In need of some inspiration for your November vacation? Look no further.
November can be a bit of a funny month for travel, given the impending holiday season. But here’s a secret: while everyone else is busy counting down the days until the festive break, you could be off hiking in Nepal, learning about nomadic cultural traditions in India or plunging into tropical waterfalls in Australia — all without the crowds that roll in from December.
Sound too good to be true? Read on to discover our favourite destinations for November.
1. Nepal
- Why go: Enjoy excellent trekking conditions to Annapurna or Everest Base Camp
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low
If you’ve dreamt of standing on the shoulders of giants for a while now, November is the perfect time to finally tick that Nepal trek off your list. Post-monsoon days in the Annapurna and Everest regions are warm and sunny, while evenings are crisp and cold.
The rice-harvesting season is in full swing by November, so expect fields buzzing with activity, lush vegetation, clean air and excellent views of the snow-capped peaks. The teahouses and trails, normally heaving with eager hikers, are quieter during this time too as the approaching winter freeze drives foot traffic down.
Bonus: for an authentic cultural experience, time your trek to pass through Tengboche in early November when the sacred Mani Rimdu festival takes place. It’s a time of prayer and celebration, so expect elaborate masks and costumes, lots of dancing, and dramatisations of the triumph of Buddhism.
2. The Galapagos, Ecuador
- Why go: A wide variety of marine life and a chance to swim with sea lion pups
- Season: Cool and dry
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) high, 21°C (70°F) low
Where might you see giant tortoises patrolling the beach, bump into a sea lion while swimming or sunbathe alongside a spikey (but harmless) marine iguana? The Galapagos, of course! November is the tail end of the off-season when the weather is cooler and dry, but it doesn’t seem fair to call it the ‘off’ season as there’s still so much to see and do.
Giant sea tortoises, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and flamingos come ashore to nest, and water-based activities peak thanks to the Humbolt current which brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters and abundant marine life to the Galapagos. Look out for dolphins, whales, fur seals and whale sharks.
Sea lion pups, now a few months old, also start taking to the water in November and are known to be quite inquisitive about snorkellers and divers. If you’re really lucky, you might be treated to a performance of their impressive aqua aerobics skills.
3. Rajasthan, India
- Why go: Cultural festivals and comfortable weather to explore Rajasthan’s iconic sites
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 28°C (82°F) high, 15°C (59°F) low
Once the scorching temperatures and monsoon rains of summer have subsided, November is the perfect time to uncover the kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and cuisines that make up this mighty country. Due to India’s size and terrain, you can still expect some variation across the country, but Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle will be mostly dry, clear and warm. Admire the shimmering Taj Mahal, spot tigers in Ranthambhore and float past the marble palaces of Udaipur.
November also hosts one of India’s most anticipated festivals. Head to the desert city of Pushkar between 9 and 15 November for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair. What started as a livestock trading event is now a grand celebration of Rajasthan’s nomadic tribes. Picture: elaborately adorned camels, dance performances and moustache competitions. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will also be celebrated across India in early November.
4. Morocco
- Why go: A balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds
- Season: Autumn
- Temperature: 20°C (68°F) high, 8°C (46°F) low
Picking a good time to visit Morocco that suits the climate zones of the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast is never easy. The weather varies wildly according to the season and where you plan to explore, but to experience the highlights, the cooler months from October through to April are popular among most travellers.
If you’re from the northern hemisphere and are in need of a decent blast of winter sun, the picturesque coastal town of Essaouira is the perfect place to put your feet up and relax. Fresh-caught fish sizzles on beachside grills, whitewashed houses with blue shutters lend a Mediterranean vibe, and you can lose hours wandering through the dozens of art galleries, workshops and souks – that’s Christmas presents sorted!
5. Iceland
- Why go: A great chance of seeing the Northern Lights
- Season: Winter
- Temperature: 4°C (39°F) high, 0°C (32°F) low
The idea of holidaying in a country where the depths of winter are approaching may seem a little counterintuitive (unless you love winter, that is), but even for sun worshippers, Iceland is a delight in November. The Northern Lights is the best light show on Earth, and November is one of the best months to see them.
Explore thermal geysers, stunning waterfalls, and epic glaciers by day, then stay up late and watch the skies dance with green lights by night. Just make sure you pack your thermals… you’ll need them!
6. Australia
- Why go: Good weather country-wide and abundant nature
- Season: Spring
- Temperature: 33°C (91°F) high, 25°C (77°F) low in Darwin; 28°C (82°F) high, 19°C (66°F) low in Brisbane; and 22°C (72°F) high, 12°C (54°F) low in Melbourne.
Australia is so large and varied that one cannot simply say ‘go to Australia in November’ and expect the weather to be fine and dandy. That said, November is probably as close as it gets to being great weather country-wide. The tropical rainy season in the north hasn’t properly settled into humid downpours yet, while the cooler southern states of Victoria and Tasmania are basking in warmer days of spring.
Experience rainforests, waterfalls, wineries and wildlife on an epic road trip from Sydney to Cairns; be wowed by the night skies on an Outback adventure in South Australia, or travel to the heart of Australia to witness its striking red landscapes.
7. Cambodia
- Why go: Explore Cambodia’s ancient temples before the peak season crowds arrive
- Season: Dry
- Temperature: 30°C (86°F) high, 24°C (75°F) low
Cambodia’s rainy season usually runs from June through October, so November is a great time to visit before the peak season gets into full swing. You might still experience the odd downpour, but it’s worth it for thinner crowds at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap. When you’ve seen the country’s ancient temples, head to Battambang cycle around rural villages, meet local farmers and uncover the flavours of Khmer cuisine. Or experience daily life in the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake.
November is also a fantastic time to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture at the Bon Om Touk water festival (14-16 November), which draws millions of Cambodians to the banks of Phnom Penh’s Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers to watch boat races, dance to traditional music and eat delicious food.
Not sure about November?
Check out our recommendations on where to travel in October and December, or explore our last minute deals.
