Top 10: The Best Places to Visit in November
Summers over, and you haven’t gotten your fill of travel for the year? Don’t fret, November is a fantastic month to travel, and we here at Civitatis have a bucket-load of insider tips and information to share. At this time of year, the Northern Hemisphere generally provides off-peak prices, smaller crowds and beautiful, mild weather. The Southern Hemisphere on the other hand is enjoying late spring and the start of the summer weather… There are a number of different options to choose from, and Civitatis is here to guide you through the best places to visit in November.
The best destinations to travel in November
- New York during Thanksgiving
- Autumn Leaves in Japan
- Pyramids of Giza
- Mexico and the Day of the Dead
- Pre-Winter Festivals in Thailand
- Autumn in Athens
- Springtime in Gold Coast, Australia
- Shorter Queues in Orlando’s Theme Parks
- Ireland in November?
- Jordan: Enjoy Mild November Weather
1. Experience Fall in New York
New York City is a prime November vacation. Experience a true American Thanksgiving, with the city’s iconic streets adorned with balloons and floats paying homage to the beloved holiday. Visiting New York at the end of November also offers visitors a glimpse of the city transforming into a winter wonderland, with festively decorated shop windows, bustling markets, and charming ice rinks. What’s more, prices are considerably lower than in December, meaning you can get a taste of the magic of the holidays in New York without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting the city at this time of year, we recommend going on this Boroughs of New York Tour, which will bring you outside of the main tourist spots, passing through the Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens.
2. See the Autumn Leaves in Japan
From mid-November to early December, the weather in Japan brings brisk air, clear skies, and, of course, vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow. At this time of year, Kyoto is an especially popular destination for travellers, with the Kiyomizudera Temple (pictured below), Fushimi Inari and the Tenryu-ji Temple providing particularly beautiful views. The best way to get to all of the main sites in the city is by jumping on this Kyoto Tourist Bus, which allows you to hop on and hop off as you wish.
For a more ‘complete’ experience of Japan, you could consider visiting a few of the other main city’s in the country. With the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you can use the country’s incredible train network at much cheaper prices than if you were simply buying a ticket for each journey.
From Kyoto, getting to Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Himeji is simple with the JR Pass. The capital city is also just a train ride away! The Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gardens are particularly dazzling at this time of the year. These cities, and many more make Japan one of the very best places to visit in November.
3. Cairo in November: See the Pyramids of Giza
Been trying to find the right time to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza? For us, November is the best time to visit this incredible north African country. Coming into the end of Autumn, temperatures continue to cool off, and the crowds dont reach the peak levels of December/January.
When you visit Cairo, one of the first things you’ll likely want to do is to take a free tour of the Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx. On this tour, you’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site accompanied by an expert guide, who will provide fascinating insights into these historic structures, and make your experience easy and fun. There are other ways of visiting the pyramids, check out more activities at the Pyramids of Giza with Civitatis.
While it can sometimes be overlooked, the city of Cairo itself is also well worth exploring. Check out the Mohamed Ali mosque, the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Citadel and more on this Complete Cairo Tour with Tickets.
4. Travel to Mexico on the Day of the Dead
One of the best places to visit in November, at this time of year, Mexico enjoys one of its most famous traditions: the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). The origins of this holiday is subject for debate—it’s not clear whether it arose from indigenous culture or European traditions. Regardless, each year, thousands of tourists flock to Mexico to witness the vibrant altars honouring the departed. Mexican streets, homes, and cemeteries come alive with candles, flowers, and skulls, celebrating life beyond death. It’s a truly special night where joy triumphs over sorrow.
Oaxaca and Mexico City are the main places to experience Day of the Dead. In Mexico City, make your way to Plaza de la Constitución, commonly known as El Zócalo. This square lights up with altars and other decorations, and in some ways is the heart of celebrations in the city. For a deeper dive into this festival and its traditions, check out this Day of the Dead Tour between October 29th and November 2nd for a deeper dive into this celebration!
5. Visit Thailand During the Pre-Winter Festivals
Thailand, another stellar choice for November travel, hosts two of its most renowned festivals at this time of year: Loi Krathong and Yi Peng. On November 9, Thais and tourists alike gather along rivers, lakes, and canals to adorn small rafts with lights, flowers, and incense, which are then gently set afloat. This ceremonial tradition symbolizes purification, leaving behind negative energies as the vessels sail away, symbolizing the departure of troubles.
In Chiang Mai, during the same period, Yi Peng unfolds as a spectacular event, featuring the release of paper lanterns into the night sky. The sight of these illuminated lanterns soaring upward is a breathtaking spectacle and a true highlight of Thai traditon.
6. Enjoy Autumn in Athens: Always a Great Choice
November is an ideal time to explore Athens. The city enjoys a mild and pleasant climate at this time of year, so you won’t have to endure the belting sun of the summer months. What’s more, November brings a considerable drop in prices compared to the summer months and far smaller crowds at the most popular monuments. What better opportunity to visit the iconic Acropolis with fewer crowds, meander through the charming neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, and embark on delightful sightseeing ventures?
If you’re spending a little bit longer in the city, definitely consider taking a day trip to Delphi. This incredible town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though it’s best known for being home to the Temple of Apollo. With less tourists and milder weather… Delphi is a paradise in November.
7. Go to Gold Coast in Sping
Heading down to the southern hemisphere, Australia as a whole is one of the best places to visit in November. At this time of year, Summer is just around the corner and the weather is absolutely sublime, especially on Australia’s Gold Coast, home to some of the country’s finest beaches, themeparks and nightlife!
When you’re in Gold Coast, you have to surf. If you’re already an expert, simply rent a board and enjoy some of the country’s most ‘epic’ waves. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered! For beginners (or those who need a referesher) this Gold Coast surf lesson will get you into the swing of things—before you know it you’ll be carving waves like the locals!
If you’re more chilled out and are looking to relax a bit, we recommend checking out this winery tour of Mount Tamborine. On this tour, you’ll learn all about the wine-making process in a fantastic boutique winery, and, of course, you’ll get to sample some of the product!
8. Make Your Way to Orlando’s Theme Parks
Dreaming of strolling through Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando or experiencing the enchanting attractions of Disney World Orlando? November is one of the best times to visit one (or a few) of Orlando’s many theme parks. By this time, the summer high season has run its course, and crowds are significantly sparser at these amusement parks. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy all the same magic, without having to wait so long! You’ll have the chance to enjoy numerous attractions and perhaps even have more than one go on your favourite rides!
November is an ideal time to visit Orlando, with hotel prices much lower than during peak seasons like Christmas or summer. The weather is pleasant, with reduced humidity and temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (59–77°F), making it a perfect time for a Florida getaway!
- SeaWorld Orlando Tickets
- LEGOLAND Florida Tickets
- Transport to Universal Studios Orlando (ticket not included)
9. Travelling in Ireland in November?
Okay, we’ll admit it… you won’t get a tan visiting Ireland in November. That said, for us, this is one of the best times to visit the Emerald Isle. If you’re visiting in November, you’ll need to get up early (to get the most out of the short days), grab your rain jacket and get out and explore.
The most scenic parts of the country are largely on the west. We recommend spending some time in Galway. Galway is a wonderful city to explore in itself (this can best be done on this Galway free walking tour), but it’s also close to some of the most beautiful views in the country. Perhaps the best day trip you can do is the Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands Day Trip—the iconic rugged cliffs on Ireland’s west coast and the so-called ‘Islands of Saints and Scholars’. It was here that The Banshees of Inisherin was filmed! Here, and at all of the most popular landmarks, crowds will be much more sparse, and accommodation will generally be better value.
10. Jordan: Enjoy Pleasant November weather
Looking to explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? A little bit of an adventurous holiday for most, Jordan remains a pretty underrated tourist destination, but one of the best places to visit in November. By November, the scorching temperatures have subsided, and there’s still time before the winter chill sets in.
Exploring Petra is an unparalleled experience. This ancient city is located between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, and a large part of it is carved into giant rocks. Today, Petra is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the ancient Nabataean capital by exploring its various places of worship, as well as the most iconic structure in the Treasury. Check out the many ways you can discover Petra with Civitatis.
Well, for us, those are the best places to visit in november. With so many enticing options, November promises an unforgettable adventure. What’s great about travelling at this time of year is that you’re sure to meet different people than you’d meet during the summer, and often you’ll enjoy a less ‘touristy’ experience. Regardless of where you go, be sure to check out more activities with Civitatis and fill your trip!
