It’s almost November. The end of the year is quietly sneaking up on you, and things are ramping up for the festive season. While the year might be drawing to a close, your travel plans don’t have to. Bridging the gap between busy tourist season and the holiday frenzy, fall is one of my favorite times for a long-haul adventure.
If a last-minute vacation is on the cards, there are plenty of wonderful places to visit during November. Whether chasing Diwali festivities or visiting Victoria Falls during dry season, November is the prime time to explore without melting in the heat or disappearing into the crowd.
Namibia
Namibia’s remote desert landscape is one of the world’s most beautiful. Dunes the size of mountains, never-ending flat lands, and pristine bushland make it a bucket-list African destination.
November is warm but not scorching. and the dry weather makes it easier to track down wildlife in Etosha National Park. For otherworldly dune landscapes, the iconic Sossusvlei sand dunes are ideally visited late in the year, before the Southern Hemisphere summer heat kicks in.
Mid-season Namibia is particularly wonderful for photographers. The deep reds and oranges of the desert dunes against a backdrop of blue sky make for some of the most exquisite landscapes on the planet.
Zambia
Every month is a good time to visit Zambia, especially considering it’s one of the least touristy African countries for spotting the Big 5. While weather can be unpredictable year-round, November brings warm and dry weather that is prime for viewing wildlife.
But Zambia’s main showstopper is Victoria Falls. November is at the tail end of the dry season. So, while the falls aren’t at their fullest, you’ll get to see the incredible rock formations and even swim in the iconic Devil’s Pool – a natural infinity pool on the edge of the waterfall.
Belize
As the weather cools down in the Northern Hemisphere, where better for a quick getaway than the tropics of Belize? November marks the start of Belize’s dry season, which makes for clear skies and calm waters – the perfect conditions for diving the Belize Barrier Reef. With more than 400 islands and islets, this is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
If you prefer to stay above the surface, don’t fret. You could explore the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich or the enormous subtropical rainforest without the crowds of peak season.
November also kicks off the Garifuna Settlement Day festivities, a whole week of cultural celebrations bringing parades, music, and dancing to the country.
Colombia
November is a surprisingly quiet month in Colombia, otherwise a bustling tourism center of South America. As the summer crowds leave, hotels and airlines lower their prices to keep afloat.
Temperatures are pleasant, especially in the cultural hubs like Bogota and Medellin. And you know what this means? You can explore all the cultural attractions, archeological sites, and cities without breaking a sweat the moment you leave the air-conditioning.
Cartagena is your spot for the warmer Caribbean climate. November also marks the Cartagena Independence Fair, a cultural celebration of the city’s independence.
Cambodia
When November rolls around, Cambodia’s monsoon season begins to wane, leaving behind lush landscapes and (slightly) cooler temperatures. Without risking a monsoon pour down or the oppressive tropical midday heat, it’s one of the best times to visit the Angkor Archeological Park.
Other cultural sites, like the floating villages of Tonle Sap, are bustling with life after the rainy season. Not too many make the trip to this part of the world in November. This means you can experience the temples and pagodas feeling as peaceful and quiet as they were intended to be.
Vietnam
Just east of Cambodia, Vietnam experiences a similar end to monsoon season at the tail end of the year. The difference? It has thousands of miles of coastline. With cooler weather, less rain, and even fewer tourists, November is the ideal month to explore this Southeast Asian country.
Northern cities like Hanoi and Sapa are cool and refreshing, perfect for trekking and sightseeing. Hoi An in Central Vietnam is also more pleasant, so you can explore the lantern-lit alleys or the ancient ruins of My Son without melting in the heat.
The Philippines
In the Philippines, the emphasis is on good vibes. Some call it what Bali was fifty years ago, others call it the ultimate island-hopping paradise. And I tend to agree with both. It’s affordable year-round, less crowded than Indonesia or Thailand, and has a laid-back atmosphere that indicates it’s still on the tourism rise.
November is the start of this archipelago’s dry season, which means you’ll avoid all the typhoon drama and get some of the clearest water for diving and snorkeling. With thousands of islands to explore, this is one of the few places where you can still find a completely private beach.
Jordan
Avoiding the summer heat in the Middle East is absolutely essential. That leaves the cooler months between November and February as the best time to visit.
November calls for a few chilly days (and by chilly, I mean it can drop below 32 Fahrenheit in the desert). Regardless, this is prime time for sightseeing in Amman, 4x4ing under clear blue skies in the Wadi Rum desert, and exploring the ancient city of Petra.
The cooler weather also marks the start of the hiking season, with plenty of tours and treks heading into the Dana Biosphere Reserve.
India
India is one of those countries that brings color and life into the mundane of everyday life. November is India at its most exciting. As the weather cools across the country, the major cities of Delhi, Mumbai, and around Rajasthan are more bearable. It’s the perfect time to visit major landmarks like the Taj Mahal near Agra and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.
November also coincides with Diwali, India’s Festival of Lights. During the month, cities come to life with fireworks, sugary treats, and all-round happy vibes as locals celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Cyprus
Topping off the list, Cyprus sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It’s an exciting island nation at the edge of the Mediterranean, and while technically part of the EU, has a unique cultural vibe with influences from across the world.
Summer crowds thin out in November, but the weather remains warm enough to spend endless days on the beach, zooming on jet skis, or even hiking the Troodos Mountains.
Oh, and fewer tourists mean lower prices, too. I don’t know about you, but I take this as a direct invitation to upgrade my accommodation to a refurbished Cyprean castle.
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