Where to Play Golf in November
November is the great handover, when the northern courses close for winter and the warm weather world opens up. The Dubai desert turns perfect, southern Europe and the Atlantic islands stay mild and good value, and the southern hemisphere swings into a glorious late spring. Here are the eight best places to play golf in November, ranked with our verdicts.
Photograph: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, via Google
How we chose
November is a winter sun month, and the question it answers is simple: where is it warm, dry and good when home has gone cold. We ranked these destinations on the quality of the golf at this specific point in the calendar, the reliability of the weather, the ease of access and the value as the year turns. That favors two kinds of place: the northern hemisphere escapes where November is peak season, led by the desert and the Mediterranean, and the southern hemisphere destinations that are just hitting their late spring stride.
The result leans toward warmth and reliability rather than the firm autumn links that define our September and October lists. For more cool weather options and a complementary view of the month, see our separate ranking of the best golf destinations in November. Wherever you land, book the marquee desert and island resorts early, because November is the moment the world's golfers start chasing the sun.
The 8 best places to play golf in November
Dubai and the UAE
The desert is our number one for November, when the searing summer heat finally gives way to warm, dry days around the mid 20s Celsius and the courses are in flawless condition. Dubai pairs the floodlit Faldo course for twilight rounds with marquee tests at Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates, which hosts the DP World Tour's season finale in November, while Abu Dhabi adds Yas Links and the National. Add five star hotels, short transfers and reliable sun and it is the most dependable winter golf there is.
The Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is Europe's most reliable winter golf base, and November is when the fierce summer heat has fully softened into comfortable, mild days and the rates drop from the peak. The dense cluster of courses around Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and the western Algarve stays in good order, the resorts are quieter and the flight from across Europe is short. For value, sunshine and quality within a few hours of home, it is hard to beat as the clocks change.
The Canary Islands, Spain
For the most dependable November sun without a long haul flight, the Canary Islands are the answer, sitting off the coast of Africa with subtropical temperatures right through winter. Tenerife and Gran Canaria lead the way, with cliffside and volcanic resort courses such as Abama and Anfi Tauro, warm sea breezes and almost guaranteed shorts weather when mainland Europe shivers. The closest thing to certain winter warmth on the continent's doorstep.
Mauritius
For a long haul splurge, Mauritius in November is warm, lush and beautiful, with temperatures around the high 20s Celsius as the island moves into its summer. The golf is genuinely good, led by the Bernhard Langer designed Heritage course and the island layouts at Anahita and Ile aux Cerfs, all set against white sand and turquoise lagoons. It is the honeymooners' favorite that doubles as a serious resort golf destination, ideal for a couple or a small group wanting sun and seclusion.
Cape Town and the Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa swings into its late spring in November, and the Cape is glorious, warm but not yet at the height of summer, with long days and the rand keeping costs friendly. The Garden Route packs in Fancourt's three courses, including the Links that hosted the Presidents Cup, plus Pinnacle Point on the cliffs and Pezula, while Cape Town itself adds drama and a wine country to explore. World class golf, big scenery and a favorable exchange rate make it one of the month's great value trips.
The Melbourne Sandbelt, Australia
November is prime time on the Melbourne Sandbelt, the run of immaculate sand based courses that many rank among the finest collections on earth. Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Victoria and Metropolitan are at their firm, fast, late spring best before the summer heat arrives, with crisp turf and the famous bunkering at its most photogenic. It is a long way to go, but for the connoisseur there is no better month to play the Sandbelt, often paired with Tasmania's links to the south.
Florida, USA
Florida comes into its golf season in November as the humidity drops and the snowbirds arrive, with warm, dry days and a vast field of courses from the TPC Sawgrass Stadium course and the World Golf Village near Jacksonville to the resort golf of Orlando, Naples and the Palm Beaches. It is the easy, accessible winter sun option for North America, with no passport, short flights and golf for every budget. Rates climb as the season builds, so November is a sweet spot.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam around Da Nang and Hoi An rounds out the list as Asia's dry season begins in November and the heat eases. The coast holds a remarkable cluster of modern courses, the Greg Norman links at Danang Golf Club, the Nick Faldo design at Laguna Lang Co and BRG Da Nang, all within a short drive of beach resorts and the lantern lit old town of Hoi An. Excellent value, warm hospitality and a fast rising golf scene make it the adventurous pick for the month.
Weather and seasonal notes verified June 2026 from destination and golf travel sources. Conditions and green fees vary year to year, so always confirm current rates and tee times directly before booking. Check November tee time availability.
Plan your November golf trip
Tell us which of these appeals and roughly when and who is travelling, and one concierge matches the destination to your group, books the courses and the stay, and costs it to the head. The best desert and island resorts fill early for the winter sun season, so the sooner we start the better, with no obligation.
November golf questions
Where is the best place to play golf in November?
November is a winter sun month in the northern hemisphere, and our top pick is Dubai and the UAE, where the heat has eased to warm, dry days around the mid 20s Celsius, the courses are immaculate and the DP World Tour brings its season finale to the city. The Algarve and the Canary Islands offer the easiest warmth from Europe, while in the southern hemisphere the Melbourne Sandbelt and Cape Town hit a glorious late spring. Always confirm current fees and tee times directly before booking.
Is November a good time for a golf trip?
November is one of the best months for a warm weather golf trip. As the northern courses close for winter, the desert of Dubai and Abu Dhabi turns perfect, southern Europe and the Atlantic islands stay mild and good value, and the southern hemisphere swings into late spring, with the Melbourne Sandbelt and South Africa at their best. It is prime winter sun season, so book the marquee desert and island resorts well ahead.
Where can you play warm golf in November in Europe?
The Algarve in southern Portugal and the Costa del Sol in Spain stay mild through November, with comfortable days and value off peak rates, on a short flight from across Europe. For the most reliable warmth without leaving Europe, the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa hold subtropical temperatures all winter and are the closest thing to guaranteed November sun. Always confirm current conditions and rates before booking.
How far ahead should you book a November golf trip?
For the headline winter sun destinations, especially Dubai and the island resorts of Mauritius and the Canaries, book three to six months ahead for the best lodging and tee times, and earlier for a large group or a peak week. November is prized as the season turns, so the best resorts fill quickly. A trip planner can lock the courses, the rooms and the transfers in one brief.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Where to play next, the booking windows that just opened and the seasonal trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Seasonal weather windows verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.