Where to go on holiday in November

Lost on where to go in November? These 5 destinations make the most of smaller crowds, milder weather and unforgettable experiences.

Not many people think of going away in November, and that’s why it can be the best month to travel. Not only are there fewer crowds to contend with as well as lower prices, but there’s also a huge variety of travel experiences to choose from. Sunseekers can make tracks to Europe’s southern-most islands or fly off to balmier climates as South East Asia eases out of monsoon season. Closer to home, cooler temperatures are perfect for cultural sightseeing, and on the other side of the world, spring is just blooming – making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures.

1 Rome, Italy

☀ Average November temperatures: Highs: 17°C; Lows: 8°C

It’s impossible to find a crowd-free Rome, even in the bleakest winter months, but November is the sweet spot. It’s peaceful and mild with a lovely autumnal feel, and since it’s shoulder season, there are fewer tourists to contend with. Of course, sites like the Pantheon and the Colosseum will be packed as usual, but it’s far easier to find more peaceful settings to soak up the local flavour.

This can also be a great month to visit for annual events like Rome’s International Film Festival and Roma Jazz Festival. With so much to see and do, the cooler temps are a blessing, and traipsing around the city, you won’t miss the blistering summer sun. Plus, wet afternoons are perfect for perusing museums and art galleries.

It’s also the perfect time to explore the markets. While the wine harvest is over (running from late August to early October), November is prime truffle season, and chestnuts, porcini, artichokes and fennel are all in season. This means restaurant menus are well-stocked with earthy, autumnal dishes that will pair perfectly with a glass of robust red.

3 Fes, Morocco

☀ Average November temperatures: Highs: 21°C; Lows: 10°C

With milder days and quieter streets, Fes is magical in the autumn months. The weather is cool and crisp, making it ideal for exploring the ancient medina of Fes-el-Bali for hours on end. There can be a mix of rain and sunshine, but the odd shower is the perfect excuse to duck into one of the stunning sites. You can easily pass a wet afternoon in Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century religious school with stunning zellige tilework and intricately carved cedar details. And the chillier nights are ideal for cosying up to a fire in your riad.

November is also when Morocco celebrates their independence day or Fete de L’Independance. On the 18th, streets across the country come alive with parades featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes, while families and friends gather around feasts of local dishes. While this can mean businesses are closed, it’s a fantastic time to get a glimpse into the local cultures and traditions.

Shoulder season is also a great time to find cheaper accommodation. Although one of the things we love about Fes is that there are always plenty of budget boutique places to stay with oodles of character.

4 Patagonia, Chile

☀ Average November temperatures: Highs: 15°C; Lows: 10°C

November is the start of spring in southern Chile, and the sweet spot between peak and shoulder season, making it the perfect time to explore the blooming Patagonian landscapes. With craggy peaks and verdant pine forests, bright blue lakes, pebble beaches and gigantic glaciers, this is a bucket-list trip for a reason. And at this time of year, the stark landscape is softened with blossoming flowers and long, magical evenings. 

While meeting fellow travellers is a part of the experience here, at this time, you’ll get some trails and viewpoints all to yourself. This also means that accommodation may be cheaper, with more open availability.

While there’s bound to be wind, especially around Torres del Paine, and some rain can be expected, November brings longer days and more sunshine. Of course, it’s impossible to predict the elements at any time of year, especially in environments like this. With the microclimates, conditions can change quickly and dramatically, and nights can get chilly. We recommend packing light layers and investing in a warm, waterproof jacket.

That said, the days are usually sunny and mild, ideal for outdoor adventures of all kinds, from hiking and horse riding to boat trips and wildlife spotting.

5 Chiang Mai, Thailand

☀ Average November temperatures: Highs: 28°C; Lows: 18°C

November is the start of Thailand’s dry season, which means cooler temperatures and fewer tourists than heaving December and January. While many make their way to the islands (and it isn’t a bad time to do so), we think it’s a great time to head up north to explore Chiang Mai. You may not find sun-washed beaches, but this is a wonderful spot for food, friendly locals, stunning landscapes and cultural sightseeing.

There are a couple of noteworthy festivals that take place this month, which means it can get busy, but the atmosphere is buzzing. Yi Peng Festival, where hundreds of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, often coincides with Loy Krathong, also known as the Festival of Lights. There’s no more beautiful time to see this city than when the sky and rivers fill with floating lanterns, and the streets are teeming with celebratory activities.

And just outside the city, green farmland, shadowy mountains and stunning sunsets seem to roll on forever. If you have the time, make sure to head further north to Chiang Rai for some really spectacular countryside, wildlife, and some quality time at an elephant rescue camp.

Where to go in …