Best Places to Visit in November: East Coast Departures

The Taj Mahal is an ivory white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. Shah Jahan commissioned it in 1631 to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The complex also contains a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens. November is one of the best times to visit because the intense summer heat has faded. The monsoon rains are over, leaving the gardens green and the air relatively clear. You can walk the 17 hectare grounds comfortably. Agra gets very crowded in the winter months. You must arrive early in the morning to avoid the thickest crowds and the afternoon haze.

The Maldives is an archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It is the smallest country in Asia, with its land spread across 26 atolls. The entire nation sits close to sea level. November marks the transition from the wet monsoon to the dry season. The water temperature is warm, and underwater visibility begins to improve significantly. It is a good time to visit before the expensive peak season begins in December. You will spend most of your time on private resort islands. Transportation between islands requires seaplanes or speedboats, which can be expensive and weather dependent.

Bagan is an ancient city in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. From the 9th to the 13th centuries, it served as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Over 2,200 surviving temples and pagodas dot the plains today. November brings cool, dry weather to this region, making it comfortable to explore the ruins by bicycle or electric scooter. The dusty plains are less muddy than in the summer months, and the skies are clear. The archaeological zone is vast and requires several days to see properly. The temples are sacred sites, so you must dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering.

Taipei 101 is a 508 meter skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan. It was the tallest building in the world from 2004 until 2009. The building features fast elevators that travel from the 5th to the 89th floor in seconds. November is one of the driest months of the year in Taipei. The summer humidity drops, and the risk of typhoons is very low. This clear weather makes it much easier to see the surrounding mountains from the observation deck. The tower contains a large shopping mall and offices. Because it is a major city landmark, ticket lines for the observatory can be very long during midday.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth above sea level, reaching 8,848.86 meters. It sits on the border between Nepal and China in the Himalayas. It attracts experienced climbers and trekkers from around the globe. November is one of the peak trekking months for reaching the Everest Base Camp. The monsoon rains have cleared the dust from the air, providing some of the clearest mountain views of the year. The daytime temperatures are cold but manageable with proper gear. Trekking here requires significant physical fitness and time. You must prepare for freezing night temperatures and basic teahouse accommodations along the route.

The Seychelles is an archipelagic nation of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, located east of mainland Africa. It is the smallest and least populated sovereign country in Africa. The main islands feature unique granite rock formations and dense forests. November falls between the southeast and northwest trade winds. This means the ocean is calm and the underwater visibility is excellent for diving. The weather is warm, with occasional short rain showers that keep the islands green. The islands are spread out, and traveling between Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue requires ferry rides or small flights. Prices for food and lodging are generally high across all the islands.

Lalibela is a town in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. It is famous for its rock cut monolithic churches, which were carved directly into the ground. It is one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia and a major center of pilgrimage. November is the start of the dry season in the Ethiopian highlands. The rainy season has ended, making the dirt roads easier to navigate. The air is cool and pleasant for walking between the different church complexes. The churches are active places of worship, not just museums. Visitors must respect local customs, which include removing shoes and dressing in modest, light colored clothing.

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, situated on the shore of Table Bay. It is the country's oldest city, known for its natural harbor and the prominent flat topped Table Mountain. November marks the beginning of the warm summer season in the southern hemisphere. The weather is sunny and dry, but the intense winds of late summer have not yet peaked. It is also less crowded than the busy December school holiday period. The city offers a mix of urban activities, beaches, and nature trails. However, the water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean remain cold year round, even in the summer heat.

Marrakesh is an imperial city in Morocco, located west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It was founded around 1070 and is known for its red sandstone buildings and historic defensive walls. November brings relief from the extreme heat of the summer months. Daytime temperatures average a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for walking through the outdoor markets and historic palaces. The old city can be chaotic and difficult to navigate. Street vendors and guides can be very persistent, which some travelers find stressful.

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning much of North Africa. The Moroccan portion of the desert offers access to massive sand dunes and traditional desert camps. November is an ideal month for a desert trek because the daytime temperatures are mild. You can ride camels or walk among the dunes without the risk of heat exhaustion. The night skies are clear, making it excellent for stargazing. Reaching the dunes from major cities like Marrakesh requires a long drive through the Atlas Mountains. The journey typically takes at least eight to nine hours each way.