Best destinations to visit in November in North America
Best destinations to visit in November in North America
November revolves heavily around one holiday in North America, with Thanksgiving driving one of the busiest domestic travel weeks of the year.
Airports and highways fill up in the days surrounding the holiday, even as international travel to the region quiets down elsewhere in the month. Ski resorts across the northern mountains begin their season too, though early conditions can vary a lot depending on the year. The Caribbean and coastal Mexico head into their dry season, drawing travelers looking to escape the colder weather further north. National parks grow noticeably quieter, offering a calmer alternative for travelers avoiding the holiday crowds altogether. Hurricane season also officially wraps up at the end of the month, closing out the Atlantic storm season for the year.
The destinations on our list for North America reflect that same range, from a bustling Thanksgiving travel week to quiet, dry season escapes.
Lists by region
City in United States
New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
Dutch traders settled the tip of Manhattan in 1624 and the city has been remaking itself ever since. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has marched through Manhattan since 1924. The Rockefeller Center tree lights up around the end of November and skating rinks open in Central Park.
City in United States
Phoenix
Desert sun, art and adventure
By November the summer heat is gone and highs settle in the mid 70s Fahrenheit under clear blue skies. Hikers climb Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak in the morning while golfers fill desert courses. The Desert Botanical Garden has easy trails past saguaro, barrel cactus and agave.
City in United States
Savannah
Southern Charm, Moss-Draped Squares
General James Oglethorpe founded this city in 1733 and laid it out around small park squares. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss shade Forsyth Park and November highs reach the low 70s Fahrenheit. Ghost tours leave the squares after dark and River Street has candy shops in old cotton warehouses.
City in United States
Asheville
Blue Ridge arts, brews and views
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this city sees autumn colour linger in the valleys into early November. The Blue Ridge Parkway has overlooks and hiking trails just a short drive from town. Biltmore Estate, a mansion finished in 1895, begins its Christmas season in early November.
Region in Mexico
Riviera Maya
Sun‑kissed beaches and ancient Mayan ruins
November marks the start of the dry season, with sunny days near 29 degrees Celsius and warm Caribbean water. Tulum has Mayan ruins on a cliff above the sea while cenotes, which are clear sinkhole pools, lie inland. Xcaret Park holds a Festival of Life and Death around the start of November.
State/Prefecture in United States
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
Unlike much of the mainland, these islands stay warm in November with highs near 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Big winter waves begin to roll onto the North Shore of Oahu from November and draw top surfers. Humpback whales begin arriving off Maui in late November and stay until spring.
City in United States
Charleston (South Carolina)
Southern Charm, History and Coastline
A mid sized port city on the South Carolina coast, this is one of the oldest cities in the South. November highs reach the mid 60s Fahrenheit, which suits walks past pastel houses on Rainbow Row. Oyster roast season runs from autumn to spring at restaurants and backyards.
Outer Territory in United States
Puerto Rico
Caribbean rhythms, rainforests and beaches
Locals begin the holiday season early with music, roast pork and parrandas, which are late night singing visits to friends. November highs are near 85 degrees Fahrenheit and hurricane season ends on 30 November. Old San Juan has blue cobbled streets and El Morro fort, built in the 1500s.
City in Canada
Quebec City
Old World Charm in North America
Like a small European town, this walled city in French speaking Canada has steep lanes and a hilltop castle hotel. Light snow often falls in November and the quiet streets are free of summer crowds. Chateau Frontenac, opened in 1893, stands above Dufferin Terrace, a wide boardwalk with river views.
City in United States
Palm Springs
Desert Modernism and Mountain Views
A small desert resort city of about 45,000 people, this is a long time retreat for Californians seeking winter sun. November highs reach the high 70s Fahrenheit, which suits pools and golf. The Aerial Tramway climbs to 8,516 feet on Mount San Jacinto in ten minutes to cool mountain air.
Country
Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, stunning beaches, pure adventure
November is the end of the rainy season, so forests are green and prices are lower than in peak months. Arenal Volcano rises above hot springs near La Fortuna and Monteverde cloud forest has hanging bridges. Olive ridley turtles nest in huge groups on Ostional beach into the fall.
City in United States
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
Red rock cliffs and quiet trails give this high desert town a calm feel that draws hikers and artists. November highs reach the mid 60s Fahrenheit and crowds thin out after October. Cathedral Rock glows orange at sunset and the Chapel of the Holy Cross sits in a red cliff.
City in United States
Key West
Tropical charm at the end of the road
Reached by a long drive over 42 bridges, this island sits about 90 miles from Cuba. November highs are near 80 degrees Fahrenheit with lower humidity, so beaches and boat trips are comfortable. Hemingway lived on Whitehead Street in the 1930s and nightly crowds gather at Mallory Square for sunset.
Region in Mexico
Baja California Sur
Desert meets ocean adventure land
Jesuit missionaries founded the mission at Loreto in 1697 and later built stone churches along the peninsula. November days are sunny and dry at about 29 degrees Celsius with calm seas for snorkelling. Boats from La Paz take swimmers out to see whale sharks from October to April.
City in Mexico
Oaxaca
Colonial Charm and Rich Traditions
Rich in food and craft, this southern Mexican city feels rooted in its Zapotec and Mixtec past. Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November fills the streets with marigolds, altars and parades. Markets sell mole, a sauce of chillies and chocolate, while Monte Alban is a Zapotec site on a hilltop.
Island in United States
Saint Thomas
Sun‑kissed beaches and vibrant nightlife
Part of the US Virgin Islands, this hilly Caribbean island has sheltered harbours and white sand beaches. Magens Bay has a long curve of calm water and November brings sunny days near 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Hurricane season ends on 30 November and ferries link the island with nearby Saint John.
National Park in United States
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
Locals avoid summer and visit in the cool months, when highs sit in the mid 70s Fahrenheit. Badwater Basin lies 282 feet below sea level and sunrise light turns the Mesquite Flat dunes gold. Nights are cold and the park is an International Dark Sky Park with clear views of the Milky Way.
Country
Belize
Tropical paradise with diverse ecosystems
Small and laid back with a long barrier reef offshore, this Caribbean country feels like a quiet getaway. Rain eases by late November and the sea turns clear for snorkelling and diving. The Great Blue Hole is a sinkhole about 125 metres deep and Xunantunich is a Mayan temple site.
Town in Canada
Tofino
Wild Pacific, Rainforest, Endless Waves
A tiny town of about 2,500 people on Vancouver Island's wild west coast, this is a cold water surf town. Storm watching season runs from November to March when big Pacific waves crash onto Chesterman Beach. Hot Springs Cove is reached by boat or floatplane and has natural pools beside the ocean.
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