Best destinations for a holiday in November

The dark nights are drawing in at home, but you don’t have to venture too far for sunshine overseas.

The Greek island of Crete enjoys some of Europe’s longest summers, while Gran Canaria is pleasantly warm year-round. If you’re not averse to travelling long haul, then Mauritius offers picture-perfect white-sand beaches and tranquil lagoons.

Or get into the festive spirit early in Gdansk with return flights as cheap as £34 from London. Whatever your preference or your budget, see our recommendations for an escape in November away from the gloom. 

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Best places to visit in November

• Crete, Greece 19°C
• Gran Canaria, Spain 21°C
• Marrakech, Morocco 22°C
• Gdansk, Poland 5°C
• Perugia, Italy 13°C
• Hong Kong 24°C
• Mauritius 29°C

Where is hot in Europe in November?

Crete, Greece

November high: 19°C

Greece’s biggest island also enjoys its longest summers. In November, Crete’s ancient monuments, beauty spots and spacious beaches can be enjoyed at comfortable temperatures without the high-season crowds. Don’t be afraid to take a dip in the sea, either – the average water temperature is still 20°C.

Skip the capital, Heraklion, and head west to Chania, which was rated one of the Mediterranean’s best seaside towns in our survey. Chania clinched four out of five stars for its food and drink and the maximum five stars for its sparkling harbour. 

Its 14th-century Venetian old quarter is home to sleek restaurants as well as traditional tavernas. Nearby attractions include the Elafonisi nature reserve, with its pink-sand beaches, and serene Lake Kournas.

Book holidays to Crete with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2holidays, Kuoni and Trailfinders.

Gran Canaria, Spain

November high: 21°C

A safe bet for year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria offers mild November temperatures and rugged, varied scenery. Make the most of the warmth by kicking back on its black-lava and white-sand beaches, or by visiting its natural swimming pools, botanic gardens and golden desert at the Dunes of Maspalomas. 

Puerto de Mogán – located on the island’s sparsely populated, vertiginous west coast – is the perfect base. Its harbour of low-rise apartments and flower-covered archways impressed visitors, topping our survey of the best towns and resorts in the Canary Islands. The beach is sandy, sheltered and backed by half a dozen local restaurants. 

Go to Gran Canaria with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2Holidays, Kuoni, Hays Travel and Trailfinders.

Marrakech, Morocco

November high: 22°C

The sweltering heat has passed, but it’s still warm in this vibrant Moroccan city - making it an excellent time to visit. The main square of Jemaa el Fna is a must-see at night, when snake charmers, storytellers and musicians gather to entertain the crowds. You’ll also enjoy a less frantic experience in the souk; haggling for spices, leather bags and argan oil in the colourful maze of stalls. 

In November, the Jardin Majorelle - a 12-acre oasis of palms, cactus and bougainvillea within cobalt blue walls - will be in full bloom. You can combine it with a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent museum; the legendary fashion designer bought and restored the exotic garden in the 1980s.

Make the most of the cooler evenings with a tagine and a fresh mint tea at one of the many open-air rooftop restaurants - with views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. You could book return flights for November for as little as £30 when we checked.

Book a holiday to Marrakech with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2holidays, Audley Travel, Trailfinders and Hays Travel

Where is cheap to visit in November?

Gdansk, Poland

November high: 5°C

Krakow is repeatedly ranked the top city break in Europe, but what about Gdansk? This handsome harbour city is the perfect base for exploring Poland’s Riviera. But don’t leave too quickly. Its market square Dlugi Targ is backed with pretty pastel-painted burgher houses, with ice cream shops and cafés spilling onto cobblestone pavements. You’ll find Gothic St Mary’s Basilica nearby - the largest brick church in the world.

The city’s famous Christmas market will kick off later in the month (21 November to 23 December) - where you can exchange kisses under the mistletoe and meet Lucky the Moose – a multilingual elk who hums carols and tells jokes. 

Stock up on everything from Polish pottery to handcrafted toys in the 17th-century Great Armoury, then enjoy a mulled beer and pierogi (dumplings) in a snug bar

Best of all, return flights from London were as cheap as £34 when we checked.

Book a holiday to Gdansk with Which? Recommended Providers Hays Travel and Jet2holidays

Perugia, Italy

November high: 13°C

This hilltop city, located in the lush Umbrian region between Rome and Florence, should be on every traveller’s wish list. Defensive walls encircle a fine historic centre, where the main thoroughfare, Corso Vannucci, is the perfect spot for people-watching. 

In Via dei Priori, little churches are crammed beneath buttressed arches and the only remaining medieval tower left in Perugia. 

The green heart of Italy is renowned for its exceptional produce, including truffles, olive oil, wine and chocolate. The local Baci Perugina is a soft-crunchy triumph of dark chocolate and hazelnut. 

November sees the arrival of the 10-day Eurochocolate festival (13 to 22 November), which features chocolate art displays and chocolate-inspired street performances. Visitors can also sample the finest confectionery from around the world. November flights from London to Perugia Sant'Egidio were as little as £34 return when we checked.

Find holidays to Perugia with Which? Recommended Provider Trailfinders.

Best long-haul holiday destinations in November 

Hong Kong

November high: 24°C

Hong Kong is so much more than a stopover city, it’s where the ultra-modern meets centuries-old traditions. And November, with its cool, dry climate, is the perfect month to experience it. 

You’ll break a minimal sweat climbing the 268 steps to the Tian Tan Buddha; an enormous seated statue cast in 250 tonnes of bronze. The ascent of Victoria Peak, the city’s best viewpoint, is also less sticky at this time of year. Or you can take the gravity-defying tram to the summit, departing every 15 minutes. Either way, the views of the skyline are spectacular.  

The Star Ferry is another unmissable experience for uninterrupted vistas of the skyscraper-dominated cityscape. Hop on just before 8pm and bag a window seat to watch the nightly Symphony of Light show, a choreographed display of lights and lasers shooting from the buildings. 

For a taste of old Hong Kong, visit the Tai O fishing village and its famous stilted houses. 

Book a holiday to Hong Kong with Which? Recommended Providers Kuoni, Trailfinders and Destination2

Mauritius

November high: 29°C

This Indian Ocean island has everything a laid-back beach-lover needs – sun, white sands, palm trees and tropical reefs for snorkelling. 

The seaside village of Grand Baie and the capital, Port Louis, enjoy highs of 29°C in November. West coast Flic en Flac and Le Morne – which are nearer to the jaw-dropping Black River Gorges National Park – are milder at 27°C and 26°C respectively.

Beyond those talcum-powder beaches, there are trails to explore in Black River Gorges National Park and boat trips to Mauritius’s uninhabited islets.

November is the perfect time to enjoy the year-round sunshine in the sweet spot between the peak summer and winter crowds.

Find holidays to Mauritius with Which? Recommended Providers Destination2 and Trailfinders.