The crowds of summer in August hotspots such as Italy, Croatia and France are a thing of the past once the school holidays are over and autumn has cooled off warm temperatures.
November brings wet, dark and dreary weather to the UK with the bang of Bonfire Night; summer days usually feel like a distant dream by this point in the year. The upside? With that comes great holiday deals, including cheap accommodation and discounted flights, depending on where you’re heading.
With the respite of the still mild (in some places) “shoulder season” months of September and October firmly over, having some vitamin D to look forward to can be crucial in the build-up to Christmas.
From European islands to Asian coastal cities, certain destinations see average temperature highs of 32C in November as summer starts in the southern hemisphere.
So dig out your sunnies and dust off your sandals; here’s The Independent’s round-up of beach vacay destinations to thaw out on scorching shores and top up a tan before the December festivities begin.
Read more: The best holidays to book for November, from Thailand’s dry season to French snowscapes
Best November holiday destinations for sun
Bangkok, Thailand
November marks the end of the monsoon season in Bangkok, with temperatures plateauing at around 33C, the same daily highs as the sweltering Thai summer – although perfectly manageable from the comfort of a beach resort. Sunshine hours in Thailand’s capital and largest metropolis peak in November and warm, dry conditions prevail for balmy evenings spent at Bangkok’s lively, social night markets.
The character of buzzing Thai cities is best exemplified by the vibrant nightlife and well-populated stalls here, and Bangkok’s mix of markets, temples and sky bars sit alongside a range of boutique, luxury and budget hotels to suit a diverse cast of visitors.
Read more: Why you should visit Thailand during the off-season
Barbados, Caribbean
Just north of the equator, November in Barbados boasts eight daily hours of sunshine, peak temperatures of over 30C and the end of monsoon and hurricane season in the Atlantic. High rainfall in sporadic showers is still likely, but the tropical climate is incredibly inviting regardless of the short downpours – refreshing breaks from average humidity levels of 82 per cent.
With beach resorts to suit all budgets, from colonial Bridgetown to Oistins fishing village and its fried fish Fridays, this beautiful Caribbean hotspot encourages you to embrace the heat and try hiking, snorkelling and tantalising local cuisines.
Read more: The best things to do in Barbados, from snorkelling to exploring rum distilleries
Brisbane, Australia
The capital of Australia’s Queensland region, Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate is hot and humid with high levels of rainfall in the summer. Come November, drier, warm days of the late Australian spring present ideal opportunities for exploring the city's parks and animal sanctuaries while enjoying eight daily hours of sunshine and comfortable temperature highs of 26.6C.
On the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests and world-class museums, Brisbane also offers the chance to indulge in renowned Australian breakfasts and Brisbane’s craft beer scene.
Read more: The best Australia holidays to do in your lifetime
Cape Verde, Africa
Cape Verde, a cluster of 10 islands off the West African coast, sees year-round hot temperatures for tourists looking to sun themselves at seaside resorts. The tropical isles’ proximity to the equator means balmy weather conditions, a dry climate and gentle breezes grace the volcanic shores in every season, with average temperature highs of 28.3C in November.
Holidaymakers taking an autumn escape to Cape Verde, a six-hour flight from the UK, can expect off-grid hotels, white sands and a fusion of African and Brazilian cultures in both the cuisine and local languages – breathtaking views in Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago island are also well worth the hike.
Read more: Can I do more than just ‘fly and flop’ in Cape Verde?
Dominican Republic, Caribbean
The average temperature in the Dominican Republic in November is over 30C as the wet season starts to dwindle on the mountainous Caribbean island. Autumn does still see a fair amount of rain, but despite there are sunny days too; conditions range from coast to coast and tourists will find the driest November days in the south of the island.
Outdoor enthusiasts and thrillseekers will thrive on a holiday to the Dominican Republic. Think huge surf waves, self-drive dune buggies, wild nightlife and offshore humpback whale watching.
Read more: Best winter sun holiday destinations without the jet lag
Goa, India
Uninterrupted sunshine, dry beach days and leafy rainforests bless Goa in the wake of the monsoon season, making it the perfect holiday destination for some pre-winter sun. The west coast Indian state sitting between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator sees average daily temperatures of a scorching 32C in November and Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, also takes place in the autumn month.
In the multicultural meeting of Indian and Portuguese influences, a hive of vibrant markets and old-world Unesco-listed churches and convents in Velha Goa city also offer tourists fascinating glimpses of history in this paradise by the Arabian Sea.
Read more: Where is hot in January? Best holiday destinations for winter sun
Jamaica, Caribbean
In the West Indies, Jamaica’s hot temperatures of up to 32C offset dramatic mountain landscapes, clear seas and golden sands all year round. The dry season from the end of November to May sees peak sunshine hours and limited rainy days as Jamaica becomes less vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes outside of the Atlantic monsoon season. The island peaks as a tourism hub from mid-December so November is a great time to holiday in the heat with fewer crowds.
Drink in the laid-back vibe, vibrant culture, reggae music and, of course, Jamaican rum in a dynamic environment full of jungle adventures, authentic flavours and local soul.
Read more: The best things to do in Jamaica
Orlando, Florida, US
The host city of the wonders of Walt Disney World, Orlando, otherwise known as the “theme park capital of the world”, boats average temperature highs of 29C in November (more comfortable for thrillseekers in ride queues than the sweltering mid-30s of early August). Chances of rain are low and humidity levels start to drop from November, so it’s enticing to travel off-peak to the “happiest place on earth”.
Aside from its proximity to rollercoasters, Orlando is a bright, modern city full of fine dining, evening entertainment and thriving suburbs with a chilled-out charm, not forgetting some of Florida’s best beaches.
Read more: The ultimate guide to Orlando’s best theme parks
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Europe and a short-haul flight have finally made their way onto our November holiday recommendations. Year-round sunshine cements the Spanish Canary Islands as a tourist favourite for every season, and on the largest island, Tenerife, autumn temperatures remain in the mild low to mid-20s, average wind speeds decline and there are still six hours of daily sunshine to enjoy. Post-summer rainfall levels do pick up, but savings on flights and accommodation may make an out-of-season holiday well worth your while.
Long stretches of black and white sand beaches line Tenerife’s clear seas under the rugged backdrop of dormant volcano Mount Teide – it’s no surprise that all-inclusive offerings from the island’s sprawling seafront resorts are such a hit with the Brits.
Read more: The best family-friendly activities in Tenerife, from water parks to whale watching
