Where to Go in November
As the year draws to a close, the high season for long-distance travel begins. But there's plenty to do and see in Europe as well. Here are the 10 best travel destinations in November.
October 6, 2022
1. tulum, mexico
Weather: 28-30 °C
Water temperature: 27-28 °C
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
Arrival: Cozumel (CZM), 65 km away
Hurry to Tulum before the snowbirds come to spend the winter down south! © Darren Lawrence
When people begin to bust out the gloves in colder climes, the best season for beach vacations has begun in sunny Tulum, where the weather remains stable until January and rain is rare. With its beautiful sandy beaches, Tulum is ideal for a relaxing getaway. But the spot on the Riviera Maya also scores in terms of culture and culinary delights. Can't miss: a visit to the Mayan ruins, a dive into a cenote and a drink at Arca Bar. Tulum has numerous highlights up its sleeve.
Where to stay
Tulum Treehouse
Km 7.3, Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Web: slowness.com
Tel: + 52 9842499586
Price: doubles from approx. €245
Modern Mexican design, minimalist furnishings and trendy exposed concrete. And all this draped around a pool, an open-air kitchen and surrounded by lush greenery. A dream home on the jungle side of Beach Road.
2. maui, hawaii
Weather: 24 °C
Water temperature: 26 °C
Sunshine hours: 7 h/day
Arrival: Kahului Airport (OGG), 20 km from the center
Along Kahekili Highway, tidepools make for an Insta-worthy stop. © Carole Ouellette
Hawaii is busy year-round. But there's one exception: November! The snowbirds are still a ways away – and most honeymooners have already left. If you're in the mood for tropical island vibes, relaxed beach days and unforgettable excursions into nature, November is the right month to go. Rain showers come and go towards the end of the month, but they are usually short and a welcome change of pace. Plus: off-season rates make Hawaii one of the best destinations in November!
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3900 Wailea Alanui Dr, Kihei, HI 96753, United States
Web: fourseasons.com
Tel: +1 808-874-8000
Price: doubles from approx. €1,000
First-class service, along with magnificent views and signature Four Seasons elegance make this Maui hotel the best choice for discerning travelers. Four Seasons Resort Maui is located right on the beach. Highlight: a gorgeous adults-only infinity pool and fantastic food.
3. reykjavík, iceland
Weather: 0 to 4 °C
Precipitation: 119 mm
Sunshine hours: 6 h/day
Arrival: Keflavik Airport (KEF), 60 km from Reykjavík.
Northern lights are marvels of nature, caused by charged electrons of the solar wind. © Nicolas J. Leclerq
Let's be frank: It's never warm in Iceland. But even by Icelandic standards, the island is probably one of the coolest destinations in November. So why go now? Because thanks to the clear and dark November nights, you have excellent chances to see auroras. The green veils dancing in the night sky are an extraordinary phenomenon. Now, we can't guarantee aurora borealis sightings for certain, but you'd have to be pretty unlucky to not see any northern lights.
Where to stay
Deplar Farm
570 Fljót, Ólafsfjörður, Iceland
Web: elevenexperience.com
Tel.: +1 970-237-5985
Price: doubles incl. full board from approx. €1,400
Located on Troll Island, this luxury hotel offers its guests indoor and outdoor thermal pools complete with a swim-up bar, 13 cozy rooms, and excellent food. A major plus is its location: Deplar Farm is surrounded by nothing but nature. The stars and auroras don't have to fight the light smog of a city here. The price includes numerous excursions as well.
4. santiago, cape verde
Weather: 27 °C
Water temperature: 24 °C
Sunshine hours: 9 h/day
Arrival: Praia International Airport (RAI), 35 km from the center
Plenty of sun, joie de vivre and warm temperatures make Cabo Verde a popular destination in November. © Belinda Fewings
The best time to travel to the archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa actually begins in November and extends into May. With temperatures between 28 and 27 degrees, outdoorsy travelers can explore the islands by mountain bike or on foot. The island of Santiago with its capital Praia also scores with an impressive old town center.
Where to stay
Hotel Riu Palace Boavista
Lote HO-1, Urb. Morrinho De Baguincho Praia de Boca Salina, Rabil, Cape Verde
Web: riu.com
Tel.: +238 335 10 50
Price: doubles from approx. €220
The hotel is located directly on the impressive Praia das Dunas beach and offers numerous amenities, including all-inclusive dining, a diverse entertainment program, and three swimming pools. A spa and gym are also available.
5. qatar
Weather: 30 °C
Water temperature: 26 °C
Sunshine hours: 9 h/day
Arrival: Hamad International Airport (DIA), 15 km from the center
In Qatar, visitors are met with a fascinating mix of decadence, luxury, Orient and Occident. © Florian Wehde
Doha is one of the best destinations in November not only because of the 2022 World Cup. The climate is fantastic as well. Dry, but not scorching heat makes for a pleasant stay at the beach. Culture aficionados visit the Sultan Qabus Mosque or the National Museum. Away from the World Cup stadiums, visitors are enchanted by wadis. Or by the many wonders of the numerous souks.
Where to stay
Hilton Salwa Beach Resort
Salwa Rd exit 86, Learaig Interchange, Abu Samra, Qatar
Web: hilton.com
Tel: +974 4423 6666
Price: doubles from approx. €299
The beach resort welcomes its guests in snow-white bungalows and buildings. The sparkling blue of the pool provides a beautiful contrast. Just a few steps away, the private sandy beach stretches in all directions. It's a full 3.5 kilometers long. The Hilton Salwa Beach Resort also includes a spa, a water park, and more than 20 restaurants.
6. south island, new zealand
Weather: 20 °C
Water temperature: 16°C
Sunshine hours: 7 h/day
Arrival: Christchurch Airport (CHC), 10 km from the center
In the southern hemisphere, spring is in full swing in November. © Stash Kulesh
Until the end of November, spring is still in full swing in New Zealand. With all the advantages that come with it. On the South Island, for example, you can still go skiing in the morning – and sit on the beach and enjoy the sun in the afternoon. Nature and botany fans will see one highlight after the next in November. Top tip: Be sure to visit the small town of Kaikoura for whale watching!
Where to stay
Blanket Bay
4191 Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand
Web: blanketbay.com
Tel.: +64 3 441 0115
Price: doubles from approx. €1,000
In addition to rooms and suites in the lodge, romantic chalets are also available to guests. The Relais & Chateaux member is idyllically located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The surrounding area acts as an outdoor adventure playground. At the hotel, however, luxury and indulgence are paramount. One of the culinary highlights is the daily changing tasting menu. Chef Dan Raynolds serves the best the region has to offer.
7. kerala, india
Weather: 31 °C
Water temperature: 29 °C
Sunshine hours: 6 hours
Arrival: Cochin International Airport (COK), 40 km from Kochi
Exceedingly diverse thanks to its size – and the food is a dream anyway: Kerala. © Unsplash
The Indian state in the south is almost 39,000 square kilometers in size. Its vegetation is correspondingly diverse. In addition to 600 kilometers of coastline, travelers can expect canals, the mountains of the Western Ghats and numerous nature reserves in the hinterland. Kerala is one of the warmer destinations in November. And probably the one with the most animal sightings. Elephants, langurs, monkeys and tigers are just a few representatives of the local fauna.
Where to stay
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa
Kappil Beach ಕಪ್ಪಿಲ್ ಬೀಚ್, Thekkekara, Bekal, Kerala 671319, India
Web: tajhotels.com
Tel: +91 467 230 2000
Price: doubles from €210
The resort's 75 lone villas recall the design of traditional Ketuvallam houseboats. They score with airy courtyards, spacious rooms, and beautiful views. If you're in the mood, book an authentic Ayurvedic treatment – or a full retreat. Resort amenities also include the Jiva Spa, beach access, and a kids' club.
8. London, United Kingdom
Weather: 12 °C
Precipitation: 67 mm
Sunshine hours: 2 h/day
Arrival: London Heathrow (LHR), 46 km from the center or Gatwick (LGW), 45 km from the center
When Christmas lights decorate the high streets in the beginning of November, the best time in London begins. © Veliko Karachiviev
London is supposed to be one of the best destinations in November? Yes! Hardly any city is as romantic in the run-up to Christmas as the city on the Thames. However, winter wonderlands, festive lights and the like also mean numerous tourists. So it's best to arrive right after the "lightswitch," which usually takes place at the beginning of November and marks the day when the city is illuminated in festive lights for the first time. Then it's off to afternoon tea, shopping at Harrod's and sightseeing. And the weather? It's always fickle in London anyway. But thanks to the Gulf Stream, it never gets all too cold.
Where to stay
Lost Property St. Paul's
3-5 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7AA, United Kingdom
Web: lostpropertyhotel.com
Tel.: +44 20 4553 0555
Price: doubles from €180
The hotel is a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton. And as such, it scores with a great location and boutique feel. The new hotel awaits its guests with 145 rooms whose walls are adorned with works of art. They set the vibe of the hotel – uncomplicated and relaxed.
9. havana, cuba
Weather: 28 °C
Water temperature: 27 °C
Sunshine hours: 7 h/day
Arrival: Aeropuerto Internacional José Martí (HAV), 18 km from the center
Still picturesque: Havana. City tour, culture, history and then: off to the beach. © Spencer Everett
"Go now or Cuba will be history ..." a phrase we've been hearing for years. Granted, the gentrification of Cuba is well underway. But the old town of Havana, for example, still enchants with its colorful buildings that date back to the Spanish colonial era. The streets are also still populated by American cars from the 1950s. And that slightly ramshackle charm is still omnipresent. In November, you can fill up on joie de vivre and sunshine as well as a large portion of "vitamin sea."
Where to stay
Paradisus Princesa del Mar
Auropista Sur, Carr. Las Morlas, Km. 19 5, Varadero 42200, Cuba
Web: melia.com
Tel.: +53 45 667200
Price: doubles incl. all inclusive board from €185
The hotel is located in the popular beach resort of Varadero. With its location directly on the beach and 12 rooms in different categories, it offers something for everyone. Especially nice are the swim up suites with private pool access. The adults-only hotel also spoils guests with all-inclusive meals and offers a spa.
10. Las Vegas, USA
Weather: 21 °C
Precipitation: 10 mm
Sunshine hours: 8 h/day
Arrival: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), 4 km from the Strip
In November, the temperatures in Las Vegas are extremely bearable. You can even venture out of the casinos ... © Grant Cai
Thanks to its location – surrounded by desert – Las Vegas is one of the best destinations in November par excellence. During the day, you can explore the surrounding sights in just a T-shirt. The Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Valley of Fire State Park, Death Valley and one or two ghost towns make for quite the diverse itinerary. And in the evening, you can enjoy yourself at the casino, one of the numerous shows or the many fun spots of Sin City. New sights and attractions are constantly being added. Currently, for example, the immersive experience Area15 is particularly popular.
Where to stay
Bellagio
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
Web: mgmresorts.com
Tel.: +1 888-987-6667
Price: doubles from €750
You might know the iconic hotel right on the Las Vegas Strip from several movies. And for its spectacular fountains. The resort was inspired by a number of European cities – at least from the outside. Breathtaking shows, including those by Cirque du Soleil, and award-winning restaurants await guests. There's also a spa, pools and, of course, the hotel's own casino.