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


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All Comments

  1. David says:

    Hey Roger,

    Just a quick follow up. Any preferred areas to to stay in PV? I’m not a big partier or anything so don’t need to be close to that action. Any ideas?

    Looking to book a month long stay there arriving in a few days. Be sweet to get around on a bicycle as well if that’s possible and live thar PV life for a bit:)

    Presently looking at options.

    Thanks!
    David

  2. David says:

    Hey Roger,

    Lovely! Yes, stayed in Mexico City once before for a month a few years back. You are very right. The city definitely has some nice areas to stay. I arrived just a couple days ago.

    I just read you reply. I appreciate the input and I have been considering the areas you mentioned and I will definitely focus in on Puerto Vallarta!

    Saludos!
    David

  3. David says:

    Roger!

    Thanks so much for this. Just to update. I’ve decided to go for México instead. Only a 4 hour direct flight from SF which is nice. Landing in México City for a few days and then will probably head out from there. Definitely considering Puerto Vallarta which I have never been to and it sounds like there might be some local vibes too according to your post. I like that. I’m lucky to
    Have about 40 days down there so might toss another location in the mix too and end with PV. I was in México earlier this year as well. So feel quite comfortable down there.

    Europe and Asia hopefully next year! Thanks again and again, really appreciate the site!

    David

    1. Roger Wade says:

      David,

      I think Mexico is an excellent choice. If this is your first visit to Mexico City you will probably be blown away by how much nicer it is than we typically expect. And between the larger and safer west coast resort areas of Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, I definitely think Puerto Vallarta is the best. Cabo is nice, but it doesn’t really feel like Mexico (for better or worse). Have a great time! -Roger

  4. David says:

    Hi Roger,

    Love these lists. I have probably been referring to them almost every year for the last 5 years or so.

    A couple questions..

    Curious what your take on Portugal is mid November thru mid December. A bit chilly I have read, maybe between 50-60 but still quite pleasant one might argue…

    I’m trying to decide where to go 36 days, leaving Nov 8 from San Fransisco or San Jose, California.

    Ideally reasonable weather and good prices. I speak decent Spanish and some basic Portuguese.

    I’ve spent a month or more in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, SE Asia (several countries in that region. Obvioulsy could visit those countries and visit places I haven’t been. Just trying to have a good adventure, culture experience and stay safe.

    Thanks for any brain waves!

    I’m open to anyway.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      David,

      Portugal has the best winter climate on the European continent and I think it could be a good choice. It’ll be a bit chilly, but with no crowds and reasonable prices. I’ve done some winter stays in places like that and always enjoyed them, although it’s important to factor in that there won’t be many other tourists. Portugal also has interesting history and cultural spots, which are still good in colder months.

      If you care less about history and such, and you want warmer weather and a moderate number of tourists, I’d consider the Canary Islands. I’ve spent nearly a month on Tenerife (the largest of the islands with the most English speakers) and it’s very relaxing. Aside from a volcano and a moderately interesting capital city, there aren’t many attractions. That is nice if you just want to relax in a fun place with very good tourist infrastructure. I’m sure you could rent an apartment or Airbnb for a very good price. I’d recommend the southern area around Los Cristianos. I’m not sure what the COVID situation is, but I do know that you can dine and drink outdoors all year round, which could feel a bit safer. Your Spanish would obviously come in handy, although most of the tourists that time of year are from northern Europe (including the UK) and everyone speaks English. I hope that helps. -Roger

  5. Sharky says:

    Hello Roger,

    I am getting married on November, and planning a Honeymoon trip on December first week. I have fixed my budget to 2K USD. I would be travelling from Bangalore, India. Please could you suggest few romantic places available in this budget.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Sharky,

      All of my best suggestions are on this article about the best Asia destinations in December. Fortunately, the weather in December is better than in November in quite a few places, so you’ve got some really good choices. I think an island in Thailand could be a good, romantic choice with good weather and reasonable prices that isn’t too far from you. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

  6. Tee says:

    Hi Roger,

    Can you please give me any tips for a Thanksgiving travel to Galapagos? Any other alternative/s?

    Many thanks.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Tee,

      I wish I could help with this. The Galapagos Islands are one of the few popular places that I’ve yet to visit. I do have an article on budget travel to the Galapagos Islands from one of my freelance writers, so I hope that helps. Sorry about that. -Roger

  7. Khan says:

    Hey, my family and I wanted to go anywhere warm with beaches that is cheap and affordable from Chicago ORD. We’ve already been to Mexico, and want to avoid Punta Cana. Let me know 🙂

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Khan,

      I recently wrote a new article highlighting the best alternatives to the Dominican Republic. I think that advice should answer this question much more completely than I’d be able to answer in a comment. Also, if you’ve been to the Cancun area and want something new you might look into the Puerto Vallarta area. Aside from both being popular with tourists, the areas are almost nothing alike. Puerto Vallarta is based around an old fishing town so it has real history and interesting architecture compared to most of Cancun. And the sunsets over the Pacific are special pretty much every time.

      I hope the article is useful and I’m happy to answer other questions if you have any. -Roger

  8. andie says:

    Thanks for all of this Roger! It looks like in the comments you mention Portugal a couple times and I wanted your opinion – we’re looking at the first two weeks and probably focusing on Lisbon to Porto (since we know it will be too cold to do the beaches in the south). While Portugal seems to be highly recommended, I keep seeing conflicting information about November being rainy – we definitely don’t want to spend 2 weeks in the rain but in your experience what are the chances of that? Thank you!!

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Andie,

      Portugal does have one of Europe’s best autumn climates, but as you’ve noticed November can be a bit rainy. That said, in my experience it rarely rains for long periods in that part of Europe so I think it’s very unlikely that a big part of your trip would be “rained out.” Also those cities have lots of great indoor attractions so if you see that it’s supposed to be clear in the morning and drizzly in the afternoon, you can plan to explore neighborhoods in the morning and plan to visit a museum or castle in the afternoon. It’s a bit of a crap-shoot and generally Portugal has nicer weather than most of the rest of Europe at any given time. I hope this helps. -Roger

  9. Parin says:

    Thanks for the information.
    As I am confused between Bali, Thailand and Mauritius. What would you suggest?

  10. Parin says:

    Hi,
    I am looking for a family holiday trip in late November for 5-6 days with my 7 year old boy and wife from India.
    Is Bali safe to travel at that time considering recent earthquake and tsunami.

    1. Roger Wade says:

      Parin,

      The rainy season in Bali starts in the second half of the month, although it’s still not bad because it’s usually only a short downpour here and there. It could be a very good option for you considering so many other tropical beaches and islands in that area are much wetter in November.

      And as far as I can see, Bali is totally up and running as of now. A friend of mine is a driver there and he has a steady stream of foreign guests who are going all over the island with no difficulties. November is a pretty good month in that it’s not too busy, so that’s another reason it might be a good choice. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger