23 Cheap destinations in 2023 with great weather in November

Bargain hunters around the world know that November is arguably the best month for cheap travel to warm places, and 2023 looks to be another great year. Most of the popular tropical places have rainy seasons that end by early November, and yet their major tourist season doesn’t start until December. This means you can get amazing bargains at some of the most interesting destinations around the world.

We research hotel prices each year for each of the destinations on these lists, and the 2023 update contained some thrilling entries. You can get a really nice-looking 4-star beach hotel for under US$50 per night for two people (tax included) in many really nice places and islands in Asia. We start the list with Caribbean and other recommendations in the Americas, but the best bargains are near the bottom of the list in Asia.

This article was updated in May, 2023

Important November 2023 Holidays

  • November 1 – All Saints’ Day (major public holiday in most European countries)
  • November 5 – Guy Fawkes Night in England (celebrations)
  • November 11 – Armistice Day in France (major public holiday)
  • November 17 – Velvet Revolution Anniversary in Czechia (major public holiday)
  • November 19 – Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam (family celebrations)
  • November 23 – Thanksgiving Day in the USA (major public holiday)

The Americas

Those with time off in November will have many great choices as the rainy season winds up in Central America and the summer approaches in much of South America.

The Caribbean

November is the final month of the official Atlantic hurricane season, but in reality there are almost no storms by this time, and only weak ones when they do appear. For this reason you can book with confidence and take advantage of the low rates and the fact that many people ignore the Caribbean until Christmas.

If you are mainly just looking to relax, you’ve found the perfect place, with warm weather and amazing off-season deals. The all-inclusive resorts tend to be much cheaper in the long run, although they do make it more difficult to experience the local culture and explore the whole island. If you don’t care about leaving the resort and you want the best all-inclusive value in the Caribbean, head straight to Punta Cana, which is mentioned just below.


Cancun, Mexico

  • November avg high: 85°F/29°C
  • November avg low: 73°F/23°C
  • November avg precip: 5.2″/13cm

By the time November rolls around, Cancun has pretty much perfect weather for anyone. The heat of summer and early autumn has turned into a tropical warmth that is usually accompanied by pleasant breezes so it’s lovely all day and all evening. The peak season doesn’t start until late December so this is the perfect time to visit when rates are still nearly at their summer lows.

Cancun is at the north end of the Riviera Maya, which also includes the island of Cozumel, so this is a huge area with over a thousand hotels to choose from. All that competition keeps prices down until the high season begins, so November is still a buyer’s market. There are even ruins nearby and other cultural opportunities, so it’s not all about sitting on the beach here. If you prefer a high-rise hotel overlooking a beach then stay in Cancun itself, but if you prefer to stay in a friendly town with many restaurant and shopping choices then head to Playa del Carmen, just a bit to the south, instead. It’s a large area with so many great choices that we wrote a guide to choosing where to stay in the Cancun area, which many people are finding helpful.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people

>>>Check current Cancun resort and package deals


Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  • November avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • November avg low: 74°F/23°C
  • November avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm

In November you can find excellent resort deals all over the Dominican Republic, but Punta Cana is typically the first choice, especially if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort with all the luxury extras at a great price. The resort is actually a collection of little beach areas on the eastern tip of the island, so it’s very secluded and well away from some of the confusion closer to the capital city.

The same resort that charges US$300 per night in January will usually go for US$200 per night in November, especially earlier in the month. And this goes for all-inclusive resorts as well, which start at US$170 per night for two people in the low season in November of 2023. If your main goal is relaxation in a perfect climate, Punta Cana is probably the best value in the entire Western hemisphere. And if you are wondering where to go in November for a beach all-inclusive then this is your best choice. While Punta Cana has dozens of all-inclusive resorts that cater to the mid-market crowd, it also has one entry on our list of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the entire Caribbean.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$45 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$80 per night for two people

>>>Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals


Montego Bay, Jamaica

  • November avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • November avg low: 75°F/24°C
  • November avg precip: 2.0″/5.0cm

Montego Bay is home to one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports in addition to a few hundred hotels and resorts, so it’s an ideal destination for even a shorter getaway in November. The rainy season is over but the busy holiday peak season doesn’t begin until just before Christmas, so the weather is perfect and hotel prices are still relatively low. Flights should be cheap from most hub cities as well, so even a long weekend is within reach for budget travelers this month.

More good news comes with the fact that there are two other great resort areas that are each about 90 minutes by shuttle from Montego Bay Airport, so you can almost as easily reach Ocho Rios or Negril, both of which have a different vibe that you might prefer. Bargain hunters will also find pretty amazing prices at the all-inclusive resorts, particularly those in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. If you prefer a quiet beach area lined with smaller hotels, restaurants, and bars, then head to Negril. Negril also has an entry on our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean for families with kids.

It’s worth noting that Jamaica is one of those Caribbean destinations where there is a huge difference in price between 3-star hotels, which are often small and family-run, and 4-star places, which are usually large, on the beach, and often run by a big company. You pretty much get what you pay for as well, so keep your expectations low if you book a cheap 3-star place.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$67 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$276 per night for two people

>>>Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals


Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

  • November avg high: 90°F/32°C
  • November avg low: 68°F/20°C
  • November avg precip: 0.8″/2.0cm

Anyone in the western half of the US or Canada will probably get a shorter and cheaper flight to Puerto Vallarta than to any of the Caribbean destinations above. The November weather in Puerto Vallarta is pretty much perfect and usually dry, and yet crowds are smaller and hotel prices are lower until Christmas itself. Mexico is, of course, one of the hot countries in November, in more ways than one.

One of the best things about Puerto Vallarta is that, unlike most of the Caribbean destinations, this is a real historic town rather than a purpose-built resort community. That means that there are small and authentic (and cheap) restaurants catering primarily to locals, so you get a much more authentic experience if you prefer one. The hotel zone close to the airport is modern and posh, but you are a short taxi ride away from the lovely center of town. Considering the low rainfall in November, this might be the best option for those in the eastern half of the US and Canada as well. It really is a lovely place that is totally different than Cancun and the villages in that area.

The hotel prices listed just below are low, and they are real, but you pretty much get what you pay for here. If you want to book a Marriott 4-star resort on the beach, you’ll be paying much closer to US$200 per night. Puerto Vallarta has plenty of small and really-nice boutique hotels so you can save money and still have a great stay if you choose carefully.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$94 per night for two people

>>>Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals


Cartagena, Colombia

  • November avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • November avg low: 78°F/26°C
  • November avg precip: 5.3″/13.3cm

The rainy season in Cartagena winds down by early November, so this is an ideal time to come, especially toward the end of the month if you can get cheap airfare before and/or after Thanksgiving. The temperatures are pretty much the same here every day of the year, so the key is to work around the autumn rainy season to when it’s dry but before hotels fill up.

Hotel prices remain low through all of November for the most part, so you’ll have a good shot at deals at 3-star and above beach resorts that are trying to fill rooms during the slow season. Even if you are paying near the high season rates the hotels and everything else are bargains here compared to almost anywhere else. Cartagena is one of the cheapest places to travel in November on a beach, and you’ll get less rain as the month goes on. The nearby beaches are not fluffy white sand, in case that makes a difference. They are darker and such a fine grain that it’s a bit of a different feeling.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$47 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

>>>Cartagena prices
>>>Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals


Mexico City, Mexico

  • November avg high: 71°F/22°C
  • November avg low: 46°F/8°C
  • November avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm

The rainy season in Mexico City is completely over by the time November rolls in, so this is the perfect month for a visit. The weather will be warm, although evenings will be chilly – something you might not expect at this latitude. And best of all, hotel prices are at or near their lowest in November as well. If you’ve never been to Mexico City you are almost certainly unaware of just how modern and nice most of the central tourist area is. It’s kind of shocking really, and once you see it you’ll be impressed.

Since flights to Mexico City from the US and Canada are usually quite cheap this time of year as well, this could be a perfect short cultural holiday. This city has great shopping, dining, and nightlife, and the central historic and tourist districts are far safer than most people would expect. There are ruins just out of town as well, so a bit of everything is available.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$22 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$74 per night for two people

>>>Mexico City prices
>>>Check current Mexico City hotel and package deals


Cusco, Peru

  • November avg high: 69°F/21°C
  • November avg low: 45°F/7°C
  • November avg precip: 1.8″/4.5cm

While it’s true that it might be a stretch to call Cusco’s November weather ‘great,’ this is perhaps the best month of the year to visit, and the weather is quite good anyway. The high season for hotels in Cusco ends in October, yet the rainy season doesn’t begin until late December, so November is that perfect combination of small crowds, low prices, and very good weather.

Those wanting to hike to Machu Picchu will also find this to be an ideal month, since getting in a group will be easy even without much advance notice. The train to Machu Picchu is expensive year round, and reservations should be easier to get the day before this time of the year. Hotels are always cheap in Cusco so you can afford to get something nicer than you are used to this month.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$31 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people

>>>Cusco prices
>>>7-day Peru Guided Tour – Inca Trail Express


Santiago, Chile

  • November avg high: 78°F/26°C
  • November avg low: 50°F/10°C
  • November avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm

For anyone considering a multi-destination South American trip in November, Santiago should definitely be considered. The daytime temperatures should be pleasant and warm, and it’s bone-dry all summer, so it’s a great combination. Hotels in Santiago don’t have their peak price season until New Year’s, so in November you’ll easily be able to find a very good rate at one of the nicer places.

While Santiago itself may not be worth a long flight from the US or Canada, it’s a great stop along the way to Valparaiso or the adventure cities in the Andes. You can pick up culture and even beach weather in Santiago, and then some summer sports or other activities on another stop.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$120 per night for two people

>>>Santiago prices
>>>Check current Santiago hotel and package deals


Buenos Aires, Argentina

  • November avg high: 78°F/26°C
  • November avg low: 61°F/16°C
  • November avg precip: 4.3″/10.8cm

Hotels in Buenos Aires are starting to reach their summer peak prices in November, especially toward the end of the month, but still they are a fantastic bargain by European or North American standards. The weather in November is also pretty much perfect, and while there’s always a threat of rain in BA, it’s mostly an indoor city so it shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.

Overall this is a perfect time of year to visit almost anywhere in Argentina. When December arrives things really start filling up and all the locals are on their own holidays, so November is the ideal mix of great weather that isn’t too steamy, and modest crowds and prices. With Argentina’s recent inflation and currency devaluation, it can be hard to know how expensive this trip will be, but for most people it will be cheaper than in recent years.

The situation in 2023 in Argentina is once again a bit confusing. If you bring crisp US dollars with you you’ll be able to exchange them at the “Blue rate” for about double the official exchange rate without much difficulty. That way everything is literally half price compared to the official prices, which are already pretty low. Needless to say, you’ll want to read up on it and take precautions, but it’s a legit way to travel and you’ll feel like kind of a sucker if you don’t take advantage of it.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$93 per night for two people

>>>Buenos Aires prices
>>>Check current Buenos Aires hotel and package deals


Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • November avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • November avg low: 70°F/21°C
  • November avg precip: 3.5″/8.8cm

The truth is, Rio de Janeiro will make this list for at least 8 months of the year, as the weather is always pretty good and the prices are still reasonable compared to Europe and North America. November is still well into the sweet spot, as the high season for hotels doesn’t begin until December. This means bargains are often available at some of the luxury places along the beach, which won’t be true again until April.

Somehow Brazil is looking unusually cheap in November of 2023, so it could be an ideal year to go. You won’t get a beach hotel in Copacabana for the prices just below, but you can get a pretty decent place and a beach hotel is still going to be very reasonable.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$34 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$45 per night for two people

>>>Rio de Janeiro prices
>>>Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals

Europe

From November through February there are literally no European cities that could qualify as having “great weather.” We list Tenerife below because it’s technically in Europe, although not really much of a cultural destination. Antalya, Turkey (which technically isn’t even in Europe), has the closest thing to a sunny climate with acceptable temperatures. So during the winter Europe is all about cultural tourism, and lower hotel prices make it especially appealing for those who like to stretch their travel budgets and avoid crowds at the same time.

If you are thinking about a city break instead you should check out our recommended cheap London hotels, our recommended cheap Paris hotels, and our recommended cheap Amsterdam hotels.

If you are coming to Europe for sure this month you should check our list of the best Europe destinations in November.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

  • November avg high: 75°F/23°C
  • November avg low: 65°F/18°C
  • November avg precip: 1.1″/2.7cm

If you want to do a cultural trip to Europe in November it’s actually a good month because crowds are small and many attractions are indoor anyway. But if you want perfect weather, you really have to fly to off the coast of Africa to Tenerife, which is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands.

This is a very good month to visit because the weather continues to be perfect here, while the largest crowds from northern Europe haven’t quite started arriving yet. So finding an affordable hotel or apartment rental should be easy, and the restaurants and bars are always reasonably priced. If you want to be among other English speakers you’ll want to focus on the southwest area of the island around Los Cristianos and Playa de la America.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$92 per night for two people

>>>Tenerife prices
>>>Check current Tenerife hotel deals

Africa

November is ideal in much of Africa, though Morocco might be a bit too cool by this time. The list below is quite incomplete due to how few cities we cover in the region.

Cairo, Egypt

  • November avg high: 79°F/26°C
  • November avg low: 57°F/14°C
  • November avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Cairo is yet another city that enjoys a perfect combination of ideal weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices in November. The high season for hotels doesn’t begin until late December, so bargains will be easy to find, especially at some of the posh places that are struggling to fill rooms this month.

Interestingly, December though February do get a bit cool in Cairo, so it’s not a great winter break, but in November it’s still pleasantly warm and bone-dry so you can enjoy the outdoors for long periods of time. If you don’t mind staying in a locally-owned hotel you can save a lot of money and see some old-world charm at the same time. Reservations in advance aren’t necessary, but it’s best to book your first couple of days just to avoid all the confusion once you arrive. It’s important to note that Cairo (and Egypt in general) are places where you’ll want to check recent news reports before you book, as there have been a few incidents over the years. The situation in 2023 looks promising, but things can change pretty quickly in places like this.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$32 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people

>>>Cairo prices
>>>Check current Cairo hotel deals


Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

  • November average high: 81°F/27°C
  • November average low: 66°F/19°C
  • November avg precip: 0.1″/0.2cm

This Red Sea beach resort is becoming known in Europe and Asia as an interesting alternative to Dubai, Thailand, or even the Caribbean. Sharm el Sheikh is Egypt’s most popular getaway and the diving here is said to be some of the best in the world.

When Sharm el-Sheikh hosted the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference known as COP27, it was a strong signal of confidence that any security issues here appeared to be in the past, The beach resorts had become ridiculously cheap, but as of 2023 they are popular again although still amazing value. Keep up with the news, although this looks like it could be a great-value and interesting destination for the foreseeable future.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$35 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people

>>>Sharm el-Sheikh prices
>>>Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals


Cape Town, South Africa

  • November avg high: 74°F/23°C
  • November avg low: 56°F/13°C
  • November avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm

Similar to so many on this list, Cape Town begins its busy season in the second half of December, so November is ideal in that the weather is nearly perfect and you don’t have to worry about high-season crowds or prices. This is a city that has things available at almost any price level. Many of the hotels cater to the 4-star resort crowd, but there are also plenty of hostels and cheap hotels so backpacker-types should be able to get by on a low budget.

Many who visit Cape Town are on a tour of South Africa, including stops in Durban plus a bit of safari action. All of this is ideal in November as crowds really pick up the following month, as do prices. The hotel rates in 2023 look especially appealing so this is one to seriously consider.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$40 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$60 per night for two people

>>>Cape Town prices
>>>Check Cape Town hotel deals

Middle East

November is getting cool and even a bit rainy in most of the Middle East. An exception is Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which both have perfect sunny weather. However, Abu Dhabi doesn’t make this list because it’s not really cheap enough for the cut.

Dubai, UAE

  • November avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • November avg low: 68°F/20°C
  • November avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

Dubai has pretty much perfect weather in November, and this is really the first month since April when it’s not scorching here. Fortunately, the crowds are also light because most people wait until Christmas to start traveling to warmer places. Dubai can be incredibly expensive if you have a big budget, but it doesn’t have to be. You can get good deals on non-chain hotels and even apartment hotels this month, and if you skip the hotel restaurants and the fancier places in malls, you can eat well on a modest budget here.

Another reason to consider Dubai is that the busy airport has cheap non-stop flights coming in from almost every major airport in Europe and Asia. As a result it’s popular to book long weekend trips of 3 or 4 days to Dubai, where you can enjoy some sunshine and shopping before flying back home where it gets colder by the day. You might also consider stopping for a few days in Dubai and then moving onto somewhere else with cheap direct flights such as the Maldives.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$75 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$110 per night for two people

>>>Dubai prices
>>>Check current Dubai hotel deals

Asia

November is a tricky month for Asia. Nearly all of notoriously cheap Southeast Asia is having its final month of heavy rains, while cities to the north are already quite cool. There are still a few really good ones left over though.

>>>15 Best destinations in Asia in November

Boracay Island, Philippines

  • November average high: 84°F/29°C
  • November average low: 75°F/24°C
  • November avg precip: 8.9″/23.3cm

November can be an ideal month to visit Boracay Island, even though you’ll probably see a few quick rainstorms each week. This stunning and laid-back island is in the Tropics, so you can get a quick cloudburst a few times a week this time of year, but they are easy to avoid and the sunsets that form as the clouds are leaving again are often so gorgeous that it’s all worth it.

Best of all, the big crowds don’t start showing up until December, so you can find very nice hotels on or within a few steps of the beach at very appealing rates. The food and drinks are always quite affordable here, so if you can get a fairly cheap flight you can have an excellent island holiday for a very modest price.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$53 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

>>>Boracay prices
>>>Check Boracay resort deals


Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

  • November avg high: 87°F/30°C
  • November avg low: 78°F/26°C
  • November avg precip: 6.1″/15.3cm

You can expect some short and hard rain-showers in Bali starting in the middle of November, but they tend to be over in 30 minutes or less so they are quite easy to avoid. And the first part of November will be fairly dry, so it’s an excellent time to visit for those lucky enough to have time off.

The traffic in Bali makes sightseeing notoriously challenging in June through August, but November is less crowded so it’s a good time to come and spend a day in Ubud or even take a tour of the towns along the northern shore. In fact, if you want to avoid the huge Kuta crowds altogether you should consider basing yourself in the Lovina area of the north shore. It’s as lovely and charming as the whole island was 20 years ago, but that may not last.

Bali has always been cheap, but it really was hit hard by zero tourists during the pandemic and it’s been slow to recover. Hotel prices in 2023 are absurdly cheap and you might think they are mistakes or scams if not for the fact that there are hundreds of places at those prices with good reviews. The hotel standards in Indonesia are a bit lower than in some other places, but generally the well-reviewed hotels are clean, comfortable, and the staff are fantastic.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$23 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$28 per night for two people

>>>Kuta, Bali prices
>>>Check current Bali hotel and resort deals


Goa, India

  • November avg high: 90°F/32°C
  • November avg low: 72°F/22°C
  • November avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm

Like so many others on this list, Goa is completely done with its harsh rainy season by the time November begins, yet crowds don’t really start showing up in earnest until mid December. If you have the time off then you’d be very happy just finding a cheap hotel in one of Goa’s beach towns and just chilling the whole month in great weather and with minimal crowds.

If you book a resort hotel from home you’ll probably think Goa hotel prices are much higher than you were expecting, but if you book a family-run place once you arrive you’ll still find fantastic bargains. It’s probably wise to book a few nights online before you get to India, because it can be incredibly confusing at first. After that you might be able to find a similar place for half the price by just checking around the same area.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$53 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people

>>>Goa prices
>>>Check current Goa hotel deals


Pokhara, Nepal

  • November avg high: 70°F/21°C
  • November avg low: 48°F/9°C
  • November avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

November is the last of Pokhara’s four high-season tourist months of the year, and as the month comes to a close you can even find some bargains and smaller crowds. The daytime temperatures are warm enough for trekking very comfortably in the valley, but you’ll still need winter gear for the multi-day treks into the Annapurnas.

Even though November is one of the busy months in Pokhara, they’ve built so many new hotels in the past few years that finding a room – even at a decent price – should always be possible. The high-season rates are still very cheap by almost anyone else’s standards, and food and drinks are always very affordable, but if you look around a bit you’ll be able to do even better. You’ll notice there’s a big difference in the prices between the 3-star and 4-star places in Pokhara. This is because the small family-run places are typically 3-star and any place with 4 stars is going to have a pool or other higher-end amenities.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$27 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people

>>>Pokhara prices
>>>Check current Pokhara hotel deals


Bangkok, Thailand

  • November avg high: 89°F/32°C
  • November avg low: 74°F/23°C
  • November avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

With the rainy season over as November begins, Bangkok transforms into a much easier place to deal with. The staggering humidity lowers and visitors don’t have to worry about running for cover when a storm breaks out, and fortunately the high season for hotels doesn’t really begin until early December, so November can be an amazing bargain here.

Fortunately, Bangkok remains very cheap by almost anyone’s standards. If you want to splash down for a nice 3-star room then it’ll be way less than half the price of a similar room in Europe or the US, and if you are fine with something more basic then you can find a room for next to nothing, even in the fun Khaosan Road backpacker district. Street meals for around a dollar are always there too, so you’ll be able to afford a bit more for a room anyway.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$15 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$25 per night for two people

>>>Bangkok prices
>>>Check current Bangkok hotels deals


Chiang Mai, Thailand

  • November avg high: 86°F/30°C
  • November avg low: 66°F/19°C
  • November avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm

It would be hard to beat Chiang Mai for its combination of great November weather and low prices. Like most other places in Southeast Asia, the high season for hotels doesn’t start until December, so November is a perfect buffer month with perfect weather and still very reasonable prices. Hotels in Chiang Mai are among the best bargains in the entire world, so even if you do have to pay full price for a room it’ll be cheaper than a dorm bed in most European cities.

The rainy season is over so it’s an ideal time to base yourself in Chiang Mai for some outdoor activities in the area. There are temples like crazy in the city center between the old walls, but even more interesting ones in the area just around Chiang Mai. There’s also great trekking and such, available quite affordably from any travel agency in the city. If you never been to Bangkok it’s definitely worth spending at least a few days there first, and the craziness will make Chiang Mai seem all the nicer once you arrive.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$18 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$42 per night for two people

>>>Chiang Mai prices
>>>Check current Chiang Mai hotel deals


Luang Prabang, Laos

  • November avg high: 84°F/29°C
  • November avg low: 64°F/18°C
  • November avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm

Luang Prabang is yet another lovely city in Southeast Asia that climbs out of its rainy season lull in November, with nearly perfect weather and almost no storms to worry about. This can be a deceiving place for budget travelers because many of the hotels here are of the boutique variety, and finding the cheap places can be a bit of a challenge.

Still, this is a perfect time of year to find bargains, as the full-on busy season doesn’t begin until mid December. You might have to stay a few blocks off the main tourist strip if you are looking for something in a backpacker price range, but fortunately there are still plenty of very cheap restaurants and bars all over the city if you scan the menus carefully.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$32 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$59 per night for two people

>>>Luang Prabang prices
>>>Check current Luang Prabang hotel deals


Siem Reap, Cambodia

  • November avg high: 87°F/31°C
  • November avg low: 72°F/22°C
  • November avg precip: 3.2″/8.0cm

The rainy season usually ends early in November in Siem Reap, and the tail end of it is rarely fierce, so this is an ideal month to hang out in town and spend multiple days at Angkor Wat. November is actually the coolest month of the year, by just a bit, at least during the days, so most people will appreciate more moderate temperatures when climbing up and over all the temples.

The high season hotel prices will start in December, and crowds are usually thin for most of the month so you should be able to get some nice bargains at some of the nicer places that allow online booking. When they see that they have lots of empty rooms as the month approaches, they’ll discount to be on par with some of the 2-star places that aren’t nearly as nice.

  • 3-star hotels from: US$18 per night for two people
  • 4-star hotels from: US$27 per night for two people

>>>Siem Reap prices
>>>Check current Siem Reap hotel deals


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  1. Jennifer says:

    Great site and info. My husband and I travel a lot to the Caribbean and Costa Rica. We live in Atlanta. Flights are really high to either place and much of the Caribbean is out at the moment due to the hurricane damage to many islands. I hate to pay close to 3k to go to costa rica (1800 is just the flights). I have thought about trying somewhere new and we are all over the place. We want to book now and go early November. I have read a lot about Rio. My husband is nervous about the safety and cleanliness. Same with Cartagena. I think both would be great places. It sounds like you feel both are fairly safe as long as you are a smart traveler. We love the beach and heat. I thought about Iceland just for a change of pace but looks like it is cold and a little too dark in November. Looks like we missed it by a month or two. And I would have to see the Northern Lights or it’s a no go. Then thought about Lisbon/Malta/Canary Islands depending on how good of a deal we could get, but I am a little worried about the weather being a little too cool to actually get in the water. Any suggestions or ways to narrow down our search or any other places I may want to consider?? We usually travel in September to avoid crowds in most places but we are traveling late this year and looks like it’s not the greatest time to chose a place to go.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Jennifer,

      Iceland is amazing, but I think it’s best to go from May through September or so.

      Cartagena is a lovely place as well, but another reader just pointed out that the US government has a new travel warning to all of Colombia as of June, 2017. The US has travel warnings to many countries that people still safely travel to every day, but it is something to consider. Many years ago Colombia had quite a few problems, and yet Cartagena was always okay because it is this little cruise port and tourist city far away from the major urban centers. Seeing this, I would think twice myself, although I wouldn’t rule it out, but I also wouldn’t go anywhere except Cartagena at the moment.

      Rio is probably the most beautiful city in the world as far as the setting is concerned, but it’s also famous for petty crime. As you mentioned, I think it’s quite easy to stay safe as long as you are aware of the situation. The biggest problem by far is tourists getting robbed by someone holding a knife or sometimes a gun, and they are often in groups. However, this almost always happens to people who are walking close to the water on the beaches after the crowds have gone for the day. The sidewalks along Copacabana and Ipanema are brightly lit and safe, but there is a mound of sand between the sidewalk and the water, so if you go to the water you can’t be seen by the security guards and police on the street. As long as you avoid that, and any other situation where you are alone in a dark place late at night, you’ll be fine.

      Also, as far as I hear, the worst that ever happens is they take your stuff. So if you leave your passport and most of your money in your hotel room, and keep your phone or camera hidden most of the time, there isn’t much to lose. I’m making it sound worse than it is really. I wouldn’t hesitate to go to Rio again, but of course I’d be aware of those few situations to avoid.

      It’ll definitely be too chilly in Portugal or Malta to go in the water in November, and Malta has almost no beaches anyway. I really like Malta a lot, but it’s not a great beach destination. It will be warm enough in the Canary Islands, but the flight from Atlanta would be long and expensive because you have to change planes in Madrid. Also, I find the Canary Islands to be pleasant and the weather is wonderful, but it’s kind of boring there compared to the other places we are discussing.

      It’s unfortunate and heartbreaking how many times I have recommended San Juan, Puerto Rico in the last few years. Once they get the power back on I’m sure it’ll be back to normal fairly soon after that, but I’m guessing probably March or later. And fortunately, Nate missed the Cancun area for the most part. Have you considered somewhere in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Cozumel area? I’m particularly fond of Playa del Carmen, and that flight to Cancun should be pretty reasonable for you.

      I’d think you are best off exploring one of the undamaged areas in the Caribbean. My list of Caribbean destinations ranked by price has 32 entries and only about 5 or 6 of them were hit, so most of the area is perfectly normal. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  2. Dianna says:

    Hi Roger, I am looking for a cheap 5-7 day vacation from Toronto in early November. I may be travelling alone or potentially with my brother. I’d like to keep the costs low and was wondering if you might have some options for me.
    Thanks,
    Dianna

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Dianna,

      As you may know, I’ve recommended Puerto Rico many times before for people in this situation, but they won’t be ready for visitors until well into next year, I think.

      From Toronto I’ve heard that you can get cheap package vacations to Cuba to stay at resorts in the Varadero area, and that the deals are sometimes insanely cheap. But of course I think you just take a bus from the airport to the hotel and pretty much stay there the whole time, and not everyone thinks that is a fun way to spend 5 to 7 days.

      If that doesn’t interest you I would point you towards the Playa del Carmen area, which is just south of Cancun and just across the strait from Cozumel. November is technically the last month of hurricane season and early in the month you’ll probably get at least a few quick rain storms, but actual hurricane in November are very rare. And at least Playa del Carmen is on the mainland and near a huge airport, so tourists would never be trapped there as they might on some small islands. Playa del Carmen is a fairly large touristy town with hundreds of little hotels, restaurants, bars, and things to do, so it’s good for a solo visit or with another person. Cancun proper, on the other hand, is mainly a long strip of beach hotels and time-share residences that are spread out and not well suited to solo visitors or small groups.

      Even cheaper than that is Cartagena, although the flight would probably be a bit more expensive. Cartagena has a gorgeous walled colonial Old City filled with cool hotels, shops, and restaurants, and it’s a 10-minute cheap taxi ride to a strip of beachfront hotels in a modern neighborhood. It helps if you know Spanish in both places, but Playa del Carmen has so many English speakers that it’s easy to get by on that alone. Those are my best picks in our region for inexpensive places that are fun with a lot to offer a solo traveler or small group. Let me know if you have any questions. -Roger

  3. Kate says:

    Thank you Roger, that’s really helpful!

  4. Kate says:

    Hi, we are thinking about going on honeymoon to Sri Lanka departing on 13th November. What kind of weather do you think we could expect? we are currently looking on the west coast (Kalutara/Bentota areas. Thank you, Kate

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Kate,

      November is typically the end of the wet season in Sri Lanka, and of course it’s hot every day of the year. I think you’ll be okay. In those areas there are often a month or two where it rains a LOT, and November is not one of those months in Sri Lanka. You might get a few storms per week, but they should be the kind that start at 3pm and finish 20 minutes later. They are easy to shelter from because you see them forming. You can get storms like that almost any time of year in the Tropics. Have a great trip. -Roger

  5. Cindy says:

    Hi Roger,
    What a great site, I am planning to travel for about 7 days late Oct. The original plan was to go to Orlando/Florida but with the recent hurricane I think i need a new location. I want to go somewhere warm/hot with a budget of about £500. Can you recommend anywhere. I would be travelling from the United Kingdom (London). I have been to Tenerife, Gran Canaries before, so would like some alternatives. Thanks

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Cindy,

      Thank you. Orlando is already back to normal after the hurricane, so I don’t think you need to change plans. However your budget seems low for a Florida trip from the UK. November is one of the tricky months for cheaper sunshine holidays from Europe, as you know. The list above doesn’t contain many places that are very close to you.

      You may get some other ideas from an article I wrote recently about the cheapest all-inclusive destinations from Europe. Cape Verde is one possibility, and there are a few others that have good weather in late October and November. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  6. Chris says:

    Hi Roger, I plan on being in boracay on Nov 6th and am just concerened about the weather. Is the start of Nov too close to the end of the monsoon season ? I don’t mind a bit of rain but ideally want to be able to spend a few hours on the beach with sunshine per day. Looking at pics it seems to be mostly clouded over all the time. Do you get sunny clear skies around that time ? I just can’t seem to get a clear answer online. Any advise would be much appreciated

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Chris,

      I’ve spent a few weeks on Boracay, but not in early November. From what I’ve read, the monsoons there are usually not too bad, and it’s mainly a matter of a couple of hours rain in the afternoon on the bad days. Throughout the Tropics it’s very rare to get rain all day on any given day, and I’ve spent many months in those areas during rainy seasons. So early November isn’t ideal, but if it’s the only time you can go I still think you’ll enjoy it. One nice thing about Boracay is that the hotels are all basically on the beach or right off the beach, so even if it does start raining you can be back in your room in like 2 or 3 minutes. Best of luck with this. -Roger

  7. Alex P says:

    Roger I live in Maryland and have up to two weeks available for travel with my girlfriend in November. Originally we had planned for Philippines but recents articles have made us decide to postpone and look elsewhere.
    We like to snorkel in coral, explore outdoors and architecture ,interact with locals and their food, travel off road, sightseeing. We want to go somewhere warm/hot..We don’t need luxury.
    My first choice was Belize but I feel as if maybe this would get boring after a few days and only offer a tourist feel. You did not mention Belize.
    Your description of Puerto Vallarta looked close to what I was looking. Ideas?

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Alex,

      It can still be rainy in Belize in November, so it’s not an ideal time to visit. I quite like Belize and there is a lot to do there, including of course the second largest coral reef in the world. You can also head over the Guatemala border to visit Tikal and even down to Antigua for something different. You don’t get many great beaches there, but aside from that it is great.

      Puerto Vallarta should be a better choice. I haven’t explored it enough myself to know what to do for two weeks there, but as I mentioned it’s a real town and there is a lot to do around there.

      If you are still thinking about Asia you can always go to Thailand, which is much safer in general and offers even more. You can start with a few days in Bangkok and then head to an island or go up north. Let me know if you have any specific questions. -Roger

  8. Jenna says:

    Hello Roger,

    My fiance and I are getting married mid-November on the east coast of USA, and are hoping to travel for 1-2 weeks starting Nov 13. Neither of us have traveled outside the US much before, so we are a little intimidated by long travel times and safety.
    What location would you suggest has a lot of variety (hike, swim, sights) while also being easy to navigate and not a budget killer?
    (Many friends have recommended Thailand but the travel might be too long..)

    Thank you!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Jenna,

      As you suspected, this is a tricky one. Most of the places that would work for you are having a very rainy month in November, so it’s not a good time. Thailand would actually be a good choice if you can deal with the travel time. The rainy season there ends in October and yet the crowds don’t start appearing until December, so you get low hotel prices with nearly perfect weather. As mentioned, all of the good options in Central or South America have a wet season in November. Argentina could be a good option, as November is late spring there, and it has everything you are looking for. The flights to get there are also fairly long though.

      If you are going for one week I wouldn’t go all the way to Thailand, but if it’s two weeks I think it’s worth it. It takes most of a day in each direction, but flights are often reasonably priced, and everything there is cheap once you get there. I’ve actually lived in Thailand for 6 months and have visited many more times and it’s actually very easy and stress free once you are there. All the important signs are in English and nearly everyone you’ll encounter as a tourist will speak enough English to help you as well. You can get around by train or VIP bus for cheap, or fly to the islands for cheap. It’s very safe there as well. You could spend a few days in Bangkok and then head to one of the islands or take a train up to Chiang Mai.

      If you are looking for a place for just a week then maybe just stay in the US. You would enjoy New Orleans, I’d think. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  9. michele says:

    Hi Roger,
    My fiance and I plan to travel for a month starting Oct. 20. We’re thinking about selecting a region that would allow 4 destinations with great food, outdoor activities (hiking, swimming, horses, yoga, etc), nice accommodations that don’t break the bank, and some sight-seeing. We’re planning to get married on the trip, too. Any suggestions? Super appreciate your insight!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Michele,

      It would help to know your starting location, but I’ll assume it’s the US or Canada because you didn’t say. My first thought for this is Argentina, which of course is in mid spring in late October. Buenos Aires is a wonderful city with great food and culture. You could also visit Mendoza, which is the lovely wine region, and Bariloche, which is a mountain resort area with year-round activities and such. Then there is always the amazing Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil and Paraguay. It’s by far the most amazing waterfalls and area I’ve seen. Things are pretty cheap in Argentina these days for outsiders because of their weak currency. It’s also got very good outdoor activities in many different areas that should have nice weather in late October. It’s easier if you know Spanish, but still doable if you don’t. I don’t speak Spanish and I enjoyed it so much I stayed for a month. Let me know if you have something else in mind and I can try again. -Roger

  10. Julie says:

    Hi Roger, What a great list! Answers to this question may not involve “great” weather. My 40+ yo boyfriend has never been outside the US (!) while I’ve traveled a bit (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Iceland, Lebanon, E/W Canada, Mexico) and he’d rather go somewhere we both haven’t. We’re in Richmond VA and we’ll be travelling 11/22 – 26 this year. We love being outdoors and solo adventuring, don’t mind putting on rain jackets and lightly hiking/biking around old sites in 50-80 degree F weather; we enjoy delicious cuisine in hole-in-the-wall restaurants and staying in quirky hostels/Airbnb but also spending at least one day being tourons on a big red bus if available. Any ideas in eastern/western Europe? He’s really looking forward to going there. Thanks!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Julie,

      This sounds like a really fun trip you have in mind. I think the challenge is that most of Europe is much closer to 50F than 80F in November, and a good chunk of Europe is already colder than that. I’m running a new series highlighting the best places in Europe (and Asia) to go each month of the year, and I think that the best Europe destinations in November would be helpful to you. Another tricky thing is that you’ve been to many of the warmer places already, and I do understand your boyfriend’s desire to go someplace that neither of you have been.

      If you are really only going for 4 or 5 days you only have time to visit one or maybe two cities anyway. I’d say that Lisbon would be ideal and you’d have time also for a short visit to Porto or the Algarve in the south, or at least the historic small town of Sintra, which is near Lisbon. Lisbon has fantastic weather for Europe and it’s a lovely city with plenty to see and do.

      The other place that comes to mind is Croatia, which also has reasonable weather in November. I’d recommend focusing on Split, which has many similarities with the more-famous Dubrovnik, but it’s easier to reach, much cheaper, and more authentic because Dubrovnik has become kind of cheesy as a cruise port. You could even take a bus to Mostar or Sarajevo in Bosnia for a couple days. The coast in that area is beautiful and there won’t be many other tourists that time of year. I hope these ideas help. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger