Things to Do in New Delhi in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in New Delhi
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Near-perfect daytime temperatures of 24-28°C (75-83°F) make November ideal for outdoor exploration without the punishing heat of summer. You can comfortably walk through markets, monuments, and gardens during midday hours without wilting.
- Post-monsoon air quality is significantly better than December-February when Delhi becomes notoriously polluted. The skies are clearer for photography, and you'll actually see the details on monuments like Qutub Minar from a distance.
- Festival season peaks in November with Diwali usually falling in late October or early November, meaning markets stay decorated, special sweets remain available, and the celebratory atmosphere lingers throughout the month. The city feels more alive than usual.
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find better hotel rates than peak winter months (December-January) while still enjoying excellent weather. Expect to save 20-30% on mid-range accommodations compared to December prices.
Considerations
- Morning fog and smog can develop by late November, particularly after 6am, reducing visibility and affecting early morning photography plans. The air quality starts its seasonal decline, though it's not yet at winter's worst levels.
- Those 10 rainy days mentioned in the data are misleading - November is actually one of Delhi's driest months with minimal rainfall. What you will encounter are occasional dust storms and unpredictable temperature swings between day and night, with that 15°C (27°F) difference requiring layered clothing.
- Major tourist sites get increasingly crowded as November progresses, especially during the wedding season weekends when domestic tourism peaks. Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb can feel packed on Saturdays and Sundays, particularly 10am-2pm.
Best Activities in November
Old Delhi Walking Food Tours
November's cooler mornings make the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and Paranthe Wali Gali actually enjoyable rather than suffocating. The 24-26°C (75-79°F) morning temperatures mean you can taste your way through paratha, jalebi, and chaat without the summer heat killing your appetite. Post-Diwali, many sweet shops still have special mithai varieties available. The reduced humidity compared to monsoon months means food stays fresher at street stalls. Start at 8am when shops open and the crowds are manageable.
Mughal Monument Photography Sessions
November offers that sweet spot of clear post-monsoon skies before winter smog sets in, making it ideal for photographing Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar. The lower angle of November sun creates dramatic shadows on sandstone between 7-9am and 4-5:30pm. That UV index of 8 means harsh midday light, so serious photographers should plan for golden hour. The gardens at these sites are still green from monsoon rains but not overgrown, and the lawns at Lodhi Garden are perfect for that classic monument-framing shot.
Cycling Tours Through Lutyens' Delhi
The wide, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi's government district are perfect for cycling in November's pleasant temperatures. Early morning rides starting at 6:30am let you see India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House before traffic builds and while temperatures are still 15-18°C (59-64°F). By late November, the winter flower beds are being planted, and the gardens look maintained. The 13°C (55°F) morning lows mean you'll want arm warmers at the start, but you'll shed layers by 8am as it warms up.
Sufi Music Performances at Nizamuddin Dargah
Thursday evening qawwali sessions at Nizamuddin Auliya's shrine are more comfortable in November's cooler weather. You'll sit on marble floors for 1-2 hours starting around 6pm, and the 20-22°C (68-72°F) evening temperatures make this bearable compared to summer's heat or winter's bone-chilling cold. The spiritual atmosphere intensifies after sunset, and November's earlier sunset around 5:30pm means performances happen in full darkness with oil lamps, creating that authentic atmosphere tourists seek.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park Exploration
This 200-acre park with 100+ monuments gets overlooked by tourists but is spectacular in November when the heat won't exhaust you during the 2-3 hours needed to explore properly. The park has minimal shade, so that 28°C (83°F) daytime high would be brutal in May but is perfect now. Post-monsoon vegetation is still controlled, meaning better access to lesser-known tombs and stepwells. The adjacent Qutub Minar area gets packed, but Mehrauli Archaeological Park typically has fewer than 50 visitors even on weekends.
Yamuna Biodiversity Park Bird Watching
November marks the beginning of winter migratory bird season, with species arriving from Central Asia and Siberia. The park's wetlands attract bar-headed geese, northern pintails, and various waders. Early morning visits between 6:30-9am offer the best sightings when birds are most active and temperatures are cool at 13-15°C (55-59°F). The 70% humidity is actually beneficial here, keeping the wetlands full and attractive to birds. This is genuinely one of Delhi's most underrated experiences for nature lovers.
November Events & Festivals
Diwali Aftermath Markets and Sales
While Diwali itself usually falls in late October, the first week of November sees major post-festival sales across Delhi's markets. Dilli Haat, Khan Market, and Connaught Place shops offer 30-50% discounts on textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry. The city remains decorated with lights and rangoli patterns for several days after the festival. Markets stay open later than usual, typically until 10pm, and the festive atmosphere lingers with special sweets still available at mithai shops.
Guru Nanak Jayanti Celebrations
This major Sikh festival celebrating Guru Nanak's birthday typically falls in mid-to-late November and is spectacular at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in central Delhi. The gurudwara is illuminated with thousands of lights, and free community meals serve 20,000+ people daily during the three-day celebration. Processions with music and decorated floats move through central Delhi neighborhoods. Non-Sikhs are welcome to participate, and the langar meal service offers an authentic cultural experience. Head covering required for entry.
Delhi International Arts Festival
This multi-venue festival typically runs in November, bringing classical music, dance, theater, and visual arts performances to venues across Delhi including Purana Qila, India Habitat Centre, and Kamani Auditorium. Evening performances starting at 7pm benefit from November's comfortable temperatures, making outdoor venues at Purana Qila particularly appealing. Tickets range from ₹300-1,500 depending on performance and venue. The festival showcases both Indian classical traditions and contemporary fusion work.