The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are hot throughout the winter months making them ideal for a November beach holiday. But which one is best for you?

Just over 50 miles from the coast of Africa, the Canaries benefit from a pleasant climate and plenty of sunshine all year round. With average winter temperatures hovering around a very mild 22C, sunbathing around the pool or relaxing on the miles of beach is a possibility every day.

Average November temperature: 22C
Average November rainfall: 11mm
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7

Tenerife is the largest and most popular of the Canary Islands with regular flights from the UK and some stunning beach resorts - notably Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos. Many of the beaches have distinctive black sands coloured by ancient volcanic activity. To make the volcanic connection from sunbathing to Mother Nature, head to Mount Teide, which looms over the central part of the island.

Gran Canaria is also home to some beautiful beaches - in particular, Maspalomas, with its white beach and huge sand dunes which provide a spectacular backdrop.

The Canary Islands are also excellent destinations for those looking for watersports opportunities, particularly windsurfing and diving. And those looking for golf won't be disappointed by the range of courses across the islands.

Other islands in the group, such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Gomera, also enjoy great winter sun temperatures, averaging around 22C in November. As travelling at this time of year is outside of the peak season, you can often find last-minute package deals which can be a real bargain. 

Dubai

The shiniest city within the United Arab Emirates is blessed with great weather and is well connected to the UK with daily non-stop flights from six airports.

Dubai is a city with a hot and arid desert climate, which ensures warm and sunny weather all year round. In fact, it's almost too hot in the summer months with temperatures often peaking in the 40s. November is an ideal time to visit Dubai as temperatures are perfect for sun-seekers.

Average November temperature: 31C
Average November rainfall: 2mm
Average hours of sunshine in November: 9

Clean and safe beaches line Dubai's coastline, such as Jumeirah Beach, home to Dubai's best holiday clubs and hotels. Dubai even has a spice souk, perfume souk, gold souk and fish souk which are well worth a visit. For shopaholics, there's also the Dubai Mall with more than 1,000 shops in air-conditioned bliss. And, if it's too hot for you, why not try out the indoor ski slope which is open year round?

Thrill-seeking visitors should try a 4X4 desert safari out of the city, which will take you on a tour of the awe-inspiring dunes. You can also stop at local Arabian settlements or even try your hand at sandboarding!

Where else do we recommend?

Other excellent choices for the month of November include Morocco, Cyprus, Cancun on Mexico's Caribbean Coast, and the Cape Verde Islands...

Morocco

Morocco is another destination that comes into its own once the intense summer heat has died down. Temperatures still average around the mid-20s in winter and the sun shines for around seven hours a day. 

Average November temperature: 23C (Agadir)
Average November rainfall: 48mm (Agadir)
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7 (Agadir)

The coastal resort of Agadir enjoys pleasant sea temperatures in November, and its huge expanse of beach is sheltered from Atlantic winds. Excellent hotels line Agadir's long boulevard with swimming pools, tennis courts and wellness suites. There are also two main daily markets in Agadir and plenty of traditional restaurants serving authentic Moroccan cuisine.

For a mixture of sun and city, head to Marrakech where many large hotels are located in the new town, complete with pools and transfer buses to whisk you into the old city for bazaars, souks and historic sightseeing. You can even enjoy a day out to the stunning High Atlas Mountains - although you will need to wrap up warm as temperatures here fall rapidly in winter.

Cyprus

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus, also known as the Island of Aphrodite, is blessed with sunshine all year round. In the winter months you can rely on six or seven hours of sunshine a day making the destination perfect for a winter sun holiday in November. 

Average November temperature: 21C
Average November rainfall: 53mm
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7

The island has many long sandy beaches which are ideal for sunbathing and a range of watersports. There are both large resorts, such as Paphos, offering holidaymakers everything they need and, in complete contrast, small villages which are a world away from the hustle and bustle with their sleepy streets and quiet squares. Families will enjoy the Coral Bay area 12km away from Paphos Town, with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of bars and restaurants lining a beautiful sandy beach.

With a flight time of around four hours from the UK and a wide range of accommodation options to choose from to suit your budget, Cyprus could well be the November getaway you're looking for.

Cancun

The Caribbean Coast of Mexico is known for both its hedonistic resorts and its white sandy beaches. Cancun is the gateway to the area and a major resort which enjoys hot weather year round.

Average November temperature: 29C
Average November rainfall: 85mm
Average hours of sunshine in November: 6

Despite a 10-hour flight time from the UK, Cancun is well worth the effort to guarantee a great party and a fantastic tan even in the depths of November. It's worth bearing in mind that the beaches of Cancun are split between the north and the east. To the north, Playa Las Perlas and Playa Linda are superb for watersports - in particular the excellent diving tours and turtle farm close to Isla Mujeres. The eastern side of Cancun is home to Playa Ballenas, Gaviota Azul, San Miguelito and Playa Delfines, which are quieter beaches although they can be susceptible to stronger winds.

Away from the beaches, Chichen Itza is fascinating site of Mayan ruins with amazing pyramids and stunning temples, which is well worth a day trip.

Cape Verde

This island group is located off the coast of west Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Verde enjoys cultural influences from Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and Portugal, and offers a unique mix of Caribbean, African and European food and experiences.

Average November temperature: 27C
Average November rainfall: 9mm
Average hours of sunshine in November: 7

Cape Verde is slowly but surely gaining pace in the UK market and is being developed more and more as a mainstream tourist destination - although it is very different to places such as the Canary Islands with which it shares a similar climate. The stunning beaches of Sal and Boa Vista islands are relatively unspoilt and you will find them very quiet in comparison to other popular winter sun destinations.

If you're after more than a sunbathing holiday, why not go hiking on hillsides layered with frozen lava, enjoy incredible surfing and windsurfing opportunities and try your hand at deep sea fishing?

And, if you're looking for a different getaway with average daytime temperatures of 27C, Cape Verde could be the remote escape for you.