Quick Answer
The best places to visit in November are the Canary Islands for the warmest short-haul sun, Cyprus and Madeira for mild Mediterranean weather, and Dubai or Morocco for real heat on a medium-haul flight. For cities, Vienna and Prague open their Christmas markets in mid-November, while Tromso marks the start of the Northern Lights season. November brings lower prices and far smaller crowds than October half term or the Christmas peak.
Why November Works So Well for a Trip
November sits in a genuine sweet spot. The October half term is over, so family demand falls away, and the Christmas rush has not started yet. That means quieter airports, shorter queues, and hotels and airlines competing harder for your booking.
Fares and hotel rates in November are typically lower than during October half term and well below the December festive peak, especially on midweek departures. The exception is the weekends when the big Christmas markets open, when the most popular cities fill up fast, so book those trips early.
Winter Sun Under Four Hours From the UK
The Canary Islands are the most reliable winter sun within a short flight. The south coast of Tenerife averages highs of around 25 degrees in November, with about six and a half hours of sunshine daily and a sea near 22 degrees, based on long-term records from Spain’s meteorological service. The flight from London takes around four and a half hours, and the south stays noticeably warmer and drier than the north. Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura are similar, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20s.
Cyprus is the warmest Mediterranean option, with daytime temperatures of around 21 to 23 degrees and a sea still comfortable for swimming. Resorts are much quieter than in summer, which suits combining beach time with historic sites such as Paphos. Madeira sits a little cooler at around 20 to 22 degrees, but it is one of the prettiest choices for a November break, with walking trails, gardens and a dramatic coastline.
Malta rounds out the short-haul list at around 21 degrees, and its compact size makes it ideal for a long weekend, with Valletta’s historic streets far easier to enjoy without the summer heat. Southern Spain is also worth a look, with Seville and Malaga holding on to mild, sunny days, and our guide to the best time to visit Spain will help you pick the right month and region.
Warmth Worth a Longer Flight
If you want proper heat rather than mild sunshine, a slightly longer flight pays off. Dubai averages around 30 degrees, with warm seas and reliably clear skies, and the flight from London takes around seven hours. It suits travellers who want a beach and city break in one trip, before the busiest festive season.
Morocco is the closest taste of real warmth, with Marrakech reaching highs of around 24 degrees and a flight time of roughly three hours and forty minutes from London. November is one of the best months to explore the city, with the fierce summer heat gone but days still warm enough for rooftop lunches and the souks. Cape Verde is another strong option, with the island of Sal averaging around 26 degrees and a direct flight of about six hours. Egypt’s Red Sea coast stays hot and dry too, with temperatures in the high 20s around Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Long-Haul Winter Sun for a Proper Escape
For a longer trip, November is when Southeast Asia turns. Thailand’s dry season begins in November, with Bangkok seeing highs of around 33 degrees and far less rain than during the monsoon months, and the flight from London takes around eleven hours and forty minutes.
In the Caribbean, Barbados averages around 30 degrees in November, and the Atlantic hurricane season ends on 30 November, so late-month trips carry less weather risk than earlier in the autumn. Showers are still possible, but they tend to be short and followed by bright sunshine. If you are flying long-haul, read our guide on how to sleep on a long-haul flight before you go, so you arrive rested.
City Breaks and the First Christmas Markets
November is the month Europe’s Christmas markets begin, and travelling before December means you get the atmosphere without the worst of the crowds. Vienna opens first, with the markets at Schonbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz starting on 6 November 2026, followed by the main Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz on 13 November, running until 26 December and open daily from 10am to 10pm. By the last weekend of November, most of Europe’s big markets are open, including Prague and Budapest.
Plan a November city break around the market dates rather than the weather, since northern European cities are cold by then and daylight is short. Pack warm layers, sightsee in the middle of the day, and save evenings for the markets, coffee houses and museums. Hotel rates are usually lower than in December, but the weekends closest to the market openings book up early.
Northern Lights Season Begins
November also marks the start of the Northern Lights season in northern Norway. In Tromso, the dark nights have returned, which makes the aurora visible, and the season runs through the winter into early spring. November trips have an advantage over the deep winter months, since the weather is milder and there are fewer visitors, but expect cold temperatures and limited daylight. Choose a trip of at least three or four nights, since the lights are never guaranteed on any single night.
What November Costs and When to Book
November is one of the cheapest months to travel from the UK, but the savings are not evenly spread. Beach destinations in the Canaries and the Mediterranean are usually at their lowest prices of the autumn. City breaks to Vienna, Prague and Budapest rise in price as the Christmas markets open, especially at weekends, so a midweek trip is often far better value.
Book flights early and stay flexible on dates. Midweek departures are usually the cheapest, and flying in the first half of the month avoids both the market crowds and the late-November price rise. Our guide on when to book flights for the cheapest prices explains how far ahead to book.
Practical Tips for November Travel
Pack layers rather than a single heavy coat, with a light waterproof jacket for the Canaries and the Mediterranean, and proper winter clothing for northern Europe and the Arctic. Even in the warmest destinations, evenings cool down quickly once the sun sets.
Check your passport and entry rules before you book. For most of Europe, your passport must have been issued less than ten years before you enter and must be valid for at least three months after you leave, and UK travellers can visit the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry rules are changing as new EU border systems come in, so check the current ETIAS rules for UK citizens and GOV.UK advice before you travel.
Finally, November has no school holiday in the UK, so midweek flights and family hotels are quieter and often cheaper than in October. If you are travelling with children, check term dates with your school before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is hot in November within four hours of the UK?
The Canary Islands are the warmest, with Tenerife’s south coast averaging highs of around 25 degrees. Cyprus follows at 21 to 23 degrees, with Madeira at 20 to 22 degrees and Malta at around 21 degrees. Marrakech is also under four hours away, at around 24 degrees.
Is November a good time to visit Europe?
Yes, for the right trip. Southern Europe stays mild and quiet, which suits sightseeing and walking, while northern and central Europe trade warmth for Christmas markets and far fewer tourists than December. It is not a beach month for most of the Mediterranean, but it is one of the best for city breaks and value.
When do the Christmas markets open in 2026?
Vienna’s first markets open on 6 November 2026 at Schonbrunn Palace and Stephansplatz, with the main Rathausplatz market following on 13 November until 26 December. Most other big markets, including Prague and Budapest, open by the last weekend of November.
Can you swim in the sea in November?
Yes, in the warmest destinations. The sea around Tenerife is about 22 degrees in November, and the water off Cyprus and Malta is still comfortable for many people. The Mediterranean cools through the month, so early November is better than late November.
Is November cheaper than December for a holiday?
Usually yes. Flights and hotels are typically cheaper in November than during the December festive peak, especially midweek and in the first half of the month. The exception is city breaks over Christmas market weekends, when prices rise and the best hotels book up early. Our October guide shows how the shoulder season changes from one month to the next.
