Top 3 Best Middle/South America Winter Sun Destinations in November
Thinking of traveling somewhere hotter for the winter months? Middle and South America offer plenty of options for those wanting to travel in November before the cold hits. Picking a winter sun destination can be overwhelming, so what are the best places in Middle and South America to go on holiday?
These are the results from our survey where we asked our visitors for the top 3 best Middle/South America winter sun destinations in November.
The top three best Middle and South America winter sun destinations in November are Chile, Buenos Aires, and Cancún. These destinations have pleasant weather in November, with primarily warm temperatures for the entire month.
Let’s look at what these destinations offer and what the weather will be like when you arrive. I’ll also advise you on what to pack and list some attractions you can visit during your winter sun vacation.
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1. Chile
Chile is a long country spanning along the western South American coastline. The northern and southern parts of the country are geographically diverse, so you’ll have a variety of options when planning your itinerary.
As a popular holiday destination, Chile has much to offer if you are searching for untouched and natural landscapes. The country is also famous for its historical landmarks, rich culture, and all the unique food and art you’ll discover.
According to the Global Peace Index in 2022, Chile ranks the third safest nation in South America, behind Costa Rica and Uruguay. However, I still advise you to take safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and protecting your valuables when you’re out.
Additionally, prices for plane tickets and accommodation are lower in November. November also has the best weather for outdoor activities, as you’ll get a mixture of sunny and slightly cloudy days.
Weather
It’s springtime in Chile in November! Spring in the Southern Hemisphere lasts from September to November, so you’ll find that the weather gets warmer as Chile heads into summer.
Central and Northern Chile will see temperatures reach highs of 79℉ (26℃) and lows of 51℉ (10.5℃), so while it’s warm during the day, it can get quite cold at night. Southern Chile will see slightly colder temperatures. If you want mild and warm weather, I recommend staying around the central region of Chile, where you’ll get the most sun and temperature changes are less extreme.
In Santiago, Chile’s capital city, you can enjoy an average of 13.8 daylight hours throughout November. There is less than a 5% chance of rain, but you might want to pack an umbrella for days when there’s light rainfall.
Things To Do
Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert is the driest desert in the world, with extremely low or sometimes non-existent precipitation levels. The desert’s climate is so dry that NASA researchers conduct Mars expedition simulations in the area to facilitate experiments that need to replicate conditions on Mars.
The Atacama Desert is worth visiting because its landscapes are breathtaking and surreal, with salt flats, massive sand dunes, and impressive valleys spanning the desert. There are a few key areas to visit, such as:
- The Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)
- El Tatio
- Chaxa Lagoon
- Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoon
Getting to the Atacama Desert is quite simple, as there are flights from Santiago to Calama Airport every hour. Flight time is about two hours, and after arriving at Calama, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the town of San Pedro de Atacama.
As there are a variety of landscapes to view in the Atacama Desert, I recommend spending about a week in the area. While you can hire a rental and drive into the desert yourself, it isn’t the safest option. It’s much safer to book a guided tour with a professional familiar with the routes in and out of the desert.
Valparaíso
Valparaíso is a coastal city in Central Chile with stunning, colorful buildings and a rich heritage. Known as the “Jewel of the Pacific,” Valparaíso was an important port in the 19th century; now, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is a great change of pace if you want a break from Chile’s natural beauty.
The city is a hub for local and international artists, musicians, and poets, with street art and murals lining the buildings. You can also visit the houses of Pablo Neruda, which offers a glimpse into the Nobel Prize poet’s unique tastes and life.
This Bohemian paradise is also a food haven — you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh seafood and Chilean delights. Valparaíso is accessible by car or bus, which stops at the main bus terminal near the city center.
Easter Island
A vacation in Chile isn’t complete without a trip to Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui. This island has a rich cultural history, which the locals preserve through festivals and traditional ceremonies. There are also many archaeological sites to explore, not to mention ancient cave systems.
To get to Easter Island, you’ll need to fly from Santiago to Mataveri International Airport, with the journey lasting just under six hours. Tickets can be expensive due to the island’s remote location, so book far in advance.
You can start your adventure from Easter Island’s main town, Hanga Roa. The infamous Maoi statues dot the island — these statues were carved from a single piece of stone and are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. However, beware: local laws forbid tourists from touching the statues, and you could be fined heavily if caught.
Additionally, you can hike to various burial or archaeological sites, such as Orongo, Rano Raraku, and Rano Kau. Anakena Beach is also worth a visit, as it’s the only tropical beach on the island's northern coast.
Overall, I recommend staying on Easter Island for three days to explore the island entirely. You’ll also need to purchase tickets to enter Rapa Nui National Park, as well as some of the museums.
Healthcare Services
Chile has good healthcare and many hospitals and clinics in the major cities. However, if you have a medical emergency, visiting a private facility is better than a public one to reduce waiting times for a faster response.
Private healthcare facilities in Chile are costly, so you must buy a comprehensive medical insurance plan before arrival. Ensure that your insurance can cover the repatriation cost if needed.
Also, Chile has good doctors and modern equipment in private hospitals. Doctors in private facilities receive their education abroad, so you’ll find that most of them speak English.
Personal Safety
Latin America doesn’t have the best safety standards in the world. Still, Chile is generally safe as long as you exercise caution when you’re out and about. However, petty crime and thievery are still common, so guard your valuables or leave them at home.
If you lose something important, you must file a report known as dejar constancia, which you can use to make an insurance claim afterward. You can file the report at the nearest police station, or you can do it online at the Chilean police’s Virtual Police Station.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
It’s a lovely time to visit Buenos Aires in November, as the capital of Argentina is in its last month of spring. There are lesser crowds, lower prices, and the weather is great. Even though the tourist season is over, the city is as vibrant as ever.
Regarding safety, Buenos Aires is one of the safer cities in Argentina. It’s also considered safer than a lot of major American cities. However, you’ll still need to be aware of your surroundings, as petty theft is still common in any big city.
Buenos Aires is a bohemian metropolis known for its cultural events and vibrant nightlife. Also, don’t forget to visit the art galleries, museums, and local shops while you’re there. Most importantly, you must have a steak dinner at a parilla to sample the best beef cuts in the world.
Here are some suggestions for what to do while in Buenos Aires:
- Tango dancing. You can attend a tango dinner show or learn to dance the world’s most sensual dance at a milonga. Milongasare informal tango clubs where everyone is welcome to learn how to dance the tango, regardless of age or experience.
- Visit the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA). MALBA houses work from local and international artists, with an extensive collection of avant-garde artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries. For ticketing information, click here.
- Visit Teatro Colón. This theatre is one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. If you can’t catch a performance, you can buy tickets for a guided tour to learn about Teatro Colón’s history and architecture.
- Take a walking tour. You can go on walking tours to explore the city and its historic neighborhoods. Some key points of interest are Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, La Boca, and La Recoleta Cemetery.
Weather
The weather in Buenos Aires is pleasantly warm in November. Daily temperatures hit highs of 77℉ (25℃) and lows of 61℉ (16℃), so not too hot during the day, but it may be a little cold at night. On average, you’ll enjoy about eight hours of sunshine daily.
You won’t get too much cloud cover in November, but there will be a chance of rain. Buenos Aires has about ten days of rainfall during the last month of spring, so ensure you pack an umbrella.
3. Cancún, Mexico
Cancún is one of Mexico’s most luxurious cities, with high-end resorts and beautiful sandy white beaches lining its coast. It’s one of the most popular destinations for foreigners and Mexicans, with millions of visitors arriving on its shores every year.
If you’re comfortable with Cancún’s higher prices, the city has much to offer besides its pristine beaches. Cancún is the ultimate getaway for a relaxing vacation, and the weather will help you forget about the cold winter back home.
To get to the city, you’ll need to fly into Cancún International Airport and take a shuttle or taxi to your accommodation. Taxi services are available in the city, so getting around won’t be difficult.
Apart from lounging on the beach, here are some activities to consider while in Cancún:
- Go shopping at La Isla Shopping Village.
- Visit the Mayan Museum of Cancún.
- Explore archaeological sites outside the city.
- Visit Market 28 for cultural goods like Mexican crafts and Yucatecan fare.
Additionally, healthcare services in Cancún are very advanced, and doctors are trained locally and abroad. Most healthcare professionals speak English to accommodate the high volume of foreigners visiting the city. As always, make sure you buy medical insurance before you travel.
Weather
November marks the beginning of the dry season in Cancún. The city will experience highs of up to 86℉ (30℃) and lows of 70℉ (21℃), so an average day will be hot during the daytime with balmy evenings. You’ll also get about eight hours of sunshine every day.
I recommend packing light clothing for the hot weather and bringing an umbrella along in case it rains. While November has less rainfall than the previous months, the hurricane season is still ongoing.
Final Thoughts
Chile, Buenos Aires, and Cancún are at the top of the list of the best Middle and South American winter sun destinations. There are a lot of different cultures to experience in these regions, not to mention you’ll get to see breathtaking natural landscapes.
How this Top 3 list was made
The top 3 list was derived from a survey where we asked about their top destination for a particular month and region. From these results, we made each month a top 3 for North America, the Caribbean, Middle/South America, Europe, and Asia (including the Middle East). Sometimes, we have combined several individual destinations from a single country into the country itself.
