Arizona: Tucson and Sedona
In November, when much of the U.S. is chilled and waiting for ski season, the State of Arizona is sunny and crisp. The heat of summer is gone but the climate is ideal for exploring the desert.
Tucson and Sedona are two great bases in Arizona. Tucson is southern and warmer with November high temperatures around 73°F (23°C). The city is known for good Mexican cuisine, unique lodging, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Surrounding Tucson are mountains and a network of desert trails: Sabino Canyon is a local favorite and Saguaro National Park is only thirty minutes from downtown.
The artsy enclave of Sedona is located 230 miles north of Tucson in “Red Rock Country.” The weather is slightly cooler with average highs in November of 66°F (19°C), but the terrain will be approachable and extraordinarily beautiful. In close proximity to Sedona is the outdoor hotspot of Flagstaff (45 minutes north) and Grand Canyon National Park is located 2 hours north.
To unwind after a day in the desert, try one of Arizona’s craft breweries, including Barrio Brewery in Tucson (all pints are $1 off when the train is passing) and Oak Creek Brewery in Sedona.
Hawaiian Islands
The weather is Hawaii is stable throughout the year with a temperature range of only five degrees Fahrenheit and a “rainy season” of little import (precipitation can vary significantly on different parts of the islands but seasons are not a significant factor). November, however, is one of the best months to visit Hawaii with offseason deals and fewer tourists before the winter rush. The pre-Thanksgiving stretch in particular is a wonderful time to be on the Islands.
The full gamut of Hawaii’s outdoor activities is accessible year-round, including surfing, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. In addition, the famous humpback whale migration is in full swing by December and early whale sightings occur in November as the pods arrive to birth and nurse their young in Hawaii’s warm waters. On the Big Island, the one-of-a-kind Kona Coffee Festival takes place during the first half of the month.
Trekking in Nepal
November is the heart of Nepal’s trekking season: temperatures are cool, precipitation is low, and the air is clear, making for superb mountain views. Traveling to the Himalayas requires precision and the post-monsoon months of October and November offer the most stable conditions.
It’s true that the fall peak season is the busiest time of the year when the majority of trekkers descend on Kathmandu and the mountain routes. Yet Nepal remains an off-the-beaten-path travel destination and new trails have been blazed to relieve pressure on the most popular treks. For last minute planners, a luxury (and headache) of Nepal is the informality: visitors can arrive in the tourist district of Thamel and arrange for a major trek within just a matter of days. Depending on the year, the Khumbu (Mt. Everest) region can have excellent trekking through the first two weeks of December.