Tailor-made
Egypt
Holidays

Egypt works as a holiday destination for most of the year, which is part of what makes it so popular for a first trip to the country. But "most of the year" isn't quite the same as "any time works equally well", and a little planning goes a long way when you're weighing up temples in the midday sun against a winter's day on the Nile. The short version if you're looking for the best time to go to Egypt: The country has one climate that shapes almost everything, hot and dry, with barely any rainfall anywhere you'll go. What changes month to month isn't whether it will rain, but how much heat you'll have to be exploring in. But this is one of those many times when having experts in your corner can really help. Below, our Egypt specialists Ian and Cat talk you through what to expect throughout the year, along with the dates worth building your trip around. When to go to Egypt (at a glance) High season: November to February Cooler days, comfortable evenings, and the best conditions for full days spent at the pyramids, Luxor's temples and the Valley of the Kings. This is also peak season for Nile cruises , so it's worth booking your cabin well ahead. Shoulder season: March to April and September to October Warm, dry and noticeably quieter than winter, with lower rates on Nile cruises and Red Sea hotels. April can bring the occasional dusty khamsin wind; October is one of our favourite months to travel. Low season: May to August Expect serious, serious heat, especially in Upper Egypt. Cairo stays in the low thirties, but Luxor and Aswan regularly push past 40°C. This might just be doable if you're well prepared and plan your days around the heat, (and it is a genuine bargain season thanks to it!), but it's not for everyone. Cat, HA Egypt expert, at the pyramids in Giza, Egypt Key dates to plan around Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. As with any Muslim-majority country, Ramadan changes the daily rhythm of things. Some restaurants close during daylight hours, and many of the big site opening times can shift around. Ramadan moves back roughly 11 days every year; in 2027, Ramadan is expected to run from early February to early March, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. Your Egypt specialist will always flag if your dates overlap and help you plan around it. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival, 22 February and 22 October. Twice a year, the sunrise aligns perfectly through the temple to illuminate the statues in the inner sanctuary, a moment the temple's original architects engineered more than 3,000 years ago. Both dates draw crowds, so if you want to see it, build your itinerary around it deliberately rather than by accident. Coptic Christmas, 7 January. A significant date for Egypt's Coptic Christian community, with celebrations particularly visible in Cairo. Sham el-Nessim, the Monday after Coptic Easter (usually April or early May). A national spring holiday when Egyptian families head outdoors for picnics. Popular sites and parks get busy, though it rarely affects the main tourist trail. Karnak Temple at sunset, Luxor, Egypt Egypt month by month January in Egypt One of the most comfortable months to travel. Cairo sits in the high teens to low twenties, with cooler evenings, especially by the Nile. Ideal for full days on your feet at Giza, Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum without the summer heat to contend with. It's also peak Nile cruise season, so book your cabin early. February in Egypt Similar to January, and warming slightly, with lovely conditions right across the country. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival falls on 22 February, one of the two days a year worth planning your trip around if that's on your list. Hot air balloons float in the sky over the Nile, Egypt March in Egypt Still a comfortable time to explore, though temperatures start climbing, particularly in Luxor and Aswan. The occasional khamsin, a hot, dusty wind that can roll in from the desert, is more likely from March onwards, though it rarely lasts more than a day or two. April in Egypt A lovely shoulder-season month: warm, dry, and quieter than the winter peak, with prices to match. Sham el-Nessim usually falls in April, bringing a burst of local outdoor celebration. May in Egypt Heat starts to build properly. Cairo is comfortably in the low thirties, while Luxor and Aswan push towards 40°C. Early starts to beat the midday heat are essential from here through to September, but May remains a good-value time to travel if you're prepared for it. June to August in Egypt The heart of Egypt's low season, and for good reason. Upper Egypt regularly sees temperatures above 40°C, with Luxor and Aswan the most extreme. This is when we build itineraries very deliberately around the heat: temple visits at first light, Nile cruises for the shade and breeze on deck, air-conditioned transfers, and a proper break in the middle of the day. If you can handle serious heat, this is when Egypt is at its quietest and least expensive, but it isn't the season we'd recommend for a first visit. Ian at Hatshepsut Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => This really is us speaking from experience. I went in June and almost melted from the heat, we can really do better for your holidays than that! [name] => Ian [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ This really is us speaking from experience. I went in June and almost melted from the heat, we can really do better for your holidays than that! Ian HA Egypt Destination Manager ” September in Egypt Still hot, but the intensity of high summer starts to ease by the second half of the month, especially further north. A good time to catch lower rates before the winter crowds return. October in Egypt One of our favourite months to recommend. The heat has properly broken, the sites are less busy than in the depths of winter, and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival returns on 22 October. Ian, HA Egypt expert, at Abu Simbel November in Egypt Genuinely excellent conditions almost everywhere, and the start of peak Nile cruise season. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings make this a favourite month for both first-timers and repeat visitors. Cat about to take to the skies in a hot air balloon, Egypt Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => When I was in Egypt in November, I included a hot air balloon ride over Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. This was a real highlight: enjoying the calm of the morning and experiencing the spectacle of hundreds of balloons in the air really is the perfect scene. [name] => Cat [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ When I was in Egypt in November, I included a hot air balloon ride over Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. This was a real highlight: enjoying the calm of the morning and experiencing the spectacle of hundreds of balloons in the air really is the perfect scene. Cat HA Egypt Destination Manager ” December in Egypt Similar to November and just as popular, with the added pull of Christmas and New Year. Book well ahead if your dates fall over the holidays, as this is one of the busiest windows of the year and we'd hate for you to miss out on the best accommodation and experiences for you. Don't forget the Red Sea If you’d love your Egypt holiday to include a few days by the water in Hurghada or on the Sinai coast, the best time to visit shifts slightly. The Red Sea stays swimmable and warm for most of the year, and spring and autumn bring the most comfortable combination of warm water and bearable land temperatures for diving and snorkelling. Winter is still lovely, if a touch cooler and occasionally breezier; high summer is hot wherever you go, but the sea itself is glorious. Ian at the pyramids, Giza Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Sipping on a beer and reading my book by the Red Sea whilst the sun went down was such a highlight of my last visit. Follow that up with dinner at the Movenpick Quseir, and evenings don’t get better than that. [name] => Ian [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Sipping on a beer and reading my book by the Red Sea whilst the sun went down was such a highlight of my last visit. Follow that up with dinner at the Movenpick Quseir, and evenings don’t get better than that. Ian HA Egypt Destination Manager ” Ready to plan your Egypt holiday? However you're picturing your trip, whether that's sailing the Nile at sunset, standing inside a 3,000-year-old tomb, or timing your visit to catch Abu Simbel's sunrise, our Egypt specialists Ian and Cat can help you build it around the season that suits you best. Speak to one of our destination experts to start planning your tailor-made Egypt holiday. Egypt holidays we recommend Tempted by an Egypt holiday? ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

People often think ancient Egypt is mysterious because so much is unknown. In reality, even after thousands of years (4,500 to be exact) of digging and discussion, there’s still a lot we haven’t figured out. How did they move stone weighing several tonnes across the desert with such astonishing precision? Why put so much effort into building for the afterlife? What was behind the careful alignment of temples with the sun? And even now, why do these places still make such an impression on us when we visit? With every discovery, the story of Ancient Egypt gets even more interesting. Some questions have been answered, but plenty are still up for debate. What we thought we knew as factual a generation ago has often changed as new finds come to light. Our specialist, Ian, admitted that when he first visited Egypt, he went expecting to be wowed by the big names: the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Abu Simbel, etc. Which of course do impress him with every visit. But instead, he says, "I realised I didn't know anywhere near as much as I thought I did. The deeper and further you dig into Egypt and its history, the more fascinating it becomes." Below, we explore some of the ideas that shaped one of history's most extraordinary civilisations, and what it's really like to stand in these places today. The pyramids weren't built overnight When most people think of ancient Egypt, they picture the Great Pyramid of Giza. It's one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. “Back when I first visited Egypt, one of the biggest surprises for me was realising just how many pyramids there are. Most people think of Giza, but there are more than 100 pyramids across Egypt.” -Ian . Before the famous pyramids, Egyptian rulers were buried in simple mudbrick tombs called mastabas. Then, around 2670 BC, the architect Imhotep designed something completely new: the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, now considered the world's first monumental stone building. Far from being a failure, it's one of archaeology's greatest lessons in problem-solving. Over the following decades, the Egyptians refined their designs. The Bent Pyramid shows where they adapted their plans during construction, while the Red Pyramid became the first successful smooth-sided pyramid. Only after centuries of learning did they build the Great Pyramid at Giza. "Visiting Saqqara first completely changes your perspective. You suddenly understand how the pyramids evolved, so by the time you reach Giza, you appreciate it on a completely different level." HA expert Ian in front of the Step Pyramid, Saqqara Top tips for visiting the pyramids Ian always recommends visiting both Saqqara and Giza if your itinerary allows. Seeing where pyramid building began feels like a natural way to kick things off. We arrange a guide and buggy for all our clients, so there's no need to worry about navigating the sites or the logistics. Your guide handles all of that, and the buggy does make it easier to move between the monuments in the heat. Speaking of the heat, don't underestimate it. There is very little shade around the pyramids, so pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Thankfully, your buggy is stocked with refreshments throughout the visit, though, which is helpful. Pyramids and Ancient Egyptian beliefs To the Ancient Egyptians, death was simply the next stage of the journey. They believed different parts of the soul would continue into the afterlife, and that the pyramids were built for that purpose. "One thing that makes sense of this for me is the Grand Egyptian Museum . You expect to see Tutankhamun's famous gold mask, but the sheer scale of everything there is mind-blowing." A pyramid for each Egyptian pharaoh, or occasionally a royal queen, was built and filled with anything they may need in the afterlife. "You see jewellery (the gold and the jewels are like nothing I have ever seen!), furniture, statues and even enormous boats that were buried alongside the pharaohs. They absolutely intended to need and use all of this in the afterlife. The Egyptians took the planning of their eternity very seriously.” The solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun, Grand Egyptian Museum, taken by Egypt expert Ian Advice when visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum Ian recommends allowing more time than you think you'll need. The Grand Egyptian Museum is enormous, and it's impossible to see everything in one visit. Rather than rushing through every gallery, focus on a few highlights and give yourself the time to learn the stories behind them. The vast collection of beautiful artefacts gives such a fascinating glimpse into everyday life over 3,000 years ago. Grand Egyptian Museum The sun and the stars We see the sun come up in the east and set in the west every day, and most of us barely give it a second thought. For the Ancient Egyptians, though, this daily journey was at the heart of how they understood the world. They believed the sun god Ra travelled across the sky each day before journeying through the underworld each night, only to be reborn at dawn. It became a powerful symbol of renewal, helping shape their understanding of life, death and the afterlife. You can still see those beliefs reflected across Egypt today. Many temples were carefully aligned with the rising or setting sun, while royal tombs were often built on the west bank of the Nile, where the sun disappeared each evening. The more you learn, the more you notice these connections. “One beautiful evening on my latest trip, just as the sun was beginning to set, I took the time to do a bit of a deeper dive into Ancient Egyptian beliefs. And as I watched the sunset, it struck me how much this daily ritual shaped their ideas about life and the afterlife. It’s easy to see why the journey of the sun meant so much to them.” The sunset on the Nile cruise taken by HA Egypt expert Ian A must-do experience in Egypt: A Nile cruise For Ian, travelling by boat is one of the best ways to experience Egypt. Not only is it a relaxing way to travel between sites, but it also gives you time to absorb everything you've seen during the day. Some of the most memorable moments aren't in the temples themselves, but watching life along the Nile from the deck of the boat. "One of my favourite things to do was sit on the balcony of my Nile cruise, watching the sunset". A bit of advice: We know it can seem a little overwhelming when booking your Nile cruise, with so many options and ways to do it. But between Cat and Ian, they have done enough of them to know exactly what direction to point you in, centring it around exactly what you like and how you like to travel. They also recommend jumping on your Nile cruise arrangements as soon as possible, as they can get booked up very quickly, even quite far in advance. November is peak season for Nile cruises; this is touched on a little more in this article . Colourful Egyptian tombs It's something that catches almost everyone by surprise. After thousands of years, many of Egypt's tombs still contain vivid blues, reds, yellows and greens that look remarkably fresh. Many of the tombs have remained sealed for centuries, protecting the artwork from sunlight, wind and rain. "Walking into some of the tombs, you won't believe how vibrant the colours still are. You expect everything to be faded, but in places it looks like it was painted yesterday." The paintings tell stories, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious ceremonies, or journeys into the afterlife. Colours were chosen carefully, too (in classic ancient Egyptian style, each colour has meaning), with different shades representing ideas such as rebirth, fertility, or divine power. "Having a guide explain what you're actually looking at makes such a difference. This way you can really understand the stories, instead of simply enjoying the pictures covering the wall." The vivid interior of the tomb of Ramesses IV, Valley of the Kings, taken by Egypt expert Ian Visiting the tombs Photography rules vary by site, so it's worth checking before you visit. More importantly, take your time. It's easy to focus on the incredible architecture, but some of Egypt's greatest masterpieces are found on the walls inside the tombs. You don’t want to miss them! Why is the Valley of the Kings hidden? The pyramids were designed to be seen, and the Valley of the Kings was designed to disappear. After centuries of building enormous pyramids, pharaohs realised that the bigger the monument, the more attention it attracted from tomb robbers. So, instead of building upwards, they began carving elaborate tombs deep into the desert cliffs near Luxor. "I absolutely love the Valley of the Kings. From the outside it looks almost barren, then you walk underground and discover these incredible chambers covered in artwork." The entrances were deliberately hidden, while the surrounding mountains provided natural protection. It was a completely different approach, but the goal remained the same: to protect the pharaoh and everything they would need for eternity. Today, more than 60 royal tombs have been discovered here, including Tutankhamun's. "It's another place where having a guide completely changes the experience. Without someone explaining what you're seeing, it's easy to miss just how significant it all is." Hidden tombs, Valley of the Queens, taken by HA Egypt expert Ian Advice when visiting the Valley of the Kings Temperatures rise quickly here, too, so early morning visits are ideal. Your guide will also help you choose which tombs to visit, as not all are open at the same time and some require separate tickets. Every year, archaeologists uncover new tombs, inscriptions and artefacts that add another piece to the puzzle. Some discoveries answer long-standing questions, while others create entirely new ones. "Every time I come home from Egypt, I feel like I've only scratched the surface." The monuments are extraordinary, the temples are breathtaking, and the history is unlike anywhere else on Earth. As Ian has discovered, the deeper you go into Egypt, the more compelling it becomes. "That's what keeps drawing people back. Egypt isn't somewhere you visit once and feel you've done. There's always another story or something new to learn." If you’re ready for your deep dive into ancient Egypt, chat to our experts Ian or Cat today to design your tailor-made Egypt itinerary. Fascinated by ancient Egypt? Chat to our expert, Ian, today to learn about the mysteries of ancient Egypt for yourself. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

If you like to travel when things are a bit quieter and prices are more reasonable, November is a good month to consider. You’ll find Japan’s autumn colours at their best, the mountains in northern Vietnam are perfect for trekking, the Nile is comfortable for cruising, and Patagonia is just starting to wake up for the season. Each destination below has been chosen by our specialists who know the country like the back of their hands. Over the past year, we’ve walked through the streets of Rajasthan, sailed the Nile, looked for pumas in Patagonia, explored the rainforests of Costa Rica and trekked in northern Vietnam’s rice terraces. Every recommendation comes from the experts’ genuine connection to these places, shaped by their countless visits. These are cherished favourites, far beyond anything you’d find in a brochure. If you’re thinking about taking a trip in November, these are the places our experts personally recommend. These are our top picks on where to go in November For colourful cultures and easy breezy exploring Egypt in November Taken by HA expert Ian in Hurghada, 2026. Egypt changes completely depending on when you visit. And if there's one month Cat and Ian happily recommend to almost anyone considering a trip to Egypt, it's November. By November, the summer heat has dropped, so you can spend more time out and about without having to duck into the shade every few minutes. It’s a comfortable time to explore the Great Pyramids, walk through Cairo’s old streets, or take your time at the temples in Luxor. Everything just feels a bit more manageable. November is also a popular time for Nile cruises. It’s a relaxed way to travel between Luxor and Aswan. You’ll see fishermen out early on the river and can step off to visit temples that have been standing for millennia. Cat suggests booking your trip as early as you can to secure the best cruise options, as November also marks the heart of the Nile cruise season. Ships begin filling up quickly, and it can be hard to reserve if you wait too long. But there's a good reason why cruising along the river, stopping at ancient temples between Luxor and Aswan and waking somewhere new each morning is still one of the best ways to experience Egypt. Top tip: She also loves Alexandria, describing the seafood there as “so exceptional [she'd] happily return just for another meal.” Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => I personally go in November, so I always recommend that my clients aim to time their trip between September and April if they can. The weather is just perfect.... [name] => Cathine Williams [location] => HA Destination Manager, Egypt [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ I personally go in November, so I always recommend that my clients aim to time their trip between September and April if they can. The weather is just perfect.... Cathine Williams HA Destination Manager, Egypt ” The Egypt team Catherine Williams Ian Lowbridge Why we'd choose Egypt in November ✓ Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing ✓ Nile cruise season is in full swing ✓ Perfect for combining Cairo, Luxor and Aswan in one itinerary India in November Group of young friends sat on the beach, taken by HA expert Clare in Neeleshwar, 2026. With the monsoon out of the way, Rajasthan's well-known cities are pleasantly warm instead of stifling. It’s a good time to wander around Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur in your own time. If you’re picturing yourself exploring India, chances are you’re thinking of this season. The markets burst with colour, old forts look their finest, and family-run havelis open their doors to guests. The streets are full of life, but you can enjoy it all without the exhausting heat like in the earlier months. If you look beyond the main sights, you’ll have time to see village life, local customs, and really get to immerse yourself in everyday life in India. Instead of rushing between Jaipur's Amber Fort and the City Palace before temperatures climb, you can spend the afternoon wandering through bazaars, stopping for chai, chatting to local crafters and getting wonderfully distracted down streets that weren't on your itinerary. After her recent journey through Rajasthan, Clare's biggest recommendation wasn't a palace or a monument. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Village life in Rajasthan is something people absolutely shouldn't miss. [name] => Clare Burkey [location] => HA Destination Manager, India [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Village life in Rajasthan is something people absolutely shouldn't miss. Clare Burkey HA Destination Manager, India ” Our India expert Clare Burkey It's advice she now gives to almost every client because, while Rajasthan's forts and palaces are extraordinary, the best parts are often spent wandering through small villages, meeting local families, and seeing traditions continue exactly as they have for generations. November gives you the time and the temperatures to experience both. Why we'd choose India in November ✓ Comfortable temperatures for exploring Rajasthan's cities on foot ✓ Clear skies after the monsoon ✓ Time to properly immerse yourself in local life rather than escaping the heat Oman in November Taken by HA client Adrien, stood infront of the Grand mosque, 2026. November is a great time to get out and discover Oman. You might start your day climbing the old fort at Nizwa, head into the Hajar Mountains after lunch, and finish with dinner under the stars in the desert. The heat has eased off by November, so you can really make the most of your time outdoors. November is also a good month to visit before the Christmas rush. The weather is pleasant, and it’s usually easier to find space at the hotels you want, without the higher prices that come later in the year. If you’re after a trip that mixes culture, a bit of adventure and some comfort, November is a good time to go. Why we'd choose Oman in November ✓ Comfortable temperatures across the country ✓ Ideal conditions for deserts, mountains and historic towns ✓ Better availability and value before the festive season For incredible landscapes and scenery Japan in November Taken by HA expert Erin, in the Zen gardens in Arashiyama, 2026. Cherry blossom might dominate social media feeds, but ask our experts which season they'd personally choose, and autumn often wins. November is when much of Japan reaches peak colour. Temple gardens turn rich shades of red and gold, mountain valleys are full of autumn colour, and the walk between shrines feels extra special at this time of year. November is also a good time to take things a bit slower, and our expert, Erin, spoke about this a lot after her most recent trip to Japan, explaining why it's important to be mindful and slow down whilst you’re there to really reap the benefits. Read Erin's latest japan blog: Where to go in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto: Our expert's top recommendations Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Sakura is amazing, but there's so much more reason to travel outside of it. [name] => Erin Evans [location] => HA Destination Manager, Japan [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Sakura is amazing, but there's so much more reason to travel outside of it. Erin Evans HA Destination Manager, Japan ” The Japan team Erin Evans Fenton The weather is cool and comfortable for exploring on foot, making it easy to wander through Kyoto’s temples, hike sections of the Nakasendo Way, or just enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at the end of the day. It’s a lovely time to visit, not just for the scenery and colour, but for the comfortable pace and pleasant weather. Why we'd choose Japan in November  ✓ Peak autumn colour across much of Japan ✓ Excellent walking weather ✓ One of the country's most photogenic months For nature and wildlife Chile in November HA Chile expert, Lou, with Gabs, who heads marketing, by the Chilean Lakes Chile never stays the same for long. Every time you visit, our expert Lou says you notice something different. Over the course of three weeks, our South America specialist Lou returned to Chile and travelled from the glaciers and granite peaks of Patagonia to volcanoes, salt flats and flamingo-filled lagoons in the Atacama Desert. She always says November is a brilliant time to make the journey. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => My personal favourite times are in the shoulder seasons in spring or autumn... it offers better value, it's quieter in most places, and generally it will still offer mostly great weather. [name] => Louise Mumford [location] => HA Destination Manager, Chile [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ My personal favourite times are in the shoulder seasons in spring or autumn... it offers better value, it's quieter in most places, and generally it will still offer mostly great weather. Louise Mumford HA Destination Manager, Chile ” Our Chile expert Louise Mumford Patagonia is just coming back to life after winter. The hiking trails are opening up again, wildlife is easier to spot, and you can enjoy the landscapes before the busy summer crowds. Lou describes Torres del Paine as: "Completely and utterly breath-taking... The photos will NEVER do justice to this amazing place." The moment she'll remember most, though, surprisingly wasn't the scenery. It was hiking through thorny scrub with local tracker Diego before finally spotting a female puma watching her from around fifty metres away. Then, as if that wasn't magical enough. A few days later, she saw a huge pod of dolphins leaping beside her as she cruised along in a zodiac, then she soaked in hot springs under the stars, and picked up the knack of drinking mate with local gauchos. These are the sorts of experiences you can expect from a trip designed for you by Lou in November . Why we'd choose Chile in November ✓ See Patagonia before peak season ✓ Longer daylight hours for exploring ✓ Excellent wildlife opportunities ✓ Better value than summer Argentina in November Caminito street in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires November is a great time to get outside in Patagonia. Walking trails start to open up again, wildflowers pop up across the hillsides, and the days are long enough to really make the most of your time outdoors. If you head to the Atlantic coast, Peninsula Valdés is the place to watch orcas hunting close to shore. You’ll also see sea lions and plenty of penguins along the beaches at this time of year. In Buenos Aires, the city comes alive with locals heading to the parks, sitting out at cafés and browsing the neighbourhood markets in the spring sunshine. The nearby wine regions are also just starting their new season. (And if that isn’t an extra reason to visit, we don’t know what is!) If you’re looking to mix wildlife, scenery and a bit of local culture, November is a great month to visit before the summer crowds arrive. “This is a great time to be in the city for local life, especially around the parks, Recoleta and La Boca.” - Louise Mumford, HA destination manager. Why we'd choose Argentina in November ✓ Comfortable temperatures across the country ✓ Ideal conditions for deserts, mountains and historic towns ✓ Better availability and value before the festive season Costa Rica in November Taken by HA's Gabs, our Marketing Managerhead at Maquenque Eco Lodge in Boca Tapada If you’re thinking about Costa Rica, November is a lovely month to go. The landscapes are at their greenest after the rains, wildlife is easy to spot, and you’ll miss the busiest part of the season. You might find yourself watching howler monkeys from your lodge, spotting sloths tucked into the trees or waking up to the sound of birds in the cloud forest. Costa Rica always feels full of life at this time of year. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => We watched a family of howler monkeys in the trees right in front of our room for ages. Keep the patio doors shut or the coatis will come in! [name] => Dawn Smith [location] => HA Destination Manager, Costa Rica [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ We watched a family of howler monkeys in the trees right in front of our room for ages. Keep the patio doors shut or the coatis will come in! Dawn Smith HA Destination Manager, Costa Rica ” Our Costa Rica expert Dawn Smith It's exactly that unpredictability that makes a holiday to Costa Rica so exciting. One moment you're searching for sloths with your guide, and the next you're sipping coffee on your terrace while monkeys dance for you outside your window. Why we'd choose Costa Rica in November ✓ Wildlife is incredibly active ✓ Landscapes are lush and green ✓ Before peak visitor numbers arrive For adventure and local experiences Vietnam in November HA's Vietnam expert, Lisa, along the Thu Bon River Erin has been to Vietnam many times, but she always says November in Sapa is special. Not because of the glorious sunshine, but because the mist lifts and the mountains come into view. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => It's just magical in Sapa at this time of year. It's cool enough to head off trekking through the iconic landscapes without too many clouds rolling over the landscape and obscuring the views. It's right at the start of the high season, so you'll have no heat and humidity to contend with, no torrential rain, and it should be nicely quiet! [name] => Erin Evans [location] => HA Destination Manager, Vietnam [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ It's just magical in Sapa at this time of year. It's cool enough to head off trekking through the iconic landscapes without too many clouds rolling over the landscape and obscuring the views. It's right at the start of the high season, so you'll have no heat and humidity to contend with, no torrential rain, and it should be nicely quiet! Erin Evans HA Destination Manager, Vietnam ” The Vietnam team Erin Evans Lisa Jankus-Scott Fenton Lisa Dyboll And then once you've finished trekking? You can travel down south, and Vietnam completely changes its character and feel, so you can experience something quite different after your time in the mountains. It’s easy to take a short flight south and swap the cool mountain air for a few days by the warm sea. It’s a nice way to combine adventure and relaxation all in one trip. Why we'd choose Vietnam in November ✓ Fantastic trekking conditions around Sapa ✓ Clearer mountain views ✓ Easy to combine with beach time in southern Vietnam For a bit of downtime in the winter sun The Maldives in November Taken by HA's Maldives expert, Dodds (Rebecca), Sun Siyam Iru Veli If you're already travelling all the way to Sri Lanka, why rush home? November is a great month to add a few days in the Maldives to your Sri Lanka holiday. After exploring national parks, wandering through tea estates, visiting ancient sites and taking the train through the hills, a few days of proper downtime is a lovely way to round things off. The Maldives is only a short flight from Sri Lanka, but it feels like a different world. Instead of jungle and hills, you’ve got calm lagoons, white sand and the chance to snorkel straight from your villa. After lots of adventure, you can relax, read, swim and watch the sun set over the water each evening. November also marks the start of the Maldives' drier season. The weather is generally excellent, resorts are starting to prepare for the busier months, and you'll often have more choice than you would during the Christmas and New Year period. For most of our clients, we'd recommend the Maldives as the perfect post Sri Lanka escape. That said, if you've already explored Sri Lanka before, or you're simply craving a dedicated beach holiday, it also makes a wonderful standalone destination. Why we'd choose the Maldives in November ✓ A seamless add-on to a Sri Lanka itinerary ✓ Generally excellent weather as the drier season begins ✓ More choice before the festive peak ✓ The perfect balance of adventure followed by complete relaxation. Morocco in November HA expert, Doddsy (Rebecca), on a sidecar tour excursion in Marrakesh In Morocco this time of year, the summer heat has eased off, but it’s not yet winter, so you get mild days and clear skies. It’s a good month if you want a mixture. You might spend a morning exploring the souks in Marrakech, then head into the Atlas Mountains for a hike between crumbling Berber villages, and finish your trip by the Atlantic or out in the Sahara, where the nights are cool, and the skies are clear. There are also festivities nationwide this time of year as Morocco celebrates Independence Day on November 18th. Another plus for November is that, surprisingly, it’s quieter than October, so you can take your time in the cities and enjoy the mountain trails without the crowds. The weather is still on your side too, with plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures for getting out and about. Emma, our head of Trade (and previous Morocco expert!), has travelled to Morocco in November multiple times now and, in her words, it's “always 10/10”. “Morocco in November is like the Goldilocks of travel season: not too hot, not yet cold, and right after the crowds of peak October travel season. You still get lovely blue skies and sunshine right through the country, and it's the perfect temperature for hiking in the mountains, lounging by the coast, or exploring bustling cities.” - Emma Higgins, HA Head of Trade. There is such a wonderful variety in Morocco this time of year. Rather than choosing between cities, mountains, coast or desert, November gives you the option to combine them all into one beautifully balanced itinerary. What’s more, it’s your chance for a little drop of winter sunshine just a quick four hour flight from home. Why we'd choose Morocco in November ✓ Comfortable temperatures for exploring Morocco's cities on foot ✓ Warm sunshine along the coast without the summer crowds ✓ Fantastic conditions for hiking in the Atlas Mountains ✓ A great time to combine Marrakech, the mountains and the Sahara in one trip. So, where will November take you? There isn't one perfect place to travel in November. It really comes down to the kind of holiday you have in mind. Some people are tempted by Patagonia as spring arrives, others by the autumn colours in Japan, the walking trails in Vietnam or a classic journey along the Nile in Egypt. Wherever you end up, November is a good time to travel if you prefer things a little quieter. You can explore at your own pace, often before the busiest season starts. All of these suggestions have been thoughtfully hand-picked by our experts, and you will always get more than just a templated itinerary with us. You'll get tips that can only come from knowing a place like a local and honest, helpful advice from our HA experts who know their destinations like the back of their hands. If any of these places sound intriguing. Reach out today; our experts would love to chat with you to build a bespoke itinerary and personally design a trip tailored just to you. Where to go in November? Chat to one of our experts today and build a November trip that is perfect for you. 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