Smack dab in the middle of shoulder season, the month of November is the perfect time for travellers to explore somewhere new. From tropical escapes to glacial hikes galore, here are the best places to travel in November.
1. Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Looking for where to travel in November down south? Catch that early winter sun and fall in love with everything Puntarenas, Costa Rica has to offer. Here’s why it should be on your radar.
Located on the Pacific coast along the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas provides a blend of local life and bustling tourist activity. With the end of rainy season and the high season having not yet arrived, the month of November is truly the sweet spot for visiting Costa Rica. And a destination like Puntarenas also means you’ll be perfectly placed for amazing day trips or off-the-grid overnight getaways if you really want to get exploring.
Puntarenas is the most populated province in Costa Rica, and beyond its namesake capital city you’ll find peaceful playas and tiny islands tailor-made for travellers with that sense of adventure. Take the ferry from the Puntarenas port to Playa Naranjo, where you can unwind for a few days at a luxurious eco resort (beach-side or mountain view, whatever your mood). If you want to explore one of the top national parks in Costa Rica, pay a visit to Parque Nacional Carara. An affordable alternative to the ever-popular Manuel Antonio, this accessible and kid-friendly park is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Hire a professional guide and enjoy some of the to bird-watching in the country.
Glamping in paradise? Costa Rica provides. Head to the tiny Isla Jesusita where you’ll find the Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel, where you can pair your getaway with a local tour to see the stunning bioluminescence at night. OPacifico Hotel Boutique is a beautiful property by the Playa Naranjo ferry that features an on-site pool and private beach access.
2. Xiamen, China
Beyond the karst peaks in Guangxi and the shining skyline of Shanghai, there’s the lesser-known region of southeastern China. Boasting a comfortable subtropical climate, and centred around Xiamen, the capital of Fujian province, this part of China is one of the best places to travel in November.
One of the biggest tourist draws in Xiamen is the tiny gem of an island called Gulangyu, a former trading port and European settlement dating back to the mid-1800s. The island’s colonial history can be seen in it’s well-preserved and colourful Amoy deco architecture that line the quaint cobblestone streets. Affectionately nicknamed “Piano Island”, some must-sees here are the Organ Museum and the Piano Museum, which are also some of the most stunning buildings on Gulangyu. November is also a slower month for domestic tourism in China, so you’ll have a better chance to enjoy the attractions without all the busy crowds.
Keep that explorer energy going and head a couple of hours north in Fujian province to the impressive Tulou region. Another UNESCO World Heritage wonder, this area is home to 46 ‘tulous’, or ‘earthen structures.’ Built centuries ago by the Hakka people and still inhabited today, tulous are strikingly massive open-concept apartment complexes that can house up to 1,000 persons. They are beautifully preserved and there’s nothing else like them in existence. If you find yourself in the part of the world, these attractions are a must.
The best way to get here is to fly into Beijing or Shanghai and take a quick flight to Xiamen. Hues Yard Hotel in central Xiamen is a chic and affordable place to base yourself to wander the city and explore its inspiring outskirts.
3. Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
With a cold climate like the one in Iceland, it might seem obvious to plan a trip out there exclusively for the summer months, right? Think again. From flight deals to Reykjavik, much-anticipated music festivals, and winter-friendly activities and tours still accessible in much of the southern part of the island, an off-season trip to Iceland has a lot to opportunities for travellers, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit in November.
Base yourself in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland’s third-largest municipality just a quick 20-minute drive south of Reykjavik. Beyond the free museums, great food, and amazing hospitality, Hafnarfjörður provides the best base to do some real outdoor adventuring if the weather allows. Average daily temperatures in November in the south of Iceland range from 8-2 degrees Celcius and can drop below zero at night. Dress warmly and adventure-ready to make the most of those daylight hours (average 8-6 hours per day in November).
Start with a day hike of Mt. Helgafell and learn about the legend of this historic attraction. Then, head on over to the Leiðarendi lava cave, a 900-metre long lava tube that you can explore on foot. Hafnarfjörður is also right next door to the Aurora Basecamp. Complete with an educational centre, this is where you can gaze at the night sky in search of the Northern Lights under the comfort of a translucent dome. While spotting them is not always guaranteed, the months of October-April is the best time to see the Northern Lights.
And you can’t visit Iceland without spending a couple of days in the beautiful capital city of Reykjavik. Plan your trip for the beginning of November just in time for Iceland Airwaves, an annual music festival with performances happening in different cafes and cultural venues around the city.
Ready for more of the best places to travel this November?
Without the busy holiday crowds or the high season prices, November is an ideal time to jet-off somewhere new and broaden your horizons. For the ultimate travel inspiration, check out some of these other best places to visit in November for some much-needed sunshine.
| City | Average daily high-temperatures in November |
|---|---|
| Miami, USA | 26°C/75°F |
| Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | 30°C/86°F |
| San Diego, USA | 21°C/70°F |
| Rome, Italy | 17°C/63°F |
| Athens, Greece | 18°C/64°F |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 31°C/88°F |
| Montevideo, Uruguay | 24°C/75°F |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 32°C/90°F |
| Havana, Cuba | 29°C/84°F |
| Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | 30°C/86°F |
Best places to travel in November: FAQs
Before the holiday crowds come in December, Canadians can’t go wrong with Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Nayarit. Located along Mexico’s Pacific coast, both of these destinations have a mix of adventure travel opportunities and amazing accommodation options to make everyone happy.
Some of the hottest destinations to visit in November are Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Varadero, Cuba. Other Caribbean destinations that are perfect for a warm-weather getaway in November are Barbados, Aruba, and Jamaica. With flight routes ramping up for the winter travel season and flight deals available, Canadians can get to these tropical paradises on a budget.
On top of our list of where to travel in November 2023, we recommend checking out U.S. destinations like San Diego and the Florida Keys. If you’re looking to really go international, both Thailand and Malaysia offer hot weather and affordable prices for Canadian travellers.
