Holiday deals: The best places to visit in November and book for February

Even if you love November’s misty mornings, there will be times when you’ll be desperate for some proper warmth and want to escape the gloom. At this time of year, you’ll have to travel further for higher temperatures, even if Europe’s southernmost reaches can still offer mild days. And if you’re looking ahead to February, some of these ideas might inspire you.

Enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures in the low 20s in this Portuguese Atlantic outpost – a good time to explore the hiking trails that wind through the island’s volcanic landscapes. Set in lush botanical gardens, the luxurious Quinta da Bela Vista lives up to its name, with gorgeous views of Funchal Bay and the rugged mountains beyond from its large outdoor pool. Inspired Luxury Escapes has seven nights’ half board from £699pp including flights and transfers, departing 29 November.

Serious heat-seekers who don’t mind humidity can wallow in the warmth of Singapore, where the sea breezes can bring some coolness in the afternoon. Combine a visit with a jaunt over to Bangkok, where the wet season will have come to an end and temperatures “drop” to 30C. Hayes & Jarvis has a twin-centre seven-night holiday starting at the five-star Marina Mandarin in Singapore before spending three nights at the five-star Anantara Bangkok Riverside. Based on a 15 November departure, the price of £1,399pp includes flights, transfers and four breakfasts.

Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast isn’t as well known as its northern and southern neighbours, but its long coastline offers off-the-radar nature reserves and laid-back beaches. Backed by dune forests, Machangulo Beach Lodge is on a spit of land across the bay from the capital, Maputo, where there’s little else to do but go snorkelling, swimming, diving and look out for dolphins. Mahlatini has a week’s full board at the lodge from £2,220pp on 12 November, including flights and transfers.

Even among the Caribbean’s chilled-out islands, Tobago stands out among its neighbours for its agreeably slow pace. Lose yourself among the rainforest trails and waterfalls of the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, or just flop on the soft sands of Batteaux Bay and dive into vivid marine life. Tranquil Blue Waters Inn is right on the beach, and is also in a handy spot for boat trips around the island. Tropical Sky has seven nights’ B&B from £989pp for departures throughout November, and includes flights and transfers.

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For an unforgettable half-term adventure holiday, take the kids to South Africa’s Western Cape. Scott Dunn has a seven-night family holiday that starts in the Hout Bay Manor boutique hotel south of Table Mountain, where Cape Town is only a 30-minute drive. Then continue to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve where you can watch dolphins, seals, penguins and whales larking about off the coast. For a family of four it will cost £10,940 during half term, and includes flights, car hire, breakfast at Hout Bay and full board and activities at Grootbos.

Avoid Oman’s searing heat by visiting the Arabian sultanate in February, when temperatures are comfortably in the 20s. Take a self-drive tour for a fascinating introduction, starting in the alluring capital Muscat and carrying on the Nizwa’s forts and mountains before camping in the desert and watching nesting turtles along Sur’s beaches in the Gulf of Oman. Audley Travel has a nine-day tour from £2,220pp departing 15 February, and includes flights, transfers, accommodation and car hire.

February is dry season in Kerala, all the better for lazy cruises through the patchwork of waterways of southern India. The best way to go is on a traditional wooden kettuvallam houseboat, which is one of the highlights of a 13-day journey through Kerala with Wexas Travel. The tour also takes in Kochi, the hill station of Munnar and Kovalam Beach. For February departures, the price of £3,060pp includes flights, transfers, a night on the kettavallam and breakfast.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk