The 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in November

Where to go for winter magic.
Reykjavik, Iceland in November
Photo: Palmi Gudmundsson | Shutterstock
james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
by
James Wong
james wong - the knot contributing writer and travel expert
James Wong
Travel Writer & Expert
  • James Wong is a freelance travel writer and expert.
  • He's reported for publications including VOGUE, GQ, Time Out and Thrillist.
  • James has lived in London, Tokyo and New York; and has traveled to almost every corner of the world.
Updated Dec 18, 2024
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

Local laws may restrict service availability to all. See the Equality Index for more information.


Newlyweds are in luck when it comes to the best honeymoon destinations in November: you'll take advantage of great prices and generally fewer crowds during the shoulder season. For heat, many of the top honeymoon spots now lie in the Caribbean and Central America, places dotted with all-inclusive resorts perfect for when the rainy season subsides. Likewise, in Southeast Asia, November is sunny and lower on humidity, and this region (especially Thailand) is home to a cluster of the world's best hotels for an ultra-luxury escape.

It's not just about the long haul either. Couples can still enjoy a romantic getaway at some US honeymoon spots in November. So whether you're looking to catch some rays or snuggle up by the fire, let The Knot guide you to the best honeymoon destinations by month. Here's where to honeymoon in November.

Malta

If you're dreaming of a Sicilian-style getaway without the crowds, then how about Malta? Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and Tunisia, Malta's islands are steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful golden beaches. It's one of Europe's sunniest destinations (300+ annual days of sun) and November is wonderfully mild to flip-flop around in or take long coastal walks together.

Things to Do: Visit the Game of Thrones filming locations of Mdina Old City, go for a dip at Mellieha Beach and discover over 250 species of Med sealife at the Malta National Aquarium. You'll also need to factor in a couple of days to explore the country's natural wonders. Viator's Gozo All-Inclusive Quad Bike Day Tour takes guests off the beaten track on quad bikes to the Sannap cliffs and Wied il-Ghasri.

Places to Stay: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta is the best for honeymooners, but couples might also find sweet deals on beachfront Airbnbs.

New York City, USA

Christmas in New York may be on your December bucket list, but come in November and you'll get all the twinkle without the spike in price. For Mariah Carey, Christmas begins on November 1st. After that, the Rockettes take to the stage at Radio City Music Hall, department store windows are decked out in festive glory and you can ice skate at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. November is also when Black Friday falls and holiday shopping is always more fun with a discount.

Things to Do: First-timers will want to start with the Empire State Building or the Edge NYC for skyline views. Museum lovers shouldn't miss The Met, the American Museum of National History or the MoMA. Couples are spoiled for choice with romantic restaurants like Carbone and the Michelin-starred DANIEL, and two Pinnacle-pinned bars, The Dead Rabbit and Little Ned. For the ultimate romantic gesture, take your love on a helicopter ride over Manhattan with Viator.

Places to Stay: Ritz-Carlton New York, Nomad, New York Marriott Marquis, The Prince Kitano New York and Virgin Hotels New York City in Manhattan, but couples preferring Brooklyn should check out The Hoxton, Williamsburg.

Bangkok, Thailand

Everyone knows the weather is amazing in Thailand during winter, but before the world descends in December and January, Bangkok is quite an affordable honeymoon destination in November. Generally, too, the USD goes a long way in Thailand, so expect to splash out without a thought on Michelin-starred dining, spa treatments and luxury hotels. The temperature is hot but bearable (November is considered part of the cool season, aka around 90 degrees) and much less humid than the scorching summer.

Things to Do: The top attraction is The Grand Palace. After that, sample the city's best street food and upscale restaurants including the romantic riverside restaurant Thiptara Thai. Shop till you drop in mega malls like Siam Paragon or outdoor markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and see Thailand's legendary drag show, Calypso Cabaret.

Places to Stay: Bangkok is home to some of the world's best hotels: Capella Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and The Siam.

Marbella, Spain

Marbella is a major, rather overcrowded Spanish tourist destination in summer, but the noise quickly dissipates come November despite mild temperatures and the fact that many beach clubs and resorts remain open for the last month of the season. A visit at this time therefore coincides with lower occupancy and pleasant conditions (approx 68°F) for roaming, alfresco dining and relaxing by the pool. Since the kids are back in school, the big all-inclusive resorts geared to families are child-free.

Things to Do: Marbella is a good honeymoon destination in November, providing a chance to relax whilst indulging in all the goodness of Southern Spain. There's a charming Old Town full of shops, restaurants and bars, and wonderfully ornate churches like the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnacion. The best spots to walk or hike include Cabopino Beach, La Concha and Senda Litoral Dunas de Artola. Alternatively, couples can put their feet up on a catamaran. Viator hosts dolphin excursions and sunset tours with drinks.

Places to Stay: It's all about resort life. Try the five-star METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, Estepona or the Puente Romano Beach Resort for all your vacation needs.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations in the world to experience five-star luxury and is one of the best honeymoon spots in November thanks to temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Many travelers to the country opt for multiple city stops; Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City being the most popular routes, but a stand-alone trip to Hoi An is an excellent choice. The ancient port town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it's within driving distance of the world-famous beaches of Da Nang.

Things to Do: Adorned with colorful lanterns, Hoi An Ancient Town is a must from sunset to night, so stay for dinner and drinks after your stroll. Souvenirs can be found in the Hoi An Night Market too. Sign up for a Hoi An cooking class or a coffee-making and culture class on GetYourGuide. And when you need some R&R, escape the hustle and bustle for a couple's treatment at The Heart of The Earth Spa.

Places to Stay: Grand Sunrise Palace Hoi An and Almanity Hoi An Resort and Spa are both close to town and a bargain for luxe amenities, however, if your honeymoon budget allows then splash it at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, a breathtaking five-star beach resort with ocean view villas, acclaimed fine dining and a huge spa.

Mayakoba, Mexico

In Mayakoba, you fly cheaply into Cancun and enjoy the swanky amenities of Tulum without the pretension. The destination is ideal for honeymooners, especially in November. Most travelers class this as hurricane season, but actually that starts in May and ends in November. Since it's the tail end, chances of a storm are slim, while temperatures are beach-perfect. November is right before the winter holiday when families descend, so you get the very best prices when it comes to flights, accommodations and tours.

Things to Do: If you come for outdoor activity, this is an adult's playground. Viator offers day tours to cenotes and Mayan ruins or horseback riding and ATV tours for adventurous couples. Día de Muertos falls in November, and the towns come alive with music, food and folklore. Perhaps you come to Mayakoba to do nothing, in which case, there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to cater to your every need.

Places to Stay: Four luxury hotel resorts are connected by Mayakoba's lagoon: Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Heritage Place Mayakoba, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya and Rosewood Mayakoba.

Scottsdale, USA

Venture south without a passport and explore sunny Scottdale, Arizona. This desert oasis has a more upscale vibe from neighboring Phoenix, though it's less than a 30-minute drive between them. November temperatures are between 70 and 80, ideal for pool time and outdoor activities such as golf, quad biking and hiking. Whilst it's not exactly the cheapest place to visit, Scottsdale offers a luxe honeymoon experience and the flights in and out of PHX are relatively cheap for domestic travelers.

Things to Do: Grab your cowboy hats and explore the desert. You'll get those quintessential scenes at McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park, but if you don't fancy working your boots then hop on an ATV and zoom through the Sonoran Desert. Or skip the dust altogether and see the sights up high from a hot air balloon.

Places to Stay: The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and W Scottsdale are luxury stays, but Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas and DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley both offer mountain views on a budget.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Yes, it's cold in November, but nobody comes to Iceland for a tan. Another good place to honeymoon in November, Iceland is exactly how you imagine, blanketed in snow and the green glow of the Northern Lights, yet it's considered off-peak for tourism as it shoulders summer and the festivity of December. Prices are still steep but this is a bucket list destination filled with jaw-dropping nature and snow-based activities like snowmobiling and sledding. Most international visitors will begin in the capital city and rent a car to circle the island's landscapes.

Things to Do: The first thing you'll want to do is sign up for a Northern Lights tour to see the dancing aurora. After that consider whale watching or doing a glacier hike. Couples strapped for time but keen to check off the biggies can join Grayline's Golden Circle Tours (this is also the main airport transfer service if you don't have a car). End any day with a mud mask and soak in the spectacular Blue Lagoon.

Places to Stay: The Reykjavik EDITION is a five-star stay right downtown. Other city options include Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina and the Blue Lagoon side Silica Hotel.

Tunis, Tunisia

While many US travelers are put off visiting Arab nations due to conflicts in the Middle East, Tunisia, situated in North Africa, is closer to Southern Italy. Of course, if you're planning a honeymoon to any region, monitor for official government advice. Tunis, the capital city, is an affordable honeymoon destination packed with color and culture, and November is a good time to visit with dry weather and temperatures in their 50s and 60s. You might not necessarily be jumping into the sea, but you can most definitely explore in the comfort of warm weather.

Things to Do: Shop the medina for traditional garments and take them for a spin in the enchanting Sahara Desert. Discover the capital's religions with visits to the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul and EzZitouna Mosque. Many of the city's hotels and resorts will offer hammam spa treatments, so factor in some time for pampering.

Places to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Tunis is the ultimate beachfront escape for couples, with a ceremonial hammam available in the spa.

Sydney, Australia

November may be winter in the Northern Hemisphere, but in Australia, they're coming into summer. Sydney's temperatures are in their 70s, perfect for sightseeing and still before the crowded December holiday season. Your snaps of its iconic bridges and stunning beaches will be accompanied by blue skies.

Things to Do: The two-star attractions are adjacent to each other: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so hire a Flytographer and get the perfect Sydney honeymoon snaps done and made into a Recently Photo Book. Sunbathe, swim or surf on the famous Bondi Beach. And say G'day to Australia's famous furries, the koala and the kangaroo, at the Sydney Zoo.

Places to Stay: There's a honeymoon hotel for every couple in Sydney, from the Hilton Sydney and Pier One Sydney Harbour to the ultra-luxurious Shangri-La Sydney and Capella Sydney.

Up Next
  • Illustration of couple driving to their honeymoon
    These Companies Will Plan Your Honeymoon for You