Travel advice for India
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November marks the transition from fall to winter in India, providing a pleasant and varied climate throughout its vast territory. From the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the north to the temperate southern coasts, the weather in India in November is a combination of cool sunny days and comfortable temperatures.
The weather in India in November makes it a good time to visit.
November in India is mostly dry and comfortable, with the monsoon season wrapping up across the country. In the north, places like Delhi, Rajasthan, and Varanasi usually see daytime highs around 80°F (27°C), and evenings cool down a bit, especially as the month goes on.
Down south, cities like Kochi and Chennai stay warm and a little humid, with November bringing the tail end of the northeast monsoon along the southeastern coast.
This is a popular time to take a trip to India, especially for cultural trips and national parks. The weather is generally stable, and crowds pick up in many regions.
Rainfall depends on where you are. Northern states like Rajasthan tend to stay mostly dry with less than 10 mm, while Chennai and the southeastern coast can still get a fair amount, up to 250 to 300 mm, as the northeast monsoon tapers off.

Tips from Ravi
India Travel Expert

Dev Deepawali falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika. During the festival, the ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi are lit with more than a million tiny oil lamps. Book a boat before sunset so you’re already out on the water when everything lights up. You’ll get a front-row view of the lamps, the laser show, and the fireworks from the river.
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Vagator beach in Goa, India © Shutterstock
In November, India is shifting firmly into the mail‑monsoon and early winter season in many regions. Across much of the country you’ll find daytime highs averaging around 81.3°F (27.4°C). Nighttime lows vary a lot by region: in northern plains like New Delhi, lows drop to around 52°F (11°C), and in hill areas, much colder.
But how to plan a trip to India during this month? Compared to the summer and monsoon months when daytime temperatures often hit 90°F+ and humidity runs very high, November feels noticeably cooler and more comfortable. It’s neither extreme heat nor deep winter yet. During the day you’ll usually get warm, dry sunshine (especially in central and southern India) or crisp, clear skies in the north. At night it gets significantly cooler in inland and northern zones, so you’ll appreciate a jumper or jacket.
On the coasts and in the south (for example, in Goa), sea surface temperatures remain warm, around 82 to 83°F (27 to 28°C), making swimming quite comfortable.
Daylight hours sit around 9‑10 hours of sunshine in many parts early in the month, gradually shortening as winter approaches.
| Location | Daytime Temperatures | Nighttime Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Plains (New Delhi) | Around 81°F (27°C) | Around 52°F (11°C) |
| Coastal Areas (Goa) | 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C) | 70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) |
| Hill Areas | 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) | 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C) |
| Central India | 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C) | 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C) |

The Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai © Shutterstock
For many, November is the best time to visit India, with the heavy monsoon humidity finally gone and cooler, drier weather settling in. Most regions enjoy warm, comfortable temperatures and clear skies, which makes it much easier to explore. In the north, like in Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, and Varanasi, you’ll get mild days that are ideal for walking through historic sites, desert forts, and temples without the intense heat of summer.
Down south, it’s still warm and a bit humid, especially around Goa and Kerala, but beach time is definitely on the table and the backwaters are calm and peaceful. It’s also when trekking season gets going in the Himalayas. The air is crisp and clear for mountain views, though nights can get cold at higher elevations.
This is also festival season, and if Diwali falls in November, you’ll see cities and towns lit up with candles and fireworks. It’s a good month for wildlife viewing too. National parks like Ranthambore and Jim Corbett are easier to navigate now that the vegetation isn’t as thick.
Since it’s just before peak season hits in December, things feel a little more relaxed, but the weather is still on your side.
Why November is a good time to visit:

November is when the tourist season in India starts to pick up. It’s not as busy as December or January, but you’ll still notice a steady flow of travelers, especially in well-known places like Jaipur, Agra, or Goa.
Accommodation prices usually start to rise around this time, especially in popular areas, but it’s still possible to find decent deals if you book ahead or stick to smaller guesthouses. Flights can also creep up in price toward the end of the month as vacation travel approaches.
Because the season is just beginning, guides, drivers, and tour companies are getting back into the swing of things. There tends to be more availability, and it’s easier to arrange things like safaris, treks, or day tours without too much advance planning. If you're looking for that balance between good weather and manageable crowds, November is a pretty solid choice for your India itinerary.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai, India @ Shutterstock
November is one of the most comfortable months to explore India. Major festivals light up the calendar, and while tourist numbers start to climb, it’s still early enough to enjoy popular places without huge crowds. You’ll find cultural events, harvest celebrations, and great conditions for everything from trekking to temple visits. Here are some of the best places to visit in India in November.
By November, Goa has dried out from the rains and is starting to come back to life. Beach shacks reopen, the air feels fresh, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. In the north, places like Anjuna and Vagator are livelier, with beach bars, late-night music, and plenty of food choices. Down south, Palolem and Agonda are more relaxed, great if you’re after peace and quiet. It’s a good time to rent a scooter and ride through sleepy villages, past rice paddies and cashew trees. You can also take a break from the beach and visit Old Goa’s churches or join a spice farm tour.
Cooler temperatures make November a great time to explore Rajasthan. Days are warm enough to wander forts and palaces, while evenings are cool and breezy. In Jaipur, you can climb to Amber Fort or get lost in the old bazaars without the intense summer heat. Jodhpur’s blue city and Jaisalmer’s golden ramparts look especially striking under clear skies.
November is a special time to visit Varanasi, with two big festivals falling this month. Dev Deepawali, around the full moon, turns the riverfront into a sea of flickering oil lamps, all lit in honor of the Ganges. Around the same time, Ganga Mahotsav brings music, dance, and other performances to the ghats. Mornings are crisp and quiet, perfect for a boat ride to watch sunrise prayers. The festivals and cooler weather make November a meaningful time to experience this spiritual city.

Camping along The frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh, India © Shutterstock
November in India brings an abundance of colorful festivals and natural wonders. It is a time when the country comes alive with a plethora of cultural experiences and opportunities. Here are some of the best things to do in India in November.
One of the highlights is the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, where traders converge with thousands of camels, creating a lively spectacle. Diwali, the festival of lights, lights up the country with dazzling celebrations, fireworks, and the exchange of candy.
In North India, the festival of Chhath Puja celebrates the sun god Surya with rituals on the banks of the river. Gujarat's Rann Utsav presents a surreal Rann of Kutch, showcasing art, music, and crafts.
Beach lovers can relax in Goa, the backwaters of Kerala, or the tranquil Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Wildlife lovers can head to national parks and sanctuaries, including Ranthambhore and Bandipur, where temperatures are cooler and visibility improves.

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written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 09.11.2025
Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.
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