Stunning landscapes that change with the season, vibrant locales and excellent gastronomy, opportunities for unparalleled relaxation or the adventure of a lifetime…from California to Maui and Mexico to Patagonia, we’re covering six of the best places to visit in November.
Want expert travel recs and VIP perks that take your travel preferences and budget into account, instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip.
6 of the best places to visit in November
Ready for some travel inspiration? Read on for six of our favorite places to visit in November.
(Also looking for some early-winter destinations? Check out the best places to visit in December.)
1. California: sunny San Diego, majestic Big Sur & warm Palm Springs
Late fall is one of the best times to visit California, as the summer heat has generally left much of the state and lush greens add vibrancy to golden landscapes.
Traveling the Pacific Coast Highway in November is amazing, especially through places like Big Sur, where elephant seals return to the coast en masse for the start of their breeding season. Harbor seals and sea otters are also a common sight in small coastal towns like Morro Bay. The weather is usually very agreeable, and traffic tends to be light (except for Thanksgiving weekend).
Death Valley and Joshua Tree are also notably cooler during this period, enough to make hiking through the uniquely gorgeous settings less challenging (and safer), too.
San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Francisco are among the coolest urban escapes, with each offering a distinct vibe, trendy attractions, shopping and, depending on whom you ask, some of the best gastronomy in the world. And you can’t forget the best places to visit in Los Angeles, either.
Pro tip: while it can be a little too cold to jump in the ocean during November, California’s beaches tend to see very few crowds during this time, providing a picturesque, romantic backdrop for strolling along the shoreline.
Fora Advisor Lauren Cherney says, "also be sure to check for up to date road conditions if you plan to drive along Highway 1, which is a beautiful route, but subject to weather."
Looking for the best hotels in San Diego or the best hotels in San Francisco? Check out our guides. Or better yet, plan and book your trip with Fora for tailored recs.
2. New York City, New York: the start of the holiday season makes NYC one of the best places to visit in November
The first whispers of New York City’s holiday season come in late October, with a steady trickle of openings — like the ice rink at Bryant Park and all the holiday markets sprinkled throughout the city — running through late November and beyond, culminating in the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree the final week of the month. But since most of the holidays are still at least a month out, visiting New York City in November can be a great way to catch a taste of the magic while dodging the worst of the crowds.
Need hotels in Downtown NYC? How about hotels near Times Square, NYC? Our guides have great suggestions.
3. Maui, Hawai‘i: fewer crowds, better rates & great weather
Image courtesy of Hana-Maui Resort
One of the best places to visit in Hawai‘i, Maui offers postcard-worthy beaches and idyllic weather virtually all year. It’s also one of the best places to visit in November because the largest winter crowds are still a few weeks out and rates tend to be a little more favorable.
Hana-Maui Resort and Fairmont Kea Lani are among the most unique places to stay in Maui if you want world-class accommodations that take advantage of the island’s incredible scenery. Or, connect with us and we can help you decide where to stay in Maui, taking your budget and preferences into account.
Fora Perks at Hana-Maui Resort:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Fairmont Kea Lani Maui:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Mexico: one of the best places to visit in November for beaches & variety
Like California, Mexico provides a lot of variety when it comes to the best places to visit in November.
Beaches in popular destinations like Punta Mita and Cabo San Lucas are still warm enough to enjoy, while urban hubs like Mexico City, one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, experience fewer crowds and more temperate weather. And if you’re looking for unique places to visit in Mexico, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum also sees smaller crowds during this time.
Want more intel on visiting Mexico in November? Connect with Fora to book and plan your trip.
5. Italy: one of the most romantic destinations to visit in November
Looking for a romantic November getaway? The best places to stay in Italy remain fantastic destinations even during Europe’s coldest seasons.
Italy’s southern tip and central region are still quite temperate in November, while Northern Italy, which includes incredible cities such as Milan and Venice, is notably cooler this time of year. This coolness lends the region a cozy intimacy (see where to stay in Milan or where to stay in Venice). Regardless of where you visit, you can expect the same culturally rich setting and incredible gastronomy Italy is famous for.
Need help deciding where to stay in Italy? Whether you’re wondering where to stay in Rome, Sicily or Florence, we can help.
6. Patagonia: Argentina & Chile’s gorgeous landscape
What makes Patagonia one of the best places to visit in November? The start of spring (the seasons in the southern hemisphere are flipped) brings wildflower blooms, more daylight hours and mild weather to Argentina and Chile’s most picturesque region. Even better, Patagonia’s peak season is still a month away, ensuring fewer visitors.
Unsure how to spend your time in Patagonia? Our 7-day Patagonia itinerary and 2-week Patagonia itinerary have plenty of ideas.
Want more intel on the best places to visit in November?
By no means is this a full list of all the best places to visit in November. Book and plan your trip with Fora for personalized travel recs and more. We’ll help you pick a destination that best fits your interests and budget, whether it's skiing at a Colorado resort, snorkeling in Puerto Rico or enjoying some of the coolest Costa Rica jungle resorts.
Want more travel inspiration? Check out these guides, too:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Lauren Cherney.