As the year winds down, November presents a golden opportunity for travelers seeking adventure, culture and stunning natural beauty in Latin America. From tropical beaches to breathtaking mountains, this diverse region offers something for every type of traveler.
And while summer vacation and holiday crowds surge in other parts of the world, November in Latin America brings fewer tourists, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant part of the world. With optimal weather, exciting festivals and lower travel costs, here’s why November stands out as the best time to visit Latin America.
Perfect weather conditions
One of the most appealing reasons to visit Latin America in November is the ideal weather. In many countries, November marks the start of the dry season, particularly in Central and South America. The rainy season fades into the background, leaving behind lush landscapes and vibrant greenery without the storms that often disrupt summer plans.
In Costa Rica, for example, November signals the end of the rain-heavy months, making it an ideal time for visitors eager to explore its rainforests, volcanoes and stunning beaches.
For those seeking the best balance of temperatures, destinations like Mexico, Brazil and Argentina offer a comfortable range of weather during November. Whether you’re exploring Mexico’s Pacific coastline or Argentina’s famed wine regions, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat or humidity typical of summer.
Argentina, in particular, enjoys late spring in November, making it a prime time for cultural and outdoor experiences. One of the great facts about Argentina is that it is known for its stunning natural diversity, from the arid north to the southern Patagonian glaciers, allowing travelers to experience its regions in various ways throughout the year.
Fewer crowds and more affordable travel
Another reason November shines as the best time to visit Latin America is the lack of large tourist crowds. In most of the region, November is a shoulder season, meaning that the peak tourism of December and the summer months has yet to arrive. As a result, travelers can expect fewer people at popular destinations like Machu Picchu and Rio de Janeiro. For example, November offers the chance to explore the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu without being elbow-to-elbow with other tourists, allowing for a more intimate and personal experience.
The Galapagos Islands — famed for their biodiversity and incredible wildlife — are also a little quieter. Still, November offers excellent opportunities to see the green sea turtle mating season, tortoises nesting, active sea lions and juvenile Galapagos penguins. November is also a prime time for snorkeling and diving with clear waters, allowing for closer encounters with marine life like sharks, rays and sea turtles.
Fewer tourists also mean lower prices. Flights, accommodations and tour packages are often more affordable in November than during the high season. For example, getting to the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island, two remote and usually expensive destinations, is cheaper than in the peak season.
For budget-conscious travelers, this is an excellent time to score deals on trips to some of the best countries to visit in Latin America, including Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. Whether it’s securing discounted hotels or finding affordable airfare, November makes it easier to travel on a budget without sacrificing quality or experience.
Cultural and religious festivals
Traveling in November offers more than just good weather and lower costs; it’s also a time for some of Latin America’s most unique and important cultural festivals. In Mexico, November kicks off with a celebration of “Día de los Muertos,” also known as the Day of the Dead, on Nov. 1 and 2. This UNESCO-recognized holiday honors deceased loved ones with colorful parades, altars and offerings. Visitors can participate in events across the country, from Mexico City’s large parades to smaller village gatherings in Oaxaca and Michoacán.
Meanwhile, Guatemala hosts the vibrant “Feria de Todos Santos” or All Saints Day Festival, where giant kites fill the skies in honor of the dead. The towns of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango are particularly famous for their kite festivals, where visitors can experience a mix of indigenous culture and religious tradition. Alongside these festivities, Guatemalan markets bustle with local crafts and food vendors, providing an immersive cultural experience.
For a taste of traditional Latin American festivities, the “Feria de la Cosecha,” or Harvest Festival, in many regions of Argentina and Chile celebrates the end of the growing season. It’s a time for food, music and cultural exhibitions, allowing visitors to enjoy the best local wines and cuisine.
Natural wonders and outdoor adventures at their best
November is also an ideal time to witness some of Latin America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. In the Amazon Rainforest, water levels begin to rise, creating more opportunities for river cruises and better access to remote areas. The wildlife comes alive during this period, as the higher water levels bring animals closer to the rivers, making November a prime time for birdwatching, spotting monkeys and even glimpsing pink river dolphins.
In Patagonia, November marks the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and the region’s stunning landscapes are in full bloom. It’s an excellent time to trek through Argentina’s Fitz Roy mountain range or explore the iconic W Trek in Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park. The trails are less crowded than in peak summer months, and the weather is pleasant enough for outdoor adventures like hiking, glacier trekking and wildlife spotting.
Surfers will find great waves along the coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, where November’s weather brings consistent large swells without the crowds. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take lessons or an experienced surfer seeking the best breaks, these countries offer some of the most sought-after surf spots in Latin America.
For those drawn to underwater adventures, the waters around Belize are ideal for diving and snorkeling in November. The clear, warm waters offer incredible visibility, making it easy to spot an array of marine life, from coral reefs to colorful fish and larger sea creatures like manta rays, Caribbean reef sharks and more.
Seize November travel in Latin America
From the vibrant cities in the north of Mexico to the Patagonian landscapes in the south, Latin America, with its vibrant conglomerate of cultures and landscapes, is worth visiting at any time of the year. But, with fewer tourists, lower prices and a host of cultural and natural wonders to explore, November presents the perfect window for an unforgettable experience in this unique region of the world.
Norbert Figueroa of GloboTreks is an architect and travel writer on a mission to visit all 195 nations recognized by the U.N., and beyond. He shares his adventures and passion for travel, architecture and culture on his blog and social media.