If the thought of another year ending has left you feeling down, we have a cure. November is the perfect time to give yourself a travel-fueled lift.
Whether you want to relax on the beach in Southern Vietnam or hop on your bike in Death Valley, USA, the world is waiting to be explored. And all of these warm winter destinations have beautiful weather through most of November. Go bird-watching in Panama, take a road trip on New Zealand’s North Island, or eat your way across South Korea – trust us, the year is far from over.
Where are the best places to travel to in November for relaxation?
Ghana
Why now? It’s excellent weather for everything.
Ghana has a great mix. In this diverse wedge of West Africa, you’ll find lush rainforests, soft-sand beaches, rich history, vibrant villages and cities like Accra full of life. Just above the equator, the temperature here changes little year-round (expect 27–30°C/80–86°F) – but November marks the start of the drier months. Travel is easier and the countryside lushly green, but the harsh harmattan wind hasn’t yet started blowing from the Sahara.
It’s a good time to visit the Unesco-listed shrines of the great Ashanti civilization, safari in spots such as Mole National Park (where you can walk amid elephants and vervet monkeys) and retrace the coast’s haunting past. Some 40 fortresses were built here, where enslaved people were held before facing the horrors of the Middle Passage. The Cape Coast and Elmina castles are especially moving. November is also a good time to meet Ghana’s people: head to the fishing settlements in the south, the animist Lobi villages of the north and the many communities in between.
Southern Vietnam
Why now? Swim, snorkel, sunbathe and explore the Mekong Delta.
Vietnam’s southern tip is a lucky dip of the region’s best bits: the heady rush of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), moving relics of war, the Mekong Delta’s paddies and villages, and beautiful, beach-lined Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands. Both hosted colonial French prisons – you can visit the haunting remains – but are now better known as chill-out getaways, perfect in November after rain and humidity have eased. Closer to Cambodia than Vietnam, Phu Quoc has varied accommodations, great water sports like snorkeling and some lovely, quiet beaches. Con Dao is more remote and rugged, hosting nesting turtles (June to September) and dugongs (a manatee cousin) as well as peaceful resorts on breathtaking beaches.
Costa Rica
Why now? For hiking and catching waves.
Costa Rica can be steamy in summer, so we suggest heading there in November. Though you may run into a few sprinkles, they shouldn’t last long. With daytime temperatures around 24º to 30ºC (75 to 86ºF) your damp clothes will dry in the sun.
Head to the Caribbean coast where you can spend brilliant and lazy days at Papagayo. Watch the surfers catching waves at Puerto Viejo and Playa Tamarindo. There’s a bar scene, but the bioluminescent kayak tours may be more memorable. Get active with a hike up to Arenal Volcano’s active crater, which is in a national park.
San Jose is relatively quiet, but festivals include the International Arts Festival mid-month and the Montezuma Film Festival in Montezuma. Test your endurance in November’s three–day La Ruta de los Conquistadores bike race, which makes the Tour de France look like a Sunday picnic. For a more relaxing pastime, book a tour of a coffee farm in the surrounding countryside.
Where are the best places to travel to in November for wildlife and nature?
Panama
Why now? For an abundance of avian action.
Panama boasts some of the best birding in Central America. Almost 1000 species have been recorded on this narrow isthmus – from big–billed toucans and bright-plumed trogons to motmots, manakins, puffbirds and jacamars. And in late fall October or early November, the numbers swell. Almost two million broad-winged hawks, Swainson’s hawks and turkey vultures migrate south via Panama’s jungle. Soberíana National Park is a superb place to try to spot birds plus sloths, howler monkeys and colorful frogs on a self–guided walking tour. The park is an easy trip from Panama City and sits on the Panama Canal. (The 17km/10.5-mile Pipeline trail is renowned for its brilliant bird sightings.) You can also arrange guided strolls, night excursions and boat trips, and stay in a lodge perched up in the canopy.
North Island, New Zealand
Why now? Hit the road for less.
There are few better ways to explore New Zealand than by camper. November is one of the best times, with much lower prices than the summer high season and fewer tourists, and spring brings sunny days and wildflowers. The North Island will be a bit warmer than the South – Auckland highs average 20°C (68°F) this month. It’s also bubbling with geothermal activity, so if it does get a little chilly you can warm up at Rotorua and Lake Taupo’s hot-spring complexes. Or find wild-and-free thermal pools such as Kerosene Creek (near Rotorua), which has a hot waterfall. There’s also plenty of warmer-weather fun: blackwater raft through Waitomo’s glowworm caves, shelter amid the Hobbiton film set or walk beneath Waipoua Forest’s towering kauri trees.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Why now? For stargazing and warm temperatures.
The Atacama Desert is one of the driest and most unspoiled places on the planet. In fact, it hasn’t rained there in 400 years. The dryness means the air is crystal clear and you can see for miles. Bring your telescope and cameras and get ready for the best stargazing of your life.
Despite the lack of rain, Atacama has geysers, marshes and other areas of stark natural beauty. Explore to your heart’s content, then fuel up on local dishes made from wheat, cheese and corn, but drink only bottled water.
It’s comfortable in this part of Chile in November, with warm temperatures around 23°C (73.4°F).
Where are the best places to travel to in November for culture?
Oaxaca, Mexico
Why now? To dally with death at its most celebratory.
Día de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead – is celebrated over three nights, from October 31 to November 2. According to Mexican tradition, it’s when the deceased may briefly cross into the world of the living. Families build graveside altars, adorned with photos, candles, marigolds and sweets; skull masks are worn, marching bands play, and everyone feasts. It’s celebrated all over Mexico, but the state of Oaxaca – known for its strong indigenous culture, unique cuisine and flourishing arts and crafts – is an excellent choice. Oaxaca City is a riot of artisan workshops, baroque plazas, and busy markets (where you can buy sugar skulls and pan de muerto, bread of the dead); the Museum of Oaxacan Cultures is also worth a look. Then explore further afield: visit the weaving town of Teotitlán, the historic Tlacolula market and Soledad Etla’s flamboyant Comparsa Parade. By night, head to the region’s many cemeteries for the festivities. Many people fly from Mexico City, but you can also travel through Tijuana.
Valletta, Malta
Why now? Combine city sites with late Med sun.
Little Malta in Southern Europe is a big draw this month. The mild, Mediterranean climate means it stays almost summery through November, with temperatures around 21°C (70°F). And the sea still warm enough for a dip. Even if not, there’s plenty to do away from the beach. Capital city Valletta is on the harbor and it makes for a super off-season city break. European Capital of Culture in 2018, and Unesco-listed in its entirety, it was founded by the Knights of Malta in the 16th century – and hasn’t changed much since. Wander its medieval alleys and piazzas, peek into the baroque palaces and fine churches, trace the well-preserved fortifications and dip into the National Museum of Archaeology and modern MUŻA art museum. To appreciate Valletta from water level, it’s a good idea to sail across the Grand Harbor in a traditional dghajsa (open boat). Then disembark at Vittoriosa, one of the three cities facing Valletta, and get lost in its backstreets.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why now? For exploring temples in cooler temps.
There are many things to explore and experience in Chiang Mai. Get into nature with a peaceful river cruise or a visit to Bua Tong Waterfall, aka Sticky Waterfall in Chet Si Fountain National Park. Go to a night bazaar to shop and taste Thai street food delicacies or witness hundreds of lanterns floating into the night sky during the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, usually held mid–November. Visit Elephant Nature Park to see how pachyderm families live.
The most prominent sight in Chiang Mai are the Buddhist temples called wats. The Lanna people who once lived here were very religious and there are now more than 300 temples, many with unique features. Don’t miss Wat Phra That Doi Kam, shaped like a giant praying Buddha; gilded Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple; or Wat Sri Suphan with its fancy silver decoration that dates to the Mangrai period.
Where are the best places to travel to in November for food and drink?
Seville and Jeréz, Spain
Why now? Mild weather for pub crawling, Spanish style.
Let’s all raise a glass to November in southern Andalucía. While most of Europe begins to chill, it’s still t-shirt weather here (expect highs of 20°C/68°F). November is perfect for sightseeing without the crowds...and for enjoying a tipple or two. The top choice is sherry, particularly in and around the city Jeréz de la Frontera. Many historic bodegas – such as vast González-Byass and Bodegas Lustau – offer tours and tastings. Ancient drinking holes in the old center serve dry and smoky-sweet sherries with authentic flamenco (the passionate music is said to originate here). Combine Jeréz with Seville, also jam-packed with tapas bars and world-class sights: visit the magnificent Mudéjar-style Real Alcázar palace and go to the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Stroll along the Guadalquivir River and wander the Triana district for flamenco, bullfighting and exquisite ceramic tiles.
Seoul, South Korea
Why now? For bright lights and communal cookery.
November is peak leaf-peeping time in South Korea, when the country’s trees reach full flaming glory and provide a beautiful natural backdrop to high tech Seoul. Walk along the city’s Cheong-gye-cheon Stream now for bright autumn color and the Seoul Lantern Festival.
Autumn is kimjang season when friends and family gather to make massive batches of kimchi. Seoul holds a Kimchi Festival (usually the first week of November); you might get to make the famed fermented cabbage with hundreds of locals. Still hungry? Go to Gwangjang Market to try Korean street food such as mayak gimbap (rice rolls), sundae (blood sausage) and bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes). Then graze the stalls of Namdaemun Market, which dates to the 15th century, and visit Noryangjin Fish Market to sample fresh seafood 24/7.
Puerto Rico, USA
Why now? For everything from beaches to holiday feasts.
The Caribbean hurricane season ends in November, so it’s a perfect time to have Puerto Rico to yourself. With balmy daytime temperatures from 24° to 28°C (75° to 82°F), you can have a fine time.
Sip piña coladas at Playa Flamenco or explore El Yunque National Forest. Pick up a meaty Tripleta sandwich for lunch piled with roasted pork, grilled steak and ham. However, there’s more to Puerto Rico than palm trees and sand.
Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico is an unforgettable feast with roasted pork, rice and gandules (beans), turkey stuffed with green plantains and pork. Make the trek to Jayuya for the late-November celebration of indigenous Taíno heritage. Take a rum tour at Don Q Rum, the favorite local brand, or Ron del Barrilito, the oldest. A winter trip to Puerto Rico also requires sampling coquito, coconut-spiked eggnog.
Where are the best places to travel to in November for adventure?
Death Valley, USA
Why now? Hot(ish) riding.
It’s not unknown for the mercury to top 50°C (122°F) in Death Valley during July. Better to wait until November, when the average high in this national park is a pleasant 25°C (77°F). All the campgrounds are open (camping season runs from mid-October to April) and it’s quieter than in spring. These conditions are ideal for cycling.
While winter grips many a road across the country, Death Valley’s tarmac and dirt tracks (there is over 1200km/745 miles) are free of both ice and traffic lights. It’s a great way of getting in amid the peaks, escarpments, dunes, faults, salt flats and weird rock formations. Drive down from Daylight Pass into the valley. Don’t miss the climb to Dante’s View for a panorama over the Black Mountains and Badwater Basin. Or plot a 400km(240-mile)-plus through-ride from Las Vegas to Lone Pine via Death Valley.
Lake Como, Italy
Why now? For skiing in the Italian Alps and impressive villas.
Summer in Lake Como seems almost cliché, so we’re all for visiting this popular Italian destination in November when the crowds are mostly gone. The temperature drops to a chilly 7 to 11°C (45 to 52°F) in Northern Italy by late November, so you’ll likely need a light winter coat, hat and gloves.
Head to the Italian Alps for snowboarding, skiing and stunning views. The mountains are full of ski resorts where you can warm up with grappa, pasta and live music. Take a drive to Bellagio to explore historic villas including the neoclassical Villa Melzi d’Eril and the Villa Serbelloni, renowned for its gardens.
Lanzarote, Spain
Why now? To master warm winter waves.
This Canary Island laughs at the idea of hibernating for winter. With November temperatures still reaching 23°C (73.4°F) on land and 22°C (71.6°F) in the ocean, Lanzarote is brilliant for water-based fun. Sailors, surfers, kite surfers and kayakers can practice all year long. The conditions are calm so it’s a good place to take lessons.
The cooler months (November to March) are especially good for surfing – pros can tackle the legendary left-hand reef break of El Quemao. Beginners should head to the beach breaks and surf schools of La Caleta de Famara and Orzola. Lanzarote also has many calm, sheltered lagoons, ideal for paddleboarding – Charco de San Gines in Arrecife, Playa Blanca and Playa Mujeres are all popular. No matter what you do, the island – a Unesco Geopark of volcanic cones, lava fields and lunar-like weirdness – provides a dramatic backdrop.
