Things to Do in Bengaluru in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Bengaluru
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon weather creates perfect conditions with 28°C (82°F) days and 18°C (64°F) nights - ideal for outdoor activities without the oppressive heat of summer months
- Diwali celebrations transform the city into a festival of lights with elaborate decorations, making it the most photogenic time to visit temples and markets
- Air quality reaches its annual best at PM2.5 levels of 80-120 AQI (compared to 200+ in winter months), making outdoor exploration actually pleasant
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak winter season (December-February) while weather remains excellent - best value proposition of the year
Considerations
- Occasional evening drizzles (4-5 days total) can disrupt outdoor dinner plans and rooftop experiences between 6-9 PM
- Diwali period (late October/early November) creates crowd surges at popular attractions, with 2-3x normal visitor numbers at major temples
- Morning fog until 9 AM can affect early sightseeing plans and reduce visibility for photography at elevated locations like Nandi Hills
Best Activities in November
Nandi Hills Sunrise and Trekking
November's clear post-monsoon skies offer the year's best sunrise views from this 1,478m (4,849ft) peak. Cool 15°C (59°F) dawn temperatures make the 60km (37 miles) drive comfortable. The annual migration of butterflies and blooming of native flowers post-monsoon creates exceptional nature photography opportunities. Crowds are manageable compared to peak winter months.
Bangalore Palace and Heritage Walking Tours
November's comfortable 25°C (77°F) afternoon temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours through historic Pete area actually enjoyable. Post-monsoon air clarity reveals architectural details usually obscured by haze. Diwali decorations at traditional homes and businesses add cultural depth unavailable other times of year.
Craft Beer Trail and Microbrewery Tours
November's pleasant evenings make outdoor brewery seating ideal - something impossible during monsoon or summer heat. Post-harvest season brings fresh hop varieties to local breweries. Cool 20°C (68°F) evening temperatures mean rooftop brewery experiences are comfortable until late night.
Cubbon Park and UB City Area Cycling
November mornings offer perfect 22°C (72°F) temperatures for cycling through the city's green lung. Post-monsoon vegetation is lush while paths are dry. Early morning hours (6-8 AM) have minimal traffic pollution, taking advantage of November's improved air quality.
Traditional Markets and Street Food Tours
November's dry weather makes navigating crowded markets like KR Market and Chickpet comfortable. Diwali preparations mean special seasonal sweets and decorations. Evening food tours take advantage of cool 24°C (75°F) temperatures - ideal for sampling multiple street vendors without heat exhaustion.
Day Trips to Mysore and Srirangapatna
November's excellent driving conditions and clear skies make the 150km (93 miles) journey to Mysore ideal. Mysore Palace's illumination season begins in October, offering spectacular evening light shows. Post-monsoon roads are in peak condition, and comfortable temperatures allow full-day exploration without fatigue.
November Events & Festivals
Diwali Festival Celebrations
The city transforms with elaborate light displays, particularly spectacular at temples like ISKCON and Bull Temple. Commercial Street and Brigade Road feature stunning decorations. Traditional sweet shops offer seasonal specialties, and the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath hosts special exhibitions. Evening celebrations include community fireworks and traditional oil lamp lighting ceremonies.
Bangalore Literature Festival
Annual gathering featuring regional and international authors, typically held at multiple venues across the city. Panel discussions cover technology, culture, and contemporary issues relevant to India's Silicon Valley. Free entry to most sessions with notable speakers from tech and literary worlds.
Karaga Festival Preparations
While the main Karaga festival occurs in April, November marks the beginning of traditional preparation rituals in Pete area. Witness ancient sword-making techniques and traditional training sessions that few tourists ever see. Local communities welcome respectful observers during evening practice sessions.