Warmest Countries in Europe in November: Where to Go (I’ve Been to All of Them)

Europe is the kind of place that has, for the most part, four seasons (although global warming is definitely felt here). And November, as the last month of autumn, is definitely a time of transition. 

One practical tip for hopping between these destinations: I use a Holafly eSIM for data across European countries without swapping SIMs or paying roaming fees.

But there are warm countries in November in Europe worth a holiday.

If you’re like me, always looking best countries to travel to in November to pursue the perfect weather (which, let’s face it, is spring weather we’re all after), then I’m more than happy to share my personal insights about what I believe to be some of the best places in Europe in November if you’re looking for hot or at least warm weather. 

I also have a personal attachment to November, since this is my birthday month (yes, I’m a proud Scorpio!), and I’m always looking for off-the-beaten-path and still warm countries to explore in November. 

Remember, November is still a really warm month in all these locations. But I made a list of where to go in Europe in winter for sun if you want to plan a beach holiday later on.

Where is it hot in November in Europe?

If you’re new to my blog, then let me first tell you about my theory about when to travel where in Europe. 

Most foreign tourists (tourists who visit Europe but are not European) tend to choose the Mediterranean area for summer holidays. 

This turns the entire area into a hot mess, and I don’t recommend going anywhere near the Mediterranean between June and September.

However, spring and autumn are the best times to explore the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

You might have guessed it, we’ll be talking about the countries of Southern Europe for the warmest countries in Europe in November. 

Sure, you might get unlucky with the weather. But you can also be very lucky and enjoy sunny days on empty but gorgeous beaches. And that’s a risk I’m willing to take. 

So, just in my guide about hot European countries in October, the November list is somewhat similar, but I’ve made a few changes and extra recommendations. Here it is. 

Where is it warm in Europe in November? Average temperatures, sea and sunshine hours

I think this gives you a pretty good idea of the hottest European countries in November (and specific places), but I want to talk a bit about each one, as they are all different. 

And since we are all different kinds of travellers, we might enjoy different kinds of holidays. 

Remember, not all travel destinations are equal. 

For accommodation, I always use Booking.com with the free cancellation filter. Prices in November are significantly lower than in summer, and you’ll want flexibility in case of weather.

Greece

• Average daytime temperature: 21 °C (70 °F)
• Sea temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

Greece is a wonderland, and it truly is a top destination in Europe. 

BUT, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Greece in summer. 

What I do recommend is to wait until after October, because Greece is one of the best countries to visit in November, when the crowds are gone and what’s left is untouched, raw beauty just for you to enjoy (and lovely locals). 

However, if you still want to explore a warm country in November, then Greece is one of the best bets. 

If you’re heading to Crete in November, here are the best tours and experiences (far fewer crowds than summer).

Mind that Greece is a large country, with thousands of islands (about 6,000), and it offers diversity in both landscape and weather. 

That’s why you’ll find Greece on a lot of lists for places to visit in Europe, including the top beautiful countries in europe, because there’s such a great diversity, culture and history that’s hard to beat, even in Europe. 

So, for the colder European months, look for the southern parts of Greece, which, coincidentally, are islands in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Think of Crete, the largest Greek island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Of course, you can also check out other islands, as the weather in November can be surprising, and you can still have beach days (although the water is cold) in November in the Peloponese or Attica regions. Other islands to check out are the Cyclades and the Aegean islands. 

Cyprus

• Average daytime temperature: 22 °C (72 °F)
• Sea temperature: 21 °C (70 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 7 per day

This is one of the first countries that comes to mind when thinking about the warmest countries in November. 

Just like the Greek islands, Cyprus is an island. Note that the island (and country) is separated in half, as northern Cyprus is under Turkish occupation (but it is not recognised as a country). But there is a border between the two. 

Luckily, Cyprus is on the lower half of the island, which is the place with all the cool beaches and good weather. I think (and the temperature average supports this statement) that Cyprus is one of the hottest countries in November in Europe, and you can’t go wrong with it. 

I visited Cyprus in January (did a little road trip, which I loved), and the weather then was still manageable. Some say that Cyprus is warmer than Crete (Greece), and I think that’s because of their geographical location in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Beware that Cyprus was a British colony, so now they still drive on the left, but that’s easy to get used to, and the entire island of Cyprus is easy to visit and offers so many tourist attractions. 

If warm (or even hot weather is what you’re looking for in November, stick to the area between Paphos and Limasol. It offers breathtaking scenery and turquoise sea water.

Also, the towns and cities in Cyprus offer anything you might need, so I believe this is a top location in Europe for visiting during winter, because it is still warm and some days can be hot (make sure to pack T-shirts and sandals). 

Malta

• Average daytime temperature: 21 °C (70 °F)
• Sea temperature: 22 °C (72 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

I truly loved Malta, and I think it represents a gorgeous destination in the Mediterranean Sea. Being located at the intersection of the shortest road (better said, sailing) between Northern Africa and Central Europe, it has a lot of history (even more modern bits) attributed to it. 

A guided tour of Valletta is genuinely worth it in November when the streets aren’t packed.

I visited Malta during winter, and I was lucky to have T-shirt weather. So, November in Malta is beach time. 

As with all these hot countries in November, you can also get unlucky, but most of the time, it is warm (if not even hot during the day. 

I believe the biggest things about all these locations in Europe that are still hot or at least warm in November are that it gets sunny and hot during the day, but it can get a bit chilly during the night. 

And that’s the case with Malta. It’s definitely sandal weather during the day (that’s how I define hot weather), and then you need an extra layer for the evenings. 

Sicily (Southern island, part of Italy)

• Average daytime temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)
• Sea temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 5 per day

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is the most attractive for foodies. 

I didn’t know how much I would love Sicily, and that it offers so many options, even when visiting outside tourist season. 

Sicily is extremely popular for tourists from all over the world, but I dare to say that it’s mostly Europeans who know that Sicily is best enjoyed in the colder months in Europe. 

That’s because Sicily has great weather all year round. In fact, the weather is so good that this is an island where good produce grows and extremely good food is served. 

Yes, Italy had great food, but it’s nothing compared to Sicily. And it’s all because of the hot weather and fantastic soil.

Yes, there’s even a volcano on Sicily (Mount Etna), and it surely plays a part in that great wine they produce. Check out my Sicily itinerary because there’s so much to cover here.

If you don’t know where to start planning your trip, you can take a look at the Mount Etna tour and the Valley of the Temples tour.

Gibraltar

• Average daytime temperature: 19 °C (66 °F)
• Sea temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

I’m being a bit cheeky with putting Gibraltar on the list of the hottest countries in Europe in November, but it is true. Some will argue that Gibraltar isn’t a country.

Oh well, I count it as a country, and after visiting it in winter, I think it’s a great location for a hot autumn holiday in November. 

Indeed, Gibraltar has a wonderful nature reserve that still belongs to monkeys (they’re actually apes), but I don’t think they would ever survive in a colder climate, so yes, Gibraltar is hot. It’s almost Africa (super close, you can see it from the top). 

In my book, if a palace has monkeys, it is definitely one of the top warm countries in November in Europe.

And besides the great weather, Gibraltar is an eccentric holiday destination in Europe. 

Southern Spain

Average daytime temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)

Sea temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)

Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

Since we’re talking about Gibraltar, we must also include the southern part of Spain, as this is one of the best warm countries in November in Europe. 

If you don’t know where to start looking, search for Cartagena, Almeria, Malaga, Marbella, and anywhere in between. 

Spain is and will probably remain one of the top destinations for Europeans to go on holiday all year round, and many Norwegians choose it to spend their retirement years. If tropical is the vibe you’re looking for in November, then Spain is a sure bet. 

Also, we have so many low-cost flights to all these destinations, I’m sure it will be pretty affordable to reach them. And public transport is pretty reliable in Spain, so I’m sure you’ll love your holiday in November in Spain. 

Madeira (island of Portugal)

• Average daytime temperature: 21 °C (70 °F)
• Sea temperature: 22 °C (72 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

I think Madeira is the closest we have to paradise in Europe. 

And I am not the only one to think that, so Madeira is a busy and crowded place these days. But it is still worth the trip and enjoy that forever spring vibe, tropical fruit and breathtaking mountain views that sink into the ocean. 

Ah, Madeira is one of the best spots year-round in Europe, but this is especially true during the winter months, when the rest of Europe is kinda meh, and Madeira is amazing. 

However, I have to warn you, if bumpy flights scare you, then you should first check the Madeira airport flights and see if that’s something you can handle (because some can’t). 

Tenerife (part of Spain)

• Average daytime temperature: 24 °C (75 °F)
• Sea temperature: 22 °C (72 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 7 per day

Tenerife is farther south than Madeira, in the Atlantic Ocean, and has a bit of a drier vibe, like Morocco‘s. Offers plenty of things to do, and it’s been a favourite destination for digital nomads during the European winter. 

Book a whale watching tour in Tenerife (November is one of the best months for it).

Is Tenerife hot in November? Yes (it’s beach time), just like Morocco is, but it still counts as Europe. 

I visited Tenerife in January, and I didn’t expect to love it so much.

Algarve (southern part of Portugal)

• Average daytime temperature: 19 °C (66 °F)
• Sea temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 6 per day

The Algarve is what we call the southern part of Portugal, which is on the Iberian Peninsula. Same as the southern part of Spain, the Algarve has a milder climate and is a fantastic destination during the colder months of Europe. 

I loved it so much when I spent my winter there; it felt like a calm spring, with some days so nice that I even got in the ocean for a swim. 

The Benagil Cave boat tour runs year-round, and November is perfect (no queues).

I realise that most people think that hot places mean scorching hot, but you need to be balanced about this view, because we’re still talking about Europe. 

And the ocean is cold most of the year, not just during winter. 

That’s the thing with the ocean and the parts of this list that I recommend to visit for a hot time in November in Europe. 

While those places within the Mediterranean Sea still have some warmer beaches, the places located in the Ocean do not offer such a perk, so you either get used to a colder ocean bath or just sit on the beach and admire the ocean from afar. 

Sardinia (Italy)

• Average daytime temperature: 19 °C (66 °F)
• Sea temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 5 per day

Italy is nice, but its islands are the real jewels during winter. The best beaches in Europe are in Sardinia, and in the colder months in Europe, not a lot of people visit them. 

You’ll need to rent a car to discover the entire island, as is the case with all these islands in Europe, but the views are worth it. 

Is Sardinia warm in November? Yes, it’s perfect for anyone looking to escape crowds, high tourist season and not break a sweat while enjoying the perfect weather this place has to offer. 

Corsica (Mediterranean island of France)

• Average daytime temperature: 18 °C (64 °F)
• Sea temperature: 19 °C (66 °F)
• Average sunshine hours: 5 per day

Corsica is one of the three islands near Italy, but it actually belongs to France. If you’re more into the French culture, maybe this is the place for you. 

Enjoy the same style beaches and breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes, but also enjoy a more mountainous landscape. 

As with all these islands, renting a car is needed if you want to explore more of the nature.  

I always use DiscoverCars to compare rental prices. It’s consistently cheaper than booking directly with rental companies.

Best place to visit in Europe in November

I just listed a bunch of warm countries in November in Europe, so choosing one for your next holiday in late fall is a matter of your personal choice for activities. 

Some of these places offer great settings for relaxation or culture trips, while others are a more appropriate choice for nature activities and mountain climbs. 

Many travellers include these destinations during a longer Europe road trip through southern Europe.

I can’t think of a single desire that isn’t met by one of these good countries to visit in November that offer fantastic weather in November, so you’d better decide what you want to do, and then book your trip. 

As I always say, there are fantastic destinations for everyone, year-round, in Europe, but we are all very different, and we all might seek different things, even if we think we just want to visit a hot place in Europe in November. 

That’s why I always try to share a bit of my experience in that location, but in the end, it’s up to you and what you enjoy doing during your holiday to make the best decision when choosing a destination. 

Not all destinations are for all, in that sense, and that’s great, because we don’t need to overcrowd one place (we can’t all like the EXACT same things, right?!). 

And if you are travelling earlier in autumn, check out my October guide for hot places in Europe. 

I hope this guide helps, and I hope you enjoy your November holiday in Europe. And happy birthday to us, Scopios! 

Looking for spring warmth instead? Here are the warmest places in Europe in March.