written by
Joanne Owen
updated 25.05.2023
Chances are, if you're thinking of taking a break in November, you fancy some winter sun. Or maybe you’re hoping to enjoy your first mulled wine of the season in an elegant European city. Haven’t made up your mind? Our recommendations for the best places to visit in November are to hand to help.
This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.
With Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) running from 31st October-2nd November, this is an exhilarating month to visit Oaxaca. That said, the build-up is part of the experience, so better to arrive earlier.
Essentially, the Day of the Dead is a ritual whereby families welcome the temporary return of the souls of their deceased relatives. People set up an altar at home or at gravesides — a symbolic gateway for the dead, and a place to leave food and drink offerings. Meanwhile, you can expect the streets to come alive with feasting, dancing and parades like nothing else on earth.
Day of the Dead aside, Oaxaca is known for its markets, craft stalls, Baroque architecture, and gallery-rich walkways. You could also visit the Zapotec and Mixtec sites at Monte Albán, Yagul and Mitla. Though less known than their counterparts in central and eastern Mexico, they’re just as impressive.
Meanwhile, on the Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido attracts surfers, with lesser-visited beaches around Puerto Ángel boasting more of an alternative vibe.
Discover more places to stay in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca is one of the best places to see Dead of the Dead rituals and festivities © Brett Welcher/Shutterstock
Love art, music and fun festivals? Fancy making some low season savings? Pensacola, Florida, is one of the best places to visit in November.
And the reason? Running 3rd-5th November, Pensacola’s Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of America’s best-regarded arts festivals.
Drawing 200+ painters, potters, artists and craftspeople, this welcoming jamboree also showcases heritage arts. Expect to see demonstrations of woodcarving, engraving, spinning and weaving.
Travelling with kids? A dedicated Children’s Arts Festival offers tonnes of free hands-on activities. And, if that wasn’t enough, music events cover everything from jazz and classical, to Cajun and blues.
Find more places to stay in Pensacola, Florida.
Pensacola Beach, Florida © AdobeStock
Falling between peak tourist season (December and January) and the onset of monsoons, November is arguably the best month to visit India.
And, with no shortage of palm-fringed beaches, Kerala is one of the best places to visit in November for winter sun. With two entries in our gallery of the most romantic places in India, and esteemed as one of the most beautiful places in India, it's also perfect for romantic breaks.
For deserted beach bliss, head north of Kozhikode, or join fellow sun worshippers on the idyllic sands of Varkala in the south.
But it’s not all about the beach. Kerala is also blessed with serene backwaters, and undulating hills of tea and spice plantations.
To make the most of your trip, head to the mountains around Munnar. While the lower slopes are blanketed in emerald-green tea gardens, its higher peaks have excellent trekking routes.
Explore more places to stay in Kerala, India.
Beyond Kerala's beaches, majestic mountains await. Munnar, Kerala © Shutterstock
The biggest island in the Caribbean, Cuba is also big in spirit. It’s one of the best places to visit in November for tropical sun before peak season strikes.
With a rich history spanning indigenous Taíno culture, Spanish colonialism, Castro’s Communism, and beyond, Cuba offers many fantastic travel experiences.
Alongside exploring off-beat Havana and fuelling up at the local restaurants, you’ll most likely want to head to the crystalline Caribbean Sea.
The Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) cays come recommended. Though home to a host of hotels, Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo retain something of an away-from-it-all feel. In good news for divers and snorkellers, Jardines del Rey is fringed by 400km of coral reef, with over forty dive sites to explore. But that is not all - see our guide to the best beaches in Cuba.
If you’re into biking or hiking, Viñales National Park is a must-visit. Its startling landscape of boulder-like hills exudes decidedly prehistoric vibes. Top trekking can also be enjoyed in the pine-forested Sierra del Escambray, and cloud forests of the Sierra Maestra.
Cuba — one of the best places to visit in November for sun, sea, adventure and culture © Shutterstock
Looking for a November break that delivers winter wonder? Bratislava is a fantastic choice.
Made capital of the newly-founded Slovak Republic after the 1993 Velvet Divorce, Bratislava blends Old Town charisma and Soviet-era grit. Add to that a café culture that rivals its big sisters, Vienna and Prague, and you have a top-notch city break destination.
Come November, Christmas markets start to pop up, sprinkling extra charm over an already fairy tale-esque scene.
Bratislava’s beautiful hilltop castle looms large over the old town. With a museum and romantic Baroque gardens to stroll through, it’s easy to while away an afternoon here.
The Old Town itself is a delight of eighteenth-century palaces and Romanesque municipal buildings. Head to the small but beautiful Hlavné námestie (Main Square) to visit the Old Town Hall. It's home to Bratislava City Museum.
Music lovers shouldn’t pass up the chance to catch a performance at the Slovak National Theatre. The city proudly — and correctly — considers itself to be a big player in music history, with heavyweights like Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn having worked here.
And, with the Mozart Festival usually running from late October through to mid-November, music lovers have extra reason to visit.
Bratislava, Slovakia © Shutterstock
If you're looking for the ultimate escape-from-it-all break, the Maldives is hard to beat. And, with the rainy season fizzling out from October, it’s one of the best places to visit in November.
Comprising 26 coral atolls and over 1200 islands, the Maldives are the stuff dreams are made of.
Beyond looking pretty, the archipelago offers some of the best deep-sea diving in the world. With visibility of up to forty metres, expect to see manta rays, whitetip reef sharks, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, and a whole lot more.
If travelling better is on your mind, you’ll be pleased to learn that more and more Maldives resorts now employ resident marine biologists. Guests can usually get involved with coral propagation and restoration programmes during their stay.
Blissful beaches await in the Maldives © Shutterstock
Want more inspiration? Read up on the best winter sun destinations around the world, and the most beautiful winter destinations. Or see our run-down of the best places to visit in October and December.
And remember, wherever you're thinking of heading, there's sure to be a Rough Guide to enhance every step of your journey from the moment you start planning.
Not keen on planning? Browse our expert-curated, customisable tailor-made trips.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
Header image: The Maldives © Shutterstock
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 25.05.2023
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