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Where’s hot in November

From cheap winter sun to top-rated Christmas market cities and more

November is a clever time to go on holiday. Plenty of destinations are still warm enough to provide respite from the UK’s grey skies, and cheaper to visit, too.

If you’re craving white-sand beaches and tranquil lagoons, consider a holiday to Mauritius. Or, closer to home, Gran Canaria still enjoys highs of 21°C – Puerto de Mogán was rated the Canary Islands’ best resort, according to visitors.

Meanwhile, Northern Europe’s festive destinations are just getting started. Visit in November, rather than December, to beat the price spikes. We found flights for under £40 for two major Christmas market cities.

Whatever your preference or your budget, see our recommendations for an escape in November away from the gloom. 


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Best places to visit in November

  • Perugia, Italy 13°C
  • Crete, Greece 19°C
  • Gran Canaria, Spain 21°C
  • Kraków, Poland 7°C
  • Cologne, Germany 9°C
  • Tokyo, Japan 17°C
  • Mauritius 29°C

Where is hot in Europe in November?

For the warmest weather in November, head to southern parts of Europe. 

The Canary Islands (average November highs of 21°C); Cyprus (21°C); Greek locations such as Chania (20°C) and Rhodes (20°C); Malta (20°C); the Algarve region of Portugal (19°C); and Spain’s southernmost cities such as Seville (20°C), Cádiz (19°C) and Malaga (18°C) all offer sunny respite from the UK’s chilly winter winds. 

Moving slightly further afield beyond Europe, Northern African destinations such as Tunisia and Morocco, or Cape Verde, offer even hotter weather during the UK’s winter months – worth considering if you can find a good deal.

Where to go on holiday in November

Perugia, Italy

November high: 13°C

This hilltop city, located in the lush Umbrian region between Rome and Florence, should be on every traveller’s wishlist. Defensive walls encircle a fine historic centre, where the main thoroughfare, Corso Vannucci, is the perfect spot for people-watching. 

In Via dei Priori, little churches are crammed beneath buttressed arches and the only remaining medieval tower left in Perugia. 

The green heart of Italy is renowned for its exceptional produce, including truffles, olive oil, wine and chocolate. The local Baci Perugina is a soft-crunchy triumph of dark chocolate and hazelnut. 

November sees the arrival of the 10-day Eurochocolate festival (14 to 23 November 2025), which features chocolate art displays and chocolate-inspired street performances. Visitors can also sample the finest confectionery from around the world.

Find holidays to Perugia with Which? Recommended Provider Trailfinders.

Crete, Greece

November high: 19°C

Greece’s biggest island also enjoys its longest summers. In November, Crete’s ancient monuments, beauty spots and spacious beaches can be enjoyed at comfortable temperatures without the high-season crowds. Don’t be afraid to take a dip in the sea, either – the average water temperature is still 20°C.

Skip the capital, Heraklion, and head west to Chania, which was rated one of the Mediterranean’s best seaside towns in our survey. Chania clinched four out of five stars for its food and drink and the maximum five stars for its sparkling harbour. 

Its 14th-century Venetian old quarter is home to sleek restaurants as well as traditional tavernas. Nearby attractions include the Elafonisi nature reserve, with its pink-sand beaches, and serene Lake Kournas.

Book holidays to Crete with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2holidays, Kuoni and Trailfinders.

Gran Canaria, Spain

November high: 21°C

A safe bet for year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria offers mild November temperatures and rugged, varied scenery. Make the most of the warmth by kicking back on its black-lava and white-sand beaches, or by visiting its natural swimming pools, botanic gardens and golden desert at the Dunes of Maspalomas. 

Puerto de Mogán – located on this island’s sparsely populated, vertiginous west coast – is the perfect base. Its harbour of low-rise apartments and flower-covered archways impressed visitors, topping our survey of the best towns and resorts in the Canary Islands. The beach is sandy, sheltered and backed by half a dozen local restaurants. 

Go to Gran Canaria with Which? Recommended Providers Jet2Holidays, Kuoni, Hays Travel and Trailfinders.

Where is cheap to visit in November?

Krakow 

Krakow in winter

November high: 7°C

From its hearty delicacies, including pierogi and hot beetroot soup, to its stunning architecture and traditional Christmas markets, Krakow is a city that holds its own when the temperatures plunge. That makes it a smart choice for a November getaway before December arrives, when average temperatures dip by another 5°C.

Which? members voted Krakow the best European city break in our latest survey, due to its five-star food and drink – rated higher than Rome and Paris – along with further top marks for ease of getting around and value for money.

Better yet, we’ve found plenty of return flights for as little as £33 – even if you’re heading out on the last weekend in November to catch the start of the Christmas markets, which this year begin on 28 November.

Cologne

Cologne Christmas markets

November high: 9°C

Another winter city-break crowd-pleaser, Cologne has plenty to offer in November. We found return flights for as little as £39 – even less if you’re able to visit during the week, instead of over a weekend. 

Cologne’s Christmas markets open from around 17 November, giving visitors plenty of time to wrap their hands around a steaming mug of glühwein and wander between stalls laden with traditional crafts. There’s even the Christmas Market Express train, offering a weatherproof – and accessible – way to explore. 

Visit around 11 November to catch the kick-off of the colourful (and usually boozy) Cologne Street Carnival. Otherwise, wrap up warm for a boat tour down the Rhine, admire the soaring Gothic spires of Cologne Cathedral, or retreat into a traditional beer hall for Kölsch and Rhineland comfort food.

Best long-haul holiday destinations in November 

Tokyo

November high: 17°C

November brings autumn colours to Tokyo, beautifying the city – from the glittering retail avenues of Ginza, to the densely packed nightlife and restaurant zones of Asakusa, Shinjuku and Shibuya. 

Japan’s capital has everything for the culture-hungry traveller, with sights and experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. It ranked in the top 10 in our survey of the world’s best long-haul city breaks.

The city is easy to navigate and relatively cheap once you're there. To get a glimpse of Mount Fuji, take the local train west to Mount Takao. 

Travel to Tokyo with Which? Recommended Providers Destination2 and Trailfinders.

Mauritius

November high: 29°C

This Indian Ocean island has everything a laid-back beach-lover needs – sun, white sands, palm trees and tropical reefs for snorkelling. 

The seaside village of Grand Baie and the capital, Port Louis, enjoy highs of 29°C in November. West coast Flic en Flac and Le Morne – which are nearer to the jaw-dropping Black River Gorges National Park – are milder at 27°C and 26°C respectively.

Beyond those talcum-powder beaches, there are trails to explore in Black River Gorges National Park and boat trips to Mauritius’s uninhabited islets.

November is the perfect time to enjoy the year-round sunshine in the sweet spot between the peak summer and winter crowds.

Find holidays to Mauritius with Which? Recommended Providers Destination2 and Trailfinders.