Top November Adventure Destinations: Mountains, Volcanoes, and Ski Thrills
For thrill-seekers planning a November getaway, our experts recommend high-altitude adventures. From Ethiopia's 'Roof of Africa' to Nicaragua's volcanoes, Thailand's terraced rice paddies, and Oregon's snow-dusted Mt. Hood, these destinations deliver unforgettable experiences through hiking, climbing, and skiing.
Trek Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains for a Unique High-Altitude Adventure
Ethiopia, dubbed the 'Roof of Africa,' boasts more mountains than any other African nation. Its crown jewel, the 15,157ft (4,620m) Ras Dashen peak in the Simien Mountains, features dramatic basaltic peaks, pinnacles, gullies, and escarpments shaped by millions of years of erosion. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers treks from day hikes on ancient paths to multi-week journeys, revealing stunning vistas, remote villages, and endemic wildlife like walia ibex and gelada monkeys. November's dry weather and lush post-rain landscapes make it ideal.
Trip plan: Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar's castles and Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, then reach Debark. Organize a 5-10 day trek from Sankaber to Ras Dashen, via Geech Abyss and Imet Gogo viewpoint.
Need to know: Altitude sickness is prevalent (Addis Ababa sits at 7,726ft/2,355m). Hydrate well and acclimatize.
Through the year: Mar–Apr: warming; May–Jun: warmer, some rain; Jul–Oct: rainy (Jul–Aug wettest); Nov–Feb: dry, cool.
Discover volcano boarding
Explore Nicaragua's Active Volcanoes and Family Adventures
Nicaragua blends colonial charm, beaches, wildlife, and adrenaline activities like zip-lining, kayaking, and volcano boarding—with fewer crowds. Perfect for families, its welcoming locals and child-friendly vibe shine in November's dry, warm weather (20–28°C/68–82°F) post-rains. Spot olive ridley turtles nesting at Isla Juan Venado (Aug–Dec).
Trip plan: Start in Managua, head to León for Isla Juan Venado and Cerro Negro volcano. Surf at Playa los Cardones, visit cacao farms, explore Lake Nicaragua and Ometepe Island, zip-line in cloud forests near Granada, then relax on the Corn Islands.
Need to know: Use córdobas or US dollars.
Through the year: May–Jun: hot, rains begin; Jul–Oct: wettest (Sep–Oct worst); Nov–Apr: dry, warm.
Prefer relaxation? Discover our top chilled November spots.
Ski Oregon's Mt. Hood for Early-Season Powder
Mt. Hood (11,250ft/3,429m), a Cascade Range stratovolcano, offers North America's longest ski season. Winter kicks off in early November with fresh snow. Timberline Lodge features 41 runs (25% beginner, 50% intermediate, 25% advanced) and the region's longest vertical drop. This 1937 National Historic Landmark—ski-in/ski-out and featured in The Shining—provides saunas, hot tubs, and year-round pools.
Trip plan: Enjoy Portland's bars, then bus to Timberline for lessons.
Need to know: 62 miles (100km) from Portland; Mount Hood Express buses available.
Through the year: Jun–Aug: summer skiing; Sep–Oct: conditions-dependent; Nov–May: snow.
Retreat to Northern Thailand's Hill Country
Northern Thailand's Lanna region—'land of a million rice fields'—bursts with terraced paddies, fruit orchards, and jungle. November post-monsoon greenery and mild temps (23–26°C/73–79°F) are perfect before cooler Dec–Feb nights. Base in Chiang Mai for cooking classes and markets, then trek to Mae Sariang or Golden Triangle for waterfalls, hill tribes, homestays, cycling, and teak architecture in Lampang and Phrae.
Trip plan: Fly or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (3–4 days treks; 7–10 for full loop). Add Phuket beaches.
Need to know: Loi Krathong festival (Nov 11–13, 2019) is magical here.
Through the year: Mar–May: hot; Jun–Oct: wet; Nov–Feb: cool, dry.
Originally published September 2017; updated September 2019.
For more ideas, explore our book Where To Go When with 360 expert escapes.
