As the holiday season approaches and autumn gives way to winter, November becomes a perfect time to explore the world. Whether you’re looking to chase fall colors, escape to sunny beaches, or experience cultural festivals, the best places to travel in November offer mild weather, smaller crowds, and better travel deals.
From tropical islands to European cities bursting with charm, here’s a curated list of the best places to travel in November, categorized by interest and travel style.
Best Warm Weather Destinations in November
1. Cancún, Mexico
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Why Go: November marks the end of hurricane season and the start of drier, sunnier weather—perfect for beach lovers.
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Top Attractions: White-sand beaches, Chichén Itzá day trips, and all-inclusive resorts.
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Travel Tip: Visit early in the month to enjoy lower prices before the winter tourism boom.
2. Phuket, Thailand
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Why Go: November signals the start of the dry season in southern Thailand.
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Top Attractions: Island hopping, street food in Old Phuket Town, and diving in the Andaman Sea.
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Travel Tip: Book in advance—Thailand’s popularity returns in full swing around this time.
3. Dubai, UAE
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Why Go: With daytime temperatures cooling from their summer highs, November is ideal for sightseeing and shopping.
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Top Attractions: Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and global dining experiences.
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Travel Tip: Pack modest clothing for public areas and enjoy open-air markets like the Souk Madinat.
Best Fall Foliage Destinations in November
4. Kyoto, Japan
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Why Go: Kyoto’s maple trees turn brilliant red and gold in mid to late November.
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Top Attractions: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and traditional tea houses.
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Travel Tip: Visit during the last two weeks of November for peak autumn colors.
5. Great Smoky Mountains, USA
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Why Go: One of the last U.S. regions to show full fall foliage, the Smokies are breathtaking in early November.
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Top Attractions: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
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Travel Tip: Go midweek to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful scenic drives.
Best International Adventures in November
6. Marrakech, Morocco
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Why Go: The weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring the vibrant city.
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Top Attractions: Jemaa el-Fnaa market, Majorelle Garden, and traditional riads.
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Travel Tip: Try a hammam spa experience and shop for handmade goods in the medina.
7. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
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Why Go: November is spring in the Southern Hemisphere—perfect for hiking and photography.
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Top Attractions: Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, and the Andes trails.
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Travel Tip: Pack layers—the weather in Patagonia changes rapidly, even in spring.
8. New Zealand
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Why Go: November is late spring, offering lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
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Top Attractions: Milford Sound, Rotorua geothermal parks, and Hobbiton movie set tours.
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Travel Tip: Rent a car or campervan to explore both the North and South Islands at your own pace.
Best Cultural and Festival Destinations in November
9. India (Diwali & Pushkar Camel Fair)
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Why Go: November often hosts Diwali, the festival of lights, and the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan.
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Top Attractions: Jaipur’s forts, Delhi’s Diwali celebrations, and Rajasthan’s desert fairs.
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Travel Tip: Check festival calendars—dates change annually based on the lunar calendar.
10. Day of the Dead in Mexico (Día de los Muertos)
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Why Go: Early November (1–2) brings vibrant altars, parades, and family-centered traditions across Mexico.
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Top Locations: Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Michoacán.
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Travel Tip: Be respectful—this is a sacred celebration honoring loved ones, not a Halloween-style party.
Best Relaxation and Wellness Destinations in November
11. Bali, Indonesia
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Why Go: Though technically the start of the wet season, November in Bali still sees plenty of sunny mornings.
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Top Attractions: Ubud’s yoga retreats, rice terraces, and beachside massages in Seminyak.
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Travel Tip: Enjoy lower accommodation rates before the December peak season.
12. Sedona, Arizona (USA)
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Why Go: Mild weather, spiritual energy, and stunning red rock landscapes make Sedona ideal in November.
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Top Attractions: Vortex hikes, spa retreats, and starry desert nights.
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Travel Tip: Combine with a trip to the Grand Canyon—just two hours away.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Picks
13. Georgia (The Country)
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Why Go: November brings crisp air, harvest festivals, and stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.
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Top Attractions: Tbilisi’s old town, wine tours in Kakheti, and traditional sulfur baths.
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Travel Tip: Georgia is affordable and welcoming, with a growing digital nomad community.
14. Canary Islands, Spain
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Why Go: These Spanish islands off the coast of Africa enjoy sunshine year-round.
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Top Attractions: Volcanic beaches in Lanzarote, hiking in Tenerife, and surfing in Fuerteventura.
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Travel Tip: No visa needed for most EU and U.S. travelers, making it a simple escape from winter.
Honorable Mentions
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Lisbon, Portugal – Mild weather, fewer crowds, and scenic coastlines.
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South Africa – November is ideal for safari trips and wine region tours.
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Vietnam (Central and South) – Pleasant weather in places like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel Tips for November Trips
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Book early: Especially for festival destinations or warm-weather escapes.
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Pack layers: Weather varies greatly in November—especially in high-altitude or transitional regions.
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Be flexible: Shoulder season can mean great prices, but also unpredictable weather.
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Travel insurance: Always a good idea for international travel, especially in transitional seasons.
Final Thoughts
November is one of the most versatile months for travel—offering a mix of cooler weather adventures, cultural festivals, beach getaways, and off-season savings. Whether you want to enjoy autumn colors, dive into history and tradition, or simply soak up the sun before winter arrives, the best places to travel in November provide something for every type of explorer.
So pack your bags and plan—November might just be your favorite time of year to see the world.
