In November much of Asia is at its very best. Temperatures are ideal, humidity is low, and skies are clear. In many places, even the mosquitoes are taking a break! Around the world, huge celebrations kick off too.
From Thanksgiving to Diwali to the lesser-known Zivania festival in Cyprus. Wildlife spotting in November is glorious, too. Whether you want to party hard or adventure harder, here’s my pick of the best countries to visit in November.
Thinking about your budget? Jump to KAYAK’s data-backed picks based on popularity, flight, and hotel prices.
The best places to visit in November
Best places to visit in November in the US
The best vacation spots in November across the US are packed with festivals and events. Alongside my choices below, take a look at KAYAK’s data-based picks, where Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale promise warm weather and medium popularity.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
November in Scottsdale is mild and magical. Cool (but not cold) temperatures are elevated by near-constant sunshine that blesses this jewel in the saguaro-studded Arizona Desert. Skies are mostly clear day and night.
This combination makes for ideal outdoor adventuring. Walk the scenic Arizona Canal Path that links the neighborhoods of Scottsdale to nearby Glendale and Phoenix. Bike or horseback ride the untamed trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Spend a few nights at the Dark Sky Resort ADERO to drink in the greatest star show you’ll ever see. Get a taste of the Old West at Cowboy College, where you can learn your way around a lasso.
If stargazing isn’t enough, you can take to the skies. In November, hot air balloons rise at sunset over Las Barrancas, back on the calendar after the summer off-season.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Learn more: Milwaukee travel guide
- Why visit in November? For a spectacular start to the holiday festival season.
Wrap up warm and do as the locals do in Milwaukee in November: embrace the brisk fall air. If it gets too cold for you, there are few better places to be than America’s beer capital.
Take tours around the brewery birthplaces of Pabst and Miller or barhop the city’s many craft breweries and taprooms. Home to the most creative craft beers, you’ll also find plenty of fine dining to soak up the alcohol.
Top of the culinary tree has to be Sanford, one of the finest restaurants in the US. For something a little less grand but no less delicious, try Usinger’s bratwurst. It’s as good as you’ll find outside Germany (and better than many you’ll find inside Germany!) If you like your sausages ready to eat, Vanguard is the place to go.
Milwaukee is also known as the city of festivals. The family-friendly Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival kicks off on November 21st, and Enchant brings Christmas to town later in the month with 2024 dates TBC.
3. New York City, New York
- Learn more: New York travel guide
- Why visit in November? See two of the Big Apple’s best annual events.
New York is never quiet. Yet KAYAK data points to November as being low in popularity, perhaps thanks to its monthly average temperature of 48°F. Despite the cold, two events in particular make it one of the best holiday destinations in November.
On the first Sunday of the month, 30,000+ runners take to the streets for the New York City Marathon. Bringing the best out of the Big Apple, thousands more line the route to cheer them on. Expect flag-waving, hotdogs and lots of noise.
Even more spectacular (and noisy) is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28th 2024. This year’s parade will see the usual roster of enormous inflated pop culture characters wobble their way to 34th Street. Alongside them, marching bands, performance groups, and hordes of crowds will help kickstart the holiday season.
Thanksgiving is the springboard for Christmas with a capitalist C. Few places do it better than New York with huge Christmas markets including Union Square and my favorite, Bryant Park with its lovely ice rink. Bring your own skates and it’s free.
4. Everglades National Park, Florida
- Why visit in November? Most of the mosquitoes are on vacation.
If you’re after something a little different, Florida offers the extraordinary Everglades. It’s an easy day trip from Miami or Orlando or a great place to base yourself. Plus, it’s the best time of the year to stay in a swamp!
With cooler weather and lower humidity, the wildlife is abundant but mosquitoes are thankfully absent. As water levels drop, animals congregate at watering holes and Florida Manatees arrive in search of warm water.
Hiking trails are open and the kayaking is awesome. Paddle the second largest mangrove forest in the world at Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge. You’ll likely share the trip with turtles, manatees and even the odd dolphin. Best of all is a ride on the classic Everglades airboat to see huge congregations of Florida alligators.
Best places to visit in November in Europe
Europe in November is a constant surprise. Small and strange village festivals, epic cities eerily quiet, the first suggestions of ski season. KAYAK data puts Barcelona as the best place to visit in November, with Nice on the French Riviera a close second.
5. Cyprus
- Learn more: Nicosia travel guide
- Why visit in November? Sample and celebrate the pride of the island: Zivania.
Of Europe’s many wonderful islands, it’s hard to look past Cyprus in November. Mild weather and spectacular coastal scenery are year-round staples, as is the appeal of its strange but alluring capital, Nicosia. But November is the month of festivals – particularly those celebrating Zivania brandy and wine.
Zivania is the locally made pomace brandy produced on the island. The Cypriates are so proud of their fiery creation that each year the Double Zivania Festival takes place in two of its loveliest villages. Over consecutive November weekends, Alona and Pelendri showcase traditional Zivania with tastings, music, dance and yep, more tastings. Go thirsty!
When you’ve enough Zivania, head to the Pithari Festival in Koilani, one of Limassol’s most beautiful villages. Opening the old Pithari wine casks is a long-held tradition that marks the wine harvest. Expect a small, simple festival but a warm welcome – traditional clothing, dancing, and yet more wine.
6. Verbier, Switzerland
- Why visit in November? The cream of Alpine luxury and early ski season.
Just a two-hour drive from Geneva, Verbier sits in the ridiculous landscapes of Switzerland. If you’re looking for the cream of the European ski jetset, this tiny village in the Swiss Alps is it. Amid towering mountain peaks, Verbier is a heart-pounding, wallet-draining combination of adventure and luxury.
November may seem a bit early to visit a ski resort, but gone are the days when skiing was the only adventure pursuit. Walkers have 300 miles of trails to tackle. Mountain bikers have over 500 miles covering cross-country, downhill and enduro courses. And conditions depending, skiing may not be off the cards either.
Several ski lifts open at weekends from mid-month on, offering early access to that high-altitude snow. For après adventure, the choice is even more extravagant. If you’re going to do it, do it in style. Dinner and drinks at Le Rouge and then dance the night away at Farm Club, a Verbier institution where the stories are as outlandish as the prices.
7. Rome, Italy
- Learn more: Rome travel guide
- Why visit in November? See the Eternal City at its wildest and quietest (relatively speaking.)
Rome undoubtedly earns its moniker as the Eternal City. It is, in effect, a vast and sprawling museum describing the history, creativity and tenacity of humankind in breathtaking wonder. With all its mind-blowing art and palpable history, its sheer scale can be overwhelming. In the summer, impossible crowds add to that sensation, which is why I prefer it in late fall.
It may be colder, but visitor numbers are at their lowest, as are hotel prices. The colder, windier weather gives the city a more austere look – the Roman ruins never look more imposing. And there is, of course, plenty to see and do inside. The Vatican alone could take up an entire day, depending on your stamina.
Rome’s magic lies in its ability to surprise at every turn. Beyond the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, the neighborhoods really wow. Make for the Basilicas di Santa Maria and di Santa Cecilia in the atmospheric back streets of Trastevere. Dine on quinto quarto cuisine in Testaccio, and then quench your thirst in one of the buzzing local enotecas of bohemian Monti.
Best places to visit in November around the world
From South America to Asia and the far side of the world, long haul offers endless November fun. KAYAK data recommends lots of places, particularly in Asia. Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, the islands of Singapore and Hong Kong are all hot and humid with medium popularity. Here are my picks.
8. Salta, Argentina
- Learn more: Salta travel guide
- Why visit in November? Ride the train to the clouds without the crowds.
The Salta Province in northwest Argentina is a dream place to explore in November. Days are long, temperatures are warm, and the city of Salta and its extraordinary surroundings shine. Even the prices are at an annual low.
Salta is a treasure trove of colonial architecture. Take a walking tour through cobbled streets to powder pink Catedral Basílica de Salta and bright terracotta Basílica de San Francisco. The MAAM Museum of High Altitude Archaeology provides a fascinating insight into the heritage of the High Andes.
If there’s such a thing as a ‘can’t miss’, Salta’s train to the clouds is it. From the city center, it climbs 4,220 meters into the Andes and is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys. Winding through multicolored rock formations, it peaks at the vertigo-inducing La Polvorilla Viaduct. The views are, as you might expect, incredible.
9. South Island, New Zealand
Fall in the US means spring in New Zealand, and there are few better countries to visit in November. An outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland, think of any pursuit (no matter how ludicrous), and you’ll find somewhere to do it in Aotearoa. Scuba diving and surfing, sky-diving and skiing, bungee jumping and white-water rafting – you get the idea.
The longer you can stay the better, because this is road trip country. From Christchurch, rent a classic van (this is the beauty I took) and take the coastal road south to Dunedin. Test your brakes on Baldwin Street, officially the world’s steepest.
Cut inland northwest and get your adrenaline on in Queenstown before having your breath taken away with a cruise through Milford Sound. On the loop north, stop off at otherworldly Kaikoura, a small seaside village perched on what feels like the edge of civilization. Test your mettle in the wildlife-rich surf at Mangamaunu. Or stay above the water on a sustainable whale-watching tour with Maori owned Whale Watch.
10. Jaipur, India
- Learn more: Jaipur travel guide
- Why visit in November? Celebrate Diwali in all its technicolor.
You’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere more colorful come November than Jaipur. The Pink City is never exactly monochrome, but this is the mesmerizing month when Diwali is celebrated across India.
The Hindu Festival of Lights symbolizes the “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance.” Running from October 29th over the first November weekend, its riot of fireworks, candles and flickering lamps illuminates the city. The sense of euphoria and celebration that engulfs residents and visitors alike lasts much longer.
Everyone gets involved. Locals exchange gifts at elaborate events. Kaleidoscopic decorations transform nearly every fort, palace and monument into something akin to royalty. The Statue Circle, Albert Hall Museum and Jal Mahal all look extraordinary. The famed Hawa Mahal looks out of this world. City bazaars at Johri, Nehru and Bapu overflow with traditional Rajasthani food and eager customers.
Go. Embrace the chaos, color and conviviality – there’s nowhere quite like it.
11. Old Bagan, Burma (Myanmar)
- Why visit in November? See one of the world’s most mesmerizing sunsets.
As the cool November winds blow across Southeast Asia, temperatures ease from scorching to hot and the humidity lightens. With it, the continent’s most extraordinary structures and sights are cast in stunning clarity – nowhere more so than Bagan.
Fly into Yangon and take a short domestic flight (or a long train or bus journey) to Old Bagan. The ancient capital of modern Burma, some 10,000 temples were built here between the 9th and 13th centuries. Many survive today as a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of all the human-influenced landscapes I’ve seen around the world, none is as mesmerizing.
Rent an electric scooter, pick up an old-school paper map and start exploring. There are thousands of temples, pagodas, monuments and more to explore. Many you can enter and climb – premium spots for those obligatory sunrise and sunset photos are hard fought over. Or for something truly exceptional, take to the skies in a hot air balloon.
12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Like Fukuoka in Japan, Malaysia’s bustling capital is finally garnering global attention for its fantastic street eating. Try the food court at Lot 10 Hutong and the sensory assaults of Petaling Street and Jalan Alor. The potent mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine served streetside is a recipe for success at them all. When the sun sets, make for the sophisticated speakeasies and sleek eateries of Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Kuala Lumpur is hot and wet in November. Temperatures average 81°F and there’s around 11 inches of rain. Yet fantastically low average hotel prices around $42 keep it popular. It’s a city built for rain though. When the street markets are washed out, hit the mall at Pavilion KL, handily located in Bukit Bintang.
Then of course, there’s the Petronas Towers. Once the tallest buildings in the world, they tower over the skyline. They’re fun to climb of course, but I found them a little underwhelming. The view of the towers from the WET Deck at W Kuala Lumpur is far more spectacular.
Data-backed picks from KAYAK
If seasonal events aren’t on your wish list, consider instead one of data-based destinations. These destinations are based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, considering budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds). For personalized recommendations based on your location and chosen destination check out the Best Time to Travel tool.
Discover more great places to travel
Looking for heat? You’ll find more warm destinations in my guide to where is hot in November. For fall inspiration, take a look at my guides to the best places to travel in September and October.
For more, KAYAK Explore and travel guides are full of ideas and practical tips. Wherever you plan to go, cheap flights, car rental and wonderful places to stay are what KAYAK does best.
The following information refers to the destinations listed in the table.
Recommendation ranking within table:
Our recommendation ranking of where to go is calculated based on average flight prices, average hotel prices, popularity, average temperature, and average precipitation. Flight prices, hotel prices, popularity, and precipitation constitute inverse factors, the less the better. Average temperature optimal values are taken as the median for the destination, and a difference is calculated for the month from this reference point. The smaller the difference the more desirable the city is to visit in this month. This temperature factor is weighed double as much as popularity and precipitation.
From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.
Flight and hotel prices:
Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from search period ‘2024-02-01’ to ‘2024-04-15’ for travel period ‘2024-09’ – ‘2024-12’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3 stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.
Popularity:
Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This incorporates the latest historical insights from the past year collected on ‘2024-01-15’. For each destination, this popularity estimate is pulled for the particular month to gauge where it might not be too crowded.
Weather (average monthly temperature and precipitation):
Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data is based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.