So you're thinking about traveling this November? Good call. Honestly, it's one of my favorite months to hit the road. Crowds thin out after summer madness, prices drop like autumn leaves, and the weather? Let's just say Mother Nature puts on quite a show in many spots. I learned this the hard way after cramming into Santorini in July years ago – never again. Give me shoulder season any day.
Why November Travel Rocks
Picture this: Having Rome's Trevi Fountain practically to yourself. Snagging luxury hotels in Bali at half-price. Hiking Arizona trails without sweat dripping into your eyes. That's the November magic. Plus, let's not forget Thanksgiving break – perfect for family trips without Christmas price gouging. But where exactly should you go? I've dug into weather patterns, crowd calendars, and my own travel blunders to find spots that deliver.
Sun Chasers' Paradise
If cold weather makes you miserable (no judgment here!), these warm places to travel in November deliver:
| Destination | Why November? | Key Info You Need | Personal Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket, Thailand | Rainy season ends, prices low till Dec |
|
Skip Patong if you hate crowds. Nai Harn Beach feels like old Phuket. Try the mango sticky rice near Wat Chalong! |
| Tenerife, Spain | 72°F avg, whale watching peaks |
|
Teide's cable car sells out – book ahead! Northern coast is greener but cooler. Stick to south for guaranteed sun. |
| Sedona, Arizona | Perfect hiking weather (65°F) |
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Parking at trailheads is chaotic. Just use the shuttle. Vortex sites? Overhyped, but sunset views? Unreal. |
Fall Color Finales
Missed October's peak foliage? No worries. These places to go in November still deliver knockout autumn scenery:
- Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
- Elevation matters! Higher peaks (Clingmans Dome) peak in Oct, but valleys (Cades Cove) shine early Nov
- Cades Cove Loop Drive: Free (open sunrise-sunset)
- Gatlinburg SkyLift: $25 (worth it for valley views)
Last November I got stuck in Gatlinburg traffic for hours. Lesson: Arrive before 9am or after 3pm.
- Kyoto, Japan
- Maples turn late Nov, temples light up nights
- Kiyomizu-dera: $4 (opens 6am, night illuminations extra)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Free (go at dawn!)
Gion district gets packed with photographers. For authentic vibes, head to Higashiyama's side streets.
City Breaks Without Crowds
Big cities become bearable – even delightful – this month. Top picks for urban explorers:
New Orleans, Louisiana
Why go: Humidity drops, jazz clubs thrive, and you dodge Mardi Gras insanity.
Insider tip: Frenchmen Street > Bourbon Street for authentic music.
Essential stats:
- Preservation Hall jazz: $25-50 (shows nightly)
- Cemetery tours: $25 (St. Louis #1 requires guided access)
- Po'boys at Parkway Bakery: $12 (closed Tuesdays!)
Marrakech, Morocco
Why go: Heat eases (75°F), festival season begins.
Watch out: Jemaa el-Fnaa square vendors get pushy – haggle hard!
Essential stats:
- Majorelle Garden: $10 (opens 8am)
- Riad stay: $80/night avg (book courtyard rooms for quiet)
- Camel ride outskirts: $25/hr (don't pay upfront!)
November's Hidden Gems
Forget the usual suspects. These underrated places to visit in November surprised even me:
Oaxaca, Mexico
Day of the Dead festivities wrap Nov 2, but the magic lingers. Mole tasting tours run year-round.
Must-do: Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls ($3 entry, opens 7am).
Warning: Street food gave me mild "traveler's tummy" – pack meds!
Malta
65°F and sunny, with medieval towns glowing in golden light.
Pro tip: Ferry to Gozo island costs €5 (30 mins).
Annoyance: Public buses are unreliable – rent a small car instead.
Weather Watch: What to Really Expect
Don't trust generic "average temps." Microclimates matter! Here's the real deal:
| Destination | Avg Day Temp | Rain/Snow Risk | Packing Must-Haves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome, Italy | 59°F | High rain chance | Waterproof boots, compact umbrella |
| Dubai, UAE | 86°F | Almost zero | Light scarf (for mosques/malls) |
| Quebec City, Canada | 36°F | Snow likely | Thermal layers, traction shoe grips |
Money Talk: November Deals You Can't Ignore
I track flight prices religiously. November is GOLD for deals:
- Caribbean all-inclusives drop 40% pre-Christmas
- European city hotels offer "stay 3 nights, pay 2" deals
- Pro tip: Book Thanksgiving flights by early Oct. Prices spike later!
November Travel FAQ
Are tropical places safe in November?
Generally yes, but check hurricane season end dates. Caribbean risk drops mid-November. Thailand's west coast (Phuket) stabilizes early Nov, but east coast (Koh Samui) gets rain.
What places to go in November have the best festivals?
- Mexico: Day of the Dead (Oct 31-Nov 2)
- USA: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (early Nov)
- Germany: Christmas markets start late Nov
Is November good for national parks?
Mixed bag! Utah's Zion is perfect (no shuttles needed!). Yellowstone roads close mid-month. Always check NPS.gov for closures.
Beach vacation in November – possible?
Absolutely. Southern Hemisphere heats up:
Top picks: North Queensland (Australia), Seychelles, Brazilian coast. Water temps hit 80°F+.
My November Travel Mistakes (Learn From Me!)
I once assumed Santorini would be "quiet" in November. Wrong! Cruise ships still swarm during sunny days. Better Greek island picks? Crete or Naxos – local life continues there year-round.
Another blunder: Not checking vineyard hours in Tuscany. Many close Nov-Mar. Call ahead if wine tasting is non-negotiable.
Final Tip: Flexibility Pays Off
November weather can be moody. If you're set on sunny photos, have backup plans. I spent a rainy Kyoto day in manga museums and ramen shops – still amazing. Places to visit in November reward those who roll with the punches.
Ready to pack? Grab that jacket (or swimsuit) and go. Honestly, just avoiding summer crowds makes any November destination feel like a win.
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