The 'best' place to visit in Africa in November is island with hot weather and no crowds

November in the UK often means cold mornings, grey skies and long evenings, leaving many people dreaming of somewhere warmer and brighter. With the clocks gone back and the days getting shorter, November is the perfect time to start thinking about a last-minute escape before Christmas.

And while Europe's beaches are cooling down, some spots in Africa are just warming up. Not only that, they also have far fewer tourists than in peak season. One destination in particular is proving popular with those who want to relax in peace while still enjoying hot weather and tropical surroundings. Travel experts say it's one of the best places in Africa to visit in November, thanks to its calm beaches and ideal snorkelling conditions.

The place in question is Zanzibar. It's a palm-fringed paradise off the coast of Tanzania where travellers can swap jumpers and raincoats for swimsuits and sun loungers.

According to travel experts at Go2Africa, it's the perfect place to wind down after a busy year, with underwater visibility at its best and far fewer crowds on the beach.

Zanzibar is made up of a chain of islands in the Indian Ocean and is famous for its powder-white sand and crystal-clear water.

Visitors can spend their days lounging on beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa or diving among coral reefs at Mnemba Atoll, where November brings warm, glassy seas and even the chance to spot whale sharks.

Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a highlight.

It's home to incredible spice markets, winding alleys and centuries-old buildings. It's also a great place to wander for gifts and street food.

Zanzibar.com says average daytime temperatures in November range between 28C and 30C, with sea temperatures around 29C.

While short tropical showers are possible, they're usually brief and followed by plenty of sunshine.

The short rainy season keeps the crowds away, making this one of the quietest months to visit.

Hotels, beaches and popular sights are far less busy, giving travellers a more peaceful experience without the summer rush.

Many of those who visited in November say they happily swapped a few raindrops for "the chance to enjoy the island in near-privacy".