Key Takeaways
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The best time to plan an international trip is around school holidays, summer breaks, or the Christmas and New Year period. November can be the perfect month for a trip before the year-end rush begins.
By November, summer and monsoon will be over, making it easier to plan your trip, including sightseeing and accommodation.
Whether you are planning a beach holiday, desert trip, cultural getaway, or mountain escape, November has several destinations worth considering.
This guide covers eleven best countries to visit in November, with details on their weather, best places to visit, and the type of trip each destination suits.
11 Best Countries To Visit in November For Holiday
With the year-end travel season approaching, November offers some of the best vacation spots for a memorable international break before December gets busier.
1. Japan
November brings autumn foliage to much of central and southern Japan. The daytime temperatures in many places range from around 13°C to 19°C, which will make your trip comfortable for visiting temples, gardens, and mountain regions. Maple trees and ginkgo trees also add seasonal colour to many parts of the country.
Best Places to Visit
- Tokyo: Japan’s capital city. Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, see the golden ginkgo trees along Meiji Jingu Gaien, visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and experience Shibuya Crossing.
- Kyoto: The centre of traditional Japanese culture. Visit Kiyomizu-dera, Tofuku-ji, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Several temples and gardens also hold evening foliage illuminations in November, making it one of Japan’s best places to visit.
- Hakone: Known for its hot spring resorts and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Take the Hakone Ropeway for mountain and autumn foliage views.
- Nara: A historic capital city located around 45 minutes from Kyoto. Visit Nara Park, where deer roam freely, and see the large bronze Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.
- Osaka: A street food destination in Japan. Visit Dotonbori for nightlife, try takoyaki, and spend time around Osaka Castle Park.
2. Thailand
November is the starting period of the cooler and drier climate in many cities of Thailand. Temperatures range between 24°C and 31°C, while humidity becomes more manageable. November also includes cultural celebrations such as Yi Peng and Loy Krathong.
Traveller Note: Thailand’s weather will keep changing by the coast. The Andaman coast, including Phuket and Krabi, has better beaches in November, while the Gulf Coast, Koh Samui and Koh Tao can still have rainfall.
Best vacation spots to visit
- Chiang Mai: The largest city in northern Thailand. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, experience Yi Peng celebrations when they take place, and visit responsible elephant sanctuaries.
- Bangkok: Thailand’s capital and the largest city. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun along the Chao Phraya River, the busy Bangkok night markets, and local street food spots.
- Phuket: Thailand’s largest island. November usually brings improving beach conditions, making it a good time for boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands and water activities around Patong and Kata beaches.
- Krabi: A coastal destination surrounded by limestone formations. Visit Railay Beach, take a long-tail boat trip around the Four Islands, and visit Tiger Cave Temple.
- Ayutthaya: The historic capital of Siam, located north of Bangkok. Visit its UNESCO-listed temple ruins and historic Buddha statues by bicycle.
3. Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the more budget-friendly countries for Indian travellers, with affordable food, domestic transport, and accommodation. In November, Northern Vietnam has cooler autumn weather, Central Vietnam can experience rainfall, and Southern Vietnam begins its drier season.
Must-Visit spots
- Hanoi: Vietnam’s historic capital city. Walk through the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, watch a traditional Water Puppet show, and visit the Temple of Literature.
- Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with limestone karsts rising from the sea. An overnight cruise is a convenient way to kayak, visit floating villages, and see caves.
- Ho Chi Minh City: The commercial centre of southern Vietnam. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Sapa: A mountain town in northern Vietnam with terraced rice fields and access to Fansipan Peak. It is also a base for meeting local communities and trekking in the surrounding hills.
- Phu Quoc Island: An island off Vietnam’s southern coast that enters its drier season around November. Visitors can spend time on beaches, swim in calmer waters, and stay at seaside resorts.
4. UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
As the summer heat reduces, November brings more comfortable outdoor weather to the UAE, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 25°C to 30°C. It is the best time of the year for desert trips, sightseeing, beach visits, and outdoor attractions.
Best Places to Visit
- Dubai: A modern city with some of the world’s tallest and largest buildings. Visit top places such as Burj Khalifa, watch the Dubai Fountain show, visit the Dubai Mall and Global Village, and take an evening desert safari with dune bashing and a traditional-style dinner.
- Abu Dhabi: The capital of the UAE. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, see the art collections at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and spend time at attractions such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld on Yas Island.
- Hatta: An inland area in the Hajar Mountains. Rent a kayak at Hatta Dam, hike through the mountain landscape, and visit the restored heritage village.
- Ras Al Khaimah: Located north of Dubai, this emirate has resort beaches and outdoor activities around Jebel Jais, including the Jais Flight zipline.
5. Maldives
November marks the transition from the southwest monsoon to drier weather in the Maldives. Rain can still occur, but sunny periods become more frequent as the season progresses. These comfortable conditions make this period one of the best times of year to visit the Maldives.
Best spots to Visit
- Male: The compact island capital. Visit the 17th-century Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), browse the Male Fish Market, and shop for local handicrafts.
- Maafushi: A popular local island for budget-conscious travellers. It has designated bikini beaches, guesthouses, and excursions for activities such as snorkelling and dolphin cruises.
- Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with rich marine life. Hanifaru Bay is known for seasonal manta ray gatherings, although sightings depend on conditions.
- Ari Atoll: A major area for resort stays, diving, snorkelling, and trips to sandbanks and nearby reefs.
6. Indonesia
Indonesia in November is a good choice if you want lower prices and fewer crowds, but be ready for tropical rain. November is the start of the wet season, but it is still a shoulder month.
Must-Visit Places
- Raja Ampat: An Indonesian archipelago known for its marine life and coral reefs. November marks the start of the drier, calmer season, making it a good time for diving, with clear visibility and calmer seas.
- Bali: Indonesia’s most popular island destination. Visit Ubud for cultural experiences, explore temples, and spend time at local markets.
- Yogyakarta (Java): A cultural city known for its historic temples and traditional arts. November brings some rainfall and fewer tourists, making it a quieter time to visit Borobudur and explore the city.
- Bandung (Java): A cooler highland city surrounded by volcanic landscapes and tea plantations.
7. Singapore
November in Singapore is warm and wet due to the start of the Northeast Monsoon. The city also begins preparing for the year-end holiday season, with festivals and shopping activities appearing in areas such as Orchard Road.
Top Places to Visit
- Gardens by the Bay: A 101-hectare nature park. Visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, then watch the light-and-sound show around the Supertree Grove.
- Marina Bay Sands: Visit the SkyPark Observation Deck for views across Singapore’s skyline and Marina Bay.
- Sentosa Island: A major leisure destination with attractions including Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium, Skyline Luge, and Siloso Beach.
- Chinatown & Little India: Areas with historic temples, local shops, cultural landmarks, and hawker centres such as Maxwell Food Centre. You can also visit some of the best cafes in Singapore.
8. Morocco
November brings cooler conditions to Morocco, with daytime temperatures in many cities often around 20°C to 24°C. The milder weather makes it more comfortable to visit historic cities, take desert trips, and spend time outdoors.
Top Places to Visit
- Marrakech: Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square, walk through the Medina, see Bahia Palace, and visit the Majorelle Garden.
- Chefchaouen: A mountain city in the Rif region, recognised for its blue-painted streets, stairways, and surrounding mountain views.
- Merzouga (Sahara Desert): Take a desert excursion into the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset, and spend a night at a desert camp.
- Fes: Home to Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Visit historic madrasas and the Chouara Tannery.
9. Azerbaijan
Located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan can be an affordable November travel destination. November brings cooler autumn weather, with temperatures in Baku often around 10°C to 16°C.
Top Places to Visit
- Baku: The capital city on the Caspian Sea. Visit the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), see the Flame Towers, walk along Baku Boulevard, and visit the Heydar Aliyev Centre.
- Gobustan: Around 60 km south of Baku, Gobustan is home to ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes.
- Shahdag: A mountain resort in the Greater Caucasus. November can bring early snowfall at higher elevations, although conditions vary from year to year.
- Sheki: A historic Silk Road town in the Caucasus. Visit the 18th-century Palace of Sheki Khans, noted for its intricate shebeke stained-glass windows.
10. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka experiences two main monsoon phases, so November weather varies significantly across the island. The northeast receives rainfall, while conditions on the southern and western coasts can also be unsettled during this transitional period. Flexible planning is useful for beach trips, wildlife safaris, and sightseeing.
Top Places to Visit
- Colombo: Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. Visit Galle Face Green, explore the Pettah area, and see the Lotus Tower.
- Galle: A historic coastal city with Portuguese and Dutch influences. Walk along the ramparts of Galle Fort, browse its shops, and visit its restored colonial buildings.
- Sigiriya: A 5th-century rock fortress built under King Kashyapa. Climb the rock to see its ancient frescoes, lion paws, and views of the surrounding landscape.
- Bentota: A west coast beach destination with opportunities for swimming and water activities, as well as boat trips along the Madu River.
11. Switzerland
November is the shift month in Switzerland, between the autumn season and the start of winter. Lower valleys and cities can still have autumn colours, while higher mountain areas may receive snow. Weather and mountain attraction operating schedules can vary, so it is worth checking conditions before travelling.
Top Places to Visit
- Zermatt: A car-free mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn. Ride the Gornergrat railway for mountain views and check local conditions for early-season winter activities.
- Lucerne: A lakeside city with the 14th-century Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), historic squares, and access to nearby mountains such as Mount Pilatus.
- Interlaken: Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is a base for mountain trips, including journeys toward Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe).
- Zurich: Switzerland’s largest city. Visit the Old Town (Altstadt), shop along Bahnhofstrasse, and take a boat trip on Lake Zurich.
Conclusion
November provides one of the best times of the year to enjoy tropical islands, desert cities, historic towns, and mountain regions before the holiday period begins. Vietnam and Sri Lanka can be better options for travellers looking for relatively affordable trips, while Japan is a strong choice for autumn scenery and the UAE is best for a warmer city and desert break.1
Your choice ultimately depends on the type of holiday you want, your budget, and the weather conditions at your chosen destination. To choose the right destination and plan the details around your budget, speak with Dimaak Tours and start planning your November holiday.
FAQ About the Best Countries to Visit in November
1. Which is the best place to travel in November outside India?
Thailand and the UAE are among the best choices for November travel destinations. Thailand has favourable conditions across several popular destinations, particularly along the Andaman Coast, while the UAE has comfortable weather for desert trips, sightseeing, and outdoor attractions.
2. What are the best countries for a beach holiday in November?
Thailand, the Maldives, Southern Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are best for a beach holiday in November. Weather conditions might change by destination, so check the local forecast before booking.
3. Is November a good time to travel from India?
Yes. November falls between the summer and year-end holiday periods, and many international destinations have more comfortable weather during this month. Flight and hotel prices also differ by destination, so booking early can help with availability.
4. Which countries are affordable to visit in November?
Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan can be affordable for Indian travellers. Daily expenses for food, transport, and accommodation are generally lower than in many Western European destinations, although overall costs depend on your travel style and itinerary.
