Best holiday destinations for November

Fancy swapping the UK’s damp weather and grey skies for sunshine? November is the best time of year to explore Jaipur - with India’s ‘Pink City’ enjoying mild temperatures and blue skies. Or, if you’re craving white sand beaches and tranquil lagoons, consider a holiday to Mauritius. 

Closer to home, Gran Canaria is still enjoying highs of 21°C this month, with Puerto de Mogán rated the Canary Islands’ best resort – according to visitors.

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
• Tokyo, Japan 17°C
• Mauritius 29°C
• Jaipur, India 29°C

Best short-haul holiday destinations 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 wrap around 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 famous for its delicious produce - from truffles and olive oil to 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 (15 to 24 November) 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 Providers Audley Travel and Hays Travel.

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 20ºC.

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 houses 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, Hays Travel 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.

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 made 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 Exodus Travels, Audley Travel, Hays Travel 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. 

Seaside village Grand Baie and 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 Gorge 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 Audley Travel, Kuoni, Hays Travel and Trailfinders.

Jaipur, India

November high: 29°C

India’s ‘Pink City’ is staggeringly beautiful with its sun-kissed forts and artisan-carved palaces, painted in rosy hues by the Maharaja Ram Singh. Visit this laid-back desert capital now to avoid both the unbearably hot summer and the intense monsoon season.

You’ll also find a mouth-watering restaurant scene that’s the perfect gentle introduction to India. 

The wider state of Rajasthan is famous for its forts, palaces and colourful cities. In Jodhpur, the old town is every shade of blue. The palaces and marble temples of Udaipur – known as the ‘City of Lakes’ – are even more magical from a sunset cruise.

Book holidays to Jaipur with Which? Recommended Providers Audley Travel, Kuoni, Hays Travel, Exodus Travels and Trailfinders.