Uttarakhand in November 2026: Weather, First Snowfall & Char Dham Closing
November is Uttarakhand's quiet secret. The festival rush of Diwali passes, the air turns crisp, and the Himalaya stays as clear as in October, but with fewer people and lower prices. It is also the month of transition: the Char Dham temples close for winter and the first snow settles on the high meadows. Here is what to expect from Uttarakhand in November 2026.
November at a glance: Dry, sunny and cold · Foothills 24–27°C by day · Hill stations 5–16°C · Sub-zero nights above 2,500 m · Char Dham closes for winter · Corbett's Dhikala zone opens around 15 November · First snow on high meadows
Uttarakhand Weather in November
November is one of the driest months of the year. Clear skies and low humidity give excellent mountain views, but temperatures fall steadily through the month, and the difference between day and night is large. A sunny 15°C afternoon in Mussoorie can be followed by a 4°C night.
Temperature in November (City by City)
| Place | Day (max) | Night (min) |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 26–28°C | 12–14°C |
| Dehradun | 24–26°C | 10–12°C |
| Almora | 19–21°C | 7–9°C |
| Mussoorie | 14–16°C | 5–7°C |
| Nainital | 14–16°C | 5–7°C |
| Joshimath | 15–17°C | 3–5°C |
| Munsiyari | 11–13°C | 0–2°C |
| Auli | 7–9°C | -3 to -1°C |
| Chopta | 6–8°C | -3 to -1°C |
Typical ranges, not a forecast. For today's actual weather, see Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli and Chopta.
Char Dham Closing in November 2026
All four Char Dham temples close for winter in October–November, and the deities move to their winter seats lower down. The closing dates follow tradition and the Hindu calendar:
| Temple | Usually closes | Winter seat |
|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | Annakoot, the day after Diwali | Mukhba village |
| Yamunotri | Bhai Dooj | Kharsali village |
| Kedarnath | Bhai Dooj | Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath |
| Badrinath | Mid to late November (date announced on Vijayadashami) | Pandukeshwar and Jyotirmath |
Diwali falls in early November in 2026, so if you want to visit before the doors close, aim for the first week of November at the latest, and confirm the official dates first. The closing ceremonies themselves are moving to witness, but crowded. See our Char Dham Yatra guide and Kedarnath Yatra guide for planning. Missed the yatra? The winter seats stay open all winter, and in December you can do the "winter Char Dham" instead.
First Snowfall in November
November usually brings the first proper snow to the Char Dham shrines and high peaks, and late in the month Chopta and Tungnath can get their first dusting. Auli and the hill stations normally wait until December or January. See our Uttarakhand snowfall calendar for the full picture, or the snowfall places guide for where to go.
Best Places to Visit in November
- Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila: Crystal-clear views and maybe the first snow at the top. See our Chopta Tungnath guide and what changes once the snow arrives in Chopta in winter.
- Jim Corbett: The Dhikala zone opens around 15 November, the start of the best wildlife season. See our Jim Corbett guide.
- Rishikesh: Perfect weather for rafting, camping and yoga, with warm days and cool nights.
- Kausani, Binsar and Munsiyari: The clearest Himalayan panoramas in Kumaon. See Kausani and Binsar.
- Mussoorie and Nainital: Quiet after Diwali, with good hotel deals.
- Offbeat villages: Chakrata, Khirsu, Lansdowne and Harsil. See Uttarakhand offbeat places.
- Igas Bagwal: Eleven days after Diwali, Garhwal celebrates its own Diwali with Bhailo fire dances and folk songs. See our Igas Bagwal 2026 guide.
Treks in November
- Chandrashila: short, spectacular and at its clearest.
- Dayara Bugyal: golden meadows before the snow.
- Brahmatal and Kedarkantha: winter season opens late in the month on many operators' calendars.
- Nag Tibba: an easy weekend option from Dehradun.
What to Pack
- Light layers for the day, a warm jacket and a sweater for evenings in the hills.
- Thermals, gloves, a woollen cap and a down jacket for Chopta, Auli and the Char Dham area.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. The air is very dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather in Uttarakhand in November?
Dry, sunny and cold. Foothill towns like Rishikesh and Dehradun have pleasant 24–27°C days and cool nights, hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital range from about 5 to 16°C, and high places like Auli and Chopta drop below freezing at night.
Does it snow in Uttarakhand in November?
Mostly at high altitude. The Char Dham shrines and high peaks often get snow in November, and Chopta can see its first snow late in the month. Hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital almost never get snow in November.
When do the Char Dham temples close in 2026?
Traditionally Gangotri closes on Annakoot (the day after Diwali), Kedarnath and Yamunotri on Bhai Dooj, and Badrinath a week or two later on a date announced on Vijayadashami. With Diwali in early November 2026, all four will close in November. Check the official announcement before you travel.
Is November a good time to visit Uttarakhand?
Yes. It has some of the clearest mountain views of the year, comfortable sightseeing weather in the hills, few crowds after Diwali, and good hotel deals. Just pack properly for cold nights.
Is Jim Corbett open in November?
Yes. Most safari zones reopen on 15 October, and the Dhikala zone, the most famous one with forest-lodge stays, usually opens on 15 November.
Plan by Month
Compare with Uttarakhand in October (warmer, busier) and Uttarakhand in December (snow season begins), or let the AI Trip Planner build a November itinerary for you.
