Honestly, I didn’t expect November to feel so full of possibility the first time I traveled then — it’s this odd, charming in-between month where summer crowds ebb in the north and spring wakes up down south. If you’re wondering where to go, this guide to the best places to travel in November mixes warm escapes, fall color, and shoulder-season bargains with a few personal stories so you don’t just get facts, you get the feeling. Have you ever noticed that the best trips are the ones that surprise you the most?
Details Summary Table
| Place | Why go in November | Typical weather / vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Ubud, Bali | Warm, fewer crowds before high season | Tropical, warm with occasional showers. |
| Kyoto, Japan | Peak autumn foliage, cultural events | Cool, crisp; peak leaves mid–late November. |
| Marrakech, Morocco | Sunny days, breathable evenings | Mild and dry; great for markets and riads |
| Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) | Beach weather, fewer tourists | Mild, springlike — great for hiking and beaches |
| Queenstown, New Zealand | Spring outdoors reopens; hikes | Fresh spring weather — hiking, wine trails. |
| El Calafate, Patagonia | Shoulder season — clearer skies, fewer crowds | Late spring; cooler but improving conditions. |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Sunny days, cultural life, cheaper rates | Mild city weather, comfortable walking |
| New Orleans, USA | Festivals, jazz season returns | Comfortable temps and lively events |
| Hoi An, Vietnam | Dry season in central Vietnam | Pleasant, lower rainfall — great for cycling |
| San José, Costa Rica | Start of dry season, wildlife viewing | Transition to dry season; lush green plus sun |
Why November is secretly one of the best months to travel
If you ask me, November is that rare month that rewards flexible travelers. In the Northern Hemisphere leaves turn vivid, hotels drop prices after the summer rush, and festivals pop up without the crush of high season. Down south, spring is beginning: trails reopen, wildlife is active, and the light is fresh.
That’s the funny part — it’s both an ending and a beginning. You get the tail end of good weather in many places, but without the tourist fatigue. For outdoor lovers, November often means clearer trails and better views, and for culture seekers it means off-peak chances to enjoy museums and local life more slowly. (I love it its quiet mornings in small towns — yes, grammar gone a bit casual there.)
Ubud — warm, soulful Bali without the crowds
Why go: Ubud is Bali’s green heart — rice terraces, temples, and an easy, creative town vibe. November sits just before the peak holiday season; you get warm weather and fewer tourists.
What to expect: Warm, humid days with an occasional shower — perfect for a lazy morning at a cafe followed by an afternoon temple visit. Average highs in Ubud in November are typically warm, and it’s one of the island’s hotter months. (Weather Spark)
Personal note: I once spent a week in Ubud reading in a tiny guesthouse courtyard while monsoon-light tapped the leaves. I didn’t plan much and that made it better — wandering without an agenda felt like a secret.
Kyoto — peak maple season and temple strolls
Why go: For dramatic fall foliage and ancient temples, Kyoto in November is cinematic. Mid- to late-November often brings peak color, and many temples stage evening illuminations that feel almost private.
What to expect: Cool, crisp days perfect for layering. If you love photography or slow walks, the city’s parks and temple gardens are unrivaled this month.
Have you ever noticed that the city feels quieter when leaves fall? In Kyoto, that hush is an invitation to linger at a teahouse, and what surprised me was how a simple cup of matcha could feel like an event.
Tips: Book accommodation early for peak foliage weekends. Respect quiet zones at temples (some places limit photography during busy leaf-peaking days).
Marrakech — sun, spice markets, and cooler evenings
Why go: Marrakech offers perfect November weather: warm sunny days and much more comfortable nights than the summer scorch. It’s a great time for exploring souks, rooftop terraces, and nearby desert excursions.
What to expect: Dry days and cool nights — ideal for wandering the medina and trying street food without overheating.
Mini-story: I met an old spice vendor who taught me to sniff saffron properly — it was a small, silly moment that made the city feel like a living recipe. The medina at sunset, when the calls to prayer mix with the sizzle of tajines, is unforgettable.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife — island sunshine when Europe cools down
Why go: The Canary Islands behave like eternal spring; November offers pleasant beach days, hiking in volcanic parks, and fewer crowds than summer.
What to expect: Mild, pleasant temperatures and clear skies. It’s a peaceful time for coastal walks or exploring laurel forests inland.
Travel tip: Rent a car for the most scenic drives; Tenerife’s microclimates mean you can hike in cool mountain air then plunge into a warmer seaside cove the same day.
Queenstown — spring adventure in the Southern Hemisphere
Why go: November is late spring in New Zealand, so Queenstown wakes up with blooming gardens, hiking trails that are less crowded, and adventure activities that ramp up. The town is lively but not overwhelmed.
What to expect: Warmer weather compared to winter and perfect conditions for hiking, lake cruises, and wine touring. If you prefer outdoor activities like biking or easy alpine walks, this is prime time.
Personal note: I once rented a tiny lakeside cabin in spring; mornings smelled like wet earth and coffee, and the ridgelines looked brand new. It felt like the place was being rediscovered in front of me.
El Calafate — gateway to Patagonia in shoulder season
Why go: November is a shoulder month for Patagonia — late spring in the region brings clearer skies and reopening of some mountain lodges. You’ll often find lower prices and fewer crowds at trailheads and viewpoints.
What to expect: Variable but improving weather. Days can be bright and cool — bring layers and expect brisk winds at higher elevations. Trails to famous spots are usually accessible, and the Perito Moreno Glacier area is dramatic with fewer tourists.
Travel tip: Book key excursions (like glacier boat trips) early in case operators have limited runs as they ramp up for summer.
Lisbon — mellow city charm and coastal day trips
Why go: Lisbon stays mild in November and city hotels often run off-season rates. It’s a great month for wandering alleyways, taking tram rides, and day trips to nearby beaches or Sintra palaces with dramatically fewer tourists.
What to expect: Comfortable walking weather, occasional rain. Evenings are cozy and full of fado music.
New Orleans — music, food, and festivity with cooler nights
Why go: November brings pleasant weather and a lively cultural calendar. It’s festival season without the summer humidity, and the food scene is excellent for long, leisurely meals.
What to expect: Warmish days and cool nights — perfect for porch dining and jazz bars.
Mini-story: One November night I followed a parade of brass players down a side street and ended up at a tiny late-night po-boy joint where a stranger insisted I try the hot sauce. Small travel moments like this are reasons I go back.
Hoi An — lanterns, bikes, and drier days
Why go: November marks the beginning of the drier season in central Vietnam. Hoi An’s lantern-lit old town is perfect for evening strolls and riverside dinners.
What to expect: Pleasant days with less rain than the preceding months — ideal for cycling to rice paddies and exploring nearby beaches.
San José — the start of Costa Rica’s dry season
Why go: November often signals the transition to Costa Rica’s dry season, especially in the Pacific regions — good for wildlife watching and outdoor adventures with lush green scenery still on show.
What to expect: Showery mornings are possible, but many areas begin to dry out, offering great birding and waterfalls still full after the rains.
Practical November travel tips (pack, budget, bookings)
- Pack layers: early mornings can be chilly in temperate regions while afternoons warm up. If you’re heading south, expect spring breezes.
- Book smart: mid-November sometimes avoids peak-foliage weekends and holiday price spikes; still, Kyoto and some European pockets can fill fast — reserve accommodations when you know travel dates.
- Watch for festival dates: some cities host cultural events in November; these can be delightful but will affect local availability.
- Insurance and flexibility: shoulder season weather is usually forgiving but packing a plan B for outdoor activities is wise.
- Local experiences: use the off-peak advantage to take local cooking classes, smaller group tours, or guided nature walks — more personal time with hosts.
Final thoughts — pick your vibe
If you want warmth and beaches, pick Bali or the Canary Islands. If you want dramatic colors and culture, head to Kyoto. If you’re chasing rugged landscapes and emptier national parks, Patagonia in November can feel like a private show. And if you want a bit of everything — food, music, coastal day trips — Lisbon and New Orleans both deliver easygoing, memorable days.
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What surprised me was how many small, perfect moments travel in November provides: a near-empty trail, an unexpected festival, a suddenly clear view of a glacier. It’s a month of gentle transitions, and to be honest, that’s exactly why it’s one of my favorites.
Author bio: My name is Alix, I’m a content writer and researcher from the United States. I love exploring interesting topics and sharing insights through engaging, human-style writing.