In the best places to visit in November, such as Europe, you’ll find milder weather and fewer crowds. In the Caribbean, the storm season gives way to pleasant, less humid weather.
Below the Equator, November is the end of winter but peak season is still ahead. That makes destinations such as the Galapagos Islands great places to visit.
If you’re planning a trip in November, here are some of the best places to travel to.
Puerto Rico
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico in November is much less humid than in the hotter summer months. This makes it an excellent time to enjoy beaches such as Luquillo or Isla Verde.
With fewer visitors around, it’s also a good month to walk around Old San Juan. Historic sights include Castillo San Felipe del Morro and many other colorful Spanish-era buildings. El Yunque, the only rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is home to some of the best hikes in Puerto Rico. Its waterfalls start to look their best now during the end of the wet season.
Any rain showers tend to be brief, but you might want to pack a light jacket or umbrella. If you’re swimming or snorkeling in water that’s still around 81°F, there is even less need to worry about the rain.
Athens, Greece
Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Anyone who has visited Athens in summer will understand how much more pleasant it is in November. Temperatures drop to around 64°F and many museums are half-price as the high season crowds disperse.
First stop among those many museums must be the new Acropolis Museum. That’s an essential complement to any visit to the iconic Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon itself.
Plaka in Athens, Greece
In the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, you can find the best in Greek food and shopping. You’ll also want to see the picturesque changing of the guard ceremony at Syntagma Square.
At the busy Monastiraki flea market, you’ll find unique Greek souvenirs. November is also still mild enough for al fresco dining in the fashionable Psyrri district.
Grand Cayman
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
November sees the start of the dry season on Grand Cayman, making for an ideal time to visit. With temperatures typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, the golden sands of Seven Mile Beach are less crowded but still idyllic.
The water visibility is always excellent, so snorkelers and divers will also be in their element. At Stingray City, where you can interact with stingrays in their natural habitat, you don’t even need a snorkel.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Grand Cayman
Or head to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where you can learn more about conservation of land species such as the blue iguana.
November is also time for the annual Pirate Week Festival. With parades, music, and cultural events, it adds even more fun to the entertaining capital, George Town.
Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy
In November, the weather in Florence turns chilly, but it’s a wonderful time to wander through its uncrowded sights. From the magnificent Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore to the historic Ponte Vecchio, these Renaissance wonders remain as lovely as ever.
If it rains, you have Florence’s many museums and galleries to explore. Galleria dell’Accademia, with Michelangelo’s statue of David, and the Uffizi Gallery, with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, stand out.
Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy
The Uffizi is on Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain and the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi are landmarks. Here, you’ll find major works by Donatello, Michelangelo, and Giambologna, among many others.
It might feel too cold for a gelato, but there are plenty of hearty Florentine dishes to enjoy. November is the time of the grape harvest, not to mention the season for fresh white truffles and chestnuts.
Cozumel, Mexico
Playa Mia in Cozumel, Mexico
November brings better visibility for snorkeling and diving in the famously clear waters of Cozumel. It’s a perfect time to experience the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system.
Cozumel’s many lovely beaches—such as Playa Palancar and Playa Mia—are also less crowded before the peak winter months. Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports on them or the Eco Beach Park at Punta Sur.
San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico
See another side to the island by exploring the San Gervasio ruins. The town of San Miguel has busy markets and handcraft shops, alongside many excellent restaurants.
You could time your visit to coincide with some major cultural events. November starts with the Day of the Dead, celebrated with food and cultural events. The 20th is Mexico’s Revolution Day, around which you can expect to see plenty of traditional costumes and parades.
Aruba
Aruba
Aruba is one of the best places to go in November, with temperatures in the high 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. This is the end of Aruba’s short rainy season and a relatively quiet shoulder season.
Fewer visitors means Aruba’s beautiful beaches such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach can be enjoyed at their best. The weather lends itself to water sports such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
ATV ride in Aruba
The mild temperatures also make the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park more comfortable to explore. Enjoy its caves and take a plunge in one of the natural rock pools.
Oranjestad is famous for its historic buildings and colorful Dutch architecture. Explore the capital while enjoying shopping for the unusual local arts and crafts.
The Bahamas
CocoCay, The Bahamas
The Bahamas enjoys mild weather in November but visitor numbers are yet to peak. With water at around 79°F, it’s a good time for hanging out at the many gorgeous beaches.
Honeymoon Harbor Beach on Gun Cay in the Bimini islands is among the best. Swim with rays or turtles or just relax on its photogenic white sands.
At CocoCay, you’ll find much more to do, from a thrill-packed water park to a swim-up bar and luxurious overwater cabanas. However, white Bahamian sands and crystal clear blue water remain a constant.
In Nassau, you can try everything from a rum-tasting tour to shopping for crafts in the Straw Market, or packing in the thrills at the Aquaventure Waterpark on Paradise Island.
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos tortoise
South of the Equator, the Galapagos is entering summer in November. You can expect mild temperatures and much increased wildlife activity.
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to see the breeding program that’s restoring giant tortoises to the wild. November is the beginning of the nesting season for these fascinating creatures.
While air temperatures are warming up, the sea is still chilly. A wet suit will help you enjoy swimming with the sea lion pups that start to appear in November.
On land, birds such as boobies, terns, and petrels are starting their nesting season. Visit the red sand beach of Rabida Island to see pelicans, flamingos, and sea lions.
Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Isabela Island, the largest in the archipelago, is perfect for hiking in this mild, dry weather. Climb the Sierra Negra volcano, or snorkel the coves at Vicente Roca Point.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
November is part of Ecuador’s dry season and sees temperatures averaging about 68°F. With its high altitude, Quito’s weather is changeable, but generally mild.
Start your visit in the historic center, a World Heritage Site. Sights include the neo-gothic Basilica del Voto Nacional, Plaza Grande, and La Compañía de Jesús church.
For an overview, the TelefériQo cable car will whisk you up to the Cruz Loma lookout, standing at well over 10,000ft. You’ll have panoramic views of the city and its surrounding volcanoes from here.
Another must-do here is a visit to straddle the Equator. The Mitad del Mundo monument, or the more scientifically accurate Intiñan Museum, are within easy reach of Quito.
Rome, Italy
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
The Eternal City of Rome is a joy at any time of year, but November sees visitor numbers drop sharply. The weather is turning toward winter, averaging 62/63°F during the day, but many of the most famous attractions are under cover anyway.
The greatest of these, and a symbol of Rome, is the Colosseum. This mighty amphitheater is still awe inspiring some 2,000 years after it was built.
Pantheon in Rome, Italy
While familiar from many films and TV shows, its towering walls still hold many stories. Walk from it through the Capitoline hill to the Pantheon.
You’ll also want to see St. Peter’s with the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. In November, the trees of the Villa Borghese bring autumn vividly to an end.
Equally famous Roman landmarks include the scenic Spanish Steps and the ornate Trevi Fountain. Throw a coin in the fountain to ensure your return—and help local charities at the same time.
Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy
Is there a bad time of year to eat pizza? Of course not, but November’s cooler weather makes that hearty specialty of Naples even better.
With no scorching summer heat, places such as Pompeii are much more palatable. You can spend hours exploring the wonders of this Ancient Roman site.
Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples, Italy
In Naples itself, the historic center is lined with baroque churches and ancient ruins. At the National Archaeological Museum, see impressive artifacts from both Pompeii and Herculaneum, which was also destroyed by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
Climb to Castel Sant’Elmo for panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and majestic Vesuvius in the distance.
Nice, France
Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France
Nice is a lovely destination in November, after the summer visitors have gone. Cozy restaurants come into their own for delicious Provençal cuisine and excellent wines.
With temperatures often in the low 60s, you can still enjoy walking the Promenade des Anglais. Its trees show their autumn colors and the view of the Baie des Anges remains remarkable.
Cours Saleya in Nice, France
Other things to do in Nice include visiting the colorful Cours Saleya market to sample local produce and exploring the winding streets of Vieux Nice. Or climb Climb Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Take a day trip to nearby medieval villages such as Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Famous Riviera towns such as Cannes or the scenic Gorges du Verdon are also within easy reach.
Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona can be hard work in the summer heat, so November makes a very pleasant contrast. With fewer visitors and temperatures between 48-64°F, it’s a great time to see its sights.
Chief among these is the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s breath-taking masterpiece. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of Barcelona from Park Güell, another of his masterpieces, amid its autumn colors.
Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain
Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined pedestrian area, also looks lovely in fall. The Gothic Quarter, with its historic buildings, is another delight in the cooler weather.
During the month, the city starts to prepare for the Christmas season. The shopping districts are even more photogenic and tempting around this time.
Canary Islands
Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a major winter sun destination in November for good reason. There is plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures around 68-77°F.
Many Europeans holiday here to enjoy walking, cycling, and water sports. Beaches in the Canary Islands such as Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas, where golden sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, are still busy.
Mount Teide in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Hikers enjoy routes on the lunar-like Mount Teide on Tenerife, Spain’s highest peak. Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park also offers otherworldly landscapes to explore.
In the Agaete Valley on Gran Canaria you can walk amid fruit orchards, coffee farms, and pine forests. You’ll also find lovely Las Nieves Beach, the place for tasty local cuisine.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
With temperatures around 54-64°F, November is a lovely month to visit Lisbon. The Portuguese capital and its parks burst into autumnal colors.
With plenty of indoor attractions from museums to quirky shopping, you don’t need to worry about any rain showers, either. Ride the historic Tram 28 to see Lisbon’s picturesque narrow streets in comfort.
São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, Portugal
Major sights include the hilltop São Jorge Castle and the Santa Justa Lift in the luxurious Chiado district. The Alfama district is a maze of narrow streets, while pedestrianized Rua Augusta in Baixa is the place to shop.
The massive Jerónimos Monastery is another of the best things to do in Lisbon, if only to sample some delicious pastéis de nata. These egg-custard tarts are world-famous for good reason.
Barcelona, Spain
Are you inspired to make a getaway in fall? Then browse Celebrity’s cruises in November and plan your perfect vacation.
