Where is hot in November? Best destinations for UK travellers

November in the UK means grey skies, dropping temperatures and the long stretch to Christmas. The good news: you don’t have to sit through it. For reliable warmth and sunshine this month, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Cyprus are your best short-haul bets, while Dubai, Mauritius, Thailand’s Andaman coast and the Caribbean deliver genuinely tropical conditions for those willing to fly further. Expect daytime highs of 22–30°C across most of these destinations, with sea temperatures ranging from a comfortable 22°C in the Canaries to a warm 28–29°C in the UAE and Caribbean.

Short-haul picks (under ~6 hours from the UK):

• Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote (Canary Islands) — around 22–23°C
• Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt) — around 28°C
• Cape Verde — around 27°C
• Cyprus — around 22°C

Long-haul picks (over ~6 hours):

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE) — around 29–30°C
• Mauritius — mid-20s with warm seas
• Phuket and Krabi (Thailand, Andaman coast) — around 30°C
• Dominican Republic, Barbados and Cuba (Caribbean) — around 28–30°C
• Goa (India) — around 32°C
• The Gambia (West Africa) — around 32°C

The Met Office seasonal summaries confirm all of these regions as reliably warm in November, with most offering seven or more sunshine hours per day.

Key takeaways

November is one of the best months for UK travellers to find reliable warmth, with short-haul options in the Canaries and Egypt offering 22–28°C and long-haul destinations in the UAE, Caribbean and Indian Ocean delivering genuinely tropical conditions.

Where is hot in November for a short-haul escape?

When you want warm sunshine without a long-haul flight, these destinations deliver. All are reachable in under six hours from most UK airports, and all offer genuinely pleasant beach weather throughout November.

Canary Islands: Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are the go-to short-haul answer for November warmth, typically with daytime temperatures in the low twenties and a sea temperature that many find comfortable for swimming. Fuerteventura’s flat, wind-exposed terrain is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. Lanzarote offers a more dramatic volcanic backdrop with generally reliable sunshine.

Flight times from UK airports run approximately 4–4.5 hours. All three islands suit families, couples and solo travellers, with a wide range of all-inclusive resorts keeping costs manageable.

Pro Tip: Book accommodation on the south side of Tenerife or Lanzarote. The north tends to attract cloud and occasional rain in November, while the south stays noticeably drier and sunnier.

Egypt: Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt is arguably the best-value warm destination in November. FlightTribe’s November guide puts Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh at around 28°C — a full six degrees warmer than the Canaries — with Red Sea water temperatures hovering around 26°C. That makes November one of the best months for diving and snorkelling, with excellent visibility and comfortable water conditions. Flight times from the UK are typically 4.5–5.5 hours.

Egypt suits couples, divers and families looking for all-inclusive value. It’s less suited to those wanting a lively nightlife scene or cultural city breaks.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde sits in the Atlantic off the West African coast and offers warm temperatures in November with good sunshine hours and sea conditions suitable for swimming. It’s a step up in warmth from the Canaries and a step down in flight time compared to long-haul options, at around 6–6.5 hours from the UK. Sal and Boa Vista are the beach-focused islands; Santiago suits those wanting more culture. The trade winds keep conditions pleasant but can make some beaches choppy.

Cyprus

Cyprus completes the short-haul options with mild daytime temperatures in November and enough sunshine hours. The sea temperature is cooler but generally swimmable for most. Flight times are approximately 4.5–5 hours. Cyprus suits couples and those who want a mix of beach time and culture — the island has Roman ruins, mountain villages and a lively restaurant scene that doesn’t disappear in November.

Short-haul November comparison

Long-haul choices for higher heat and warm seas

If you’re prepared to fly further, November opens up some genuinely spectacular options. These destinations offer tropical warmth, warm sea swimming and, in most cases, the start of their best season.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE)

November is one of the finest months to visit the UAE. Daytime temperatures drop from the punishing summer highs to a very comfortable 29–30°C, with low humidity and almost no rainfall. The Arabian Gulf reaches around 27–28°C — ideal for swimming. Dubai suits those who want a mix of beach clubs, luxury shopping and city experiences; Abu Dhabi offers a slightly more cultural angle with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island’s theme parks. Flight times from the UK run around 7–7.5 hours.

As the FlightTribe guide notes, Dubai sits at around 29°C in November, making it one of the most reliably warm short-to-mid-haul options available.

Mauritius

Mauritius in November is pleasantly warm with sea temperatures suitable for swimming and offers lower prices than peak months. British Airways’ travel guide highlights Mauritius as a strong November pick for exactly this reason — you get the warm seas and luxury resort experience without the peak-season premium. Rainfall risk is moderate and tends to come in short afternoon showers rather than prolonged downpours. Flight time from the UK is approximately 11–12 hours.

Mauritius suits couples, honeymooners and families who want a high-end beach holiday. For those considering a private-island feel, the Maldives honeymoon guide offers a useful comparison for Indian Ocean options.

Thailand: Phuket and Krabi (Andaman coast)

Thailand’s November weather varies by coast. The Andaman coast, including Phuket and Krabi, is generally dry in November with warm daytime temperatures and sea conditions suitable for swimming. Nomadmum’s regional Thailand guide is clear on this: the Andaman coast starts drying out in November, making it one of the best times to visit before the peak-season crowds arrive in December. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is a different story — it often remains in its rainy season through November, with heavy downpours and rough seas.

Flight times to Phuket from the UK are approximately 11–12 hours. Thailand suits couples, families and adventure travellers who want a mix of beach time, island-hopping and cultural experiences.

Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Barbados and Cuba

The Caribbean in November sits at the tail end of hurricane season, which officially runs through to 30 November. In practice, the risk drops significantly after mid-October, and most islands enjoy warm, sunny conditions through November with daytime highs of 28–30°C and sea temperatures around 27–28°C. Barbados sits slightly outside the main hurricane belt and has a strong track record for settled November weather. The Dominican Republic offers excellent value with a wide range of all-inclusive resorts. Cuba provides a more culturally immersive experience with beautiful colonial cities alongside its beaches.

Flight times from the UK run approximately 8–9 hours to Barbados, 9–10 hours to the Dominican Republic and around 10 hours to Cuba.

Goa and The Gambia

Goa in November marks the start of its peak season — the monsoon has cleared, temperatures reach around 32°C and the beaches are at their best. It suits those who want a mix of beach, food culture and nightlife at a relatively affordable price point. Flight time from the UK is approximately 9–10 hours.

The Gambia is West Africa’s smallest country and one of the most underrated November destinations. Daytime temperatures sit around 32°C, the dry season is well underway, and it’s just 6–6.5 hours from the UK — making it one of the closest genuinely tropical options available. It suits nature lovers, birdwatchers and those wanting a warm, relaxed beach holiday without a long-haul flight.

The very hottest places in November

For maximum heat, these destinations regularly push above 30°C in November:

• Goa (India): around 32°C, dry season beginning, excellent beach conditions
• The Gambia: around 32°C, very low rainfall, warm Atlantic coast
• Phuket/Krabi (Thailand): around 30–31°C on the Andaman coast
• Dubai/Abu Dhabi: around 29–30°C with very low humidity
• Barbados: around 29–30°C, warm Caribbean seas

A quick caution: high temperatures combined with humidity — as in Goa or parts of the Caribbean — can feel more intense than the number suggests. Shade, hydration and a sea temperature above 26°C make the difference between a comfortable holiday and an uncomfortable one.

Where can you reliably sunbathe and swim in November?

Warm air is one thing; warm water is another. The destinations below are ranked by sea temperature and beach reliability for November.

Sea temperatures below 22°C start to feel cool for extended swimming, particularly for children. The Canaries and Cyprus sit right at that threshold — still swimmable for most adults, but not the warm-bath experience you get in the UAE or Caribbean. For guaranteed warm sea swimming, long-haul tropical destinations are the more reliable choice.

• Best for families with young swimmers: Dubai, Barbados, Dominican Republic
• Best for snorkelling and diving: Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Barbados
• Best for surfing and watersports: Fuerteventura, Cape Verde, Goa
• Best for calm, sheltered bays: Mauritius, Phuket (Andaman), Cyprus

Hot but cheap in November: where to get winter sun on a budget

November is genuinely one of the better months to find value on warm holidays. Demand dips between half-term and the Christmas rush, and resorts in several destinations actively discount to fill rooms.

Best-value warm destinations in November:

• Canary Islands: The most affordable short-haul option. Package deals from UK airports are widely available, and all-inclusive resorts on Tenerife and Lanzarote offer strong value. Typical cost: budget to mid-range.
• Egypt (Hurghada/Sharm): Exceptional value for the temperature on offer. All-inclusive packages are competitively priced, and the Red Sea diving scene adds activity value at low cost. Typical cost: budget.
• The Gambia: Low resort prices, short flight time and a warm, dry climate make it one of the best-kept budget secrets for November. Typical cost: budget to mid-range.
• Dominican Republic: Wide range of all-inclusive resorts at different price points. Early November in particular can offer strong deals before the Christmas period drives prices up. Typical cost: mid-range, with budget options available.
• Mauritius: Shoulder-season pricing in November means you can access luxury resorts at rates significantly lower than December or January, as British Airways’ travel guide notes.

Pro Tip: Book midweek departures and look for package deals that bundle flights and accommodation — these consistently undercut booking each element separately. Travelling in the first two weeks of November typically offers better prices than the final week, when demand edges up ahead of the festive period.

How to choose the right November sun destination

Work through these questions in order and you’ll narrow the list quickly.

1. What’s your maximum flight time? Under 5 hours points to the Canaries or Egypt. Up to 6.5 hours adds Cape Verde and The Gambia. Over 7 hours opens the UAE, Caribbean, Mauritius, Thailand and Goa.
2. How warm does the sea need to be? For comfortable swimming without hesitation, aim for 25°C or above — that rules out the Canaries and Cyprus for some travellers.
3. What’s your budget band? Egypt and the Canaries for budget; Dominican Republic and The Gambia for mid-range; UAE, Mauritius and Barbados for premium.
4. What activities matter most? Diving: Egypt or Barbados. Watersports: Fuerteventura or Cape Verde. Culture plus beach: Cyprus, Cuba or Goa. Luxury beach clubs: Dubai or Mauritius.
5. How much do crowds matter? November is quieter than December almost everywhere. Phuket and Dubai are exceptions — they start filling up from mid-November as their peak seasons begin.
6. Are you travelling with children? Warm, calm seas and family-friendly resorts point to Tenerife, Dubai, Barbados or the Dominican Republic.

Red flags to avoid: destinations entering their rainy season (Gulf coast of Thailand, parts of Central America), early-November Caribbean itineraries without flexible travel insurance, and very long-haul trips of 12+ hours for stays under a week.

A quick example: a family of four wanting a beach holiday within five hours, with a sea temperature above 24°C and a mid-range budget, lands squarely on Egypt or Cape Verde — not the Canaries, where the sea may feel cool for young children.

Regional climate caveats you must check before booking

Climate data gives you averages; microclimates give you reality. These are the most important regional nuances for November travel.

Thailand’s coast split: The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is largely dry in November and offers excellent beach conditions. The Gulf coast — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao — often remains in its rainy season through November, with heavy downpours and rough seas. Nomadmum’s Thailand guide is the clearest source on this regional split. Booking a Gulf coast resort in November expecting Andaman conditions is one of the most common and costly mistakes UK travellers make.

Caribbean hurricane season tail: Hurricane season officially ends on 30 November. Early November still carries a small but real risk of tropical storms, particularly for the eastern Caribbean and the Dominican Republic. Barbados sits further south and has a lower historical storm frequency.

• Book flexible or cancellation-friendly travel insurance for any Caribbean trip in the first two weeks of November
• Check policy wording specifically for named-storm cancellations — not all standard policies cover this

Canary Islands microclimates: The north and south of each island behave differently. The north of Tenerife and Gran Canaria attracts cloud and rain in November; the south stays dry. Always book south-facing resorts for the most reliable sunshine.

Cape Verde variability: The trade winds that keep Cape Verde pleasant can also make some beaches choppy and some days overcast. Sal and Boa Vista are the most sheltered and reliable for beach holidays.

The Met Office seasonal summaries for November are the most reliable starting point for UK travellers checking climate averages. Cross-reference with local meteorological services for the specific island or coastal area you’re considering — country-level data routinely masks the microclimate differences that actually affect your holiday.

Pro Tip: Check the Met Office holiday weather pages before booking and look at rainfall averages for the specific resort area, not just the country. A five-minute check can save a week of disappointment.

Practical planning: flights, visas, health and packing

A few quick checks before you book will save headaches later.

Passport and entry:

• Most destinations require at least six months’ passport validity beyond your return date — check Gov before booking
• Egypt requires a visa on arrival or e-visa; UAE requires a visa for most UK passport holders (check current requirements); Thailand allows visa-free entry for UK citizens for stays up to 60 days; Caribbean islands vary by island
• Always check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page for your specific destination before departure

Travel insurance:

• Book insurance that covers medical evacuation for long-haul tropical destinations
• For any Caribbean destination in early November, confirm your policy covers named-storm cancellations
• The Travel Aware campaign provides a practical pre-departure safety checklist worth reviewing

Health checks:

• Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for Egypt, Goa, The Gambia and parts of the Caribbean — consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure
• Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for The Gambia and parts of Goa — seek medical advice on the appropriate medication
• Apply mosquito repellent in tropical destinations, particularly at dawn and dusk

Packing for warm climates in November:

• High-factor sun cream (SPF 30 or above) and reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling destinations
• Light layers for cooler evenings — Dubai and Cyprus can drop to 18–20°C after dark
• A light waterproof layer for Mauritius and early-November Caribbean trips where brief showers are possible
• Basic first-aid kit including rehydration sachets for hot, humid destinations

Transfers and arrival timing: Arriving in the afternoon or evening at long-haul destinations (Mauritius, Thailand, Caribbean) means you lose less beach time to jetlag on day one. Most resort transfers from major airports run 30–90 minutes — factor this into your first-day plans.

How we selected destinations and the data behind our recommendations

Every destination in this guide was assessed against the same criteria:

• Daytime temperature: minimum average of 22°C in November
• Sunshine hours: minimum average of seven hours per day
• Sea temperature: noted and compared for swimming suitability
• Rainfall risk: destinations entering a rainy season or with high November rainfall were excluded
• Flight time from UK: noted for short-haul vs long-haul categorisation
• Value signals: typical cost band and shoulder-season pricing patterns
• Traveller suitability: families, couples, solo travellers, divers, budget and luxury

Climate averages are drawn from Met Office seasonal summaries, cross-referenced with regional travel guides and local meteorological data. Flight times are estimates from major UK airports (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh) and will vary by departure point and airline.

This guide reflects the editorial standards of Toogood Travel, compiled by Stuart Toogood. Stuart has spent years advising UK travellers on warm-weather escapes and winter sun holidays, and every recommendation here is made on the basis of climate reliability, value and genuine holiday quality — not commercial relationships with specific resorts or airlines.

Accommodation options and typical costs for November

November’s shoulder-season positioning means you can access a wider range of accommodation at better prices than December or January in most destinations.

Canary Islands: Self-catering apartments start from around £400–£600 per person for a week including flights. All-inclusive four-star resorts typically run £600–£900 per person. The south of Tenerife and Lanzarote has the widest range of options.

Egypt: All-inclusive resorts in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh represent some of the best value in the warm-holiday market. A week all-inclusive at a four-star property typically costs £500–£800 per person including flights. Five-star options with private beach access run £900–£1,200.

Dubai: Dubai’s accommodation range is wide. Mid-range four-star hotels near the beach start from around £900–£1,200 per person for a week. Luxury five-star resorts on Palm Jumeirah or Jumeirah Beach can reach £2,000–£3,500 per person. November pricing is generally lower than December.

Mauritius: Luxury is the dominant offer here. Mid-range four-star beach resorts start from around £1,500 per person for a week including flights. Five-star all-inclusive properties run £2,500–£4,000 per person. November shoulder-season rates are meaningfully lower than the Christmas period.

Caribbean (Barbados, Dominican Republic): Barbados runs premium — expect £1,500–£2,500 per person for a week at a good beach resort. The Dominican Republic offers more range, with all-inclusive options from around £900–£1,400 per person. Cuba is typically the most affordable of the three at £800–£1,200 per person.

Goa and The Gambia: Both offer excellent value. Goa’s beach resorts range from budget guesthouses at under £400 per person to boutique properties at £800–£1,200. The Gambia’s all-inclusive beach hotels typically run £600–£900 per person including flights — making it one of the best-value warm options available.

For those considering the Indian Ocean more broadly, the Maldives honeymoon guide covers private-island resort options at the luxury end of the market.

Activities and experiences worth planning for November

Each destination has a natural November activity sweet spot — here’s where to focus your time.

Canary Islands: Hiking in Teide National Park on Tenerife is at its best in November — cooler temperatures make the trails comfortable. Fuerteventura’s consistent winds make it one of Europe’s top kitesurfing destinations. Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes suit cycling and walking tours.

Egypt: November is peak diving season on the Red Sea. The visibility is exceptional, water temperatures are comfortable and the reefs around Ras Mohammed National Park near Sharm el Sheikh are among the most biodiverse in the world. Glass-bottom boat trips and snorkelling day trips are widely available from Hurghada.

Dubai: The cooler November temperatures make outdoor activities genuinely enjoyable. Desert safaris, dune bashing and camel trekking are all at their best. The Dubai Shopping Festival typically begins in late November or December, and the city’s beach clubs and rooftop bars come into their own once the summer heat breaks.

Mauritius: Whale shark sightings are possible off the west coast in November. Kitesurfing is popular on the east coast. The island’s interior offers tea plantation tours, botanical gardens and waterfall hikes — a good complement to beach days.

Thailand (Phuket/Krabi): Island-hopping by longtail boat, sea kayaking through limestone karsts in Phang Nga Bay and snorkelling around the Phi Phi Islands are all at their best in November on the Andaman coast. The water is clear and the weather settled.

Caribbean: Barbados’ surf season begins in November, with the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba attracting serious wave riders. The Dominican Republic’s humpback whale season starts building from late November in the Samaná Bay area. Cuba’s classic car tours, salsa dancing and colonial architecture in Havana are enjoyable year-round but particularly pleasant in November’s cooler, drier conditions.

Goa: November marks the start of Goa’s social season. Beach shacks reopen, the nightlife picks up and the annual Goa International Jazz Festival typically takes place in late November — a genuine highlight for music lovers.

The Gambia: Birdwatching is exceptional in November, with migratory species arriving from Europe. River trips up the Gambia River to spot hippos and crocodiles are a popular excursion, and the Atlantic beaches are uncrowded and warm.

November festivals and events that shape your trip

A few November events are worth knowing about — either because they enhance the experience or because they affect crowd levels and prices.

Diwali (India/Goa): Diwali typically falls in October or November and transforms Goa into a spectacular celebration of light, fireworks and street food. If your dates align, it’s a genuinely memorable experience. It does draw domestic Indian tourists, so expect busier beaches and higher prices around the festival period.

Dubai Shopping Festival: This usually begins in late November or early December. If you’re visiting Dubai in the final week of November, you may catch the opening days — with retail discounts, entertainment events and a noticeably livelier atmosphere across the city’s malls and waterfront areas.

Goa International Jazz Festival: Held in late November, this multi-day festival at the Kala Academy in Panaji draws international and Indian jazz artists. It’s free to attend and a highlight of Goa’s cultural calendar.

Barbados Food and Rum Festival: Typically held in late October or early November, this festival celebrates Barbadian cuisine and rum culture with chef demonstrations, tastings and beach events. It can push accommodation prices up in Bridgetown and the west coast for the festival weekend.

The Gambia’s Roots Homecoming Festival: A cultural celebration of African heritage and diaspora connections, usually held in late November. It draws visitors from across the world and adds a rich cultural dimension to a beach holiday.

Cuba’s Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano: Havana’s international film festival takes place in early December but preparation and pre-events begin in late November. Havana is particularly lively during this period, with screenings, cultural events and a creative atmosphere across the city.

For those planning around the December holiday period, the hot holiday destinations in December guide covers how conditions shift as the month progresses.

A travel adviser’s honest take on November sun holidays

November is genuinely one of my favourite months to recommend warm holidays. The crowds have thinned, the prices haven’t yet spiked for Christmas, and most of the best destinations are either entering their peak season or sitting at their most comfortable temperatures of the year.

For a quick short-haul escape, Egypt wins on temperature and value — 28°C, excellent diving and all-inclusive packages that are hard to beat. The Canaries are the safer, more familiar choice for families who want a reliable week of sunshine without any surprises.

For a proper long-haul warm-sea holiday, I’d point couples and honeymooners towards Mauritius in November — the shoulder-season pricing makes luxury genuinely accessible. Families who want tropical warmth and activity variety are well served by Dubai or Barbados. And for those who want maximum heat combined with culture and food, Goa in November is one of the most rewarding holidays you can take.

One thing I’d always stress: check the specific resort area’s microclimate, not just the country average. A week in north Tenerife in November is a different holiday from a week in the south. The same principle applies in Thailand, the Canaries and Cape Verde. If you want bespoke planning that takes these details into account, Toogood Travel can help you get it right.

Plan your November sun holiday with Toogood Travel

Choosing between a dozen warm destinations is one thing; finding the right resort, the best-value flights and an itinerary that actually fits your travel style is another. Toogood Travel specialises in exactly that — bespoke holidays, ATOL-protected packages and personalised itinerary planning for UK travellers heading to warm destinations in November and beyond.

Whether you’re after a budget all-inclusive in Egypt, a luxury beach resort in Mauritius or a multi-centre trip combining Dubai with a Maldives extension, the team at Toogood Travel can put together options tailored to your dates, budget and priorities. Every booking comes with the protection and personal service that booking direct with an independent travel specialist provides.

Start planning your November escape with Toogood Travel and get expert advice on the destinations, resorts and deals that suit you best.

Sources

• Where’s hot in November — FlightTribe
• Thailand in November: Weather, Rain & Best Places (Nomadmum)
• November holidays | Winter sun holidays | British Airways

FAQ

Where is hot but cheap in November?

Egypt (Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh) and The Gambia offer the best combination of warmth and value — both deliver temperatures above 27°C with all-inclusive packages available from around £500–£900 per person including flights. The Canary Islands are the most affordable short-haul option at around 22–23°C.

Where is over 25°C in November?

Egypt, Cape Verde, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, Phuket, Krabi, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Goa and The Gambia all average above 25°C in November. Egypt and the UAE are the most accessible from the UK at under 7.5 hours’ flight time.

Where is hot in November closest to the UK?

The Canary Islands are the closest warm destination, at 4–4.5 hours from most UK airports and around 22–23°C in November. Egypt is the next closest at 4.5–5.5 hours and significantly warmer at around 28°C. The Gambia at 6–6.5 hours offers tropical warmth of around 32°C for a relatively short flight.

Where can I sunbathe in November?

You can reliably sunbathe in November across the Canary Islands, Egypt, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Dubai, Mauritius, Phuket, Krabi, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Goa and The Gambia. For the best combination of warm air and warm sea, Dubai, Barbados and Goa are the strongest choices, with sea temperatures of 27–29°C.