Iceland
Winter arrives in Iceland in November, making it a great month to see the Northern Lights, with longer nights offering more opportunities to see the kaleidoscope of colours in what is surely one of nature’s greatest shows. This is also before peak season, so you’ll benefit from a lack of crowds. Dress warmly with plenty of layers, but if it does get a little cold there are a number of ways to warm up, from a dip in the thermal springs to a hot cocoa.
Sri Lanka
Head for the south west of Sri Lanka as the monsoon blows out and weather conditions brighten in November. The cosmopolitan city of Colombo old colonial buildings, one of which now houses the National Museum, alongside bright modern architecture with a beach and ocean promenade. Heading south and travellers reach Galle with its old town and fort close to Sri Lanka’s premier seaside enclaves.
Ethiopia
There are notable areas in Ethopia that have been reanimated by the rainy months that will have petered out by November. Be rewarded with lush landscapes, fine local produce at the end of harvest season and lots of wildlife spotting. The Danakil Depression is hot but not oppressive at this time of year and the Simien Mountains are dry and green. A visit to Addis Ababa is notable for runners and spectators alike as the Great Ethopian Run takes place.
Guatemala
Guatemala is warm and dry in November. As the countryside bursts into life with greenery and wildflowers so does the local populace. The first of the month is marked by All Saints Day as Fiambre is feasted on, loved ones remembered, and in the highlands, boisterous horse races are run through the streets. November is perfect for hiking in the national parks and this is the best time to don the boots for volcano-trekking excursions.
Patagonia
The warm season arrives in Patagonia come November. As the snow line recedes, many of the hiking trails open up, including the famous Torres del Paine Circuit. The sumptuous cities of the south including Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales shimmer in the sun while Magellanic penguin chicks hatch on Isla Magdalena. The lakes of the vast Tierra del Fuego National Park are fringed with late spring flowers while otters and beavers can be spotted upon the banks.
Jordan
Aqaba and the eastern desert region of Jordan remain delightfully warm in November. Take to the Kings Highway to follow in the footsteps of traders who took this route between Arabia and the Levant. Travelling between Amman and Petra this way snakes through the Great Rift Valley with a return passing the Dead Sea. In November, Jordanians celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif to mark the birthday of the prophet Muhammad with festivities across the country.
Oman
Temperatures remain near-perfect throughout Oman in November with climes akin to the Mediterannean. The beaches around Muscat are particularly lovely at this time of year and the coastal town of Bandar Jissah with its spa lies just half an hour to the east. Towards the end of November, Omanis celebrate their National Day with festivities across the land, flags flying and landmarks illuminated for the annual holiday.
Egypt
November is an ideal time to tour Egypt as the sun loses some of its scorching heat. The Nile Valley remains balmy and the beaches warm. The streets of Cairo are cooler on an evening as restaurants serve up heartier fare. That’s the perfect way to warm up for the evening’s events as the Arab Music Festival takes place in November with the Cairo Opera House taking centre stage along with other smaller venues around the capital and rest of the country.
Thailand
As the rainy season moves on by the time November arrives in Thailand, the country is dry and pleasant with temperatures in the 20s. The month is notable for the celebratory vibe of the Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivities. Feasting, drinking and merriment accompany the hanging of lanterns, fireworks and flag decorations. Yee Peng takes place on the full moon and usually precedes Loy Krathong. Both symbolically mark the advent of a new season and hope.
Mexico
As hurricane season is left behind, Mexico remembers those who have departed with its Day of the Dead holiday. Held on the first two days in November, the celebration is colourful affair with homes decorated, parades and parties, and nighttime visits to the graves of loved ones. The weather in Mexico during November is ideal with sunshine-filled days and cooler evenings. Towards the end of the month, Mexicans celebrate Thanksgiving.
Ecuador
November is the perfect time to discover Ecuador's wilder side. In the Amazon Rainforest, the dry season is coming to a close, the water gets lower, attracting wildlife that you won't often see during the wet season, although it is the "dry season" except rain when in the Amazon. In the Galapagos Islands, the seas are calming, meaning underwater visibility is great for snorkelling with sea lion pups.
Iceland
Winter arrives in Iceland in November, making it a great month to see the Northern Lights, with longer nights offering more opportunities to see the kaleidoscope of colours in what is surely one of nature’s greatest shows. This is also before peak season, so you’ll benefit from a lack of crowds. Dress warmly with plenty of layers, but if it does get a little cold there are a number of ways to warm up, from a dip in the thermal springs to a hot cocoa.
Sri Lanka
Head for the south west of Sri Lanka as the monsoon blows out and weather conditions brighten in November. The cosmopolitan city of Colombo old colonial buildings, one of which now houses the National Museum, alongside bright modern architecture with a beach and ocean promenade. Heading south and travellers reach Galle with its old town and fort close to Sri Lanka’s premier seaside enclaves.
Ethiopia
There are notable areas in Ethopia that have been reanimated by the rainy months that will have petered out by November. Be rewarded with lush landscapes, fine local produce at the end of harvest season and lots of wildlife spotting. The Danakil Depression is hot but not oppressive at this time of year and the Simien Mountains are dry and green. A visit to Addis Ababa is notable for runners and spectators alike as the Great Ethopian Run takes place.
Guatemala
Guatemala is warm and dry in November. As the countryside bursts into life with greenery and wildflowers so does the local populace. The first of the month is marked by All Saints Day as Fiambre is feasted on, loved ones remembered, and in the highlands, boisterous horse races are run through the streets. November is perfect for hiking in the national parks and this is the best time to don the boots for volcano-trekking excursions.
Patagonia
The warm season arrives in Patagonia come November. As the snow line recedes, many of the hiking trails open up, including the famous Torres del Paine Circuit. The sumptuous cities of the south including Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales shimmer in the sun while Magellanic penguin chicks hatch on Isla Magdalena. The lakes of the vast Tierra del Fuego National Park are fringed with late spring flowers while otters and beavers can be spotted upon the banks.
Jordan
Aqaba and the eastern desert region of Jordan remain delightfully warm in November. Take to the Kings Highway to follow in the footsteps of traders who took this route between Arabia and the Levant. Travelling between Amman and Petra this way snakes through the Great Rift Valley with a return passing the Dead Sea. In November, Jordanians celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif to mark the birthday of the prophet Muhammad with festivities across the country.
Oman
Temperatures remain near-perfect throughout Oman in November with climes akin to the Mediterannean. The beaches around Muscat are particularly lovely at this time of year and the coastal town of Bandar Jissah with its spa lies just half an hour to the east. Towards the end of November, Omanis celebrate their National Day with festivities across the land, flags flying and landmarks illuminated for the annual holiday.
Egypt
November is an ideal time to tour Egypt as the sun loses some of its scorching heat. The Nile Valley remains balmy and the beaches warm. The streets of Cairo are cooler on an evening as restaurants serve up heartier fare. That’s the perfect way to warm up for the evening’s events as the Arab Music Festival takes place in November with the Cairo Opera House taking centre stage along with other smaller venues around the capital and rest of the country.
Thailand
As the rainy season moves on by the time November arrives in Thailand, the country is dry and pleasant with temperatures in the 20s. The month is notable for the celebratory vibe of the Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivities. Feasting, drinking and merriment accompany the hanging of lanterns, fireworks and flag decorations. Yee Peng takes place on the full moon and usually precedes Loy Krathong. Both symbolically mark the advent of a new season and hope.
Mexico
As hurricane season is left behind, Mexico remembers those who have departed with its Day of the Dead holiday. Held on the first two days in November, the celebration is colourful affair with homes decorated, parades and parties, and nighttime visits to the graves of loved ones. The weather in Mexico during November is ideal with sunshine-filled days and cooler evenings. Towards the end of the month, Mexicans celebrate Thanksgiving.
Ecuador
November is the perfect time to discover Ecuador's wilder side. In the Amazon Rainforest, the dry season is coming to a close, the water gets lower, attracting wildlife that you won't often see during the wet season, although it is the "dry season" except rain when in the Amazon. In the Galapagos Islands, the seas are calming, meaning underwater visibility is great for snorkelling with sea lion pups.
