Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 10:43 am
If you’re wondering when to travel to India, look no further than November. From the incredible weather to the lower shoulder season rates and the amazing festivals, here is why you should travel to India in November.Â
The weather is at its best across India in November
India is a massive country with six climatic zones ranging from snow to desert to jungle… Yet November is the month where the weather is cool and dry almost everywhere. It’s the perfect month between the hot, rainy season and the cold, dry season, so you likely won’t have to deal with monsoon rains, sweltering heat, or freezing weather. Ready to pack your bags yet?
RELATED CONTENT: The essential India packing list: What to bring, and what to leave behind
November is a shoulder season in India
When you travel to India in November, you’ll be visiting during the shoulder season. That means you’ll skip the monsoon season of June to September, but you’ll also avoid the crowds of the peak tourist season in December and January. In November in India, the tourism season is just beginning to kick off and everything is opening up after the monsoon. So you can go sightseeing around India with great weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds… Perfect!
RELATED CONTENT: These are the most beautiful hidden gems of Delhi you need to visit
The beaches are amazing in November
With the rainy season ending and the weather heating up in November, there’s no better time to hit the beautiful beaches of India. If you can’t wait to escape the November winter blues in the Northern Hemisphere, why not take a trip to the beaches of Southern India. The lush state of Kerala and the coastal state of Goa are extra enticing in November. You’ll enjoy long days of sunshine and average temperatures around 30°C, plus the strong ocean waves and currents of the rainy season tend to disappear by November.
GET INSPIRED BY: Uncover India: Delhi to Kerala
November is a great time to cruise the Ganges
Cruising the Ganges is a bucket list adventure for any trip to India… But it gets even better in November. After the months of rain during the monsoon season, the water level of the Ganges is high, making it easier to explore. As you cruise the sacred Ganges, you’ll have the chance to see the colourful daily life that goes on along the river banks of the Ganges. You can even witness people performing spiritual rituals and offering flowers and incense.
RELATED CONTENT: 9 reasons why you’ll fall in love with the culture in India
Where to travel in India in November
Northern India
In November, Northern India is all about dry, blue skies, with average highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Pack your sunscreen if you’re planning to visit the Golden Triangle in November, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. You’ll also find Ranthambore National Park in Northern India and November is a great time to visit. The monsoon season makes the scenery lush and green, and you’re more likely to see wildlife in the cool, dry season beginning in October.
GET INSPIRED BY: Golden Triangle, Tigers and The Ganges
Southern India
Southern India, including Kerala and Goa, comes alive in November. While the hottest months are April and May, and the wettest months are June to October, November is just right. Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C and you’ll love soaking up the sun on the beaches.
GET INSPIRED BY: Captivating Kerala
Central & West India
If you’re heading to Central and West India, including Mumbai and Kochi, November is a great month. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C plus there’s little rain.
GET INSPIRED BY: Colours of Rajasthan with Mumbai
The Himalayas
The Himalayas are at their best from March to June and October to November. During November, you’ll have milder temperatures and less snowfall, and you can explore parts of these extraordinary mountains by road.
Festivals and holidays in November in India
Diwali
The Festival of Light is the biggest festival in India and definitely one for the bucket list. This ancient Hindu festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama after exile and is celebrated with the lighting of candles, diyas (clay lanterns) and dazzling firework displays. Diwali celebrations last for five days and it’s held in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2021, Diwali will start on 4 November.
RELATED CONTENT: What is Diwali, and how is it celebrated?
Pushkar Camel Fair
You’ve never seen anything like the Pushkar Camel Fair. Each November, over 200,000 people arrive in Pushkar, Rajasthan, bringing around 50,000 camels, horses, goats and cows to the market. The huge fair has musicians, dancers, magicians, acrobats, and carousel rides. You can watch camel races, moustache competitions, and see beautifully decorated camels. Go on spiritual walks, explore arts and crafts, and experience temple dancing. It’s an incredible event with so many unique things to see and do! In 2021, the Pushkar Camel Fair will be held from 11-19 November.
RELATED CONTENT: Welcome to Bollywood: a beginners guide to India’s billion-dollar film industry
Nanak Jayanti
A public holiday in most states, Nanak Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Festive processions can last for three days and people celebrate with prayer and kirtan (devotional singing). It’s a moving festival and in 2021, the day falls on 19 November.
RELATED CONTENT: From Holi to Songkran, why visiting a festival in Asia should be on every traveller’s bucket list
Kolkata Jazzfest
If you’re a jazz fan, you can’t miss the Kolkata Jazzfest. This iconic open-air concert draws bands and performers from all over the world for three days of rhythm and blues. While the festival usually happens in November, the festival dates for 2021 are yet to be announced… So keep an eye out for 2022!
Inspired to find out more about India? Get in touch with our Travel Advisors to request a quote
Are you planning to travel to India in November? Let us know in the comments below!