Fancy an escape in late 2023? Autumn is a great time to travel as it’s often the quiet season for many popular tourist destinations. And when it comes to the best places to visit in November, there’s no shortage of options with seasonal allures.
The best places to visit in November
Whether you’re looking to escape the UK’s cold and wet weather or you want to make the most of autumn and travel where the leaves are golden, there are plenty of great places to go in November. So, what will it be? Cosy festivals, icy adventures or a sun-drenched getaway? Take your pick:
- Japan
- Bologna, Italy
- Svalbard, Norway
- Madrid, Spain
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- New York, USA
- Athens, Greece
- Belize
- Goa, India
1. Japan
- Flight time: 13 hours 50 minutes
- Learn more: Tokyo travel guide
Tokyo may be renowned for its pale pink cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and summer. Nevertheless, the fiery reds and oranges of its autumn maples, ginkgos, and oaks are just as beautiful. This makes November a lovely month to visit, especially if you want to avoid the high-season crowds.
Additionally, from mid-November onwards, the city lights up at night when Marunochi Illumination starts. Head to the Marunochi area to see its Naka Dori trees covered in thousands of twinkling fairy lights. Tokyo’s November temperatures tend to sit around 15°C and it can be a little rainy, so so come prepared with an umbrella and your favourite autumn jacket.
While you are there, a day trip to Mount Fuji is one of the most popular activities for tourists in Tokyo. However, it can be particularly worth it in November. While climbing up the mountain isn’t recommended at this time of year, the sights at its base are beautiful.
November is when the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held at Lake Kawaguchiko. You’ll find stalls selling local goods amidst the autumn leaves. And at night? The surrounding maple trees are all lit up during a beautiful display against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
2. Bologna, Italy
- Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Learn more: Bologna travel guide
Ever thought about visiting Italy in November? Bologna in the north is one of those rare cities where autumn is considered its high season (though it starts to get less busy in November).
Wondering why it’s so popular at this time of year? It’s also down to the various food festivals that celebrate the region’s food and wine. Time your trip around TartuFesta, an event celebrating truffles (of the mushroom variety). Or attend Vignaioli in Enoteca which is held at a medieval castle at the Piazza Rocca Sforzesca to sample free wines from the region’s most celebrated growers.
It takes around two and a half hours to fly to Bologna and the city is just one hour ahead of the UK. The temperature averages around 11°C and there’s sometimes a little rain so remember to pack an umbrella.
To soak up even more Italian food and history, consider a day trip to the town of Modena. It’s only a half-hour drive from Bologna and home to many unique museums. Modena is particularly famous for its balsamic vinegar. Why not take a tour of the Acetaia Giusti Museum that’s dedicated to the vinegar’s oldest producer?
3. Svalbard, Norway
- Flight time: 6 hours
- Learn more: Longyearbyen travel guide
Always wanted to go to the North Pole? Svalbard is the next best thing. By November, the Norweigan archipelago has entered its Polar Night phase: a three-month period when it’s completely plunged into darkness. All that low light makes it a wonderful time to glimpse one of the world’s most spectacular phenomena: the Northern Lights.
You’ll likely use the city of Longyearbyen as your base. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy excursions around the area. Whizz across the white landscape on a snowmobile, learn how to drive a husky sledge or visit Svalbard Museum for a dose of Arctic history.
You could also have a pint at the world’s northernmost brewery: Svalbard Bryggeri. And, when it’s time for the main event, all you need to do is simply look up at the sky.
4. Madrid, Spain
- Flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Learn more: Madrid travel guide
Madrid is one of the best places to visit in November, with temperatures averaging around 13°C. There usually aren’t as many crowds at this time of year which helps drive hotel rates and flight prices down.
When it comes to the weather, you’ll likely experience some rain during your trip. When this happens, all you need to do is head for cover! Madrid has plenty of indoor attractions like the Plaza de Cibeles and the Prado Museum. When the sun comes out, stroll through the El Rastro flea market and chat with the locals. Or enjoy the Buen Retiro Park and its 15,000 trees.
Madrid hosts a number of festivals in November, too. This includes All Saints Day on the 1st. It begins as a sombre remembrance of loved ones and turns into a celebration of their lives. Madrid also hosts a film festival in November: The Alcine Film Festival Alcala de Henares.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
- Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Learn more: Edinburgh travel guide
Looking for the best places to visit in the UK in November? Consider the beautiful streets of Edinburgh. It’s usually a cheaper time to travel and there are fewer tourists, so popular attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the city’s museums are a lot less busy.
Edinburgh is sometimes called ‘The City of Festivals’ – and for good reason. In early November, the city hosts the Edinburgh Gaelic Festival which celebrates the Gaelic community and its history within Edinburgh. Many people also try to plan their visit around the 5th of November as Edinburgh’s Bonfire Night celebration is one of the biggest in the UK.
Christmas festivities usually begin in mid to late November, with various parts of the city lighting up at night in festive displays. November also marks the opening of the famous Edinburgh Christmas Markets which are a must-see even if you don’t plan on buying anything.
And, finally, St Andrew’s Day celebrations are held on the 30th of November. Want to tick off Edinburgh Castle? It’s usually free to visit on St Andrew’s Day Weekend.
6. New York, USA
- Flight time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Learn more: New York travel guide
New York is hands-down one of the best places to visit in November in the USA. The city’s temperatures tend to average at around 12°C and the gorgeous colours of autumn dominate its streets and Central Park.
The first half of the month tends to be cheaper for a visit, while the second half ramps up in price and popularity as it gets closer to Thanksgiving and the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Big Apple Film Festival (or ‘BAFF’) also takes place in mid-November and shines a light on independent films, with a particular focus on local New York filmmakers. In previous years. If you’re a cinema buff, you won’t want to miss the chance to view work by up-and-coming filmmakers.
Whether you want to visit the city’s classic sights and museums or enjoy the beginning of the city’s holiday festivities, you’ll find plenty to do in New York in November.
7. Athens, Greece
- Flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Learn more: Athens travel guide
After a cheap holiday in November? Athens is a brilliant option. Autumn is the low tourist season in the city, so you’re pretty much guaranteed good deals on flights and hotels. The daily maximum temperature averages around 18°C and you’ll likely enjoy a mix of warm sunny days and cool rainy days.
When the sun is shining, head outdoors to attractions like the Acropolis and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. There when it’s rainy? No problem. Take shelter in the National Archaeological Museum or the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture.
If you’re set on seeing Athens’ most popular ancient sites, consider purchasing the Acropolis Combo ticket. This gives you access to Athen’s seven main archaeological sites, including the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Library for around €35 (around £30) online and around €30 (around £26) at the ticket offices in Athens.
What’s more, many Athens museums and monuments are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month, while the National Historical Museum is free every Sunday.
8. Belize
- Flight time: 10 hours 15 minutes
- Learn more: Belize travel guide
November is an ideal time to visit this gorgeous Central American country. The weather is still beautiful and sunny in Belize at this time of year, with temperatures averaging around 27°C.
It still rains during this month, though less than the rest of the low season. The lack of tourists makes it the perfect month to tour the country’s most popular attractions like the ancient Mayan sites of Lamanai or Altun Hayo.
Another must-see is the Cayo District. It lies in western Belize and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. The area has many Mayan sites, including Caracol – the largest Mayan ruin in the country. The district additionally has a range of thrilling activities to enjoy, from canoeing and tubing down pristine rivers to hiking up waterfalls and through Mayan caves.
Want to explore somewhere extra special? Say hello to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It’s home to a number of waterfalls, pools and picnicking spots, as well as activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.
9. Goa, India
- Flight time: 9 hours
- Learn more: Panaji travel guide
Goa is one of, if not the biggest, favourite when it comes to beach destinations in India. Heading there for a holiday in November is sublime as the long rainy season is over and the scorching summer months are still some time away.
Some of the most sought-after things to do on the beach include parasailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, windsurfing, banana-boat rides, and snorkelling.
Other things worth doing in Goa include trying the delicious local cuisine, shopping for bargains, and discovering the city’s hidden treasures like the spice plantations, fantastic Greek restaurants and the historic Sinquerim Fort.
In 2023, November will also mark the month of one of the most famous festivals in the world: Diwali. This Hindu festival of lights lasts for five days and sees the entire city of Panaji, Goa light up in celebration of Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity.
So if you’re looking for a festival getaway in November, Goa should be at the top of your list. When you arrive, drop your bags off at your hotel and then hit the beach to soak up the sun and enjoy all the festive activities available. It’s bound to be a trip you’ll remember forever!.
Fancy ending the year on a high with a last-minute getaway? Or what about beating those January blues with a sunshine escape? Discover KAYAK’s best places to visit in December and January.
