No matter what the year has thrown at you, a November trip to a tropical island is a great way to end things on a high note. The crowds are minimal, prices have dipped, and it’s the perfect time to relax before the festive season kicks in.
While your friends rock chunky sweaters and scrape frost off their windshields, you could be lounging in the sunshine. Your toughest choice? Deciding which palm tree to nap under. Not bad, if you ask me.
Follow along for ten of the best islands to visit in November. Spoiler: you will need a valid passport for most of these because I’ve gone pretty global with this list.
Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
Florida in November sees the end of hurricane season (can I get an Amen), but it also means lower humidity, the end of the rainy season, and fewer crowds.
While the weather is still perfect for the beach, things cool off at night. So you won’t be dripping with sweat every minute of the day. Cooler weather opens up opportunities for bike rides along the 25 miles of bike paths around the island.
Sanibel Island is pretty affordable, too, especially during November. You could easily find a comfortable villa on the seafront without breaking the bank. Oh, and did I mention how convenient it is from Fort Myers or Tampa?
Curacao, Caribbean
Curacao is a tiny Caribbean Island just off the coast of Venezuela. At the intersection of Central and South America, this island packs a lot more than its incredible coral reefs and marine life. The once Dutch colonial island earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic pastel-colored architecture.
That said, the sealife is too good to ignore. Curacao is surrounded by colorful fish and vibrant coral gardens, making it one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Besides being outside the Hurricane Belt, November also brings calm waters and clear air, which means excellent visibility for divers.
The Seychelles
The Seychelles are one of the only island nations on this list off the coast of East Africa. The other thing that sets it apart is that it is an archipelago comprising 115 islands in the Indian Ocean.
Year-round, the islands offer clear turquoise water and white sand, ideal for a luxury beach vacation. The diving here is exceptional, with a good chance you’ll spot manta rays or even whale sharks.
November is shoulder season, which means fewer tourists and more peace. Even in peak season, the Seychelles have a sense of exclusivity you won’t find in many Caribbean islands.
Koh Chang, Thailand
Thailand’s island scene is by no means quiet. It’s all about a good time here. But if I had to pick the most relaxed Thai island, it would be Koh Chang. Things run at a slower pace here, especially in November.
The island offers the perfect mix of adventure and chill. One minute, you’re snorkeling over pristine coral reefs, the next, you’re tasting street food dishes at a bustling night market. Getting to the island by ferry is simple, and a full meal here will cost less than your morning coffee back home. What’s not to love?
Fiji
Fiji is postcard-perfect during November. The skies are clear of rain, the water is warm, and everything looks like it’s in vivid HD. Fiji is made up of over 300 islands in French Polynesia, so it’s up to you which one to make your vacation destination.
It’s not all about luxury resorts and over-water villas here (although they do reign supreme). You could easily find a bungalow on the beach that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re diving with sharks, surfing the world’s best waves, or sipping on a fresh coconut by the pool, Fiji is a classic tropical paradise.
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
November marks the end of the rainy season in the BVI, bringing with it lush hills and bountiful waterfalls. The fresh November breeze makes this the most popular Caribbean island for sailing and yachting. And let’s not forget the world-class scuba diving, which is a good reason many of these boats dock here in the first place.
While yacht life is in full swing, the islands maintain a local atmosphere and laid-back vibe. Whether you admire the surroundings from a boat or land, these islands are breathtaking from every angle. In a sentence, The British Virgin Islands boast gorgeous rock formations, secluded beaches, and boozy bars where rum flows like water.
Canary Islands, Spain
While the weather cools across Europe, summer lingers a little longer in the Canary Islands. While not tropical, the days are comfortable, and the ocean is warm.
The southern coast of Tenerife draws tourists to its resorts and water parks, while the northern region overflows with historic towns and markets. Fuerteventura is famous for its beaches and natural wonders like the Corralejo National Park and Playa del Moro.
Cooler weather also welcomes hikers and trekkers to the rugged mountains of Gran Canaria, the third-largest island. Whether in it for the adventure or the beach cocktail, November is the perfect time to visit Spain’s favorite North Atlantic islands.
Molokai, Hawaii, USA
November might mark the start of Hawaii’s wet season, but the occasional downpours are a small trade-off for the lower prices and empty beaches.
Molokai is often called Hawaii’s forgotten island, and that’s what makes it such a breath of fresh air. No big resorts. Just untouched landscapes and an aloha atmosphere.
While the island bursts into color with tropical plants in every direction, it also experiences an uptick in cultural events: Thanksgiving festivities and the Hawaii International Film Festival spring to mind.
Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Tucked away between Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe is one of those under-the-radar Caribbean territories we hope stays hidden. It’s a French region that offers the best of both worlds—pristine beaches and Creole culture.
November might be the start of monsoon season, but temperatures are pleasant, accommodation is cheaper, and crowds are few and far between.
Guadeloupe makes up a number of islands, reaching from the volcanic La Grande Soufriere to the sugar cane fields of Grand-Terre Island. Not to mention the underwater wonders of Jacques Cousteau’s Marine Reserve and the flowing rum.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
If you’re serious about underwater exploration, Indonesia’s Raja Ampat will leave you speechless. The Pianemo coral reefs are surrounded by deep blue seas that always seem to be the perfect temperature. November’s clear waters make it the best season for diving.
Raja Ampat is as raw and untouched as the day it was created. Each island is a jungle-covered limestone peak hiding secret lagoons at their base.
So why hasn’t this place taken the tropical tourism world by storm? Well, it’s far (and pricey) to get to, and accommodation costs a pretty penny. But we can also thank the region’s controlled tourism, made possible because the area is a protected marine national park.
English