Discover the 15 best places to visit in November 2024, from beautiful beaches to top destinations in the USA and Europe. Start planning your next trip now!
November may seem like an inconvenient time to vacation due to Thanksgiving at the end of the month, but there are benefits to traveling during the end of the fall shoulder season. Crowds at popular destinations are a thing of the past, and hotel rates are often brilliantly low. We took into account these factors (and more) and considered a variety of destinations, from outdoorsy spots to big cities to small towns, both domestically and abroad, to compile the best places to travel in November 2024.
Lisbon, Portugal
Travelers seeking a cheap European vacation should consider a November getaway to Portugal’s capital city. Temperatures remain comfortably in the 50s and 60s throughout the month, and although you can expect an increase in precipitation, the lack of crowds and inexpensive hotel prices more than make up for the rain. You’ll appreciate the extra elbow room while riding Tram 28, a must-see Lisbon symbol that takes tourists past top sights like St. George’s Castle and many beautiful miradouros (scenic viewpoints). What’s more, the popular yellow tram provides easy access to Alfama, Lisbon’s picturesque historic district.
Swiss Alps, Switzerland
A trip to the Swiss Alps in November is the best option to those who want to save some money and avoid the peak ski season crowds. Ski season doesn’t officially start until December, but there are several cable cars and ski resorts, including Saas-Fee and Zermatt, that may open early if they see snowfall. If you arrive before the snow, don’t fret: You can trade shredding powder for hiking or biking various resorts’ trails. Meanwhile, non-skiers will want to head to Geneva in early November to experience the annual Geneva International Film Festival.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reasons to visit Chiang Mai in November are multifold. Not only will you enjoy dry weather and highs in the mid-80s, but you will also have the opportunity to attend festivals like Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. Spend your days touring historic temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and in the evening, engage in some retail therapy at the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. With so many attractions and a stunning Old City to explore, it’s no surprise that Chiang Mai is one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
The Maldives
The Maldives is consistently warm year-round, but some of the best weather happens during its dry season. November marks the beginning of the transition out of the wet season, offering sunnier days that are ideal for lounging on the island nation’s white sand beaches and enjoying water sports activities like windsurfing and jet skiing. Thanks to the decrease in rainfall, this is also one of the best times for snorkeling and scuba diving. When you need a break from the beach, take a speedboat to the capital city of Malé, where there are plenty of sights, markets and restaurants to explore.
Argentine Patagonia, Argentina
November is one of greatest seasons in Southern Hemisphere. Spring is in full swing in Argentine Patagonia in November. The month’s comfortable daytime temperatures, which rest in the 60s, are perfect for exploring Argentine Patagonia’s many natural wonders. Visit Punta Tombo and Peninsula Valdés in Atlantic Patagonia to look for marine wildlife like orcas, Magellanic penguins and sea lions. Or, head to the Argentine Lake District or Southern Patagonia to hike, ride horses and go whitewater rafting. Though the journey to Argentine Patagonia is long, its jaw-dropping scenery and affordable lodging make a November trip well worth the effort.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The chance of rain decreases as Siem Reap heads into its dry season, and average temperatures rest in the 80s and 90s during the day. Top attractions here include Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm temples, along with the Cambodian Landmine Museum and Angkor National Museum. Plus, November brings the city’s annual Cambodian Water Festival, a multi-day event complete with boat races, live music and food.
Crete, Greece
If you can look past the increase in rainfall, Crete in November yields some pretty big wins. Not only do hotel prices fall and crowds thin out, but several events also take place throughout the month. Visit during St. Minas Parade on Nov. 11 or time your trip for the Tsikoudia Festival, a celebration of the art of raki making. Although this isn’t the prime time for relaxing on Crete’s beaches, travelers will enjoy checking out top attractions like the Palace of Knossos and wandering through Rethymno Old Town. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, as many resorts will be closed for the season.
Budapest, Hungary
Though you can expect chilly weather (think: average temperatures in the mid-40s), a November trip to Hungary’s capital city is well worth your while. The hordes of tourists who descend on Budapest come summer have left, making it a prime time for scoring hotel deals. Take advantage of the relative quiet by warming up with a relaxing soak in Budapest’s thermal baths or touring the Hungarian House of Parliament building. Just don’t forget to save time for exploring Fisherman’s Bastion, a neo-Gothic style structure boasting lookout towers and terraces with panoramic views of the city.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Situated on the southern coast of Croatia overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik boasts grand medieval architecture and fascinating historical sites. Average temperatures sit in the mid-60s in November and rainy days are likely, so this isn’t the best time to lounge on the city’s picture-perfect beaches. But it is the best time to visit for travelers hoping to avoid the crowds and protect their wallets. You’ll find shorter lines at popular attractions like the Walls of Dubrovnik, and you’ll rub elbows with fewer strangers when strolling through Dubrovnik’s scenic Old Town.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Spanning 800,000-plus acres and featuring more than 150 miles of hiking trails, this Texas national park receives upward of 500,000 visitors per year. Although you’ll no doubt encounter other tourists during your vacation (November kicks off the park’s peak fall season), the pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s are worth battling the crowds. Because of the park’s popularity during this time, be sure to book your accommodations early.
Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting Istanbul during the city’s shoulder season provides several perks. Summer tourists have vacated, leaving behind crowd-free attractions and affordable room rates. Plus, average temperatures are still comfortable in the 50s and 60s, meaning travelers don’t need to worry about packing their snow boots (although rain is likely). Spend your vacation exploring this Turkish city’s gorgeous mosques (the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are must-visit landmarks), perusing the Topkapi Palace Museum or strolling through the Besiktas and Beyoglu districts for a taste of local culture.
Curacao, Carribean Netherlands
One of the best places to visit in November is Curacao. Visit Curacao at the end of its offseason to score major deals on airfare and accommodations. Though you’ll come across some rain during a November vacation, you won’t have to worry about the threat of a hurricane thanks to the island nation’s location outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt. Luckily, showers mostly occur at night, leaving you plenty of time to soak up some sun on the island’s white sand beaches. Head to Playa Lagun or Cas Abao Beach to swim and snorkel, or take a stroll down the Handelskade pier to admire the colorful buildings and gorgeous water.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Sitting about 70 miles southeast of Portland in the Mount Hood National Forest, Mount Hood is the highest point in Oregon. It is also one of the most-climbed mountains in the world, making it a popular getaway destination for adventure travelers. A perfect November itinerary will include activities like sledding, riding the Mount Hood Christmas Train and skiing (ski season can start as soon as early to mid-November on the mountain). In the evening, warm up by the fireplace at one of the destination’s many cozy lodges and inns.
New York City, New York
A November getaway to the Big Apple means cooler temperatures and plenty of entertaining events, including the New York Comedy Festival. Travelers can admire the stunning fall colors that paint Central Park, check the exhibits on display at the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art or go ice skating at one of the many rinks that open around the holidays. Keep in mind, during popular events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the New York City Marathon, crowds descend on the city and hotel prices surge.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park’s stunning fall foliage and comfortable weather (think: temperatures in the low 50s to low 60s) last through mid-November, making this a great time to take in the landscape while exploring the park. Hit up the Virginia park’s miles of hiking trails, including popular (albeit challenging) Old Rag Mountain and Fort Windham Rocks, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. Or, bring a bike and enjoy a scenic ride down tree-lined Skyline Drive. The vibrant colors of the leaves contrast beautifully with the blue skies and mountain ridges. Stop at one of the many overlooks with spectacular views, have a picnic, and immerse yourself in the splendor of autumn. With smaller crowds and lower lodging rates than during peak foliage season, November is an ideal time to experience the wonder of Shenandoah National Park.
Charleston, South Carolina
November is the perfect time for a fun, history-filled weekend getaway in Charleston, South Carolina. This is an exciting time in the city, with all kinds of festivals and events in full swing! And it’s one of the best stops on a southeast USA road trip if you want to visit other popular spots in this region, like Savannah and Asheville.
The Harvest Festival at Johns Island County Park is hugely popular for its live music, pumpkin decorating, kids’ crafts, souvenir shopping, and great Southern food. The Donut Fest is another great one for those with a sweet tooth. If you have a thing for books, you’ll love the Charleston Literary Festival which features books from an impressive array of authors from diverse backgrounds including Pulitzer, Booker, and Nobel prize winners.
What also makes November the perfect time to visit Charleston is the weather. Temperatures are moderate, with highs hovering around 68°F. The storm season is officially over, and the skies are clear, which makes November the perfect time to be out and about.
While you’re in Charleston, be sure to explore the French Quarter that’s chock full of beautiful churches and historic buildings. Visit the colorful houses of Rainbow Row and relax at the Pineapple Fountain and picturesque waterfront promenade for some gorgeous photo opportunities! If you’re interested in learning more about Charleston’s history, head to the Old Slave Mart Museum, Fort Sumter National Monument, or one of the many plantations that surround the city, like Boone Hall Plantation — one of the best day trips from Charleston.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Skiing season kicks off in Jackson Hole in November. After a banner 2022-23 season that brought nearly 600 inches of snow, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort re-opens for its 58th season on November 25.
No matter when you’re planning your trip, you should book early. The Virginian Lodge is a good bet. “The hotel is actually an old motel that was recently renovated, so everything felt fresh and new,” a recent guest says. “The decor felt very ‘lodge meets mid-century modern.'”
For skiers, the hotel boasts a center for gear rental, a shuttle to the slopes and fire pits and hot tubs for your après-ski enjoyment.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in November, then you can’t beat Savannah, Georgia. Not only is the weather mild with a gentle breeze, but November is a dry month too. Therefore, you can comfortably go for a relaxing walk through iconic local parks like Forsyth Park and Lafayette Square. Additionally, November is the offseason, so you can score great deals on hotels and flights if you visit at any time other than Thanksgiving.
Savannah also has a whole host of things to do in November like the Savannah Film Festival at the start of the month, as well as the Tybee Post Music Festival, Crafts on the River, and the Forsyth Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. You can also take a ghost tour to see all the haunted locations in Savannah — Savannah is supposedly one of the most haunted cities in the United States!
Just don’t leave the city without heading to Alligator Soul Restaurant in the Historic District. It serves classic dishes like peanut butter pie, scallops, and wild boar that are made using nothing but organic, local ingredients. It’s one of the best places to eat in Savannah!
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Many head to southern states like North Carolina to escape November’s frigid temperatures. The month offers a variety of exciting cultural events in Winston-Salem. The Preservation Society of Charleston holds its annual garden and home tours from October 11 to November 4 in the city. A literacy festival takes place from November 3 to 12 at various spots around Winston-Salem. And the famed Farmers’ Market runs on Saturdays in November.
While in Winston-Salem, dine at Six Hundredo or snack on made-to-order donuts at Dough-Joe’s. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy booking a segway tour to get fresh air, see foliage, and dive into the area’s history. No matter what type of travel interests you, you’ll find something to love about Winston-Salem in November!
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
One of the best places to visit in the USA in November is the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. This area is one of the last to reach peak fall foliage colors, with the mountains ablaze in vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves in late October through early November. The cooler weather, along with the lack of summer crowds, makes it perfect for taking scenic drives and hiking the trails to admire the stunning vistas bursting with autumn hues. Some of the top spots for seeing the colors are Cades Cove and the Abrams Falls hike. You can also visit the charming mountain towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, which offer harvest festivals, cozy cabins, historic sites like the Twin Creeks Science Center, and the delightful experience of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s vintage trains. With so much natural beauty and small-town charm, the Great Smoky Mountains make for an unforgettable November getaway.
Miami, Florida
Miami is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the USA. In november you can expect sunny, warm but not overly hot weather. November marks the end of hurricane season, and heavy storms are rare.
As November is low season in Miami, travelers will find lighter crowds, and less expensive rates on hotels. Often, beachfront hotels can be pricey in high season, so November is a great time to take advantage of more reasonable rates.
Miami is best known for the beach, especially South Beach. Visitors can rent daybeds, chairs, and umbrellas along the beach after a day exploring Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Then, grab dinner at one of the many Cuban restaurants in the city. Versailles Restaurant has fantastic empanadas, while Havana Vieja offers delicious sit-down meals. One of the most common Cuban meals is Ropa Vieja – shredded beef with rice, beans and vegetables.
With cooler but still warm weather, November is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities near Miami like visiting Everglades National Park. Or relax at hotel pools before heading out for dinner and nightlife. There’s so much to do in Miami that travelers will stay occupied all vacation long.
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