Palm trees on the beach in Maldives

Where Is Hot in November? 12 Best Winter Sun Destinations for 2026

Bethany Rogan on 21 Sept 2026

If you're looking out of the window at grey skies and wondering where you can find some sunshine in November, you're not alone. November is one of my favourite months for a holiday because it gives you the chance to escape the UK chill before the Christmas rush begins. While there are plenty of places where you can find warm weather, choosing the right destination isn't simply about finding the highest temperature. Do you want guaranteed sunshine and a private pool? A luxurious beach resort? Somewhere with plenty to explore? A long-haul adventure? Or perhaps an all-inclusive escape where you don't have to think about anything once you arrive? I've put together 12 of the best destinations for a November holiday, including where I'd actually recommend going depending on the type of trip you're looking for.

Where is hot in November?

If you're looking for warm weather, November is a great time to consider long-haul destinations, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and parts of the Caribbean. Here's a quick look at some of the best options:

Destination

Typical November temperature

Best for

Maldives

Around 30°C

Luxury beach holidays

Mauritius

Around 28°C

Beach + experiences

Dubai

Around 30°C

Luxury + city

Thailand

Around 30°C

Adventure + beaches

Barbados

Around 30°C

Caribbean sunshine

Seychelles

Around 29°C

Honeymoons + luxury

Oman

Around 29°C

Adventure + luxury

Mexico

Around 29°C

Beach + culture

Bali

Around 30°C

Villas + experiences

Dominican Republic

Around 30°C

All-inclusive

Egypt

Around 27°C

Winter sun + value

Cape Verde

Around 26°C

Shorter-haul winter sun

The 12 best winter sun destinations for November

1. The Maldives – for switching off completely

Man in sea

If your idea of the perfect November holiday involves stepping straight from your villa into warm turquoise water, the Maldives is difficult to beat.

November marks the beginning of the drier season, although some rainfall is still possible. Temperatures remain around 30°C, with warm seas making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

My biggest piece of advice when booking the Maldives is not to choose a resort purely because it has an overwater villa!

We stayed in one and, despite how beautiful it was, we barely used it. We spent far more time on the beach, around the island and in the water.

The island itself, food, service and overall atmosphere will make a much bigger difference to your experience. I'd much rather see your money going towards a genuinely exceptional resort than simply paying a premium for the words "overwater villa".

Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, luxury beach holidays and anyone who genuinely wants to do very little.

2. Mauritius – for more than just a beach holiday

Church by the sea in Mauritius

Mauritius is one of my favourite choices if you want sunshine but don't want to spend the entire holiday lying beside a pool.

I stayed in Mauritius for my honeymoon, and one of the things that surprised me was just how much there is beyond the resort. It's easy to look at Mauritius and think "beautiful beach holiday", but the island has mountains, nature, culture, food and plenty of experiences to add into your trip.

November is warm, with temperatures around 28°C, and the island gives you plenty of options beyond the beach.

It's also a fantastic choice for couples who want a luxury resort without feeling completely removed from the destination itself.

Best for: Honeymoons, couples, families and anyone who wants a mixture of relaxation and experiences.

3. Dubai – for sunshine with plenty to do

The Burj Khalfi in the background of buildings

November is one of the best times of year to visit as it is much more comfortable conditions for exploring, dining outdoors, visiting attractions and spending time around the pool.

I split my time between the UK and Dubai, and after spending so much time here, I know the different areas, hotels and experiences incredibly well. And that's important because where you stay in Dubai can completely change your holiday.

You could stay Downtown for restaurants, shopping and the city atmosphere, choose the Palm for a more resort focused trip, or look at areas such as JBR or the Marina depending on what you want from the holiday.

I think Dubai is so good for people who get bored after three days on a sun lounger. You can combine a luxury hotel with beaches, restaurants, shopping, desert experiences And Dubai works particularly well if you're the sort of traveller who gets bored after three days on a sun lounger.

Best for: Luxury, couples, city-and-beach holidays, shopping and travellers who want plenty of choice.

4. Thailand – for adventure, food and beautiful beaches

Swan towel on bed by window next to sea

Thailand is a destination I've returned to many times, and the reason I keep going back is because every trip has felt completely different.

Think jungle, incredible food, long-tail boats, island hopping, boutique hotels and beautiful beaches.

You can also create a completely different type of trip depending on where you go. A luxury hotel in Phuket will feel very different from a private villa on Koh Samui or a few nights exploring Bangkok.

Thailand is a brilliant option if you want a holiday that feels like an adventure rather than simply a resort stay.

Best for: First-time Asia trips, couples, food lovers, adventure and longer holidays.

5. Barbados – for classic Caribbean sunshine

Colourful huts and palm trees

If you're dreaming of white sand, warm sea and a rum punch in your hand, Barbados is worth considering.

November is warm, with temperatures around 30°C, and the island offers much more than simply beautiful beaches.

You can explore Bridgetown, visit rum distilleries, go sailing, snorkelling or simply spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

It's particularly appealing if you want the relaxed feel of a Caribbean holiday but still want restaurants and activities beyond your resort.

Best for: Couples, beach lovers, foodies and relaxed luxury.

6. Seychelles – for a seriously special escape

Boats on seas in seychelles with palm tree above

The Seychelles is one of those destinations where the photographs really don't do it justice.

November brings warm temperatures of around 29°C, and the islands are particularly appealing if you're looking for somewhere peaceful and romantic.

It's less about having endless entertainment and more about beautiful surroundings, exceptional hotels, nature and that feeling of being somewhere genuinely special.

I'd particularly consider it for a honeymoon where the priority is privacy and scenery rather than a packed itinerary.

Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, couples and luxury travellers.

7. Oman – for something a little different

Water and palm trees by mountains in Oman

If you've done Dubai and want something that feels a little less obvious, look at Oman.

It's an increasingly popular destination. You get dramatic mountains, desert landscapes, beautiful coastline and some seriously impressive hotels.

I'd particularly recommend Oman to someone who likes the idea of Dubai but wants something more natural, understated and adventurous.

Best for: Adventure, road trips, couples and luxury travellers who want something different.

8. Mexico – for beach, culture and incredible food

Colourful umbrellas above street lined with buildings in Mexico

Mexico is another strong November option, particularly if you want a holiday that combines relaxation with plenty to see and do.

The Riviera Maya gives you beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, while the surrounding area offers cenotes, Mayan ruins, jungle and some fantastic food.

If you want a completely different experience, Mexico City or Oaxaca can be incorporated into a longer itinerary.

And this is where I'd always recommend looking beyond the hotel.

A five-star resort can be wonderful, but Mexico is a destination I'd encourage you to experience outside the resort too.

Best for: Couples, honeymoons, food lovers and longer holidays.

9. Bali – for villas, wellness and experiences

Sun loungers by pool and jungle in Ubud

Bali can be a little more complicated weather-wise in November, as the wet season begins, but that doesn't mean you should rule it out.

If you're looking for a luxury villa, incredible food, wellness experiences, jungle scenery and a slower pace of life, Bali can still make a wonderful November escape.

Ubud gives you jungle, rice terraces, wellness and a much more tranquil feel, while Seminyak is more about restaurants, beach clubs and being close to the coast.

Best for: Villas, wellness, couples, foodies and travellers looking for something different.

10. Dominican Republic – for an easy all-inclusive escape

Palm trees on beach by sea

Sometimes you don't want an itinerary.

You don't want to get up early, visit five different attractions or spend hours in a car. You want a beautiful resort, a good book and someone else to bring you a drink.

And for that, there really is no place quite like the Dominican Republic.

The resorts can offer so much that you genuinely don't need to leave. Multiple pools, beaches, restaurants, bars, water sports and entertainment mean you can spend a week doing as much or as little as you want.

Temperatures are around 30°C in November, making it a strong choice for an easy all-inclusive escape.

The trick is choosing the right resort. Two properties can both advertise themselves as five-star while offering very different levels of service, food and overall experience.

Best for: All-inclusive holidays, couples, families and anyone who wants permission to do absolutely nothing.

11. Egypt – for winter sun without the long-haul flight

Pyramids in Egypt

For something closer to home, Egypt can be a very good November option.

Temperatures around the Red Sea can reach the high 20s, making it warm enough for pool and beach days without the intense heat you can experience earlier in the year.

It's also one of the destinations I'd look at if value matters.

There are some excellent all-inclusive resorts, and you can combine your stay with experiences such as snorkelling, diving or visiting ancient sites.

Best for: All-inclusive holidays, families, couples and good value winter sun.

12. Cape Verde – for a shorter winter sun escape

Buildings and water under bridge

If you don't want to travel halfway around the world for sunshine, Cape Verde is a destination worth considering.

November is generally warm and dry, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s.

It's particularly suited to travellers who want a relaxing resort holiday without the longer flight times associated with the Maldives, Caribbean or Indian Ocean.

Best for: All-inclusive holidays, winter sun and shorter-haul escapes.

I don't believe in recommending the same destinations, hotels or itineraries to everyone. 30°C in the Maldives and 30°C in Dubai can mean two completely different holidays! The best holiday is the one that actually fits you.

If you're considering a November escape and have no idea where to start, I can help narrow it down - from the destination and hotel to the little details that make the trip work. Get in touch!

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