Winter has set in, but there’s a while to go until Christmas. Sounds like the perfect time to head somewhere hot and sunny. Swap frosty morning commutes for sun-soaked beaches and outdoor adventures with our top November holiday destinations for some winter sun.

This year, it’s your turn to escape the cold and dreary weather in the UK. To prep yourself for the Christmas rush with some much needed vitamin D. Whether you’re dreaming of lying on a golden beach with a cocktail in hand, exploring theme parks and water parks, hiking through lush landscapes, or getting a spot of culture, November is the perfect time to travel.

In this guide, we share some of the best hot November holiday destinations to inspire your next winter trip. You’ll find some of the best beach holiday destinations and family holiday destinations in November, as well as a few surprises too. We’ve got the lowdown on average temperatures, things to do, and unmissable attractions. All that’s left to do is decide where to go.

Look out for

• Serene mosque visits (just remember to plan your trip around prayer schedules)

• A cruise along the Bosphorus

• Roasted chestnuts and simit (Turkish bagels)

November is the ideal time to experience the best of Marrakech. With average temperatures hitting 22°C, you can visit the top attractions and tourist sites in pleasant conditions.

First stop is the Medina and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa. Get your map ready and spend time wandering through the souks, chatting to vendors and trying your hand at haggling. You’ll find jewellery, unique crafts, leather goods, ceramics and more. Next up is a visit to Bahia Palace and the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, before heading back to the Medina to watch the sunset from one of the many rooftop bars. If you ask us, El Fen is the pick of the bunch.

Outside the city, head into the Atlas Mountains for an unforgettable experience taking in traditional villages, waterfalls and epic scenery. You can even go on a quadbike expedition for an adrenaline-fueled afternoon. Or take a day trip to Essaouira for a peaceful coastal experience. And at the end of it all, enjoy sweet mint tea like the locals do.

Look out for

• The serene Majorelle Garden

• Relaxing spa experiences in traditional hammams

• Street performers on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Escape to the Caribbean warmth of the Dominican Republic. November offers pleasant temperatures for exploring its diverse landscapes. Discover pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture.

Explore Santo Domingo's historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax on the white sands of Punta Cana or Cabarete, known for watersports. Hike to stunning waterfalls in the interior. Indulge in delicious Dominican cuisine and experience the lively music and dance scene.

Look out for:

• Whale watching (seasonal)

• Merengue music and dancing

• Dominican coffee and chocolate

A mix of luxury, modern attractions and authentic local culture await in the desert in Dubai. On your November escape, you’ll bask in warm desert temperatures. There are world-class shopping malls to visit and family-friendly activities galore – from waterparks to aquariums.

Ascend the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, for breathtaking views. Explore the bustling souks along Dubai Creek for a cultural experience and barter for a bargain. Have an elegant afternoon tea at the Burj Al Arab. And visit the exhilarating Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark for a fun family day out. Time to relax? Head to one of the city’s pristine beaches or rooftop pools and unwind with a refreshing drink.

Look out for

• Dune bashing and camel rides

• The views from the Burj Khalifa

• Emirati dishes like Al Harees

Visiting Cinque Terre in November means pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, offering up ideal conditions to explore the area at a slower pace. This collection of five charming Italian fishing villages promises an all-out Italian feast for the senses. Think rustic beauty, scenic walks, and delicious local cuisine and you’re just about there. A hike between the villages drinking in the awe-inspiring coastal views is the perfect way to spend your November break.

The five villages of Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, and each one has its own unique character. Monterosso is the largest of the villages and perfect for beach strolls, Vernazza has a vibrant piazza, Corniglia is a hiker’s paradise, Manarola has a colourful harbour, and Riomaggiore boasts incredible sunsets. You’ll have the time of your life exploring them all.

Look out for

• Fresh seafood at local trattorias

• Sciacchetrà, a sweet, local dessert wine

• Colourful houses perched on cliffs

With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly resorts, Mauritius is a tropical paradise in November. The sea is warm, the sand is white and the palm trees are just waiting for you to flop in their shade. The weather is also perfect for getting active outdoors, whether you want to snorkel among coral reefs at Trou aux Biches, go dolphin spotting on a catamaran, or visit the unique Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths.

To really appreciate the natural beauty of Mauritius, spend some time exploring the beautiful Black River Gorges National Park, home to some unbelievable viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic views. Make sure you take a trip to see the world’s largest tortoise colony at La Vanille Nature Park. Spend a day exploring the capital of Port Louis to take in the colourful architecture and bustling local markets.

Look out for

• Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths

• Diwali celebrations in November

• Dholl puri, a popular Mauritian snack

With its year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria is a fantastic choice for families. November offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation, making it ideal a fun-packed, budget-friendly November break. Visit the island’s sandy beaches, including Playa de Maspalomas and Playa de Las Canteras. Enjoy water sports like kayaking and jet-skiing. Or take a dolphin spotting boat tour for a chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures.

If you’re travelling with kids, Palmitos Park is always a popular attraction in Gran Canaria for its hundreds of plant species, whole host of animals, and enchanting butterfly garden.

Look out for

• Maspalomas’ sand dunes and beaches

• Family-friendly Palmitos Park

• Roque Nublo hiking opportunities

November is a fantastic time to enjoy Bali’s warm weather before the rainy season peaks, ideal for some spirituality, wellness, fun in the sun and adventure. Bali offers an intoxicating mix of long stretches of sand, party spots, beautiful temples and gardens, and picturesque waterfall pools.

Kuta Beach is the most famous on the island but also the most touristy. For a bit of peace and quiet, head to the north coast of the island to the fishing village of Pemuteran. With its black-sand beach, excellent snorkelling and low-key setting, it’s the perfect antidote to the brashness of Kuta.

Look out for

• Relax on Pemuteran’s black-sand beach

• Ubud’s rice terraces and cultural heart

• Snorkelling at Menjangan Island

As the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is a dream destination for families and anyone looking to unleash their inner child. There’s the likes of Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens to tick off your list. And that’s just the start – there are 18 theme parks in the city to experience. November offers milder weather and shorter queues than during the peak summer season. You’ll still be in t-shirts and shorts, but it won’t be as stifling as the summer. It’s also ideal to relax on the many beaches nearby, including Daytona Beach, Vero Beach and Cocoa Beach.

As well as theme parks and beaches, leave some time on your trip to discover the Kennedy Space Center, see alligators and crocodiles at Gatorland, and enjoy the great outdoors at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Look out for

• Nightly fireworks at Disney parks

• The inspiring Kennedy Space Center

• Relaxing on Cocoa Beach

Tenerife is a favourite for UK travellers seeking winter sun. With its warm November weather, family-friendly resorts, and diverse landscapes, it’s a great option for a fun-packed holiday with children. Playa de las Américas is the perfect beach to relax on – whilst it gets lively in the summer months, it’ll be a little quieter in November.

The temperatures in November are ideal for getting out and exploring the island. Start at Mount Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak. Alongside the national park, you’ll find a whole host of hiking options in Tenerife with highlights including Anaga Rural Park, Masca Gorge, and Cueva del Viento. And when it’s time to cool off, discover the exhilarating Siam Park, one of the world’s best waterparks with attractions for all ages.

Look out for

• Whale watching boat tours

• Canarian specialties like papas arrugadas

• Siam Park, the world-famous waterpark

With so many amazing hot November holiday destinations to choose from, it’s time to start planning your winter sun retreat. From the beaches of Mauritius to the theme parks of Orlando, what a month to explore somewhere new and exciting.