Where to Go for November Sun: 19 Beach Holiday Ideas and My Flight Tips

For a November beach break in Europe, Cyprus would be my first choice. We have swum at Nissi Beach ourselves, and you can fly there directly from the UK. If your priority is the best chance of warm weather and a swim every day, I would put Egypt ahead of it. The sea is noticeably warmer. The Canary Islands would be my next choice, with Oman, the Maldives or Asia added to the shortlist for a longer holiday.

My Cyprus accommodation tip: We stayed at Kitieos Apartments near Finikoudes Beach in Larnaca, and I can recommend it. The promenade, shops, restaurants and bus towards Nissi Beach were all handy. Larnaca worked well as our base for swimming and exploring, and the little terrace with sunset views was a lovely bonus.

I would also keep Malta, Mallorca, Alicante and Málaga in mind. Malta can still have warm water after summer, although November is less predictable. Mallorca and mainland Spain make more sense for sunshine, time on the beach and exploring than for a holiday built around swimming. We swapped a week of Czech autumn for sunshine in Alicante and enjoyed it even without going into the sea.

My November beach holiday shortlist

Cyprus is my European favourite, Egypt offers a better chance of warm swimming, and the Canaries combine beaches with exploring. We swam in Gran Canaria too. I would also compare Tenerife and Fuerteventura. For longer trips, distinguish the usually dry conditions in Oman and Dubai from tropical destinations, where beautifully warm water can come with rain.

The flight times below use London as a reference point, rather than assuming that every English-speaking reader lives in the UK. They are approximate outbound journey times, and connecting itineraries depend on the layover. From elsewhere in Europe, or from North America, Asia or Australia, the order can change considerably. Compare sunshine hours too: six hours a day in Málaga versus nine in Egypt can make a noticeable difference over a week. Stars mark my personal favourites.

Destination	Approximate journey from London	November daytime high	November sea temperature	Daily sunshine	My take
Malta	About 3 to 3.5 h, direct	20 to 21 °C	21 to 22 °C	About 6 h	Swimming is possible, but allow for rain.
Antalya	About 4 to 4.5 h, direct	21 to 22 °C	21 to 23 °C	About 6 h	Better chances of a swim early in the month.
Alicante	About 2.5 to 3 h, direct	20 to 21 °C	18 to 20 °C	About 6 h	Sunshine and sand for the children. We did not swim.
Málaga	About 3 h, direct	Around 20 °C	18 to 20 °C	About 6 h	City and beach, with more rain than Alicante.
Cyprus 🌟	About 4.5 to 5 h, direct	22 to 23 °C	22 to 24 °C 😎	About 7 h	My European favourite. We swam at Nissi Beach.
Egypt: Hurghada and Marsa Alam 🌟	About 5 to 6 h, direct to Hurghada	26 to 29 °C	Around 26 °C	About 9 h	A better chance of warm swimming. Pick a sheltered beach.
Rhodes	Via Athens outside available direct dates	Around 20 °C	21 to 22 °C	About 6 h	Check early-November seasonal flights. Swimming is uncertain.
Madeira: Funchal	About 4 h, direct	21 to 23 °C	21 to 22 °C	About 5 h	Mainly nature and exploring. The south is usually milder.
Fuerteventura	About 4 to 4.5 h, direct	Around 24 °C	21 to 22 °C	About 7 h	Long sandy beaches. Watch the wind and waves.
Gran Canaria: south 🌟	About 4.5 to 5 h, direct	Around 24 °C	22 to 23 °C	About 6 h	We enjoyed swimming. Anfi Beach is my family tip.
Tenerife: south	About 4.5 to 5 h, direct	24 to 25 °C	Around 22 °C	About 6 h	Swimming and exploring. Choose the southern coast.
Dubai	About 7 to 8 h, direct	Around 31 °C	28 to 29 °C	About 9 h	Warm water and usually little rain.
Cape Verde: Sal and Boa Vista	About 6 to 6.5 h, direct	27 to 28 °C	Around 26 °C	About 7 h	Warmer water than the Canaries. Watch for waves.
Oman: Muscat	About 7 to 8 h, direct	28 to 30 °C	Around 28 °C	About 10 h	Warm swimming and exploring. Direct Heathrow option.
Maldives	About 10 to 11 h, direct to Malé	30 to 31 °C	Around 29 °C	About 6 h	Still wet season. Add the transfer to your island.
Sri Lanka: south and south-west	About 10.5 to 11.5 h, direct to Colombo	29 to 30 °C	28 to 29 °C	About 7 h	Add the coastal transfer. Aim for later in November.
Guadeloupe	Connecting journey via Paris	27 to 30 °C	Around 28 °C	About 7 h	Warm sea, but still the wet season. Check Paris airports.
Cambodia: Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem	Connecting journey, plus coast and boat transfers	29 to 30 °C	28 to 29 °C	About 8 h	Fly to Phnom Penh (Techo), then transfer to the coast and boat. Later in the month is preferable.
Bali	Connecting journey via Singapore or another hub	30 to 31 °C	28 to 29 °C	About 9 h	Rainy season begins. Our weather was lovely, but that is no guarantee. Fewer crowds.

If your dates are flexible, also have a look at my guides to October beach holidays, winter sunshine and February beach breaks.

A longer flight does not automatically mean better November weather. For a week away from Europe, I would first compare Cyprus, Egypt and the Canaries. Alicante, Málaga, Madeira and Palermo work well if sunshine, exploring and time on the beach are enough. Children can be perfectly happy playing in the sand without swimming. See the sunshine and sightseeing section below for more ideas.

Cyprus, Egypt and the Canaries in more detail

The temperatures in the table are approximate November figures for the coast described. Air temperatures mean typical daytime highs, rather than an average that includes cooler nights. The beginning of the month is usually warmer than the end in the Mediterranean. A beach on a sheltered southern coast can also feel very different from an exposed spot on the same island.

Cyprus: a peaceful swim at Nissi Beach

We swam at Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, and there were very few people around. It was a huge contrast with the summer crowds. Nissi Beach can be absolutely packed in peak season, but our visit felt much more peaceful. The water is very shallow, and we found it pleasant for swimming. That experience is one of my strongest reasons for keeping Cyprus on an autumn shortlist.

Expect coastal daytime temperatures of roughly 22 to 23 °C and sea temperatures around 22 to 24 °C, gradually cooling as the month goes on. Visit Cyprus also includes swimming and sunbathing among November activities. Cyprus is a realistic option for a swim, especially if you have other plans for cooler days. For the east coast and Nissi Beach, Larnaca is the convenient arrival airport. More practical advice is in my Cyprus guide.

Egypt: Hurghada and Marsa Alam for a swimming holiday

If the main aim is to lie on the beach and swim every day, Egypt would be near the top of my list. Hurghada and Marsa Alam typically have November daytime highs of about 26 to 29 °C, sea temperatures around 26 °C and very little rain. You have a better chance of proper warmth than in the Mediterranean. For travellers departing from Europe, it is one of the more accessible options for a holiday centred on swimming.

I would not choose between Hurghada and Marsa Alam over a difference of one degree. The beach, shelter from the wind and access to the sea matter more to me. With children, look for a gentle sandy entrance. For snorkelling, look for a suitable reef. Check whether deeper water is reached directly from the beach or from a jetty, because November wind can affect swimming even on a warm day.

A trip from Hurghada: Try a snorkelling and Orange Bay boat trip. The listing offers snorkelling equipment and hotel pick-up in Hurghada. Compare the shorter breakfast option with the full-day version, which includes two snorkelling stops and lunch. The nature reserve fee is an extra €5 per person, including children. Check the transfer area for your selected option before booking.

Gran Canaria: we enjoyed swimming here

We swam in Gran Canaria and really enjoyed it. For us, the Canaries are more than somewhere to walk around in a T-shirt. I particularly recommend Anfi Beach, a beautiful sheltered beach with shallow water that also suits children. The beach you choose makes a real difference here. Look for shelter and an easier entrance to the sea, especially if you do not want to battle waves.

Daytime highs are around 24 °C and the ocean roughly 22 to 23 °C, so do not expect water as warm as Egypt’s. For November, I would focus on the south of the island, which is generally drier and sunnier. The average November maximum is 24.2 °C. From the UK, direct flights make it a straightforward option for a week away. More ideas are in my Gran Canaria guide and Canary Islands comparison.

Tenerife: the south for beaches and exploring

Tenerife definitely belongs on my November shortlist, especially the south and south-west coast. Like Gran Canaria, it makes sense for beaches mixed with exploring. Southern daytime highs are usually around 24 to 25 °C, with the ocean around 22 °C. Expect a refreshing swim rather than tropical water. The south generally gets more sun and less rain than the north, and coastal conditions are completely different from those high up around Mount Teide.

For a beach holiday, look around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos and choose a specific beach with wind and waves in mind. What I like about Tenerife is being able to combine time by the water with volcanic scenery or the cliffs at Los Gigantes. My own Tenerife experiences do not establish what every November will be like, so this recommendation also reflects the island’s climate. You will find specific places and my route in the Tenerife guide.

Fuerteventura: long sandy beaches, wind and waves

Fuerteventura is one to add if you love long sandy beaches and plenty of space. November daytime highs are around 24 °C and the ocean roughly 21 to 22 °C, similarly refreshing to the other Canaries. I would not automatically rule it out because of the wind, as autumn can be lovely on the beach. Still, do not book solely on a photograph of an endless coastline. Waves and wind can make an exposed beach less pleasant for swimming.

With children, compare the bay at Caleta de Fuste with the beaches near your chosen accommodation. A more sheltered setting helps, although it cannot promise calm conditions every day. For relaxed swimming, I would first compare southern Gran Canaria and Tenerife. If long beaches and sandy walks are the bigger attraction, Fuerteventura has a firm place on the list. My Fuerteventura guide shares our own experiences and places to explore.

Lanzarote is worth considering too if you want ocean views, volcanic scenery and relatively short drives. For a November holiday mainly about swimming, I would first compare individual beaches and places to stay on the three islands above. The Canaries are not one interchangeable destination. My island comparison explains the differences. In the mountains or on an exposed coast, the weather can feel very different from a sunny resort in the south.

Warm seas: Oman, Dubai and Cape Verde

Oman: an alternative to Dubai

If Dubai does not appeal but you want similar November warmth, I would look at Oman and the coast around Muscat. Daytime temperatures are roughly 28 to 30 °C, with the sea around 28 °C. Rainfall is usually low, and November is a good month for combining swimming with exploring. Compared with the intense summer heat, conditions are more comfortable if you want to spend part of your holiday away from the water.

Oman appeals to me for its combination of beaches, city sights and nature. For the underwater world, consider a Daymaniyat Islands snorkelling trip. Check the selected option for equipment, reserve permits and the departure point. Families should also check the age limit, as this particular listing excludes children under six. Confirm whether you need to arrange your own transport from your accommodation to the boat.

Dubai: warmth with little rain

I would recommend Dubai to readers who want a very good chance of warm swimming weather and are also drawn to a big city. November daytime highs are around 31 °C and the sea about 28 to 29 °C, usually with little rain. It is a good time for the beach without the extreme heat of summer, although I would still leave longer walks for mornings or late afternoons. For other emirates, see our independent UAE itinerary, on which we skipped Dubai itself.

Cape Verde: warm ocean water on Sal and Boa Vista

Cape Verde would make my shortlist for a proper beach holiday if you are happy with a longer flight than the western Mediterranean. Sal and Boa Vista typically have daytime temperatures of about 27 to 28 °C and ocean temperatures around 26 °C. November falls in the drier part of the year, with relatively little rain. The water is noticeably warmer than in the Canaries, which can make the difference if you love long swims.

Do not skip the information about waves when choosing your beach. A long, open stretch of sand can look wonderful in photographs without being comfortable for swimming with small children every day. From the UK, TUI flies to Sal and Boa Vista, with the London flight taking around six hours. Compare the actual island and arrival airport when looking at holidays, as changing islands adds travel time. A sheltered beach matters more than a beautiful aerial photograph.

For a longer holiday: the Maldives, Asia and Guadeloupe

Maldives: warm water, but still a risk of rain

In the Maldives, November air temperatures are around 30 to 31 °C and the sea about 29 °C. There is plenty of warmth for swimming. Rain is the uncertainty. November is often described as a transition between monsoons, but the Maldives Meteorological Service places it within the wet season and identifies December as the transition. It does not offer the same climate reliability as January or February.

If choosing between early and late November, I would lean towards the end of the month while still allowing for rain. Northern atolls are generally drier than southern ones, but that does not guarantee the weather for an individual week. The Maldives can work if you want warm water and can accept changeable conditions. My Maldives holiday and costs guide can help you choose the type of stay. Allow time for the boat or seaplane transfer after arrival in Malé.

Sri Lanka: south and south-west later in November

For Sri Lanka in November, I would focus on the south-west and south coast: Bentota, Unawatuna, Mirissa or Tangalle. Air temperatures of about 29 to 30 °C and sea temperatures of roughly 28 to 29 °C are inviting. Choose the beach carefully, especially with children. The warm Indian Ocean can have powerful surf, and some stretches suit a walk better than a gentle swim.

November brings this side of the island closer to its better beach season, but October and November are still inter-monsoon months with heavy showers. If I had the choice, I would favour the second half or end of November. December is a more reliable choice climatically. A trip mixing sightseeing with a few beach days makes more sense to me than one relying entirely on daily swimming. See our Sri Lanka itinerary for route ideas.

Cambodia: Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Angkor Wat

For a less obvious November option, I would add Cambodia. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem would be my choices for the beach part of a trip. Expect air temperatures around 29 to 30 °C and sea temperatures of roughly 28 to 29 °C. The dry season is beginning, although the coast can take longer to settle. With flexible dates, I would aim for the second half or end of November for the islands.

Combining a few days by the sea with the Angkor temples near Siem Reap makes a lot of sense to me. If you prefer a tour, compare this small-group Angkor day trip, checking the guide’s language and whether the temple pass is included. As the monsoon retreats, island crossings generally become easier than in the rainy season. I would still avoid scheduling the return boat immediately before an international flight.

Bali: lovely weather and fewer crowds on our trip

We had lovely weather in Bali and found very few tourists around. That was a huge advantage for me. We did not queue at the well-known sights or have to wait to take photographs. That is why I remember our Bali trip so fondly. If you can accept some uncertainty and want to explore as well as spend time on the beach, it is a destination I would keep in mind.

Our experience is not a forecast for everyone else’s holiday. November marks the start of Bali’s rainy season, as the official Indonesia tourism website explains. Daytime temperatures are around 30 to 31 °C and the sea roughly 28 to 29 °C, so cold water is not the problem. Expect showers and potentially longer spells of rain, and choose a beach with suitable swimming conditions. If every rainy day would spoil the trip for you, I would choose another destination.

Bali accommodation map

Zoom in on your preferred part of the coast to compare accommodation by its distance from the beach, restaurants and places you want to visit. Enter your dates to see options for your own holiday. Bali is a large island, so compare the location carefully before choosing somewhere just because it looks close to the sea on the map.

Guadeloupe: warm Caribbean water with a rain risk

I would add Guadeloupe for warm water if you have time for a longer holiday. Daytime temperatures are roughly 27 to 30 °C and the sea around 28 °C. It makes sense for beaches combined with lush scenery, provided you do not need a perfectly sunny week. For swimming, I would look at the lagoon around Sainte-Anne and choose sheltered beaches according to the waves on the day. If you plan to explore beyond the beach, read my Guadeloupe car hire guide.

November is still part of the wet season, with tropical storms also possible. Sunshine can alternate with intense showers. Given the choice, I would lean towards the end of the month, without treating it as a guarantee of dry weather. November in Guadeloupe can work for warm swimming with a flexible programme. From Europe, Egypt remains my first comparison if a shorter journey and a better chance of sunshine are the priorities.

Closer options where swimming depends on the weather

Malta: sightseeing with a possible swim

I would happily recommend Malta in November, with different expectations from Egypt. Daytime temperatures are roughly 20 to 21 °C and the sea around 21 to 22 °C. A swim is possible in sunshine and calm weather, but November is one of the wetter months. I would build the trip around Valletta, towns and sightseeing. A beach day would be a bonus rather than the condition for a successful holiday.

Malta is easy to reach on direct flights from the UK, including easyJet from London Gatwick. It combines sightseeing with time by the sea without needing tropical heat. Families can find more beach ideas in my Malta with children guide. In November, choose your swimming day according to the forecast and keep another outing in mind. You will still have plenty to enjoy if the sea does not appeal.

Antalya: worth considering in early November

I would include Antalya in Turkey mainly for early November. Typical daytime highs are around 21 to 22 °C, with sea temperatures roughly 21 to 23 °C depending on the part of the month and climate dataset. A warm, sunny stay is possible, but autumn brings a greater risk of rain and cooler evenings. I would not describe it as a dependable swimming holiday. If warmth both in and out of the water is the priority, choose Egypt.

If you want a combination of coast and sightseeing, Antalya can still be enjoyable outside the main season. Before booking, check that the hotel facilities you care about will be operating and whether the pool is heated. An open pool does not necessarily mean warm water. For November swimming in the Mediterranean, I would generally put Cyprus first, helped by our own good experience, while keeping alternatives to the beach in the itinerary there too.

Rhodes: an option for the start of the month

I would keep Rhodes as an early-November possibility if the island and its sights also interest you. Air temperatures are around 20 °C and the sea roughly 21 to 22 °C, retaining some summer warmth at the start of the month. Rainfall increases considerably, so do not assume a sunny week. I would not travel here solely to swim in November. Check the exact flight dates and which services are open outside the season.

For sunshine, sightseeing and time on the beach

Alicante: sunshine and a giant sandpit for children

We enjoyed lovely sunshine in Alicante, although we did not swim. The big sandy beaches still worked brilliantly for the children, who could run around and play. It is easy to focus only on whether you will go into the water, but a beach can be valuable on a family trip without swimming. I recommend Alicante for a few pleasant days by the sea, as long as you are not expecting a replacement for a summer beach holiday.

Alicante’s average November daytime high is 20.5 °C, with average monthly rainfall of about 36 mm. The sea is roughly 18 to 20 °C, depending on the dates and conditions. For me, that means walks, city sights and playing in the sand rather than a swimming holiday. If that sounds like your kind of break, see my Alicante guide for places to visit in the city and nearby.

Málaga: similar warmth to Alicante, but wetter

Málaga has similar November daytime highs to Alicante, around 20 °C, and sea temperatures of roughly 18 to 20 °C. One difference matters: it is statistically wetter. AEMET gives average November rainfall of about 100 mm at Málaga Airport, compared with roughly 36 mm in Alicante. That does not mean your whole stay will be rainy, but I would take the difference into account when choosing between them.

I would go for the city, good food, outings and time on the beach. My route and favourite places are in the Málaga guide. To understand the sights better, you can also compare a private old town and Alcazaba tour. In November I would leave swimming as a possible bonus, with plenty of other reasons to be outside even on a cooler day.

Madeira: nature, walking and the ocean

We found Funchal pleasantly mild, at around 20 °C, on our own trip. I would not extend that experience to the whole island. Madeira has many microclimates. The south around Funchal is generally warmer and drier, while the north and mountains can have completely different conditions. That is why I would choose it in November mainly for nature, levada walks, exploring and the ocean. It would not be my first choice for a week on a sandy beach.

Funchal typically has November daytime temperatures around 21 to 23 °C and sea temperatures of roughly 21 to 22 °C. Swimming can work, depending on the weather, ocean conditions and your tolerance for cooler water. Visit Madeira explains the differences between the south, north and mountains. My Madeira guide will help with planning. Always check the current weather and whether your chosen trail is open before heading out for a hike.

Palermo: a city break by the sea

Palermo is a choice I would make for city life and time outdoors rather than swimming. I do not yet have a personal November stay to draw on. Daytime temperatures are roughly 18 to 21 °C depending on the part of the month, while the sea cools from about 20 to 21 °C towards 18 to 19 °C. Allow for rain too. I would choose Palermo for a city break by the sea rather than as a substitute for summer.

Early or late November? Timing matters

For a Mediterranean swim, early November makes more sense to me. That applies especially to Cyprus, Antalya and Rhodes. The sea still holds some warmth, but days shorten and cooler or wetter weather becomes more likely towards winter. For a holiday centred on swimming late in the month, I would favour Egypt, Cape Verde, Oman or Dubai. Gran Canaria can work too if you are happy with a more refreshing ocean.

The same timing does not apply everywhere in the tropics. For Cambodia and southern Sri Lanka, I would put the beach part of the trip in the second half of November, as conditions usually move towards the better season. The Maldives still carry a rain risk, while Bali is entering its wetter season. With only a week away, choose according to the season as well as the water temperature.

All temperatures here are approximate November coastal figures. Air temperatures mean typical daytime highs rather than a full-day average. Early and late November can differ noticeably. Warm water alone does not mean a week without rain or waves, especially in the tropics. Alongside the numbers, consider wind, the position of the beach and whether you would still enjoy the destination on a cloudy day. Those details matter more than a difference of one degree.

Flights: choosing a practical route

For UK departures, compare direct easyJet flights from London Gatwick to Larnaca, Hurghada and Gran Canaria. Cape Verde is also a direct option with TUI. Longer direct routes include London Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air, Dubai with Emirates and Malé with British Airways. For Sri Lanka, compare SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow with British Airways’ seasonal winter service from Gatwick. If you live elsewhere, start with your nearest airport rather than adding a journey to London just to follow this list.

From my own experience, late November and early December can bring very cheap Canary Islands fares. I compare several dates instead of committing immediately to one island. Check the full return price, luggage and the transfer after landing, particularly when travelling as a family. We look for accommodation through Booking alongside flights, so an attractive airfare does not leave us with nowhere suitable to stay.

What to pack for a November beach holiday

Alongside swimwear, pack something for the evening and a light windproof layer for the nearer destinations. The Canaries, Cyprus and Malta can feel cooler after you get out of the water than a sunny photograph suggests. With children, use my beach holiday packing list and remember dry clothes after playing by the sea. Alicante’s beach worked for us without swimming, so I would not pack according to water temperature alone. For flying with cabin luggage, see my toiletries packing tips.

A FIXED Float waterproof phone pouch can be useful on the beach or during a boat transfer. Check that your phone fits, then test the seal without the phone inside according to the instructions. Keep sand out of the closure. Adapt the rest of your packing to the baggage allowance you have actually booked, as size limits vary between airlines.

November beach holidays: frequently asked questions

Read next: Tenerife · Fuerteventura · Alicante · Malta · Málaga