November is a fantastic time to travel, offering a sweet spot between the summer rush and the holiday frenzy. With pleasant weather and fewer crowds, it’s an ideal month for exploration and photography. If you’re wondering Where To Travel To In November, here are some of the best destinations around the globe.
Europe
Northern Italy
November in Piedmont, Italy, means one thing: truffle season. The White Truffle Fair in Alba takes place throughout the month, providing the perfect opportunity for truffle hunting and indulging in local Barolo wines. Enjoy artisanal cheese making, cycle through vineyards (electric bikes available), or hike the beautiful rolling hills. Consider renting a villa for a unique Thanksgiving celebration. It’s also olive and wine harvest time, offering chances to learn al fresco cooking in olive groves, goat-cheese farms, or vineyards.
View of Canelli in Piedmont, Italy during truffle season
Provence, France
The captivating light in Provence during the fall and winter months drew many famous artists to the region. November provides sunshine ideal for al fresco lunches and bustling Provencal markets. Truffle hunting begins in November, and the autumn landscapes of the Luberon offer exceptional hiking. Cycle through the wine country around Gigondas and Vacqueyras, enjoying fewer cars and excellent eateries.
The picturesque hilltop village of Gordes in Provence, France
Andalusia, Spain
Experience the authentic culture of Southern Spain in November. With fewer tourists, it’s easier to engage with locals and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites comfortably. The weather remains pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Seville, in particular, transforms into a city of locals, providing a more immersive cultural experience.
Skyline of Seville, Spain in November showcasing local life
Portugal
Portugal offers mild temperatures well into November, perfect for outdoor dining. Private river boats cruise the Douro River until the end of the month. The subtropical islands of Madeira and the Azores boast even milder weather. Madeira is known for its fantastic hiking, while the Azores offer hiking, biking, and off-roading opportunities around stunning lagoons.
Scenic view of a village in Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Greece: Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes
While many Greek islands close down in late October or early November, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes remain open year-round. These islands offer authentic cultural and culinary experiences throughout the winter. November is an excellent time to visit sheep farms, olive orchards, and experience the wine harvest.
Sicily
For a blend of culture and outdoor beauty, Sicily is ideal in the fall. The olive, almond, and wine harvests occur during autumn, complemented by sunny, mild weather. Enjoy exploring Greek and Roman ruins, hiking Mount Etna, and cycling through nature reserves and wine country.
Aquamarine waters near Taormina, Sicily, with Mount Etna in the background
London
November in London is perfect for museum enthusiasts, with many major exhibitions opening in the fall. The London Jazz Festival showcases world-class stars and emerging artists. Starting in mid-November, the Christmas spirit fills the air with festive lights, Christmas markets, and holiday cheer. Guy Fawkes Night, celebrated with bonfires and fireworks on November 5th, adds to the excitement.
Festive Christmas decorations adorning London in November
Norway
Visiting Norway in November offers a chance to see the Aurora Borealis and engage with local artists in glass-blowing, ceramics, or knitting. Discover “kos,” the Norwegian art of gratitude and conscious appreciation. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and even arctic surfing (weather permitting), and whale watching along the coast.
The mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the sky in Norway
Africa & Middle East
Morocco
The weather in Morocco in November is ideal: sunny days and clear evenings perfect for stargazing in the desert. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is enjoyable as temperatures cool, and the peaks are often capped with snow. It’s also harvest time, offering opportunities to see saffron being picked and olives being turned into oil.
The ancient ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco under a clear sky
South America
Argentina and Chile, including Patagonia
November is an excellent time to explore most of Argentina and Chile, including Buenos Aires, the Atacama Desert, and Easter Island. Patagonia is particularly appealing due to fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also the best time to spot Patagonia’s elusive wildlife, such as nandu, guanaco, puma, huemul, and condor, as they are more active during breeding season.
Scenic view of Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile
The Brazilian Amazon
November brings the lowest river levels in the Brazilian Amazon, revealing stunning white-sand beaches. A five-day trip fits perfectly into a Thanksgiving break. The acidic Negro River inhibits mosquito reproduction, reducing the risk of malaria or zika.
Aerial view of the islands of Anavilhanas National Park in the Brazilian Amazon
Central America
Belize
Hotel rates in Belize are lowest before Thanksgiving. The days are hot, humidity is decreasing, and evenings are cool. November 19 is Garifuna Settlement Day, celebrated in Dangriga or Hopkins with drumming, dancing, and parades.
Aerial view of the beautiful Belize ocean with a sailboat gliding through
Guatemala
Every November 1st, Sumpango hosts the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes, merging Catholic traditions with a Mayan custom of communing with spirits. The handmade kites address social themes, and the festival features special dishes. A similar festival occurs in Santiago Sacatepéquez, with smaller crowds.
A vibrant handmade kite at the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes in Guatemala
Mexico
The Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a significant cultural holiday. Families and communities honor their departed loved ones with celebrations varying from public festivities to private gatherings. Experience culturally sensitive events in Mexico City, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Candles illuminating the Día de Muertos celebrations in Michoacan, Mexico
Asia & Oceania
Nepal
November is ideal in Nepal for both trekking and exploring the culture. The air is crisp and clear, providing the best mountain views. The Manu Rimdu festival, near Everest, is an exorcism festival with dancing, prayers, and comic relief. The Festival of Lights, or Tihar, honoring gods, humans, and animals, occurs in either November or late October.
Durbar Square in Patan, Nepal showcasing local architecture
Thailand
Much of Thailand is at its best in November, with lush green mountains, subtle mists in the valleys, and gentler sunlight. The rivers are deep and navigable, and the waterfalls are at their fullest. It’s an ideal time to travel before the December crowds and higher costs.
Scenic view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand
India
November is an excellent time to visit most of India, except for the Himalayas, thanks to the temperate weather. The monsoon season has passed, bringing clear skies. Festivals abound, from the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan to the Kalpathi Chariot Festival in Kerala.
Drummers performing at the Kalpathi Festival in Kerala, India
Australia and/or New Zealand
November is one of the best months for a wide-ranging trip to Australia and New Zealand. The water around the Great Barrier Reef is calm, providing excellent visibility. The weather is pleasant in Auckland, Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and the outback. The peaks on New Zealand’s South Island are still snow-capped.
Aerial view of the stunning Great Barrier Reef in calm November waters
The Galápagos Islands
If you’re looking for a quieter time, November is a great month to visit the Galápagos, avoiding the summer and school vacation crowds (except Thanksgiving week). Blue whales, humpback whales, and whale sharks are most likely to be spotted from June through November.
An underwater view of a playful sea lion in the Galapagos Islands
Other Smart Options
Consider these additional destinations for your November travels:
North America: Arizona (Grand Canyon), Florida (Disney World, Orlando), Hawaii (Maui, Oahu for whale-watching).
South America: Argentina (Mendoza), Colombia (Cartagena, Bogota).
Europe: England (The Cotswolds), Greece (Athens), Iceland (Northern Lights), Italy (Rome, Sicily), Scotland, Malta.
Asia: Cambodia (Angkor Wat), China (Beijing), Indonesia (Bali), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (southern).
Africa: Madagascar (whale sharks).
Cruises: Africa Cruises, Antarctica Cruises.
November offers diverse travel opportunities, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Whether you seek truffle hunting in Italy or whale watching in the Galápagos, November is a month of endless possibilities.
