Where's hot in November?

November’s hottest destinations are a varied bunch. You could head to East Africa for wildlife viewing or to the Indian Ocean, where beaches bask in sunshine. Parts of Asia are lush and green — ideal for hikes — while New Zealand sees some of its highest temperatures and Central America is hot and dry, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture.

November at a glance

Destination	Max. temp.	Sunshine hours	Average flight time
Tanzania	Max. temp.	34 °C	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	11¾ hours (via Nairobi)
Mauritius	Max. temp.	28 °C	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	12 hours
Laos	Max. temp.	30 °C	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	14½ hours (Vientiane, via Bangkok)
Mexico	Max. temp.	34 °C	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	12 hours (Direct)
New Zealand	Max. temp.	21 °C	Sunshine hours	7 hours	Average flight time	26 hours via LA or 25 hours via Hong Kong
Indonesia	Max. temp.	34 °C	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	13 hours (Jakarta, via Singapore)

Tanzania

November heralds the beginning of Tanzania’s green season, when short bursts of rain start to transform the landscape. The Great Migration herds reach the Serengeti from Kenya, and you’ll see them on the plains with their newborn calves. This is also when migratory species arrive from North Africa and Europe, making it an excellent time for birdwatching.

Type of heat in Tanzania in November: It can become hot and humid, with maximum temperatures of 34°C (93°F). Short downpours usually occur overnight, but are also possible during the day, though they’re unlikely to affect your wildlife viewing.

Average temperature in Tanzania in November: 29°C (84°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Tanzania in November: 9 hours

Average flight time to Tanzania: 11¾ hours (London to Kilimanjaro Int Airport via Nairobi)

• Lion, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
• Maasai woman, Tanzania
• Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
• Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
• Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Mauritius

While boasting a tropical climate year-round, Mauritius experiences some of its hottest temperatures in November. You can relax on pearly sands, take boat trips to hop between tiny islets and nature reserves, or spend the day snorkelling and diving in calm, aquamarine lagoons filled with kaleidoscopic fish.

Type of heat in Mauritius in November: Humidity begins to build in November and tropical downpours are possible, so expect some days to feel stickier than others — it’s easy to cool off in the clear waters. Maximum temperatures can reach 28°C (82°F.)

Average temperature in Mauritius in November: 26°C (79°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Mauritius in November: 9 hours

Average flight time to Mauritius: 12 hours (London to Plaisance)

• Le Morne, Mauritius
• Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius
• Tamil Kaylasson Temple, Port Louis, Mauritius
• Seven Coloured Earths, Chamarel, Mauritius
• Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, Mauritius

Laos

In Laos, the rains have subsided to leave a lush, vivid-green landscape that’s ideal for exploring. Rivers are at their fullest, making November the best month for enjoying a Mekong river cruise. This is also an excellent time of year for visiting the country’s many waterfalls, which are in full throttle.

Type of heat in Laos in November: Hot, humid but mostly dry, with maximum temperatures of 30°C (86°F), though you’ll find cooler conditions in the highlands.

Average temperature in Laos in November: 28°C (82°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Laos in November: 8 hours

Average flight time to Laos: 14½ hours (London to Vientiane, via Bangkok)

• Mekong River, Laos
• Nong Khiaw, Laos
• Patuxai Monument, Vientiane, Laos
• Cascading Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Khmer Hindu temple, Wat Phou, Laos

Mexico

Whether you’re exploring the Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá, discovering more about the country’s history and art on a tour of Mexico City’s murals, or delighting in Day of the Dead celebrations, November is a great month for soaking up Mexico’s distinct culture thanks to mostly hot, dry days.

Type of heat in Mexico in November: Hot and dry, rainfall is generally low, though showers are possible. Maximum temperatures can reach 34°C (93°F).

Average temperature in Mexico in November: 27°C (81°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Mexico in November: 8 hours

Average flight time to Mexico: 12 hours (London to Cancun)

• Chichén Itzá, Mexico
• Day of the Dead celebrations, Mexico
• Humpback whale, Baja California, Mexico
• Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal, Mexico
• Mexican tacos

New Zealand

Hot in New Zealand terms at least, November brings mostly dry weather and beautiful foliage across the landscape, from wild gorse to lupins. You can explore the country’s mountains, lakes, and coastal trails on a self-drive trip by car or campervan, or journey on foot along one of its many revered hiking tracks.

Type of heat in New Zealand in November: By no means stifling, New Zealand in November is pleasantly warm as the country experiences some of its highest temperatures of around 21°C (70°F). Rain is always a possibility whenever you visit.

Average temperature in New Zealand in November: 17°C (63°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in New Zealand in November: 7 hours

Average flight time to New Zealand: 25 hours upwards, depending on airline (London to Auckland via Hong Kong)

• Lupins, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
• Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, New Zealand
• Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
• Waipoua Forest, New Zealand
• Lake Matheson, New Zealand

Indonesia

The hot, humid conditions in Indonesia during November mean that, if you don’t mind the heat and the chance of rain, you can enjoy the country’s temples and other highlights with fewer crowds, and the landscape is particularly scenic. We especially like Bali and Lombok at this time of year, which tend to be sunnier.

Type of heat in Indonesia in November: Temperatures soar to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) and whilst the humidity rises, you’ll find cooler conditions in the highlands.

Average temperature in Indonesia in November: 31°C (88°F) depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Indonesia in November: 9 hours

Average flight time to Indonesia: 13 hours (London to Jakarta, via Singapore)

• Rice terraces in Munduk, Bali, Indonesia
• Candidasa, Indonesia
• Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia
• Komodo National Park, Indonesia
• Prambanan temple, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia