Admittedly, November isn’t the first time of year that you think of when booking a sunshine break. However, as the nights are drawing in and the mornings are encased in a cloak of darkness here in the UK, in plenty of other places around the world, the sun is still reigning supreme. Here are eight of the best destinations to go for a bit of sunshine to blow away the November cobwebs. Oh, and on the off-chance that you do get bad weather, there’s plenty of things to do to distract you.
Goa
goa night market
This beautiful destination in India sees the end of the monsoon season come November, making it an ideal time to visit. You can expect temperatures of around 32 degrees, with plenty of lush landscapes and a sea that is the same temperature as your bath at home. November is also the tourist season, so you will find a great atmosphere in the area. For accommodation, you can choose from family-owned guesthouses in the South or larger, all-inclusive resorts in the North. The likes of Thomas Cook offer package holidays to Goa if you are looking for a stress-free booking experience. You must try the fish curry whilst you are in the area, as the cuisine is an enjoyable fusion of Portuguese and Indian.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura kite festival
This popular family resort becomes slightly quieter in November, after the brief period of madness that is the October half-term. The beaches are enormous and they can still be enjoyed at this time of year thanks to the fact that the temperatures are still in the mid-20s. You can opt to stay in a secluded villa or in a resort, depending on which style of holiday you prefer. The island is a year-round resort so you will find plenty of entertainment and live music at the many bars and restaurants. Most of the attractions bar the waterpark are still open too, so if you have kids with you, they won’t be bored.
Oman
oman mosque
The unbearable summer temperatures of this Middle Eastern country become manageable in November when they hit the mid 30’s, so it is a great time to visit. Head to Muscat to see the beautiful mosque, where there is an incredible carpet which has been hand-loomed. It’s also a stunning area of natural beauty with a perfect mixture of mountains and deserts. Oman is the ideal mixture of modern and old-style Arabia. The 18th of November is National Day when several events are held in Muscat and the surrounding areas.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Hollywood sign
Hollywood. The beaches of Malibu. The desert atmosphere of Palm Springs. The childlike magic of Disneyland- it’s all within touching distance from Los Angeles. There’s never been a better time to go, with the likes of Virgin Atlantic offering flights from both London and Manchester. In November, the temperature reaches a comfortable 22 degrees, which is about as cold as it gets in LA. Spend your time hiking in the hills, celebrity spotting in the city or sunning yourself with the beautiful people on the beach.
Marrakech
marrakech water boy
It doesn’t really matter about the temperatures in Marrakech because there’s so much to explore. But, for the sake of reference, you’ll find temperatures somewhere between 17 degrees- 22 degrees. Spend a few days in the city, haggling your way through the Medina and marvelling at the architecture before heading to the desert for a taste of authentic Morocco. The majority of hotels will offer camel treks if you are interested in them!
Dubai
Dubai skyline at dusk
Dubai is one of the more well-known traditional winter sun destinations as temperatures can reach around 31 degrees. Many travel agents will actually tell you November is the ‘perfect’ time to visit Dubai as there is practically no rain. If you do find that the temperature gets too much, climb the air-conditioned Burj Khalifa which is the tallest structure in the world, for unbeatable views (just make sure to book online in advance to avoid hefty queues). Of course, Dubai is known for its unrivalled luxury in the hospitality industry, so wherever you stay, you can guarantee you’ll be treated like a royal.
Cinque Terre
cinque terre
On the Italian Riviera, you will find a beautiful region of seaside villages which are so close together that you can hike between them. All of the villages are equally charming with colourful houses, seafood-orientated cuisine and harbours which are filled with fishing boats. It is here where you will see some of the world’s most incredibly dramatic coastal scenery as the area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for almost 20 years. In the summer, tourist numbers are restricted, so by visiting in the winter, you can expect a quieter atmosphere. Although the temperatures sit at around 15 degrees, it isn’t as cold as the likes of Venice in November, so enjoy.
Mozambique
mozambique resort
Mozambique is an ideal South African mixture of safaris and glamorous resorts. November is just ahead of the rainy season, with temperatures hitting a maximum of 29 degrees. At this time of year, the game viewing is at it’s best and you may even catch the whale migration, where the magnificent creatures head North with their newborn babies. The water in the area is much calmer and cooler in November, so it’s an optimum time to go diving if this is on your to-do list. Turtles also come onto the shore to nest between November and March along the coast.
Where will you go in November?
