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Where to go in November
Pack for partying
Come November, Bonfire Night, Day of the Dead and other fireworks-sparking events add light in the dark through candles, colour and communal celebrations. Stay in the northern hemisphere to get in early on Europe’s festive season, or dip south for Goldilocks temperatures in Oman and the Maldives.
Seville
Avg. temperature: high 20ºC; low 10ºC
You may shrug on a coat here and there, but Seville’s climate remains clement come November, as prices drop and tourists thin out. The month begins with solemn All Saints Day processions, followed by Day of the Dead, when locals decorate graves and snack on marzipan skulls. More lively seasonal events include the Salón Internacional del Caballo (SICAB), a packed, six-day celebration of all things equestrian.
Germany
Avg. temperature: high 11ºC; low 1ºC
Germany seems to revel in November’s longer nights and cooler air, and not just in the fabled hinterlands of the Bavarian Alps, the Märchenstraße or the Black Forest, but in the cities, too, where shadowy fairytales inspire the world’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. Those long nights are no hindrance, either, in the darkest depths of the capital’s nightclubs, such as Watergate or Berghain.
Rajasthan
Avg. temperature: high 30ºC; low 16ºC
There's not much downtime after October's Diwali in Rajasthan fireworks as an array of fairs and festivals roll out across the region. The Pushkar Camel Fair brings thrilling races, circus performers and even a camel beauty competition; local arts and crafts are proudly shown off at Bundi Utsav; and Chandrabhaga Fair celebrates cattle. Festivities carry on for several days; then you’ve some time to tour bazaars and palaces in Jaipur and Jodhpur, too.
Oman
Avg. temperature: high 35ºC; low 17ºC
It’s always going to be hot in the desert (although if you’re a downpour-seeker, time your visit with the khareef monsoon, between late June and early September, and head south), but the mercury has considerably dipped in Oman by November. Temperatures will be far more manageable this month, making it an especially perfect time to venture into the vast expanse that is the Empty Quarter.
Mexico City
Avg. temperature: high 23ºC; low 7ºC
There’s never a bad time to visit Mexico City (shout out to all the taco and tequila lovers), but if you want to see a party fit for a Bond opening montage, arrive in time for Día de los Muertos at the start of November. There will be parades, ceremonies in cemeteries and ofrendas aplenty, plus faces painted in homage to world-famous skull La Calavera Catrina — just be sure to book nice and early.
Maldives
Avg. temperature: high 29ºC; low 27ºC
It may be early days for the northern hemisphere’s potentially drawn-out hibernation period, but if you want to get in there early with some winter sun, the Maldives is here for you with high-20s temperatures. November marks the end of the rainy months and the official start of the peak season, so dry, sunny days are more likely, and the private jets haven’t touched down for Christmas quite yet…