Where To Go In November
As winter sets in, our holiday hankerings lean one of two ways: either we crave a blast of heat and sun – or we embrace the season and search for a cosy break in a winter wonderland.
Happily, there’s enough choice for every preference. Short-haul trips offer wintery charm, while long haul destinations open us to the full range of experiences. But you don’t have to go far for reasonable weather in November – medium-haul trips are just the ticket for that.
To help you pick, here are our favourite choices for a November break.
Salzburg, Austria
We’re going to use the ‘C’ word this early, but hear us out: Christmas markets are the enjoyable, whimsical part of the season, and in Europe, they start early. In the magical Alpine town of Salzburg, for example, the Christmas market begins on 19th November.
Reputed to have been going since the 15th century, it attracts a million visitors over the season. On Residenzplatz and Domplatz, by the doors of the city’s magnificent cathedral, rows of traditional wooden huts huddle together under a ‘starry sky’ made up of twinkling fairy lights.
It’s tempting to spend an evening chatting over a glühwein and sausages, but the stalls are the main attraction. Craftspeople sell a wide range of lovingly made wares, and in this digital age, gifts like painted wooden toys and cosy felt slippers carry extra meaning.
So don’t forget your wallet – and gloves, and a hat, and a big warm coat.
Luxor, Egypt
Travel six hours southeast and November turns from chilly, dark days to blue sky glory. In the sightseeing hotspot of Luxor, temperatures cool enough from the height of summer to allow a full day of exploration without needing a major midday break in between. But fear ye not – the upper-20s heat means you won’t need your jumper in the day.
Located on the banks of the River Nile, Luxor was the burial site for the royalty of Ancient Egypt at the height of its power. The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens each reveal well-preserved tombs of rulers like Tutankhamun and Nefertari, complete with hieroglyphics. Just as impressive are Luxor’s temple complexes – don’t leave without admiring Karnak Temple or the colossal Temple of Medinet Habu.
Sri Lanka
November marks a turning point in Sri Lanka’s monsoon climate, which allows a new swathe of visitors over. By the last two weeks of November, the south and west turn much drier, but it won’t have the crowds and prices of peak season in December.
It’s a prime time to beach-hop along the ‘Teardrop Island’ coast. Touchdown at Colombo, and wind your way down palm-fringed beaches to the Dutch colonial fort town of Galle.
Unawatuna is a destination in its own right, with a curved pristine beach, enough of a coastal jungle to satisfy intrepid explorers, and plenty of hotels so you can choose your vibe. Dalawella Beach is famed for its wild turtles that live in the shallow waters off the coast.
It’s also possible to head inland and experience the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and the historical site of Sigiriya – just plan for clear mornings and rainy afternoons.
Reykjavík, Iceland
November marks the start of peak Northern Lights season, and you’ll stand a great chance of seeing this elusive wonder in Iceland. Reykjavík is a smart place to try, because even if they don’t come out to play, the capital delivers a vibrant and exciting winter city break.
There are plenty of new attractions in and around the city for first-time or return visitors. Iceland’s geothermal pool culture has been recognised by Unesco, making spas like Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon a fitting activity. Then try Volcano Express, a new immersive exhibition that delves into Reykjavík’s fire-and-ice landscape. For a special treat, dine at Skál!, a former food stall whose popularity and acclaim (it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand) has led it to open as a bricks-and-mortar restaurant that focuses on hyper-local ingredients and natural wines – try the beef tartare with a crowberry and tarragon emulsion for a Nordic twist on the classic dish.
Yucatán, Mexico
Jet over at the start of November and you’ll catch Mexico’s biggest draw of the year: the Day of the Dead celebrations. Experiencing it in Yucatán makes it extra special: it differs from the rest of Mexico by mixing Maya and Catholic traditions and focusing on its food offerings and altars.
After that, November is still a great time to visit, with warmer, drier weather and fewer crowds.
The peninsula is most famous for the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá and the tourist hotspot of Cancún, yet Mérida shows a more authentic, cultural side of the area.
A walk around the city will reveal its cathedral, one of the oldest in the Americas and built with Maya stone that roots it to its location. Dig into its famous food scene, with visits to the bustling Lucas de Gálvez market where you can try the Yucatán speciality of cochinita pibil: pork cooked with spices and citrus.
Mérida is also a great base for day trips – carve out time to visit Izamal, a neighbouring town famed for its yellow architecture and large convent, and Chichén Itzá, a two hour drive away. Alternatively, Uxmal is another Maya archaeological site that’s just as significant and less visited.
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