November's arrival brings a unique charm to island destinations around the globe. As temperatures cool in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere welcomes warmth, creating a perfect balance for island enthusiasts. Let’s join us on a comprehensive journey to discover the best islands to visit in November.
1. Bali (Indonesia) – one of the best islands to visit in November in Asia
Bali is a famous Southeast Asia travel destination, offering one of the most beautiful Asian beaches. With temperatures between 26°C and 31°C, Bali in November provides pleasantly warm weather for beach activities. The inviting sea, with a temperature of around 29°C, beckons for swimming and water sports.
Bali in November offers a blend of cultural celebrations and natural wonders, including vibrant festivals, shopping in bustling markets, and exploring serene water temples like Tirta Gangga and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Adventure seekers can embark on a Mount Batur sunrise trek or immerse themselves in Ubud's cultural heart.
2. Santorini (Greece) – a great choice for nature exploration in Europe
Santorini in November reveals a serene ambiance as summer crowds disperse, offering a different perspective on its raw beauty. Santorini is believed to be the best Greek island to visit in November. With mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, Santorini provides comfortable weather for exploration.
Reduced crowds enhance the experience, allowing for the enjoyment of popular attractions like the iconic caldera and charming villages. Activities include hiking the Caldera trails, exploring archaeological sites like Akrotiri and Ancient Thera, and indulging in wine tasting experiences. Santorini is one of the best islands to visit in November, inviting visitors to enjoy a quieter ambiance with leisurely walks along beaches, peaceful sunsets, and the allure of quaint alleyways.
3. Maui (the US) – the best Hawaiian island to visit in November
November marks the end of the fall shoulder season in Maui, offering great deals on accommodations, flights, and rental cars. With relaxing tropical weather, average highs of 28°C, and lows around 21°C, Maui provides a pleasant escape. While November marks the start of the wet season, occasional rain showers are a small trade-off for reduced costs and milder temperatures.
Special events in Maui include the Thanksgiving Paddle for Hunger, Restaurant Week in Wailea, the Made in Maui County Festival, the Maui Turkey Trot, and the Arbor Day Garden Expo and Tree Giveaway. These events add unique experiences and cultural exploration to a budget-friendly Maui vacation in November.
4. Phu Quoc (Vietnam) – the so-called pearl island
November marks the beginning of the dry season in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. The weather in Phu Quoc in November enjoys approximately 10 hours of sunshine daily. The warm seawater, averaging 29°C, invites visitors to fully enjoy stunning beaches and various outdoor activities.
Nevertheless, Phu Quoc in November offers a range of recommended places to explore, including VinWonders Phu Quoc - Vietnam's largest theme park, Grand World Phu Quoc with its European-inspired sophistication, and Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc for engaging with various rare species.
The weather on Phu Quoc Island during November also makes it the best time to visit Phu Quoc beaches like Long Beach, Starfish Beach, Dinh Cau Beach, Vung Bau Beach, Ong Lang Beach, and more.
When coming to Phu Quoc, one of the best islands to visit in November, it is highly recommended that you stay at Vinpearl Phu Quoc. Vinpearl Phu Quoc resorts and hotels enjoy world-class facilities, from expansive pools to private beachfronts. These properties also offer diverse dining experiences, water sports, and spa treatments. Visitors can choose from various elegant accommodations with modern amenities and breathtaking views here.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc for a truly relaxed and comfortable stay in Vietnam
5. Fiji Islands – beautiful volcanic islands in the South Pacific
November marks the start of the rainy season in Fiji, offering a unique opportunity for a beach holiday despite occasional showers. The rain isn’t heavy, creating a decent beach experience and allowing for outdoor excursions. With temperatures reaching up to 29°C, Fiji in November experiences less rainfall than during the peak of the rainy season.
Travelers can explore local culture during Diwali in towns with prominent Indo-Fijian communities, such as Nadi or Suva. The vibrant festivities during Diwali offer an immersive experience for everyone coming here. Additionally, if you stay on the south coast of Viti Levu, you can embark on a half- or full-day safari tour along the Sigatoka River to explore the jungle-covered interior of the island.
6. Phuket (Thailand) – among the best islands to visit in November for beach activities
November is an excellent time to visit Phuket, one of the most popular Southeast Asia travel destinations. With temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities without the intense heat. Phuket's sea temperature in November averages around 29°C, providing an ideal environment for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Highlighted activities and events in Phuket during November include the Patong Carnival, a colorful cultural event featuring traditional Thai dances, music, and elaborate costumes. Day trips to Phang Nga Bay offer a picturesque paradise with a visit to James Bond Island. Phuket Wake Park provides excitement for wakeboarding and water skiing enthusiasts of all levels. For adventure seekers, zip-lining through the lush jungle canopy offers breathtaking views and thrilling experiences.
7. Zanzibar (Tanzania) – where to go in November for the best diving
Zanzibar’s temperature continues to rise in November, offering warm nights around 22°C and daytime highs surpassing 30°C. Despite the unpredictability of occasional storms, the gentle winds create delightfully glassy seas, making this month an opportune time for diving enthusiasts.
Nestled within this so-called one of the best islands to visit in November are noteworthy attractions beckoning exploration. The white-sand beaches of Nungwi Village offer a pristine setting for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Cheetah's Rock, a ZIPA-accredited wildlife rescue and conservation center, is renowned for its educational cheetah tours. Additionally, the coastal wonders of Nakupenda Beach, Paje Beach, and Jambiani Beach invite discovery, making Zanzibar a compelling destination for both relaxation and underwater exploration.
8. What Caribbean island is best to visit in November? – St. Lucia
As temperatures gradually cool in North America, St. Lucia remains a haven of warmth in November, making it one of the best Caribbean islands to visit in November. with temperatures ranging between a delightful 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. This climate creates an ideal backdrop for indulging in long, leisurely days spent by the pool, basking in the tropical ambiance. While November does see some rain, it is quickly followed by sunshine.
Highlighting the top attractions for November, St. Lucia boasts wonders such as the Saint Lucia Estuary, Crocodile Centre St Lucia, Cape Vidal, and a myriad of other natural and wildlife treasures waiting to be explored.
9. Réunion – a warm island in France in November
Temperatures rise to a pleasant 30°C along the Réunion coast in November. However, the island's unique geographic positioning ensures that despite the robust solar radiation, the Indian Ocean mitigates high temperatures, rendering November an optimal time for a journey to Réunion.
Réunion Island stands as a versatile destination, boasting an active volcano on its southern coast, warm and welcoming beaches spanning 17 miles in the west, and a captivating tapestry of mountains and forests in between. From hiking the island's distinctive "cirques" and canyoning amidst numerous waterfalls to scuba diving and surfing in the clear waters, November provides an opportune window for a varied and memorable Réunion holiday.
10. Canary Islands – a Spanish archipelago to visit in November
As November unfolds, the Canary Islands reveal a delightful side, positioning themselves as an enticing escape in the Spanish archipelago. The transitioning season from autumn to winter brings varying precipitation patterns, with the northern mountainous regions, including Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria, experiencing more rainfall. In contrast, the southern parts remain dry and sheltered.
Choosing the southern regions of Gran Canaria and Tenerife ensures the best chances for sunny weather, while Lanzarote benefits from drier conditions in the southern areas. With an average temperature above 21°C, the waters remain warm enough for swimming. However, it's worth noting that November nights in the Canary Islands can get chilly, prompting a suggestion to bring a cardigan.
Highlighting the top attractions for November, the Canary Islands boast a myriad of captivating sites, including Siam Park, Loro Park, Timanfaya National Park, Mount Teide, Jameos del Agua, Playa de Maspalomas, and Las Canteras Beach.
11. Mauritius – a true tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean
Mauritius, a captivating island nation in the Indian Ocean, enchants visitors with its stunning shorelines and dream-like scenery. Nestled to the east of Madagascar and along the southeast African coastline, it beckons beach and adventure enthusiasts. November emerges as an ideal season for explorers seeking water activities and thrilling adventures.
The island's pristine nature and ideal locations offer a myriad of activities for visitors. Belle Mare invites visitors to dive into water adventure sports, while Casela Park provides a unique opportunity to walk with lions. Albion Caves offer the excitement of cave ski kayaking, and Ile Aux Cerfs promises an exhilarating parasailing experience.
12. Barbados – another island destination in the Caribbean for November trips
Barbados, an alluring island in the Caribbean, basks in warm temperatures around 29°C, with lows of 25°C in November. With approximately 8 hours of daily sunshine, visitors can indulge in numerous pristine sandy shores. The sea temperature, averaging around 27 to 29°C, makes November an ideal time for beach activities.
Some of the top things to do in Barbados in November include visiting Bathsheba Bay to marvel at the rugged coastline, exploring Harrison’s Cave for an underground adventure, browsing the Barbados Museum and Historical Society to uncover heritage, and seeing St. Nicholas Abbey to step back in time.
13. Palawan – among the best islands to visit in November in the Philippines
Palawan, among the best places to travel in Asia in November, experiences hot and sunny weather with occasional cloudy periods. Despite occasional showers, November is excellent for sunbathing and swimming, thanks to the very warm sea temperatures.
Palawan has a plethora of attractions suitable for a November excursion. Discover Puerto Princesa Subterranean, a mountainous national park with a 5-mile underground river, and Small Lagoon, a quaint green-water lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. If you are a beach enthusiast, Nacpan Beach, Honda Bay, Seven Commandos Beach, and Las Cabañas Beach offer picturesque sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and admiring stunning sunsets.
>>> Want to travel beyond Palawan? Here are some recommended Asia tours to check out!
Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, beach relaxation, or underwater adventures, the best islands to visit in November offer a diverse range of experiences. From the iconic shores of Bali to the secluded beauty of Palawan, plan your November escape to these paradises for memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the warmth, indulge in local flavors, and discover the unique charm each island has to offer!
