Best Places to Travel in November 2026: 12 Destinations for Shoulder Season Value

Why November Is Underrated for Travel

November is the quietest month in international travel. The summer crowds are long gone. The Christmas crowds haven’t arrived yet. Prices are at their annual low. And the weather in many destinations is actually better than summer: mild, not sweltering, with lower humidity and golden light.

I took my first November trip in 2022, to Lisbon. The weather was 18 degrees, the streets were empty, and my hotel cost $55 per night. The same hotel wanted $140 in July. I have been a November convert ever since. If you can travel in November, you get better weather, lower prices, and zero crowds.

12 Best November Destinations

1. Lisbon, Portugal

November averages 15 to 18 degrees with low rain. Hotel prices drop 40 percent from summer.

• Flights: $380 to $580
• Hotels: $50 to $90
• Info: $1

Lisbon is one of the best value cities in Europe, and November is when it is cheapest.

2. Tokyo, Japan

November is autumn foliage (koyo) season in Tokyo. The ginkgo trees along Icho Namiki Avenue turn brilliant gold. The maple trees in temples turn red.

• Flights: $540 to $890
• Hotels: $80 to $150
• Weather: 14

per night. November is the second-best month to visit Japan (after April cherry blossoms).

3. Mexico City, Mexico

November is the buildup to Dia de los Muertos (Nov 1 to 2) and the start of dry season.

• Flights: $250 to $350
• Hotels: $40 to $80
• Weather: 22

per night. Street tacos: $1.50. Mexico City is one of the best food cities in the world, and November is its best month.

4. Marrakech, Morocco

November averages 22 degrees, down from 40 in summer. The medina is walkable without heat stroke.

• Flights: $480 to $750
• Riads: $40 to $80

The Atlas Mountains have snow on the peaks. Sahara tours run on schedule (summer is too hot).

5. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague in November is moody, atmospheric, and cheap. The gothic spires look even better under gray skies.

• Flights: $420 to $680
• Hotels: $50 to $90
• Weather: 5

per night. A pint of Pilsner costs $2. The Christmas markets start in late November.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

November is the start of dry season in Thailand. The monsoon is ending, the skies are clearing, and the weather is 30 degrees with lower humidity.

• Flights: $620 to $890
• Hotels: $25 to $45
• Food: $2

November is the best value month for Thailand.

7. Istanbul, Turkey

November averages 15 degrees, perfect for exploring. The summer crowds are gone.

• Flights: $550 to $750
• Hotels: $45 to $80
• Info: $25
• Food: $8 to $15

The exchange rate makes Turkey incredibly cheap in 2026.

8. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile

November is the start of Patagonia’s summer season. The weather is mild (10 to 18 degrees), the days are long (15+ hours of daylight), and the trails are uncrowded.

• Flights: $950 to $1,400
• Eco-lodges: $200 to $400

Torres del Paine W trek: 4 to 5 days. Book 6+ months ahead.

9. Vietnam (Hanoi and Hoi An)

November is the best month for northern Vietnam. The rainy season has ended, the weather is 24 degrees with low humidity, and the rice terraces in Sapa are golden.

• Flights: $680 to $850
• Hotels: $25 to $40
• Food: $2 to $5

per meal. Vietnam is the best value country in the world for travelers.

10. New Orleans, USA

November is the sweet spot for New Orleans. The summer heat and humidity are gone (averaging 22 degrees). Hotel prices drop 30 percent from October festival season.

• Flights: $250 to $380
• Hotels: $100 to $170

The food is incredible year-round, but November weather makes walking the French Quarter actually enjoyable.

11. Amsterdam, Netherlands

November in Amsterdam is gray and atmospheric. The canals reflect the bare trees, the cafes are cozy, and the museums are uncrowded.

• Flights: $380 to $580
• Hotels: $90 to $150
• Weather: 8

per night. The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum have no lines in November. The Sinterklaas parade arrives mid-November.

12. Costa Rica

November is the end of the rainy season. The first half can still see rain, but by late November the dry season is starting. Prices are 30 to 50 percent lower than peak winter season.

• Flights: $280 to $420
• Eco-lodges: $80 to $200

The rainforests are lush and green. Just pack a rain jacket for the first few days.

November Budget Breakdown

Here is what a 7-day November trip costs per person, including flights from a US gateway city:

• Lisbon: $700 to $1,100 (flights $380 to $580, hotel $50 to $90/night)
• Tokyo: $1,500 to $2,500 (flights $540 to $890, hotel $80 to $150/night)
• Mexico City: $500 to $900 (flights $250 to $350, hotel $40 to $80/night)
• Marrakech: $900 to $1,400 (flights $480 to $750, riad $40 to $80/night)
• Prague: $800 to $1,200 (flights $420 to $680, hotel $50 to $90/night)
• Bangkok: $1,200 to $1,800 (flights $620 to $890, hotel $25 to $45/night)
• Istanbul: $900 to $1,400 (flights $550 to $750, hotel $45 to $80/night)
• Vietnam: $1,300 to $1,900 (flights $680 to $850, hotel $25 to $40/night)

November Travel Tips

• Pack layers. November weather is unpredictable. Northern Europe: 5 to 12 degrees. Southeast Asia: 28 to 32 degrees. Pack a light jacket for evenings even in warm destinations.
• Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead. November is low season, so last-minute deals are more available than peak months. But the best hotels still sell out 4+ weeks ahead.
• Check daylight hours. Northern Europe has only 8 hours of daylight in November (4 PM sunset). Plan outdoor activities for midday. Southeast Asia has 11+ hours.
• Expect some closures. In Europe, some tourist restaurants and shops close for vacation in November. Major sights stay open, but smaller places may have reduced hours.
• Take advantage of free walking tours. November is uncrowded, so walking tours are smaller and more personal. The guides have time to answer questions.

Frequently Asked Questions