Things to Do in Kolkata in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Kolkata
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon clarity makes this the best month for photography and exploring outdoor heritage sites - the air quality actually improves dramatically, and you'll get those crisp morning shots at Victoria Memorial without the haze that plagues other months
- Durga Puja pandals are still standing in early November, giving you a rare chance to see the incredible art installations without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of October. Many neighborhoods keep their elaborate structures up through mid-month
- The 20-30°C (68-86°F) range is genuinely comfortable for walking Kolkata's neighborhoods - you can actually spend 3-4 hours exploring North Kolkata's lanes without feeling like you need to duck into every air-conditioned cafe
- This is peak wedding season, which means if you're staying in residential neighborhoods, you'll witness elaborate Bengali wedding processions and hear live dhak drumming. The city feels celebratory in a way that's completely authentic, not staged for tourists
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days listed are misleading - November typically sees maybe 2-3 actual rain days, but the humidity lingers at 70% most mornings until around 11am. Your camera lens will fog up stepping out of air-conditioning
- Kali Puja and Diwali fall in November (dates shift yearly), which means 2-3 days when most restaurants and shops close, streets fill with firecracker smoke, and noise levels make sleep difficult if you're in central neighborhoods. If you value quiet evenings, avoid the new moon period
- This is when Kolkata's social calendar peaks - cultural programs, weddings, corporate events - which means popular heritage properties and better restaurants get block-booked by locals. You'll need reservations for weekend dinners at places that normally don't require them
Best Activities in November
Sundarbans Mangrove Forest Tours
November is actually the ideal month for Sundarbans trips - the post-monsoon water levels are perfect for navigating the narrow creeks, tiger sighting probability peaks (they come to the water's edge in cooler weather), and the humidity is tolerable on multi-hour boat rides. The migratory birds start arriving, so you'll see species that aren't here other months. Most tours run 2-3 days with overnight stays in forest department lodges.
Heritage Walking Tours in North Kolkata
The morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make November perfect for exploring the narrow lanes of Kumartuli, Shobhabazar, and Pathuriaghata on foot - areas that are unbearable in summer heat. The post-Durga Puja period means artisan workshops are preparing for next year, so you'll see clay idol-making in process rather than the frantic pre-festival rush. Early morning walks (6-9am) catch the best light filtering through colonial-era buildings and avoid the midday humidity spike.
Terracotta Temple Circuit Day Trips
November's clear post-monsoon skies are perfect for photographing the intricate terracotta panels at Bishnupur and other temple towns within 150-200 km (93-124 miles) of Kolkata. The monsoon has washed the temples clean, and the lower sun angle in November creates better shadows for appreciating the relief work. Day trips are comfortable now - the 3-4 hour drives each way aren't the sweaty ordeals they are in summer.
Evening River Cruises on the Hooghly
The 6-8pm window in November is genuinely pleasant on the water - temperatures drop to comfortable levels, the sunset light is spectacular (around 5pm), and you'll see both the illuminated Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu. November's clearer air means better visibility across the river. The 70% humidity feels less oppressive on a moving boat than walking the streets.
Bengali Cooking Classes and Market Tours
November brings seasonal vegetables like winter gourds and the first good cauliflowers, plus this is hilsa fish season - the most prized ingredient in Bengali cuisine. Morning market tours (7-9am) at places like Gariahat or College Street markets are comfortable in November's cooler temperatures, and you'll see ingredients that aren't available other months. Classes typically include market shopping followed by hands-on cooking in residential kitchens.
Kolkata Book Fair and Literary Events
While the massive International Book Fair happens in January-February, November sees numerous smaller literary festivals, author readings, and cultural programs at venues like Nandan and Rabindra Sadan. The pleasant evening weather makes outdoor cultural events actually enjoyable - you'll find classical music performances, poetry readings, and theater that locals attend in large numbers. This is when you see Kolkata's intellectual culture in action rather than just reading about it.
November Events & Festivals
Kali Puja and Diwali
These fall on the same night (new moon in October-November, typically late October or early November in 2026). Kali Puja is actually bigger than Diwali in Kolkata - neighborhoods set up elaborate Kali pandals, and the city explodes with firecrackers from sunset until 3-4am. It's intense, loud, smoky, and genuinely exciting if you're prepared for it. The next morning, streets are carpeted in red firecracker paper. Worth experiencing once, but book accommodation away from major intersections if you value sleep.
Jagaddhatri Puja
This happens about 10 days after Kali Puja and is Kolkata's third major puja after Durga and Kali. While smaller than those two, it's significant in certain neighborhoods, particularly Chandannagar (about 40 km or 25 miles north). The pandals are beautiful and crowds are manageable - you get the festive atmosphere without the overwhelming crush. Many Kolkata residents actually prefer Jagaddhatri Puja for this reason.
Kolkata International Film Festival
This week-long festival typically happens in mid-to-late November and is a genuine cultural event, not just a tourist attraction. You'll see international and Indian cinema at venues across the city, often with directors present. Tickets are remarkably cheap (50-200 rupees or 0.60-2.40 USD) and the festival atmosphere around Nandan complex is worth experiencing even if you don't attend screenings. Film-loving locals take this seriously - expect knowledgeable audiences.