The best places to go on holiday in November

As the year begins to wind down and temperatures drop across the UK, it’s only natural to look further afield for a pre-Christmas break. From island hotspots that promise year-round warm weather to the seasonal highlights that are sure to inspire your wanderlust ahead of the festive season, there are plenty of options still available in November that a worth a spot on your wish-list. With that in mind, these are the destinations that stand out for an autumnal break towards the end of the year.  

Iceland  

Those looking for a November break worthy of any travel wish-list can find the perfect option in Europe’s far north. Iceland, the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, is impressive at all times of year, but it’s November when its vast glacial landscapes are at their most dramatic. That’s thanks largely to the striking Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, which are at their most visible throughout the longer winter nights.  

For the best chance of spotting this vivid nightly spectacle, try to venture beyond Reykjavík and the country’s largest cities as light pollution dilutes the brightness of the Aurora and can negate the more subtle colours entirely. The north side of the island is a great choice for spotting the lights and offers uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights at their brightest. If you’d prefer to stay in the south, the small coastal areas such as Vík and the Jökulsárlón Lagoon stand out for their clear skies and remarkable surrounding landscapes. What’s more, Iceland is especially popular around the festive period, so visiting slightly earlier is highly recommended.   

Northern Cyprus 

For warm-weather escapes, the Mediterranean remains a popular choice for holidaymakers throughout November. With average daily highs of 23°C and typically clear skies, it should come as no surprise that Northern Cyprus continues to welcome thousands of visitors even in the autumn months. Combined with its rich archaeological sites and a number of exquisite blue-flag beaches, this striking destination is perfectly suited to a short break later in the year.  

Of Northern Cyprus’ main cities, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and the island’s split capital, Nicosia, are especially memorable, with their classical architecture, ancient landmarks and national heritage sites. History buffs can soak up centuries of Cypriot history with visits to the Roman ruins at Salamis and Soli. If relaxation is on your mind, there’s also ample space to unwind in the sun on the island’s idyllic north coast, and the pleasant November weather offers the ideal conditions to do so.  

East Africa 

Similar to October, November promises some of the best conditions to enjoy an East African safari, with the start of the rainy season breathing new life into its savannah landscapes. With vegetation growing denser throughout the month, it can be trickier to spot animals in the undergrowth. That being said, each region’s renewed watering holes provide great alternatives, meaning there’ll be no shortage of thrilling wildlife encounters. The Great Migration is still very much in motion too, with herds of wildebeest continuing their journey south towards Tanzania’s Serengeti. Not only does this make for spectacular herd sightings well into the late autumn, but it’s also a time during which the region’s big cats are at their most active.   

Beyond the safari game drives, November also rewards those keen to enjoy time by the sea, as nearby Zanzibar's weather remains warm and its towns become quieter after the summer peak. The island's spice plantations and charming coastal towns add a cultural contrast to the open plains, while birdlife across the mainland remains abundant as migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia. With fewer visitors and landscapes that are renewed by the early rainfall, November is the ideal time for a wildlife-spotting escape with a difference. 

Japan  

Autumn tends to linger well into November across much of Japan, and the milder weather and low humidity continue to provide ideal conditions to explore the country’s island vistas. Those who are keen to see the country’s fall colours, many of which are just as impressive as those found in North America, can still find plenty of wild spaces filled with waves of red, orange, and purple.  

When it comes to city exploration, visits in November also tend to benefit from fewer crowds than the more popular Sakura season. In addition to the shorter queues and quieter streets, this time of year fosters deeper connections with each destination and allows visitors to explore under a more intimate atmosphere. Experience Kyoto’s lantern-lined Geisha district at its most authentic, admire towering Mount Fuji with fewer distractions, and find your inner zen amongst the temples and torii gates that dot the surrounding countryside. 

Southeast Asia 

Of all Asia’s memorable highlights, few are as well-suited to late-autumn exploration as the lively coastal cities and timeless religious wonders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. November marks the start of the region’s dry season, meaning you can usually expect lower humidity and reliable sunshine. With so many of the region’s highlights being outdoors, it’s no surprise that this time of year is a popular choice among first-timers and regular travellers alike.  

With such a varied collection of local cultures, cuisines and wish-list sights, Southeast Asia is a region that is remarkably easy and rewarding to explore in one trip. Of the many routes on offer, the winding Mekong is one of the finest, showcasing the riverside wonders of six countries. With calmer waters throughout November, the Mekong is also a great choice for a river cruise, with some of the most rewarding small-town exploration on offer along its banks. Away from the river, Southeast Asia’s undeniable highlights, from ancient Angkor Wat to the karst-studded Ha Long Bay, are easier than ever to explore comfortably in the milder November weather.  

The USA 

If October is the perfect time to visit New England, November instead belongs to the great American West. As the arid summer heat begins to subside, many of the United States’ unspoilt wild spaces become more comfortable to see firsthand. From the world-renowned Grand Canyon to Nevada’s Mojave Desert, the West is rarely more scenic than it is in the autumn months.  

In California, wildlife enthusiasts can spot black bears amongst the alpine trails of vast Yosemite, weave around Sequoia National Park’s towering redwoods, and explore the arid prospector trails of Death Valley. It’s not just the national parks that’ll impress in the cooler weather, and the Golden Gate treasures of San Francisco and celebrity haunts of Las Vegas and Los Angeles promise no shortage of fascinating sights. 

Experience the best places for a November holiday with Newmarket Holidays   

With more than 40 years’ experience operating award-winning escorted tours, our expert team of holiday planners knows exactly how to help you make the most of your time away. Browse our full range of itineraries on our dedicated destinations page and see where your travel story will take you next.