November arrives and suddenly the temperatures are dropping, the days feel dim, and there is even the threat of snow in the air. It is the time of year when many of us start longing for warm sunshine, blue sea views, and that glorious feeling of stepping off a ship into summer weather.
Sunny Cruise Ports to Visit This November
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If you are dreaming of escaping the chill, you are not alone. Thankfully, there are many cruise ports where the sun keeps on shining throughout November, giving you the perfect chance to top up your vitamin D and enjoy a proper warm-weather break. These are the cruise ports we would much rather be in right now.
Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote
The Canary Islands are one of the most reliable places for sunshine in November. With temperatures often sitting between 22 and 26 degrees, these islands feel more like early summer than late autumn.
Why is it sunny?
The Canaries are located just off the coast of West Africa, close to the Tropic of Cancer. This position brings year-round warm winds from the Sahara and stable high pressure that keeps clouds at bay. The islands enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year, which is why they remain Europe’s favourite winter sun destination.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira in November stays pleasantly warm with temperatures around 20 to 23 degrees. The scenery is lush, dramatic, and full of tropical colour even as Europe turns grey.
Why is it sunny?
Madeira sits in a subtropical zone and is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, which keeps sea and air temperatures mild all year. High cliffs and mountains also help shield parts of the island from the worst Atlantic weather, creating pockets of sunshine that last long into winter.
Cyprus: Limassol and Paphos
Cyprus regularly reaches 22 to 25 degrees in November, making it one of the warmest eastern Mediterranean cruise stops at this time of year.
Why is it sunny?
Cyprus is the most southerly island in the eastern Med and sits close to the Middle East. Its location gives it long hours of strong sunlight even in late autumn, while warm, dry winds from nearby desert regions help keep rain to a minimum.
Malta: Valletta
Valletta offers sunny days, outdoor dining, and temperatures that linger around 20 to 23 degrees in November. It feels bright and golden even when much of Europe has reached winter.
Why is it sunny?
Malta benefits from its central Mediterranean position and low rainfall at this time of year. High pressure often settles over the island in November, bringing clear skies and long sunny spells that make it perfect for sightseeing and harbour views.
Crete, Greece: Heraklion or Chania
Crete often records 20 to 24 degrees in November, making it one of the warmest Greek islands for a late-season cruise call.
Why is it sunny?
Crete sits further south than most of Greece and is close to North Africa. Its geographic position brings strong sunlight well into winter and helps push colder European weather systems away. The sea remains warm, which also helps keep the island’s climate mild and bright.
Egypt: Alexandria and Safaga
Temperatures in November in Egypt often reach 25 to 30 degrees with dry, hot sunshine and very little humidity. These ports offer true summer heat even as northern Europe gets frosty.
Why is it sunny?
Egypt’s climate is dominated by the Sahara Desert. Warm, dry air and high pressure keep skies clear almost every day. November is one of the most pleasant months as the extreme heat eases but the sunshine stays strong and reliable.
United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
In November, the UAE enjoys 28 to 32 degrees with bright, cloudless days that feel like peak summer.
Why is it sunny?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi sit in a subtropical desert zone. High pressure dominates the region throughout winter, and rainfall is extremely rare. Warm desert winds keep temperatures high, and the sun shines almost constantly.
Caribbean Ports: Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua
If you are on a repositioning cruise or long-haul itinerary, the Caribbean and the Florida Coast is hot, bright, and beautiful in November with highs between 28 and 31 degrees.
Why is it sunny?
November marks the transition into the Caribbean dry season. The tropical climate brings consistent sunshine, warm waters, and steady trade winds that clear clouds quickly. It is the perfect time to sail from port to port chasing the sun.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a favourite for cruisers looking for sunshine in November. Temperatures typically range from 25–28°C, making it perfect for beaches, snorkelling, and exploring the colourful streets of Old Town.
Why is it sunny?
Key West sits at the southernmost point of the continental United States and benefits from tropical breezes from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The warm waters keep the climate mild, and November is outside the hurricane season, so the skies are reliably bright.
Miami, Florida
Miami offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and temperatures around 26–29°C in November. Cruise ships often use it as a departure port, but it also makes a fantastic stop for a few days of sun and city life.
Why is it sunny?
Miami’s subtropical location ensures warm, sunny weather well into late autumn. Ocean currents and tropical air masses keep temperatures high, and rainfall is lower in November than during the summer.
Don’t Settle For The Cold
When November brings grey skies, falling temperatures and the hint of winter snow, you do not have to settle for the cold. Cruises offer the perfect escape to places where the sun still shines brightly and the weather feels like a completely different season.
Whether you want the dependable warmth of the Canaries, the tropical feel of the Caribbean, or the cultural sunshine of Malta and Cyprus, there are plenty of cruise ports where you can soak up real warmth while everyone back home shivers. These are the places we would all rather be in November.
