine and revitalized atmosphere. November also hosts the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival, attracting renowned chefs from France and around the world. Enjoy the island’s luxury and culinary scene before hotel and villa rates increase in mid-December, making November a smart time for a sophisticated Caribbean getaway.
Start a trip to St. Barts
Morocco: Perfect Weather for Exploration and Cultural Immersion
Earlier this year Wendy and her family traveled through the #2 country on our list: Morocco. Here they are at the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.
Morocco in November boasts ideal weather conditions. Sunny days and crisp, clear evenings create perfect stargazing opportunities in the desert. It’s also prime time for hiking in the Atlas Mountains as temperatures cool and the peaks often become adorned with picturesque snowcaps. November coincides with harvest season, allowing you to witness saffron picking and olive oil production firsthand. Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and landscapes under the clear, comfortable skies of November.
Start a trip to Morocco
Argentina and Chile, including Patagonia: Springtime in the Southern Hemisphere
Torres del Paine National Park view of mountains and water
While much of Argentina and Chile are appealing in November, Patagonia stands out as a particularly smart choice. Lodges offer a quieter and more relaxed ambiance, and roads are less congested compared to the peak months of December and January. November in Patagonia feels like spring, with melting snow revealing blooming flowers. Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals like nandu, guanaco, puma, huemul, and condor are more active during breeding season. Enjoy Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife with a touch of springtime freshness and potentially lower rates early in the season.
Start a trip to Patagonia
The Brazilian Amazon: Beaches and Unique River Ecosystems
Aerial view of Anavilhanas National Park Islands, Rio Negro, Brazilian Amazon
For a truly unique November adventure, consider the Brazilian Amazon. River levels reach their lowest in November, unveiling stunning white-sand beaches along the Rio Negro. The beauty of these beaches often surprises visitors, distinguishing the Brazilian Amazon experience from those in Ecuador or Peru. A five-day trip is ideal, fitting perfectly into a Thanksgiving break. The Negro River’s acidic nature naturally deters mosquito reproduction, minimizing the risk of malaria or Zika, making it a safer and more comfortable Amazon destination in November.
Start a trip to the Brazilian Amazon
Belize: Jungle and Reef Adventures Before the Holiday Rush
aerial shot of Belize ocean with sailboat
Belize offers a compelling combination of jungle and marine adventures, and November presents a budget-friendly opportunity to explore. Hotel rates are at their lowest before Thanksgiving. Days are warm, humidity decreases, and evenings are pleasantly cool. November 19th marks Garifuna Settlement Day, a vibrant cultural celebration best experienced in Dangriga or Hopkins, featuring drumming, dancing, and parades commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people. Belize in November provides an exciting blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty at an attractive price point.
Start a trip to Belize
Mexico: Day of the Dead Celebrations and Cultural Richness
Candles lighten up for Día de Muertos in Michoacan.
Mexico in early November is deeply immersed in the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations on November 1st and 2nd. This significant cultural holiday is a time for families and communities to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Celebrations vary across Mexico, from large public events to intimate family gatherings. Experience culturally sensitive Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, Chiapas, Oaxaca, or the Yucatan Peninsula, and delve into the rich traditions and heartfelt commemorations of this unique Mexican holiday.
Start a trip to Mexico
London for Thanksgiving Break: Festive Spirit and Cultural Events
Christmas in London
London is an exceptional destination for a Thanksgiving break in November. Museum enthusiasts will find blockbuster exhibitions opening in the fall, and the London Jazz Festival showcases world-class and emerging artists. By mid-November, London embraces the Christmas spirit with festive lights, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer throughout the city. Even before the full Christmas decorations appear, Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th provides bonfire and firework displays. London in November offers a blend of cultural events and early holiday festivities, making it a captivating city break.
Start a trip to London
The Galapagos Islands: Wildlife Encounters in a Quieter Setting
underwater photo of a sea lion in the Galapagos islands
The Galapagos Islands are a popular family destination during school vacations. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in November (excluding Thanksgiving week). It’s a prime time for wildlife spotting, particularly blue whales, humpback whales, and whale sharks, which are frequently seen from June through November. Enjoy the unique wildlife encounters and natural beauty of the Galapagos in a quieter atmosphere during November.
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Guatemala: Giant Kite Festivals and Mayan Traditions
A handmade kite at Santiago Sacatepéquez
Guatemala offers a unique cultural experience every November 1st with the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Festival of Giant Kites). In Sumpango, near Antigua, this festival blends Catholic celebrations with a 3,000-year-old Mayan tradition of connecting with spirits, a less somber custom than Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. Elaborate handmade kites with social themes are displayed, and special dishes are enjoyed. A sister festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez provides a smaller, less crowded alternative. November marks the end of the wet season, making early November ideal for the kite festival and subsequent weeks for exploring Guatemala in drier weather.
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Nepal: Ideal Trekking and Cultural Exploration
Durbar Square in Patan village Nepal
Nepal in November offers perfect conditions for both trekking and cultural exploration. The air is crisp and clear, free from pre-monsoon dust, providing stunning mountain views. Festivals are abundant, including Manu Rimdu near Everest, an exorcism festival with dances and blessings, and Tihar, the Festival of Lights, honoring gods, humans, and animals. Whether you seek adventure in the Himalayas or cultural immersion in vibrant cities, Nepal in November provides an exceptional travel experience.
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Thailand: Lush Landscapes and Pleasant Weather
The view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Much of Thailand is at its finest in November. Mountains are lush from the receding monsoon, mornings are misty, and the sun is gentler as cooler weather arrives. Rivers are full, and waterfalls are at their peak. November offers an ideal window to explore Thailand before December crowds and higher prices arrive. From north to south, Thailand’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures are best enjoyed in November’s pleasant climate.
Start a trip to Thailand
India: Festivals and Temperate Weather Across the Country
Drummers at the Kalapthy Festival in Kerala, India
November is an excellent time to visit almost all of India, excluding the Himalayas, thanks to temperate weather. Clear skies prevail in Delhi and Mumbai after the monsoon, and festivals enliven the country, from the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan to the Kalpathi Chariot Festival in Kerala. Experience India’s diverse cultural tapestry and historical sites under November’s comfortable climate and festive atmosphere.
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Norway: Northern Lights and Cozy Winter Experiences
Northern Lights, Norway
If you’re prepared for some changeable weather, Norway in November offers the reward of witnessing the aurora borealis. Engage in local experiences like glass-blowing, ceramics, or knitting, and discover “kos,” the Norwegian art of gratitude and appreciating surroundings. With fewer summer crowds, locals have more time to connect with visitors. Hiking, kayaking, arctic surfing (weather permitting), and whale watching along the coast are also possible. Embrace the unique charm of Norway in November, from the Northern Lights to cozy cultural encounters.
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Australia and/or New Zealand: Springtime Exploration and Calm Waters
aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef from an airplane
November is an ideal month for a comprehensive trip to Australia and New Zealand. Waters around the Great Barrier Reef are calm, offering excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. Springtime weather graces Auckland, Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and the outback. New Zealand’s South Island peaks remain beautifully snow-capped. Explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of Australia and New Zealand in November’s pleasant springtime conditions.
Start a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand
Other Smart Options This Month
Explore more destinations perfect for November travel:
North America
- Arizona: Grand Canyon
- Florida: Disney World, Orlando
- Hawaii: Maui and Oahu (for whale-watching)
South America
- Argentina: Mendoza
- Colombia: Cartagena and Bogota
Europe
- England: The Cotswolds
- Greece: Athens
- Iceland (for Northern Lights)
- Italy: Rome and Sicily
- Scotland
- Malta
Asia
- Cambodia: Angkor Wat
- China: Beijing
- Indonesia: Bali
- Myanmar
- Thailand: Bangkok
- Vietnam (southern)
Africa
- Madagascar: whale sharks
Australia and Pacific
- Fiji (for November deals)
Cruises
- Africa Cruises
- Antarctica Cruises
