The Top 10 Travel Destinations for November 2026

The year is almost over, and what better way to celebrate than to go travelling? November is the perfect time to get away, whether you’re seeking out snowy wonderland vibes or chasing after winter sun. From festivals and nightlife to natural wonders, your next adventure is right around the corner. Discover our 10 best destinations in November 2026 below.

Best Destinations in November: At a Glance

• Best destination for culture: Thailand
• Best destination for hiking: New Zealand
• Best destination for Northern Lights: Iceland
• Best destination for wildlife: Sri Lanka
• Best destination for winter sun: South Africa

1. Thailand

Average temperature: 30°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Festivals🏮

You need to experience Thailand at least once in your lifetime, so why not plan your dream trip for November? The new month typically welcomes in balmy, sun-kissed conditions that make sightseeing and beach breaks delightful. It’s shy of peak season, so travel costs are more budget-friendly (although let’s face it, Thailand is a backpacker paradise all year round).

Gorgeous weather isn’t the only reason to visit Thailand in November. Every year, Chiang Mai hosts its world-famous Yi Peng Lantern Festival to symbolise letting go of the past and wishing for future happiness. This is a fairytale come to life, with thousands of illuminated paper lanterns released into the night sky. Get ready for a night you will never forget!

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival will be celebrated on November 24th, 2026. Booking your tickets online in advance through a reputable company is recommended. We can line up our Thailand tours to meet this date; chat with a travel advisor for more details.

Thailand Travel Tip

Pack light. Thailand is one of Asia’s most affordable destinations, and there are so many souvenirs that you will want to buy - especially when haggling at the local markets! We also generally recommend bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase, as it will be super handy for any sleeper buses or ferry journeys.

Planning your first trip to Thailand? Check out our Best Places to Visit in Thailand for First Timers guidebook for everything you need to know before you go, from travel tips to itinerary inspiration.

2. New Zealand

Average temperature: 17°C

Season: Spring 🪻

Perfect for: Outdoorsy adventures 🏞️

November is late Spring for New Zealand, characterised by its blossoming flowers and fresh, emerald green landscapes. Prepare for your jaw to drop as you explore this awe-inspiring country on our New Zealand trips, from epic mountain terrain to crashing waterfalls. Welcome to Aotearoa, translating to “Land of the Floating White Cloud” in the Māori language.

Craving an adrenaline rush? You can’t beat New Zealand, aka the inventor of bungee jumping and jet boating. This country is renowned for its national parks and unspoilt wilderness trails, with hiking and horseback riding among the biggest highlights. In other words, New Zealand needs to be at the top of every nature lover’s bucket list!

New Zealand Travel Tip

New Zealand’s stunning and remote landscapes mean that public transport can be quite limited. Your best option is either to book a guided tour where all the driving is taken care of or to consider a campervan hire. Check out the Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary for 4 weeks’ worth of adventure across the North and South Islands, plus suggestions for shorter and longer itineraries.

3. Iceland

Average temperature: 1°C

Season: Winter ❄️

Perfect for: Aurora chasing 🌌

Famed as the volcanic “Land of Fire and Ice”, November is an incredible month to experience Iceland’s striking contrasts, from frozen glaciers to steamy hot springs. And, if you get lucky, spot a few auroras as part of the Northern Lights: a natural phenomenon illuminating winter skies. As the skies get darker, this is one of the Best Times to See the Northern Lights in Iceland, shimmering in shades of green, violet and red.

When you’re not staying up late marvelling at the sky, some of the top activities have to include chasing waterfalls and exploring the unique black sand beaches from coast to coast. It’s not every day you get to trek glaciers or kick back in the Blue Lagoon, so why not make your November a magical one with our Iceland trips?

Iceland Travel Tip

The Northern Lights can be quite hard to spot with the naked eye, so make sure you download a tracker app to your phone, have your notifications switched on, and your camera set up. If you want to take amazing pictures with your phone, make sure to use night mode and to keep it steady (e.g. with a tripod or timer).

4. South Africa

Average temperature: 30°C

Season: Summer ☀️

Perfect for: Safaris 🦁

November marks the start of summer in South Africa. Wildlife here is nothing short of legendary; yet spotting the famous Big 5 animals is just the beginning of all the travel memories about to unfold. One day, you could be scaling Table Mountain and partying with new mates on our South Africa group tours. The next? Meeting the iconic penguin residents of Boulders Beach. Just smile and wave, boys!

For variety alone, South Africa is impossible to beat. This is one of the Best Safaris in Africa for First Timers, and one of the dreamiest introductions to this stunning continent that you could ask for. Golden sand, national parks, vineyards… Name it, South Africa delivers.

South Africa Travel Tip

Base your travel wardrobe around your chosen activities. Planning a safari? Neutral colours, such as beige and olive green, are best. Day trip to Stellenbosch? You may want to wear something fancy to the wineries. And don’t forget to bring a swimsuit for soaking up the sun at Cape Town’s beaches!

5. Sri Lanka

Average temperature: 27°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Surfing 🏄

Sri Lanka in November is all about new beginnings, as the country transitions between the wet and dry seasons. Those famously emerald valleys are greener than ever following the monsoon season, making it a gorgeous time of year to escape to the south and west coasts on our Sri Lanka tours. If you fancy a hike through the highlands, visiting the famous tea plantations or spotting elephants at the wildlife reserves, now is your chance to make it happen.

Beyond exploring lush landscapes, November is a prime time for kicking back on the Best Beaches of Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Dip into tropical waters warmed up by the sun, or start mastering those surfing skills with a beginner-friendly class. It’s your call.

Sri Lanka Travel Tip

Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons are different depending on which part of the country you are visiting. The southwest region is most popular among backpackers, with lush rain falling from May to October (this is also known as the “Yala season”). Meanwhile, the northeast is more secluded and experiences monsoon weather (or “Maha season”) from November to April.

6. Guatemala

Average temperature: 25°C

Season: Dry ☀️

Perfect for: Volcano treks 🌋

There is something irresistible about Guatemala, especially when you’re visiting this Central American titan in November. The dry season has arrived, with Guatemala’s rich natural beauty more vibrant than ever following the rain spells. It’s perfect for exploring ancient Mayan temples in the heart of the jungle by day, cosying around campfires by night.

Nestled between Mexico and Belize, our Guatemala tours are a must-visit destination on any Central America itinerary. You’ll fall in love at first sight with the pastel hues of Antigua, then all over again on a trek up to its ring of volcanoes that frame the city. Watching a lava show in the distance under a blanket of stars? You’ll never experience another moment quite like this.

Guatemala Travel Tip

If you are trekking or visiting higher altitudes in Guatemala, we recommend taking it easy and following the precautions recommended by your trip leader. This can include drinking lots of water, wearing warm layers, and only climbing official routes.

7. Jordan

Average temperature: 18°C

Season: Autumn 🍂

Perfect for: Ancient ruins ✨

Assuming Jordan isn’t at the top of your travel bucket list, it will be soon. Seeing the Lost City of Petra’s rosy pink ruins for the very first time is a real pinch-me moment. And that’s just the beginning of all the adventures about to unfold as you explore this gem of a destination, from desert glamping under clear night skies to uncovering ancient Roman ruins right outside the capital. Just when you think it can’t get any better than this, our Jordan tours deliver time and time again.

So, why November? Winter has almost arrived, and the cooler temperatures make it an incredible time of year for heading into the desert (and believe us, you won’t want to miss a second of it). This is also one of the quieter tourism seasons in Jordan, so if you’re looking to travel on a budget, those flights do all the talking.

Jordan Travel Tip

November nights in Jordan can be quite chilly, so we recommend packing warm layers if you plan to travel during this month. Throughout the year, it is best to wear longer, breathable clothing to show respect for the local culture.

8. Patagonia

Average temperature: 16°C

Season: Spring 🪻

Perfect for: Bucket list journeys 🥾

November is one of the most stunning times of year to base yourself in Patagonia, which spans the southern regions of Argentina and Chile. Wildflowers are blossoming as spring is in full swing, and temperatures are rising by the day. Not yet peak season, now is your chance to experience this hiking paradise whilst its nature trails are more secluded. If you get lucky, you may even be able to spot a few baby animals!

When you’re not wandering around Patagonia’s most enchanting national parks, enjoy some chill time in the lakeside towns dotted throughout Argentina, or take a trip to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. Who knew that the “End of the Earth” could look so cool?

Patagonia Travel Tip

Stick to the beaten path. Safety should always be the top priority when hiking, so we recommend always following the advice provided by local experts, whether that’s knowing which paths to follow or if plans need adapting due to unpredictable weather. The best way to do this is to book a guided tour.

9. South Korea

Average temperature: 8°C

Season: Autumn 🍂

Perfect for: K-culture 🌟

If K-Pop Demon Hunters and Squid Game have inspired you to visit South Korea, November is the perfect time to go and see if this trending destination really lives up to the hype (spoiler: it 100% does). Autumn is almost over, yet the rich amber foliage is still around to inspire you to get out there and explore. 

Whether you plan on hiking along the mountain trails of Seoraksan National Park or café-hopping in the capital, South Korea is good for the soul. Further south, you can uncover the country’s ancient past in Gyeongju, spend your nights singing karaoke (or “Noraebang”) in Busan, or chase waterfalls on Jeju Island.

South Korea Travel Tip

Pick up a T-Money card. This is a rechargeable smart card used for public transportation in South Korea, including buses and subways. You can purchase one at the airport or at convenience stores, and it typically costs no more than £2. This can then be loaded with cash at the subway station or at a convenience store.

10. China

Average temperature: 11°C

Season: Autumn 🍂

Perfect for: Tasty cuisine 🍜

Between the bright blue skies, the crisp autumnal scenery and the affordable prices, November is one of our favourite times of year in China. Picture sweeping stretches of maroon forested hills, whether you’re hiking along the epic Great Wall of China or in the heart of the country’s historic cities, from Chengdu to Beijing.

Winter is right around the corner, and there has never been a better time to savour all of China’s famous hotpots. Dig into hearty meals, packed with flavour and made as spicy as you’d like, to refuel from your adventures. Can you see why China is one of the Best Countries in the World for Amazing Food?

China Travel Tip

Alternative communication apps may be required whilst exploring the country, so it’s good to have these downloaded and set up in advance of your arrival. Before your departure on one of our China group tours, we’ll also be in touch with pre-departure information on what you need to know before you go. Your group leader is also there to share their travel tips and tricks with you, so you can adapt in no time.

Still Undecided?

When there are so many destinations for you to choose from, where do you start? We recommend booking a free advice session with one of our friendly travel experts. They share the same passion for exploring the world and love putting together global itineraries, plus can share their advice if you’re nervous before going abroad.

It’s super easy to book a 1-to-1 call; just visit our Contact Us page, and you can arrange a time with a few clicks. Or press the live chat button and get the conversation rolling today.

Now that you know where to travel in November, it’s time to make that dream trip a reality. Or if you fancy more inspiration, check out our 18 to 30s group tours today: perfect for travelling with a friend or going solo!