In November 2026, six regions of the world offer particularly favourable conditions: Andalusia with its autumnal warmth, the Garden Route at the start of the austral summer, Mexico’s Pacific Coast as its dry season begins, the vast Texan landscapes finally at a comfortable temperature, Argentine Patagonia in its trail-opening spring, and southern Vietnam between clear skies and uncrowded beaches.
Get my travel insurance quoteAndalusia, Spain: Culture and Warmth in the Shoulder Season
November is one of the most pleasant months for Andalusia. Temperatures range from 14°C at night to 23°C in the afternoon on the coast, with generous sunshine and a few rainy days depending on the area. The major sites, Seville Cathedral, Granada’s Alhambra and Cordoba’s Mezquita, can all be visited without the pressure of the summer high season.
In Granada, the Alhambra rises against the first snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, a contrast that is particularly striking in autumn. In Seville, the European Film Festival brings the city to life every November, with a programme open to the general public. The whitewashed hill villages of the sierra, such as Ronda or Grazalema, can be explored without any queues. Andalusian cuisine, tapas and jamón ibérico, is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
To plan your itinerary in Spain, see our guide things to do in Spain: 20 must-sees.
The Garden Route, South Africa: The First Breath of the Austral Summer
From Mossel Bay to Storms River, the Garden Route enters its finest season in November: long days, generous sunshine and minimal rainfall. It is also the tail end of whale season along the southern coast, with southern right whales and humpbacks visible from the cliffs at Hermanus through to November.
Knysna is the highlight of the route: its lagoon, fringed by indigenous forests, is best explored by boat. Local oysters are the town’s great pride, cultivated by the Knysna Oyster Company since 1949 and served on the waterfront. The marina at Thesen Islands, a development of 19 artificial islands connected by 21 bridges, brings together restaurants and shops in a well-appointed maritime setting. Tsitsikamma National Park offers coastal hiking trails and kayaking trips through the gorges of the Storms River.
Mexico’s Pacific Coast: Dry Season and Whales on the Horizon
November marks the start of the dry season on Mexico’s Pacific Coast: clear skies, calm seas and manageable heat. In Puerto Vallarta, humpback whales arrive in Banderas Bay from November to March to breed, with boat trips running regularly from the port.
Oaxaca, inland, makes a natural add-on: cuisine inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, lively indigenous markets and colonial architecture without the stifling heat of summer. On the coast, Huatulco brings together nine bays within a nationally protected park, ideal for snorkelling and relaxing.
Texas, USA: Wide Open Spaces at Just the Right Temperature
Texas has shaken off its summer heat by November. Big Bend National Park, on the Mexican border, enters its high season: daytime temperatures reach 23 to 25°C, making its desert landscapes, canyons and dark sky reserve fully accessible for a road trip. The park is one of the least visited in the United States, preserving a rare sense of quiet.
Austin programmes live music year-round in its venues and clubs along 6th Street. San Antonio and its Paseo del Río, the riverside promenade lined with cafes, can be visited without any waiting. Houston and its Museum District bring together several cultural institutions within easy walking distance of each other.
Patagonia, Argentina: The Austral Spring and Opening Trails
November opens the hiking season in Patagonia: the flora is in full bloom and weather conditions reach their peak before the January and February crowds arrive. Los Glaciares National Park is home to Perito Moreno Glacier, whose regular calving events can be heard from the viewing platforms on the far bank. Across the steppes and around the glacial lakes, guanacos and condors are a constant presence.
El Chaltén, known as Argentina’s national trekking capital, gives access to the Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails without any prior booking for self-guided routes. Ushuaia, further south, is the departure point for the first cruises of the season towards the Antarctic Peninsula.
For the months that follow, our where to go in December guide continues the theme with further winter destinations.
Southern Vietnam: Dry Season, Floating Markets and Phu Quoc Island
Between November and April, southern Vietnam enjoys its dry season. Ho Chi Minh City sits at 26 to 35°C without the monsoon rains. The Mekong Delta is best explored by boat, passing through the floating markets of Cai Rang and Phong Dien, where traders have been exchanging goods from their boats since dawn.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, enters its best period from November: calm seas in the Gulf of Thailand, clear water and uncrowded beaches. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City are frequent and quick.
If your schedule is flexible, see also our where to go in September guide for more autumn ideas.
FAQ
Which destination offers the most guaranteed sunshine in November?
Mexico’s Pacific Coast and southern Vietnam both enter their dry season in November: they are the most reliable choices for good weather. The Canary Islands (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote) are also a safe bet, with temperatures around 23°C.
Is November a good time to visit Patagonia?
Yes: November marks the start of Patagonia’s hiking season, with wildflowers in full bloom and optimal weather conditions. It is one of the best months for Los Glaciares National Park and El Chaltén, ahead of the busy high season in January and February.
Who is the Garden Route in November for?
The Garden Route suits travellers who enjoy mixing beaches, forests, coastal hiking and good food. November is ideal for whale-watching enthusiasts (the tail end of the season at Hermanus) and for those who want to make the most of the start of the austral summer without the January heat.
Do you need travel insurance for these destinations in November?
A hospital admission abroad without adequate cover can cost tens of thousands of euros. Does your bank card actually cover your medical expenses in Vietnam or Argentina, and up to what limit? A dedicated travel insurance policy covers medical costs and organises repatriation if needed: check your existing cover before you travel.
Texas or Mexico in November: which to choose?
If you want beaches, sunshine and cultural contrast, go for Mexico (Puerto Vallarta or Oaxaca). If you prefer wild landscapes, a road trip and a lively urban scene, Texas (Big Bend, Austin, San Antonio) is the better fit. Both destinations are accessible from Europe with one or two stopovers.
