November can often be overlooked when it comes to taking a trip. However, late season sun, fewer crowds and the end of the storm season in many tropical regions make this month a brilliant time to visit many parts of the world. Here's our pick of the best destinations to visit in November.

This popular coastal escape might be better known as a summer destination, however, cooler autumn days here bring about stunning displays of foliage and lively festivals, such as the Provincetown Food & Wine Festival. For a more unique activity, follow the cranberry harvest trail. Cranberry season typically begins around Labor Day and runs until mid-November. Several farms in the area offer farm and bog tours – join one at the Cape Farm and Cranberry Company, the largest organic cranberry bog on Cape Cod.

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Although weather-wise November is often a cold and grey month to visit this Baltic country, what it lacks in sunshine and daylight hours, it makes up for in historic and cultural events. November marks several important dates for Latvians. Catch thousands of candles illuminating the historic walls of Riga Castle on 11 November, commemorating those who fought in the Latvian War of Independence in 1919. Then, on 18 November for Latvian Independence Day, witness many events, from concerts to a heart-stirring, fire-lit torch procession at night. Also on 18 November, the annual light festival, Staro Riga, illuminates the city with installations.

For beach holidays without the crowds, November in the Caribbean is perfect. Head to Punta Cana on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic for plenty of sunshine without sky-high hotel rates. This area is particularly good for multi-generational holidays, with several resorts featuring both family-friendly and adults-only pools, and there are also plenty of activities on offer, from boat trips to snorkelling.

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November marks the end of Costa Rica's rainy season, and while you might still get caught in the odd downpour, the upside of visiting now is that prices are low and the crowds fewer, while the country's numerous national parks, cloud forests and jungles are lush and refreshed. Expect sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, or vice versa. The Northwest Pacific region of Costa Rica is the driest in November, so head here if your plans mostly include lounging on the beach.

Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is one of Mexico's biggest celebrations and there's no better place to see the spectacular event than in the country's capital. Enormous remembrance altars are erected in Zocalo, the city's central plaza, and at night candles flicker in cemeteries. The biggest event is the parade, featuring giant floats and participants with traditional sugar skulls painted on their faces. This year the parade takes place on 4 November.

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If you can't wait to hit the powdery pistes this season, you're in luck – several ski resorts in the Alps open as early as November. Swiss ski resorts such as Davos Klosters and Obertauern begin operations in November, initially only on weekends, so you can enjoy your first runs of the season (snow permitting) before the new year arrives. 

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving to the New Year, is one of the most popular times to visit New York City, but you can still enjoy a bit of Christmas magic with a visit in the first half of November. Many stores will already have their festive displays and decorations up so you can get stuck into some Christmas shopping, while the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center is already in operation from late October. Early November is also a more affordable time to visit the city and if you're lucky, you might still catch the late-autumn leaves in Central Park. 

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Loy Krathong – Thailand's Festival of Lights – is undoubtedly one of the country's most beautiful celebrations and the events in Chiang Mai are particularly stunning. During the November full moon, krathongs (woven baskets made from banana leaves and decorated with flowers, incense and candles) are floated as offerings to Pra Mae Khongkha, a goddess of the waters. As a country that has historically heavily relied on its waterways, this is an important offering that symbolises a request for forgiveness for using the natural resources. This year the festival is celebrated on 27 November, with celebrations also taking place a few days before and after the full moon. 

While the Northern Hemisphere is gearing up for winter, November heralds the arrival of spring down south, making New Zealand prime for some nature exploration. The average daytime temperature is a balmy 18ºC (64ºF) and many natural attractions are at their best, such as Pukekura Park, famed for its rhododendrons, or see carpets of lupins (pictured) around Lake Pukaki.

Also enjoying spring in November is Argentina, where a dusting of purple covers many Argentinian cities. The jacaranda trees fill the streets with a mild, pleasant scent and their beauty and charm have often been likened to the sakuras (cherry blossoms) in Japan. November is also a great time for events in the Argentinian capital, such as the annual Jazz Festival, which takes place from 2-5 of the month this year.

While Lisbon is often named one of Europe's coolest cities, its temperatures in November are anything but, with an average temperature of around 18ºC (64ºF). The cobbled capital is loved for its first-class yet affordable dining, cheap and cheerful hole-in-the-wall bars and ancient trams and funiculars. Carve out enough time (and belly space) to sample as many pasteis de nata as possible. Culture vultures will appreciate the Lisbon Film Festival and Misty Fest, a world music and jazz festival – both of which take place in November.

Come December, Germany's towns are taken over by Christmas markets – and tourists. Escape the crowds by planning an early weekend break to Cologne to celebrate the Christmas spirit. The annual Christmas market season here starts at the end of November, when several markets spring up. Don't miss the quaint Village of St Nicholas in Rudolfplatz; do some Christmas shopping in the Market of Angels at Neumarkt; and make a beeline for the main event – the market at Cologne Cathedral, with its huge Christmas tree.

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With far fewer people than you’d typically find here in summer and less leaf-peeping crowds compared to New England, the Great Smoky Mountains are excellent for an autumnal escape. The temperatures haven't dropped dramatically by November, but things still feel lovely and crisp – the perfect conditions for evenings by the campfire. The Gatlinburg Bypass and Foothills Parkway are just two of the many scenic drives, with many trailheads leading to panoramic overlooks.

As the Solar Cycle is heading towards a Solar Maximum by July 2025, the next few years are a great time to go hunting for brighter-than-usual Northern Lights – and November is a brilliant month to see them in Iceland. Usually, winters can be quite harsh and snowy here, with many remote areas – which are best for viewing the aurora – becoming dangerous and impassable. November brings dark, clear nights and perfect conditions for spotting the lights. Either join a Northern Lights hunting tour or go seek them out yourself with the help of the hello aurora app.

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Once summer's high heat has subsided and the crowds have dispersed, the Greek capital can breathe again, making it a relaxing time to marvel at the city's wealth of ancient and historic attractions. The November sun will be pleasant instead of scorching as you wander around the Acropolis and the Parthenon, with perfectly blue skies as a backdrop. Most cafes still have their tables outside too, so you can enjoy a coffee or lunch al fresco. 

With its rainy season now over, head over to this lesser-known archipelago of 10 islands located off Africa's western tip for laidback winter sun in November. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista offer sprawling white-sand beaches fringed by stunning resorts. Meanwhile, for art and African-Portuguese culture, head to Sao Vicente; for lush volcanic scenery, try Fogo; and for hiking in the hills visit Santo Antao. 

Not to be confused with Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, Dev Deepawali takes place on the night of a full moon, around 15 days after Diwali, and is a festival celebrating the gods. It is celebrated in India's holy city of Varanasi, which takes on a magical, otherworldly feel during the festival thanks to the thousands of diyas (oil lamps) that are placed on ghats – steps leading from a bathing or cremation place down to the River Ganges. As the light from the diyas dances on the water, locals take a dip in the river to wash away their sins and feel closer to god. 

Even though November often marks the start of the rainy season for Namibia, that's not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to wildlife watching. As the dry season comes to an end, many animals gather at watering holes, such as those at Etosha National Park, in anticipation of the rain clouds arriving. This means it's a great time to observe animals, as well as exploring untouched savannah and dramatic scenery, with less crowds and cheaper accommodation prices too.

As the relentless summer heat subsides, late autumn is the perfect time to head to Oman if you've always wanted to explore the desert. Rippling dunes, mountain villages and date palm-fringed oases can all be explored without breaking into too much of a sweat as temperatures are around the mid to late 20s (around 80ºF). Pair a Muscat city break and lounging by the pool with day adventures to the desert to get the best of both worlds.

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November spells the end of Kerala's wet season, meaning the monsoons have passed and the region is bursting at the seams with greenery, from its palm-fringed waterways to the verdant slopes of the Western Ghats. The beaches here are also quieter than in Goa and it's the perfect time for laid-back holidays that feature homestays, for a glimpse into local life. Stay in Fort Kochi for cultural exploration or embrace life on the water with a houseboat stay.

With another month to go until Patagonia's peak season begins, November is perfect if you've been dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure nestled among the emblematic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The temperatures are now in double digits Celsius, yet the prices are still pleasantly low. Head to Puerto Natales, the gateway to the national park, for cheap and cheerful accommodation.

While the sakura season in spring is usually the time of year when visitors flock to Japan, autumn is an equally magical time to see the country. Visit during momiji (meaning red maple leaves) season and catch the wave of crimson, ochre and amber sweeping across the country. Timing your visit to see the display is generally easier compared with the short-lived sakura season, as the leaf-peeping season tends to be longer. Visit in November if you dream of seeing Japan's beloved maple leaves falling like confetti around the gardens of beautiful temples.

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