Skip to content
EmpyreanTravel · Est. 1984

Where to Go

Where to Travel in November

Where to travel in November: Kyoto’s autumn leaves, Dubai and Egypt in their best season, Cape Town’s early summer, and the Seychelles, plus Thanksgiving tips.

Plan a November trip 310-480-5832

Quick answer

Reviewed · 3 min read

November is the month for Kyoto’s autumn leaves, which typically peak from mid-November to early December. Dubai and Egypt enter their pleasant season, Cape Town warms into early summer, and the Seychelles enjoy calm seas. Thailand’s dry season begins, Europe’s Christmas markets typically open late in the month, and Antarctica’s expedition season starts.

Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research

Empyrean Travel · Boarding Pass
Top city pick
Kyoto (autumn leaves)
Top beach pick
Seychelles (calm seas)
Top Africa pick
Cape Town (early summer)
Best for corporate travel
Plan around U.S. Thanksgiving week
Book by
Kyoto 6+ months ahead; holidays by summer
Plan a November trip

Best places to travel in November

Why is November good for Kyoto, Dubai, and Cape Town?

Kyoto’s temples and gardens turn red and gold in autumn, with peak color typically from mid-November into early December. It rivals cherry-blossom season in popularity, so famous spots are busy at midday; early mornings and quieter temples make a big difference.

November also starts the comfortable season in the Middle East and North Africa: Dubai cools to pleasant beach weather and Egypt is ideal for sightseeing. It’s early summer in Cape Town, and Southern Africa’s green season begins in the bush, with newborn animals and lower lodge rates.

What should you avoid in November?

November is a transition month, so check each destination’s season.

  • U.S. Thanksgiving week (the fourth Thursday): among the busiest domestic travel days of the year.
  • Seasonal Mediterranean closures: many hotels on the Amalfi Coast and Santorini close for winter from around November.
  • Kenya and Tanzania’s short rains typically arrive in November, usually as brief showers, often with lower rates.
  • French Polynesia’s wet season typically begins in November; it’s warm and often fine, but showers increase.
  • Atlantic hurricane season officially runs until November 30, though late-season storms are less common.

What should business travelers know about November?

Thanksgiving effectively removes the last full week of November for U.S. meetings. AWS re:Invent typically fills Las Vegas in late November or early December, and Web Summit typically takes place in Lisbon in November. The Dubai Airshow is typically held in November in odd-numbered years.

November is also the time to lock in December holiday travel and to finalize next year’s travel policy before budgets reset.

How far ahead should you book November travel?

Kyoto in autumn-leaf season needs six months or more for the best hotels. Book Thanksgiving flights by late summer for the best fares and seats. If you want to travel over Christmas or New Year’s, November is late; many resorts and safari camps are already full, so act quickly.

Frequently asked questions

When is fall foliage in Kyoto?

Kyoto’s autumn colors typically peak from mid-November to early December, depending on the year’s temperatures. Maples at temples such as Tofuku-ji and Eikan-do and in the Arashiyama area are especially popular. It’s one of the city’s busiest seasons, so book hotels six months or more ahead and visit the famous temples early in the morning.

Where is warm in November?

Warm November options include Dubai, Egypt, Cape Town, the Seychelles, Thailand, and Mexico’s Caribbean coast as hurricane season winds down. Dubai and Egypt are entering their most comfortable months, Cape Town is in early summer, and Thailand’s dry season is beginning. French Polynesia is warm too, though showers increase as its wet season begins.

Is November a good time for a safari?

It can be, often with lower rates. In Southern Africa, November is the start of the green season: the first rains turn the bush lush, impala and other antelope give birth, and many lodges move to green-season pricing. In East Africa, the short rains usually bring brief showers. Wildlife viewing is still good, just a little less predictable than in the dry season.

When should I book Thanksgiving travel?

Book Thanksgiving flights by late summer or early fall for the best mix of price and choice; the Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically among the busiest flying days of the year. If you’re flexible, flying on Thanksgiving Day or returning on Monday or Tuesday is often easier. For international Thanksgiving trips, book four to six months ahead.

Official sources

Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.

Keep exploring

Ready when you are.

Tell Gigi where you're headed — she responds personally within one business day.

Plan a Trip Corporate Travel Desk