Things to Do in Kolkata in November

November Weather in Kolkata

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity creates stunning photography conditions with crystal-clear air and 15-20 km (9-12 mile) visibility across the Hooghly River
Perfect walking weather with morning temperatures at 18-22°C (64-72°F) - ideal for exploring heritage districts without the summer heat exhaustion
Kali Puja season brings neighborhood pandals and authentic local celebrations that tourists rarely experience, plus reduced hotel rates as peak winter season hasn't started
Air pollution drops 40-50% compared to December-January due to wind patterns, making outdoor activities genuinely enjoyable

Considerations

Occasional post-Diwali haze from fireworks can reduce air quality for 3-4 days in early November
Evening temperatures drop quickly after sunset to 16-18°C (61-64°F), catching unprepared visitors off-guard
Some heritage buildings may have restricted access during Kali Puja preparations in third week of November

Best Activities in November

Heritage Walking Tours in Central Kolkata

November's cool mornings make 3-4 hour heritage walks through Dalhousie Square and College Street bearable. Air visibility is excellent for photography of colonial architecture. Start by 8 AM to avoid afternoon humidity buildup.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walking tours 5-7 days ahead, typically ₹800-1,500 ($10-18) per person. Look for certified guides from West Bengal Tourism. See current tour options in booking section below.

Hooghly River Sunset Cruises

Post-monsoon river levels are optimal and evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make deck time comfortable. Clear November skies provide unobstructed Howrah Bridge views. Wind patterns reduce river odors significantly.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost ₹500-1,200 ($6-15) for 1.5-2 hours. Book through licensed operators at Millennium Park jetty. Departures 4:30-5:30 PM for best light conditions.

Kumartuli Potter's Quarter Exploration

November is peak idol-making season for Kali Puja and upcoming Durga Puja preparations. Artists work in comfortable weather without monsoon damage concerns. Morning visits 9-11 AM offer best interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided cultural tours cost ₹600-1,000 ($7-12). Local cultural centers offer authentic experiences - avoid tourist trap versions near major hotels.

New Market and Street Food Tours

Cooler November weather reduces food safety risks and makes indoor market exploration comfortable. Seasonal winter vegetables appear in street food offerings. Crowds are manageable before December shopping rush.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours range ₹1,200-2,500 ($15-30) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Start afternoon tours after 3 PM when vendors are fully set up. See current food tours in booking section.

Dakshineswar and Belur Math Temple Complex

Pleasant weather makes the 45-minute journey and extensive walking comfortable. November timing avoids peak pilgrimage crowds but maintains active temple atmosphere. Early morning visits 6-9 AM offer peaceful experiences.

Booking Tip: Temple visits are free but guided spiritual tours cost ₹800-1,500 ($10-18). Allow full day including transport. Book combo tours covering both sites - typically ₹2,000-3,500 ($25-42) with transport.

Botanical Gardens and Eden Gardens Cricket Walks

Post-monsoon gardens are lush but not overgrown, with comfortable walking temperatures throughout the day. If cricket matches are scheduled, Eden Gardens atmosphere is electric in pleasant weather conditions.

Booking Tip: Garden entry ₹20-50 ($0.25-0.60), guided nature walks ₹400-800 ($5-10). Cricket match tickets when available range ₹500-5,000 ($6-60). Check current sporting events in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Kali Puja Festival

November's major celebration honoring Goddess Kali with neighborhood pandals, traditional sweets, and midnight ceremonies. Unlike tourist-focused Durga Puja, this offers authentic local cultural immersion with elaborate decorations throughout the city.

Throughout November

Kolkata Book Fair Preparation Events

Pre-fair literary events and author interactions at venues like Oxford Bookstore and Starmark. November hosts poetry readings and cultural discussions as the city prepares for the massive winter book fair.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light cotton layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - November rain creates slippery marble surfaces in heritage buildings

Light jacket or cardigan for evening river cruises when temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F)

N95 or KN95 masks for occasional haze days and crowded market visits

Portable phone charger - November's clear weather is perfect for photography, draining batteries faster

Instant hand sanitizer - increased street food exploration in pleasant weather requires precautions

Lightweight scarf for temple visits and unexpected cool morning breezes

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 with clear skies creates strong midday sun

Small umbrella for brief late-evening showers that occur 2-3 times per month

Cash in ₹100-500 notes - many heritage sites and local experiences don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations near Park Street or Esplanade for walkable access to major sites - November weather makes 1-2 km (0.6-1.2 mile) walks pleasant rather than exhausting

Late evening tram rides (7-9 PM) offer authentic local experience in comfortable temperatures, costing only ₹5-10 ($0.06-0.12) compared to ₹200-400 taxi rides

Morning fish markets at Sealdah (6-8 AM) showcase authentic Kolkata in perfect weather conditions, but bring exact change and expect purely Bengali interactions

November's clear air makes rooftop restaurants worthwhile - book sunset slots at Someplace Else or similar venues for Howrah Bridge views typically obscured by haze

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating evening temperature drops - bringing only summer clothes leaves visitors cold during sunset activities and night events

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday 1-3 PM when temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F) with 65% humidity instead of utilizing perfect morning conditions

Missing Kali Puja neighborhood celebrations while focusing only on commercial tourist sites - November's authentic cultural experiences happen in residential areas