Yearning to swap grey skies for sunshine? As the winter weather settles in you may be wondering where is hot in November, especially if you have annual leave to use up, or want to get away during off-peak pricing.
From the Canary Islands to tropical climes, there are plenty of places you’ll still find blue skies, pretty beaches and a welcome dose of sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a few days away or are planning a longer hot November holiday, read on for our round-up of the best warm places in November to suit a range of budgets and flight times.
With plenty of options when it comes to November warm weather holidays, you don’t have to wait until next summer to soak up some sun or dip your tootsies in warm seas.
The Canary Islands are among the easiest places to reach for reliable but milder warmth, while long-haul destinations are the place to go for temperatures in their early 30⁰Cs backed by picturesque tropical beaches.
It’s always November holiday weather somewhere. But the best spot for you will depend on whether you’re after a short flight time or toasty hot temperatures. Use our table to find your perfect winter sun destination.
| Destination | Flight time | Temperature | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife, Spain | 4h 30m | 21⁰C | 6 hours |
| Lanzarote, Spain | 4h 15m | 23⁰C | 7 hours |
| Gran Canaria, Spain | 4h 30m | 23⁰C | 7 hours |
| Benidrom, Spain | 2h 30m | 19⁰C | 6 hours |
| Phuket, Thailand | 12h 0m | 31⁰C | 7 hours |
| Dominican Republic, Caribbean | 9h 0m | 30⁰C | 8 hours |
| The Maldives | 10h 0m | 30⁰C | 6 hours |
| Sri Lanka | 10h 30m | 30⁰C | 7 hours |
*Average temperature, flight time and hours of sunshine in November
“Whether you’re looking for a short weekend away or a longer long-haul holiday, it pays to pick a destination outside of its peak tourist season. You’ll get warm winter sunshine without the crowds, and cheaper prices on flights and hotels too.
In fact, destinations such as the Canary Islands are actually a few degrees warmer in November than December. But you’ll beat the pre-Christmas and winter sun crowds that make December to February one of the region’s peak seasons.
For some long-haul spots such as the Caribbean and parts of Asia, November marks the end of the wet or hurricane season. You’ll still get hot weather, but the risk of showers makes prices more affordable than December to April dry season.”
- Claire Dodd, TravelSupermarket
Your first and biggest decision when choosing between November beach destinations is how far you're prepared to travel. Short-haul options such as Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria offer mild temperatures and around seven hours of sunshine minus the long flight. If you’ve just enough time for a quick escape, they’re a great option. Benidorm is closer still, though noticeably cooler.
For temperatures over or around 30⁰C however, you’ll need to choose long-haul. Thailand, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives and Sri Lanka offer higher temperatures, though some destinations have a greater chance of tropical rain at this time of year.
Wondering where is hot in November short-haul? The Canary Islands are the standout choice, with Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria all averaging daily maximum temperatures of 21-23°C and seven hours of sunshine a day. Prefer to stick to mainland Spain? Benidorm is another option if a shorter flight is more important than guaranteed heat, with daily highs around 19⁰C.
Average maximum temperature in November: 21⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 6 hrs
Tenerife is one of the easiest answers to where is warm in November if you don't want to spend most of your holiday on a plane. Average top temperatures of around 21°C, are just a four-and-a-half-hour flight from London.
The island's south sees the hottest temperatures, making it the top spot for beach holidays. Top resorts range from more budget-friendly Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos, to family-favourite Costa Adeje which is home to many of the island’s swisher properties.
November is also a particularly good time to explore beyond the resorts. Visit picturesque towns such as Garachico with its 16th century architecture and rock pools, or hike the lunar-like trails of the volcanic Teide National Park. Late November marks the start of the island’s peak winter season as visitors seeking winter sun begin to arrive, but prices remain generally reasonable.
Average maximum temperature in November: 23⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7 hrs
Neighbouring Lanzarote is another strong choice when it comes to warm places in November. In fact it’s one of the hottest Canary Islands at this time of year, with temperatures reaching 23⁰C on average.
Head to Playa Blanca, the southernmost resort on the island, for some of the warmest temperatures alongside fluffy white-sand beaches. It’s a top spot for couples and families seeking a quieter beach holiday spot. If a boogie, bars and burgers are more your thing, Puerto del Carmen is the island’s busiest resort town, and is just ten minutes from the airport too, meaning you can start your holiday right away.
Lanzarote's spectacular volcanic scenery is ripe for exploring if you want to leave the resorts behind. Timanfaya National Park is home to the island's dramatic lava landscapes. Or explore the ash-pitted vineyards of La Geria or the lava tunnels of Cueva de los Verdes.
Average maximum temperature in November: 23⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7 hrs
Toasty temperatures also await on Gran Canaria, an island packed with so much to see and do that it’s known as the ‘miniature continent’. From the rolling desert sand dunes of Maspalomas, to its golden beaches, rugged volcanic mountains, green valleys and pine forests, if you’re looking for somewhere scenic to explore, you’ve found it.
Temperatures typically peak at around 23°C at this time of year, with the island's south especially popular with winter sun seekers. Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán all offer slightly different takes on a classic beach holiday. Maspalomas is known for its enormous sand dunes and long beach, while Puerto Rico is a top choice for families and water sports.
Away from the coast, Gran Canaria has mountain villages, hiking routes and the historic streets of Las Palmas to explore. Combine sightseeing and beach time without the intense summer heat.
Average maximum temperature in November: 19⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 6 hrs
Pressed for time? Benidorm is one of the quickest destinations to reach for some winter sun, at just over a two-and-a-half hour flight away from the UK. So it’s worth considering if you’re planning a shorter November break or even a weekend in the sun. The weather is milder than in the Canary Islands, with average temperatures peaking at 19°C, and typically six hours of sunshine a day.
The Mediterranean may be too cool for some swimmers, but its sunny days can still be ideal for enjoying tapas on pretty patios, sipping vino by the sea and wandering the city’s two lively promenades. November is a quiet period here, meaning low-season pricing can be yours. Yes, it’s cooler than the height of summer, but if you prefer fewer crowds over high temperatures, it’s an ideal time to visit.
If your idea of a November escape involves genuinely sizzling hot weather and warm seas, you’ll need to look further afield. Phuket, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives and Sri Lanka all offer temperatures over 30⁰C, although you can expect some unsettled weather across destinations nearing the end of their wet seasons.
Average maximum temperature in November: 31⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7 hrs
Palm trees, towering sea stacks rising from turquoise seas and powder soft beaches; there’s no doubt about it, Phuket has exactly the kind of scenery you dream of when it comes to a tropical escape. And it’s one of the warmest places in November on our list, with temperatures rising up to 31°C and seven hours of sunshine.
Direct flights from the UK take around 11 to 12 hours, but the reward is a tropical beach holiday with warm seas and plenty of outdoor activities. November marks the transition towards Phuket's drier season, so weather can be changeable, particularly earlier in the month. But sunny spells can be excellent for beaches, boat trips and sightseeing. Phuket also offers plenty beyond its beaches, from colourful markets and Thai food to temples and day trips to nearby islands. For a November sun holiday, Phuket is a top choice.
Average maximum temperature in November: 30⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 8 hrs
For a classic Caribbean escape, the Dominican Republic is a popular choice. In November, temperatures top out at a blissful 30⁰C. But be aware, November falls at the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, so some rainfall is possible. The great news is that showers are usually interspersed with plenty of sunshine, and price-wise, it’s a shrewd time to visit ahead of the peak season which runs from December to April.
As for where to stay, Punta Cana is famous for its long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts – from family-friendly and sprawling, to couple-focused boutique bolt holes – which usually means prices remain competitive. However, to explore tropical landscapes, historic towns and mountain scenery head further afield to spots such as capital Santo Domingo, one of the oldest cities in the New World. For warm seas, plenty of sunshine and Caribbean charm, it’s a top choice for November.
Average maximum temperature in November: 30⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 6 hrs
When you think of a true tropical getaway, The Maldives often sits high on the wish list. Warm seas, check. Towering palms, check. Drop-dead gorgeous islands in turquoise waters, check and check. Among the hottest destinations in November, the Maldives is a top choice for a proper beach-based break. And by travelling in November, you’ll beat the peak season which runs from December to April when prices sit a little higher.
While peak season features clear blue skies, minimal rainfall, low humidity and calm seas, November marks the end of the wet season. Expect a little lingering rain, especially early in the month and some humidity. But you’ll be rewarded with 30⁰C sunshine too.
From stilted bungalows over the water, to villas with plunge and infinity pools on the beach, it’s a great time of year to make the most of the luxury accommodation the country is known for.
Average maximum temperature in November: 30⁰C
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7 hrs
Sri Lanka is a good option for travellers who want hot weather but also plenty of opportunities to explore. November is something of a shoulder season across this South Asian island nation where quite different weather patterns affect the coast and lowlands, and the country’s highlands.
In November, it’s still warm and sunny, but it’s also monsoon season in the north-east, meaning the Hill Country and Cultural Triangle can have high rainfall, with rain increasing on the west coast. This does mean tourist sites can be less crowded, so if your priority is warmth and culture over sunbathing, it’s a good time to visit. It’s a good time for wildlife viewing too. Yala National Park reopens following its annual September and October closure, while it’s a good time for dolphin and whale spotting on the south coast.
So, where is warm in November? In general, the further south you travel from the UK, the more likely you are to find high temperatures, although tropical rainfall can affect some destinations. Southern Europe offers milder sunshine, while Africa, Asia and the Caribbean offer a more reliable warmth. Check our regional guide to November weather by destination.
The Canary Islands, Dominican Republic, Maldives, Phuket and Sri Lanka are all warm enough for sunbathing in November. The Canary Islands offer the easiest short-haul option, with average temperatures around 22°C, while long-haul destinations can reach the high 20⁰Cs. Sunshine and rainfall vary, so check forecasts before travelling.
The best countries for warm November weather include Spain's Canary Islands, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise heat, sunshine, low rainfall or a short flight, and whether you’re looking for a more active, cultural break or plan on soaking up the sun.
You can swim comfortably in the sea in destinations including the Dominican Republic, Maldives, Phuket and Sri Lanka. Sea temperatures remain warm in many tropical destinations, with Punta Cana averaging around 28°C in November. The Canary Islands can also be suitable for swimming, although the Atlantic water is considerably cooler at around 22⁰C in Tenerife.
The Canary Islands are among the better choices for relatively dry November weather. Lanzarote is particularly known for its dry climate, while Tenerife and Gran Canaria also offer reliable winter sunshine. If you're travelling long haul, rainfall patterns are more complicated, so choose your destination and coast carefully rather than assuming every tropical destination will be dry.
The best destination for a November beach holiday depends on how far you want to fly. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are excellent for an easy short-haul beach break, while the Dominican Republic and Maldives offer hotter tropical conditions and warm seas. Phuket is another strong option, particularly as the weather starts moving towards its drier season.
Yes, November is still within hurricane season in the Caribbean and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere tropics. The Caribbean season normally runs from June to November, while tropical cyclone risk varies by region. This doesn't mean you should avoid travelling, but you should check the latest weather and travel advice before departure.
The Canary Islands are one of the best choices for warm weather without a long-haul flight. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are around four and a half hours from London and can average about 22°C in November, with around seven hours of sunshine. They're among the most convenient options for a November winter sun break. Or try mainland southern Spain, for a cooler but closer stay.
The Canary Islands offer very similar temperatures throughout November. Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria all have average temperatures in the low to mid 20°Cs, although local conditions vary. However the souths of each of these islands are known to be the hottest with the best weather, and the highest cluster of resorts.
The best places for a city break in November combine warm weather with short flight times. As such, look to the southern Spanish city of Seville, where you can sip sangrias beneath orange trees in 20⁰C sun. Slightly further afield, try Valletta, Malta’s historic capital which is just over a three-hours flight from the UK and also around 20⁰C.
November is an excellent time to find winter sun before the Christmas rush. The Canary Islands are a particularly easy escape. Further afield, the Caribbean, Maldives and Thailand are hotter, though some destinations are nearing the end of their rainy season. Travelling in November can also mean quieter resorts than during the peak Christmas and New Year period.