The Best Places to Visit in November for Couples: Weather & Travel Guide

There’s something for everyone in our list of 15 destinations.

Photo: Natalie Fobes

Updated Nov 24, 2023

Whether it's an anniversary trip, babymoon or engagement, November is teeming with romance. Timing is everything, especially in a month when many areas start to experience colder than usual weather. Choosing the best places to visit in November starts with your preferred activities.

Maybe you're like many couples who are searching for unique travel trends. Perhaps staying in a historic space (like a converted palace) or cozying up in a lavish suite in the Caribbean is your idyllic view of romance. Whatever you want, you can find it in November. The best part is the month is off season in many parts, meaning you can likely score bargains. If you're looking for inspiration, the list below will get you started.

Palm Springs, California

The mood is set with the mountain ranges, swaying palms and all that sunshine. The throwback Hollywood vibe and mid-century modern homes add to the charm. Come November that hot, hot weather is long gone and replaced by comfy 70-degree temps. You'll be set for fun in this Southern California oasis.

Things to Do: In November, the big draw is the Hot Air Balloon Festival. On that weekend, there are multiple balloon launches in the area. Another special event is the Festival of the Arts, an outdoor festival showcasing the works of some 30 specially selected artists from California, Texas and the Pacific Northwest. Palm Springs is a mecca for golfers, so take your pick of world-class courses. Then, decide what you fancy next, whether it's pickleball, rock climbing, hiking, tennis, horseback riding, biking, shopping or gallery hopping. You may just want to chill on a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest tramcar, or relax in one of the area's natural mineral water spas.

Places to Stay: Parker Palm Springs, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Hilton Palm Springs, The Saguaro Palm Springs and The Willows.

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Newport Beach, California

You're in for a good time in Newport Beach, as it has bragging rights for being home to the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. Water-loving couples, this is your spot. While summer is packed, November will be a bit quieter. There's another reason to come this time of year: the annual Giant Blue Whale Migration. Hundreds of blue whales make their way to the waters off Newport Beach.

Things to Do: You'll be whale watching for sure. Bask in the sun on the beaches, enjoy all the water sports you can imagine, hike, bike and put a stop at Crystal Cove State Park on your list. The Newport Beach culinary scene is vibrant, and during fall, odds are you'll have less competition for reservations at the restaurant you're dying to visit. At the end of November, Newport kicks off the holiday season with the Fire and Ice Festival.

Places to Stay: Pendry Newport Beach, VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort and Spa, Newport Beach Hotel and Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

November in the Southern Hemisphere means spring has sprung. Argentina is one of the best countries to visit in November—the flowers are blooming, it's not too hot and the surf is just right for those who like to hang ten. You know it scores high on the romance meter, as it's the birthplace of the sexiest dance on the planet, the tango. November is Gay Pride Month, one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

Things to Do: When you two aren't learning how to perfect your tango, eat your way through what's been called the Ibero-American gastronomic capital. Feast on some of the best steaks on the planet and wash it down with a Malbec. Soak up the culture as the city has nearly 300 theaters and more than 150 museums. November launches the fly-fishing season, if that's your thing.

Places to Stay: Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires Tango, Fierro Buenos Aires, Duque Hotel Boutique and Spa and Hotel Madero.

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Delray Beach, Florida

If a beach vacay stateside is what you're looking for, put Delray Beach on your radar. The sweltering heat is gone by November, but there's still plenty of sunshine. For sure it's honeymoon weather. November offers a slew of special events, including the Delray Beach Green Market, Beach Turkey Trot, Surf Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting/Yuletide Fair, Holiday Village and Pickleball Classic.

Things to Do: In between all the festivities, explore the Delray Art Trail, go to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and hit Atlantic Avenue with its shops, restaurants, art galleries and bars. Take a cruise to glimpse the legendary waterfront mansions.

Places to Stay: The Seagate Hotel and Spa, Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort and Spa, Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel and Luxury Villas and The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton.

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Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

You can't go wrong in the Canary Islands. For three decades, people have flocked to Fuerteventura, the second largest Canary Island, for its rugged landscape and sand dunes that filter over from the Sahara Desert. In November, you can head to El Burro Beach for the Corralejo Festival de Cometas (Kite Festival). Most couples choose to stay at one of the all-inclusives on the island. We recommend the Secrets for its Moorish architecture and raved-about pool. While on the island, you'll want to enjoy a sail to nearby Lobos Island, a small island located just north of Fuerteventura. Known for its small volcanic "hornitos" and pristine Atlantic beaches, you'll appreciate the beauty of the island's charming fishing village that ran without electricity for decades.

Things to Do: Spend time on the plethora of beaches in the area. Windsurfing is huge here. Take a lesson if you're a novice or your skills are rusty. You'll likely want to go for a sunset sail or take a glass-bottom boat cruise with lunch and drinks. For some adventure, go on a 4x4 Jeep tour of Cofete Natural Park.

Places to Stay: Secrets Bahia Real Resort and Spa and Barcelo Fuerteventura Mar.

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Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is having a moment. The last year or so, it's increasingly become a place to see and be seen, especially for A-list celebs. But in November, it's likely to be quieter, as it's the low season. There's still plenty going on, like the Conch Festival and the Turks and Caicos International Film Festival. Those are good enough reasons to head there, as if you needed arm twisting to go where you'll find some of the finest beaches anywhere.

Things to Do: Take your pick of water sports. Parasail, dive, snorkel and be daring and go wing foiling, a relatively new sport. To draw you a picture of what it is, envision windsurfing with wings and gliding across the water. You definitely want to experience Noah's Ark, a full-service floating beach club and restaurant in the middle of the ocean, located off the coast of Little Water Cay. You get there by boat, water taxi or jet ski. For an uber-luxe spa experience, relax at MRVL Spa, with innovative treatments like cryotherapy and revolutionary Blue Scorpion Peptide technology that is used in treatments and products.

Places to Stay: Rock House, Ritz-Carlton, Beach Enclave and The Shore Club.

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Edinburgh, Scotland

Every year, Edinburgh's Christmas festivities begin in November. For seven weeks, there are countless events in the historic city center. Anticipate traditional Christmas markets, live outdoor events, libations, food, ice skating and more.

Things to Do: Walk hand in hand through the historic sites and medieval streets of Old Town. If you two are game, hike up Arthur's Seat, a towering cliff with views that will be worth the climb. Take a guided underground walking tour, exploring dark passageways, ancient vaults and more. Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle and visit St. Giles Cathedral. Of course, a whiskey tasting is a must.

Places to Stay: The Glasshouse Hotel, Ibis Styles Edinburgh St. Andrew Square, Dakota Edinburgh and Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian.

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Lake Placid, New York

November marks the start of the winter season, which makes Lake Placid one of the best places to visit in November. Skiing, snowboarding and ice skating start around Thanksgiving. The weather is not an issue as it's not the heart of winter yet, but there's still snow and a chill in the air—just enough to make the atmosphere festive.

Things to Do: Hit the slopes, ski or snowboard. Ice skate on Mirror Lake. Take on the challenge of hiking Whiteface Mountain. Get the Lake Placid Legacy Sites Passport to visit the Olympic sites. Spend time at Peaks Paintbar, where you can sip and paint. Try your hand at making scented candles at Pure Placid.

Places to Stay: Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, Whiteface Lodge, The Boha Hotel and The Haus.

Jasper, Canada

Once mid-November hits, it's officially ski season. Jasper is in the province of Alberta, and it's a beauty with snow-capped peaks and truly stunning forests. For the outdoorsy couple, Jasper is for you.

Things to Do: Ice skate on Mildred Lake, dog sled or star gaze at the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve (you might even see the Northern Lights). For the couple that's looking to go The Full Monty, explore the Maligne Canyon's frozen waterfalls on an ice walk tour, go ice climbing, go fat tire biking along Jasper's winter cycling trails or go for a heli-snowshoeing experience. After a day of adventure, roast marshmallows and hot dogs over a fire pit.

Places to Stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Tekarra Lodge, Alpine Village Cabin Resort and Patricia Lake Bungalows.

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St. Barts

This French Caribbean hotspot is one of the best places to visit in November. You avoid the rush of tourists that flock there for the winter months starting in December, and the accompanying peak prices at hotels. Saint Barthélemy is for the high-rolling, ever-so-chic couple wanting a romantic respite. Rum enthusiasts might want to time their visit during the annual Caribbean Rum Awards (with events like tastings, workshops and galas), or the St. Barth Gourmet Festival when top chefs from around the world come to the island and team up with local chefs for tasting menus and cook offs.

Things to Do: Your biggest decision will be choosing among the dozen or so fab beaches. No worries, there is no wrong choice. You'll know you're not in Kansas if you have lunch at Nikki Beach, where DJs spin tunes and party-goers are likely dancing on the tables by midday. If you're in the mood for shopping or at least looking, the luxury shops in Gustavia are eye candy. Eat, eat, eat—this tiny island has around 80 restaurants, from casual to fine dining. It's hard to have a bad meal here.

Places to Stay: Hotel Barriere Le Carl Gustaf, Hotel Christopher St. Barths, Hotel Manapany and Cheval Blanc St. Barths.

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Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is downright charming and has beautiful architecture—Victorian, Art Deco and Colonial buildings all make an appearance here. This Southern belle welcomes you with open arms, and especially into the kitchen. The foodie couple will think they've landed in heaven with Charleston's legendary cuisine. November is a good time to go, with its array of events like the Charleston Literary Festival, a transatlantic book festival with author talks all around town, Charleston Beer Week, Harvest Festival, Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival, Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering, and the Preservation Society's annual fall home and garden tours.

Things to Do: You'll take in some of the festivals and eat yourself silly for sure. Take a guided tour of the fab historic homes. Stroll King Street with its shops and restaurants. There is an array of museums that tell the Charleston story, like the Old Slave Mart Museum and the Charleston Museum.

Places to Stay: The Pinch, Emeline, Harbourview Inn and French Quarter Inn.

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Los Cabos, Mexico

There are many reasons for lovers to head to Los Cabos in November. The fun starts at the beginning of the month with all the hoopla of the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. The parades and parties honor loved ones who have passed away. Later in the month, there's the International Film Festival. November also ushers in the period when humpback whales migrate from colder climates to the warm inviting waters of Los Cabos. All that is likely enough to get you to pack your bags.

Things to Do: It's all about the water here. Snorkel, dive, take a fishing excursion, go sailing. If you two are more interested in land than sea, golfing is good here, and to get your thrills, go bungee jumping, hiking or mountain biking.

Places to Stay: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Grand Velas Los Cabos, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal and Montage Los Cabos.

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Frisco, Colorado

This is a romantic mountain town escape. Don't expect mega all-inclusives, but rather lodges, inns and boutique hotels. Tiny Frisco has two big things going for it: It's bookended by the 10,000-foot Mount Royal and the Frisco Bay Marina. Ski resorts re-open in November, so Frisco is a great home base. It's just half an hour from places like Vail, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain. At the end of November, Frisco hosts its annual week-long Wassail Days with its recipes of wassail (a hot, spiced apple cider) across town.

Things to Do: Get what you came for and ski, ski, ski. For more action, the Frisco Nordic Center is where you'll find snowshoeing and skate skiing, as well as cross-country skiing. Main Street is for browsing unique shops and finding grub to fuel those ski runs. There's a lot of lore about a place like Frisco. Learn about its history at the Frisco Historic Park and Museum, which offers guided hikes and special events. Satisfy the artist in you with a glassblowing class at the GatherHouse Glassblowing Studio and Gallery. Two Below Zero offers sleigh rides in the Rocky Mountains and sweetens the experience with live music afterward.

Places to Stay: Frisco Inn on Galena, Frisco Lodge, AC Hotel by Marriott Frisco Colorado and Hotel Frisco.

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Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Summers on Cape Cod are the stuff movies are made of. But it's pretty special in the off-season, too. Come November, there will be fewer crowds, lower prices and quiet beaches. It's ideal for a romantic getaway or milestone anniversary trip.

Things to Do: While you can't take a dip in the chilly waters, a stroll on the beach will still hold its magic. Get your art fix at the galleries, art studios and museums. There's no shortage of hiking trails. If you work up a thirst, craft breweries and wineries await you. Find out which days in November the Provincetown Food and Wine Festival is—it celebrates the Cape's connection to Portugal.

Places to Stay: Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, The Mansion at Ocean Edge, Chatham Tides and Candleberry Inn on Cape Cod.

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Key West, Florida

If you're looking to start the holiday season with a party, Key West is for you. Every day at sunset, folks gather at Mallory Square to celebrate life with artisans and live entertainment along the waterfront. It's festive and captures the Key West spirit. Visiting Key West in November is a plus—not only are there fewer crowds, but special events like the Key West Film Festival and the Lighting of the Bight, the official lighting of the Key West Harbor of Lights. It is still considered the tail end of hurricane season, so book later in the month for more favorable weather conditions.

Things to Do: The action is on Duval Street, with its bars, shops and restaurants. You don't want to miss the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. You'll feel like you know the author by the time you finish your tour. Dive, snorkel, fish or go sailing. When it comes to water sports, take your pick: jet ski, kayak or paddleboard. There are biking and walking tours, galleries and museums to explore.

Places to Stay: The Capitana Key West, Margaritaville Beach House Key West, The Marker Key West and Southernmost Point Guest House.

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