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Kashmir in November: Last Chinars, First Snow and Off-Season Prices

November is Kashmir's quiet hinge between autumn and winter: the final chinar gold, the first snow on the peaks and some of the best hotel prices of the year.

Quick answerNovember in Kashmir is cold, clear and quiet. Srinagar days are usually around 12–16°C with nights near or below freezing by the end of the month. Early November still has chinar colour; the first snow often dusts Gulmarg and the high peaks during the month, though it is not guaranteed. Hotels and houseboats are generally cheaper than in December.

November is the month Kashmiris spend getting ready for winter: firewood stacked by the door, vegetables drying on rooftops, pherans out of the trunk. For travellers it is a bargain month with a split personality. Come early and you get the tail of autumn; come late and you may get your first snowflakes.

Weather in November

PlaceTypical daysTypical nightsSnow?
Srinagar12–16°C0–4°C, colder late in the monthRare
Gulmarg5–10°CBelow freezingPossible, more likely late in the month
Pahalgam8–13°CAround freezingPossible on the hills
Sonamarg4–9°CBelow freezingPossible

These are typical ranges, not forecasts. Check the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast in the week you travel.

What November is good for

  • The last chinars: the first week or two can still glow red and gold at Naseem Bagh and Nishat. See our Mughal gardens guide.
  • Clear mountain views: crisp air after the autumn rains makes for sharp views of the Pir Panjal.
  • Quiet sightseeing: shorter queues at the Gulmarg Gondola and the shrines.
  • Value: many hotels drop rates before the December rush.

What November is not

It is not a reliable snow month. If snow is the whole point of your trip, aim for January or February instead; read when does it snow in Kashmir before booking.

A 5-day November plan

  1. Arrive in Srinagar, sunset shikara on Dal Lake.
  2. Mughal gardens and the old city.
  3. Gulmarg day trip and Gondola phase 1.
  4. Pahalgam: Aru and Betaab valleys.
  5. Morning in Srinagar, fly home.

What to pack

A warm jacket, thermals for evenings, a woollen cap and gloves. Late November needs proper winter layers. Our winter clothing guide has a full list.

Book a November trip

November is the easiest month to get good rooms at fair prices. Ask our team for an off-season plan through Get My Travel Plan, or start from the 4 nights 5 days package.

Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip

  • Kashmir in December: December brings the start of Chillai Kalan, the first proper snow in Gulmarg in many years and the busiest week of the winter around Christmas and New Year.
  • Kashmir Winter Trip Cost: Winter land costs, the Christmas and New Year premium, snow extras like coats, sledges and ski lessons, and how to get a snow trip at a fair price.
  • Kashmir Tour Packages from Every State of India: Travelling from any of India's 28 states? Find the fastest route to Srinagar, how many nights to plan, the best season for your region and a link to your state's full…

Frequently asked questions

Is November a good time to visit Kashmir?

Yes, if you want quiet sightseeing, clear views and lower prices. It is cold, and snow is possible but not guaranteed.

Does it snow in Kashmir in November?

Gulmarg, Sonamarg and the high peaks often get their first snow in November, but Srinagar usually does not.

Are the chinars still red in November?

In the first week or two, often yes. By late November most leaves have fallen.