Looking to escape the long, cold evenings in November? If so, this is one of the best times to visit India; the monsoon is over, the heat is comfortable, national parks begin to open and some fabulous festivals take place. In Mexico, the rainy season reaches its conclusion, and locals celebrate the Day of the Dead with colourful parades and cultural events. Meanwhile, Argentina is experiencing late spring, and both vibrant Buenos Aires and wild Patagonia are less crowded than in peak season. November is also one of the best times to visit Cambodia, as drier, cooler conditions let you tour the temples and cruise the rivers in relative comfort.
Best destinations to visit in November
India
November is one of the best times to visit India – especially the northern regions. Although it is one of the driest months, it’s not as hot or humid as other months, nor does the temperature plummet at night. Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, falls each year between October and November, and sees the nation illuminated by oil lamps, fireworks and electric light displays. It’s the perfect chance to immerse yourself in local culture. This is also the time of year of the five-day Pushkar camel fair, which combines livestock trading, an open-air market, and fairground attractions.
Mexico
In November, Mexico finishes transitioning from the wet to the dry season; the showers have stopped but the crowds of tourists have yet to arrive. It’s an especially good time to combine the coast with central Mexico, while the highlands are now cooler. The Day of the Dead festival takes place on 1-2 November, and is celebrated with street parties, family gatherings at loved ones’ graves, and the exchange of sugar skulls. Two of the best places to experience Mexico’s Day of the Dead are Oaxaca and Lake Patzcuaro.
Argentina
Come November, the homeland of tango is at the tail-end of spring. Flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming up, and the skies are clear. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, welcomes fewer visitors than in the peak tourist months (December to February), promising a more relaxed experience. It’s also a quieter time to visit Patagonia, which offers comfortable conditions for hiking and cruising. Off the coast of the Valdes Peninsula, it’s the final month of the whale watching season, where you may spot southern right whales as well as orca.
Cambodia
November is one of the best times to visit Cambodia, as – although you can still expect warm, humid weather – the monsoon clouds part and the dry season arrives. Make the most of the low rainfall with excursions to the most impressive monuments of the Khmer empire, including the sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat. Under clear blue skies, enjoy relaxing cruises along Tonle Sap Lake, passing the ‘floating’ villages of Siem Reap; or soak up the sun on the palm-fringed beaches of the southern coast.