While the busy summer month and the Christmas period so often dominate the travel calendar, it's travelling at less popular times that can so often provide you with unique experiences. If you’re looking to take advantage of lower prices, less crowds, and interesting weather windows, you’d do well to consider where to travel in November. How do we know this? Well, here at Plum Guide, we’re experts on travel. From where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and how to get there, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, let’s dive into the essential list of destinations to visit in the early stages of winter.
Cumbria, UK
Brown sheep on a hiking path in the hills of the Lake District, Cumbria, England, UK
If we’re talking about November, we need to talk about the beautiful autumnal colours seen across the northern hemisphere as winter beckons. One of the best places to experience these flourishes of reds, oranges, and yellows is Cumbria. The Lake District is perhaps the most beautiful of all the national parks in England, offering some unforgettable hikes, as well as water sports activities, cycling, and more.
Gallant, Plum Guide home in Cumbria, UK
Bangkok, Thailand
A view of temples and impressive buildings in a garden in Bangkok, Thailand
With the European and US tourists having already left, November is a quieter period in the capital of Thailand. This is the perfect time to visit Bangkok, with all of the usual hotspots a lot quieter - as well as the fact that summer is just getting started. It’s actually the beginning of Thailand’s ‘cool season’, where you’ll find daily temperatures sitting just under 30°C, with relatively low humidity.
New York, US
A view of skyscrapers from Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, New York, USA
If you're after smaller crowds and lower fares, you’ll want to check out New York at this time of year. With enough time having passed since the summer hordes departed, and with some weeks before Christmas trade picks up, November in the Big Apple will be unforgettable. You’ll find the cost of travel is cheaper, and most of the tourist attractions are far quieter. And of course, it won’t get much better than seeing an iconic Central Park lit up in astonishing autumn dress - please, please bring your camera.
Rockefeller Hearth, Plum Guide home in New York
Buenos Aires, Argentina
An Argentine flag next to the famous pink government building in Buenos Aires, Argentina
In the southern hemisphere, November sees spring in full swing. When considering where to travel in November, Buenos Aires has to be high on the list. With reasonable hotel prices, thin crowds, and mild temperatures, you’ll be able to enjoy the full beauty of Argentina’s famous capital - an eclectic meeting point of Western architecture and South American culture. In amongst the beautiful streets you’ll find it hard to ignore the rhythm of tango, the lure of shopping, and the temptation of some of the world’s very best red wine.
Isle of Anglesey, Wales
A view of a white lighthouse on a hill in the distance from a grassy bank, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, UK
While the weather in Anglesey can be famously unpredictable (particularly at this time of year), there are certain guarantees that are beneficial for any November travellers. The island boasts some of Wales’ most picturesque coastline, and you should have it all to yourself with the summer masses a distant memory. Head over the Menai Strait, and find the beauty of Snowdonia on your doorstep - looking particularly spectacular with the colours of autumn in full bloom. With plentiful opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing, this part of Wales is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Iris Lakehouse, Plum Guide home in Anglesey, UK
Namibia
A group of elephants walking through the plain at the Etosha National park, Namibia
With November being a time of transition across vast swathes of Southern Africa, Namibia can be a fantastic destination to explore. With the end of the dry season heralded by much-welcomed rain, you’ll find hordes of iconic wildlife gathering around the waterholes. Etosha National Park is best for this, while the Namib-Naukluft Park offers some unforgettable landscapes in the Namib desert, wedged between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tel Aviv, Israel
A bird's eye view of a roundabout with a fountain in the centre in Tel Aviv, Israel
November is a brilliant time to visit Tel Aviv in Israel. While the desert begins to bloom (thanks to long-awaited rain), the forested areas around Jerusalem and surrounding hills display wonderful autumn colours. Of course, any visit to this region should indulge in the wondrous food on offer. The November harvest brings the very best produce of the region straight to your plate. This definitely isn't one to miss.
Epona, Plum Guide home in Tel Aviv, Israel
Nepal
A small wooden structure on a mountain peak in front of distant snow-capped mountains and clouds, Nepal
Looking for an unforgettable experience in November? It’s hard to look past Nepal. Home to the magical grandeur of the Himalayas, you'll find world-class trekking on offer here. With the monsoon over, November is the very best time to go, with an almost-guaranteed forecast of sunshine and cloudless skies - as well as sharp, clear vistas thanks to lower humidity. From the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit to the tallest mountain on Earth, Nepal goes big.
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Two cacti on the beach with a small blue boat in front of a large brown hill, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Hiking at 5000ft above sea level in sub-zero temperatures not quite your thing? How about a few days at the beach, with perfect swimming conditions? Baja California Sur offers up the perfect November checklist with fewer crowds, lower prices, and perfect weather - the average daily temperature sits around a very pleasant 22°C, with hardly any rain. There’s also the added bonus of getting to experience the famous Day of the Dead on November 2nd - one of Mexico’s most iconic festivals.
Verde Azulado, Plum Guide home in Mexico
Hong Kong
A red tourist tram driving high above the city skyscrapers in Hong Kong
While Hong Kong has been slow to recover from the pandemic, that may play to your advantage when it finally reopens to tourism. There should be smaller crowds to deal with, making November the perfect time to go. It offers the best weather, with cooler temperatures and less humidity meaning near-perfect visibility. You’ll be treated to some exceptional views across the iconic Victoria Harbour and skyline, too.
Hudson Valley, US
A view of red, yellow, and green trees from across a large river in November, Hudson Valley, USA
If you’re looking for a mix of city-life and thriving nature, Hudson Valley offers the best of both worlds. In November, you’ll find some of the finest autumn scenery on offer anywhere in the United States. We recommend getting out on the many trails for a bike ride or hike, or exploring the many wonderful vineyards, orchards, and farms that feed New York City’s huge restaurant scene. Speaking of New York City, you can still reach the metropolis from here, with great transport connections that will get you there in no time.
Starless Night, Plum Guide home in Hudson Valley, US
Kerala, India
A unique brown boat floating along a river surrounded by green trees, Kerala, India
Situated on the tropical Malabar Coast, Kerala is a great choice when considering where to travel in November, because you'll arrive just after the monsoon season has passed. It’s the beginning of the dry season, but temperatures are not yet too hot - making it the perfect time to explore. Discover the 600km of Arabian sea coastline with deserted, palm-lined beaches and network of waterways. In amongst the national parks on offer, you’ll find elephants, monkeys, and perhaps even tigers - if you’re lucky. The one thing you won’t find? Tourists. November is a very quiet month here.
London, UK
A bench on a pathway in a park surrounded by brown leaves in autumn, London, England, UK
Any time of year is a good time to be visiting London, but November provides some of the highlights of the British calendar. Along with world-class tourist attractions, an unrivalled food scene, and great shopping, this time of year provides the unique opportunity of celebrating bonfire night. With a huge firework display on the Thames, revel in the historic events that nearly saw the infamous Guy Fawkes blowing the houses of parliament sky-high.
Seymour's Sonata, Plum Guide home in London, UK
Istanbul, Turkey
A view of Ortakoy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge by the sea at sunrise, Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is another destination staking a claim as the best for November travel. At its peak, places such as the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia can be jam-packed full - to the point where you feel it’s a little unbearable. Fortunately, in November, you’ll find much smaller crowds and shorter queues. There’s also the added benefit of comfortable daytime temperatures, with a daily average of 14°C making a stroll along the Bosphorus and over the Galata Bridge an absolute delight.
Lake Como, Italy
A view of Lake Como from a nearby balcony, Lombardy, Italy
Set against the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is renowned for its picturesque scenery. In November, while the temperatures may well have plummeted, you can enjoy some unforgettable autumnal colours as you head out on one of the many hikes around the lake (or as you sit back and relax in one of the many charming villages that line the shores). World-class Italian cuisine and wine is, as always, a given.
Stones By The Lake, Plum Guide home in Lombardy, Italy
Reykjavik, Iceland
A popular, unique sculpture in front of the sea at sunset, Reykjavik, Iceland
Pack your winter coat, gloves, and hat, and fly to Reykjavik for a wondrous adventure in Iceland. With winter quickly closing in, November is a period of transition across the island. The days are shorter and the temperatures can be brutally cold, but you’ll still get to experience the incredible waterfalls and raw, untouched beauty that have made this country so famous in recent years. There’ll be far fewer crowds in comparison to the colder months, and it’s an excellent time of year to catch the Northern Lights.
Lisbon, Portugal
A view of multiple windows with mini balconies on a yellow wall, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become incredibly popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. With the summer drawing in record numbers of tourists, you may want to look at the shoulder seasons for this one - hence November being such a great option. Situated in southern Europe, you’ll find that the average daily temperature is still a very respectable 18°C. Hop on those iconic yellow trams, enjoy a pastel de nata, and soak in the beauty of this Portuguese gem.
The Backstage, Plum Guide home in Lisbon, Portugal
Ethiopia
An aerial view of a narrow road winding over large green mountains, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the hottest destinations on the African continent right now. In November, you’ll find the dry season well underway, with the highlands still green, lush, and perfect for hiking after the recent months of rain. Known as the birthplace of modern humans, there is a rich wealth of history to uncover here, amongst a tapestry of interesting cuisine and varying landscapes that are unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Barcelona, Spain
A view of multiple windows with red flowers as decorations on a blue patterned wall in Barcelona, Spain
If you’re looking to visit the Catalan capital with less crowds, November is the month for you. The weather remains warm and cheerful, the queues are shorter, the accommodation and flights are cheaper, and that delicious world-class seafood scene is going nowhere. Additionally, you’ll want to look out for the famous Barcelona Jazz Festival, with plenty of concerts across various venues - as well as the Independent Film Festival of Barcelona.
Well Versed, Plum Guide home in Barcelona, Spain
Mauritius
A collection of palm trees reflecting in a pristine pool, Mauritius
With average highs of 29ºC, evenings staying nice and warm at 20ºC, and a sea temperature of 25ºC, Mauritius has a lot to offer you in November. Positioned in the Indian Ocean, the island country boasts world-class diving among spectacular reefs and lagoons, as well as a mountainous interior offering lush rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and biodiversity. In November, there’s also the added bonus of getting to experience the spectacular Hindu celebration of Diwali, if you get the right year (sometimes, it takes place in October).
