- Japan’s autumn colours peak across major cities in late November.
- Europe’s Christmas markets switch on from mid-November.
- Southeast Asia hits prime weather; Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng runs 5–6 Nov.
- In the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival opens 1 Nov.
- Big sports: Melbourne Cup Carnival (1–8 Nov), NYC Marathon (2 Nov), plus F1 and MotoGP rounds through the month.
November is a sweet spot: cooler air at home, shoulder‑season prices in Europe, and dry skies across much of Asia. If you’re flying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’ve got quick options east and west. Below are the events pulling travellers this month, the likely crowds, and simple planning tips, including eSIM picks to avoid ugly roaming bills.
Japan’s kōyō season
Short, dry days and bright leaves before winter crowds set in.
- Peak colour timing varies by city; late November is prime for Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.
- Travel flows skew regional and long‑haul from the US and the Middle East.
- Book rail passes and city hotels early; weekend slots go first.
Japan’s autumn leaf season runs from late October into December, but late November is the safe bet for city breaks. Expect packed viewpoints in Kyoto and Nikko and tighter availability on weekends. If you’re relying on mobile data for navigation and translation, set up a travel eSIM before you land. See our quick guide to the best eSIMs for international travel for plan types and setup steps.
Europe’s Christmas markets and city breaks
Festive squares, earlier sunsets, lower hotel prices than summer.
- Vienna, Munich, Cologne, Prague and Budapest switch on mid‑to‑late November.
- Demand for festive trips has risen year on year.
- Short hops inside Europe are easier with eSIMs and contactless payments.
Market season kicks off around mid‑November and ramps up into December. Flying from the UAE, you can dodge the biggest spikes by avoiding the US Thanksgiving weekend for long‑haul connections and booking weekday arrivals. If you’re new to eSIMs, note that newer iPhones sold in the UAE are eSIM‑first, so sorting data is non‑negotiable. Our breakdown of iPhone 17 going eSIM‑only in the UAE explains what that means for travellers.
Southeast Asia: clear skies, lanterns and calm beaches
Dry season returns across Thailand and Vietnam.
- Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival runs 5–6 Nov.
- Phuket, Bangkok, Hanoi and Hoi An see strong booking curves.
- Shoulder‑season prices are still possible outside festival dates.
If you want warmth without 14 hours in a tin tube, Thailand and Vietnam are easy to reach from the UAE, with plentiful connections. Chiang Mai will be busy around Yi Peng, but the rest of the country spreads demand across beaches and city stays. Install your data plan before you fly; app onboarding has become simpler. Airalo app and found setup much smoother, which helps when you’re trying to scan QR codes in a crowded terminal.
UAE pick: Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, Abu Dhabi
Local culture, crafts and international pavilions right on your doorstep.
- Opens 1 November and runs through winter.
- Works as a day trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Pair with a staycation to keep costs tame.
If you’d rather skip airports, start with the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. It’s heavy on heritage shows and food, with plenty to do for families. Use this period to sort your travel tech for later trips: check eSIM compatibility, sort a power bank and tidy your charging setup. Our UAE‑tested best phones of 2025 and top power banks and chargers round‑ups are a quick way to pick kit that won’t die halfway through your night shots.
Sport and music: the big November dates
Stadiums, street courses and festival crowds are back in force.
- Melbourne Cup Carnival: 1–8 Nov
- New York City Marathon: 2 Nov
- MotoGP Portugal: 7–9 Nov; Spain: 14–16 Nov
- F1 Brazil: 7–9 Nov; USA (Las Vegas): 20–22 Nov; Qatar: 28–30 Nov
- Corona Capital, Mexico City: 14–16 Nov
From race meets in Melbourne to marathons in New York, the first half of the month is busy. Later, motorsport turns up the volume in Europe and the Middle East. We’ve covered what “unlimited” actually means in our Saily Ultra review. If you’re ready to buy, get a Saily eSIM here.
Practical planning for UAE travellers
Keep it simple and avoid rookie mistakes.
- Book long‑haul returns around US Thanksgiving with care; fares spike.
- Travel light; EU low‑cost carriers are strict on cabin size.
- Snapshot your QR codes and eSIM details offline.
- Bring a fast charger and a bank big enough to top up a phone and earbuds.
You don’t need twelve apps and four dongles. Pick one eSIM provider with decent coverage where you’re going, add a second as backup, and keep copies of your installation QR offline. If you’re upgrading your phone before the trip, our best phones in the UAE and mid‑range picks under AED 2,500 are a safe starting point. For context on roaming economics, see our travel eSIM overview.
Quick pick: Prefer a simple, multi‑country plan? Get a Saily eSIM and activate before you fly.
FAQs
Are Europe’s Christmas markets open in November?
Yes. Many major markets open mid‑to‑late November and run through December. The biggest crowds arrive from late November onwards, especially on weekends.
When is the best time for Japan’s autumn colours?
Late November is reliable for big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, with northern areas turning earlier and southern cities later. Trains and popular viewpoints get busy on weekends.
Is Thailand good in November?
Yes. It’s the start of the cool, dry season for much of the country, and Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng festival is 5–6 November. Book early if you want lantern‑release venues.
What’s the easiest way to get mobile data abroad from the UAE?
Use a travel eSIM. Many newer phones sold here are eSIM‑first, and setup is quick. Start with our best eSIMs for international travel and keep a backup plan saved.
Any quick gear upgrades before flying?
A reliable power bank and fast charger. See our UAE‑tested picks for power banks and chargers and consider a sports watch if you’re doing race trips; our best Garmin watches in the UAE guide covers battery life and GPS accuracy.
