Kashmir in November 2026: Weather, Chinar Colours, Saffron and Early Snow

Kashmir weather in November

November is the last month of autumn and the doorway to winter. Days are still comfortable, around 16°C in Srinagar, but nights fall to about 1°C, and in Gulmarg they drop below freezing. It is one of the driest months of the year, with only about two rainy days in Srinagar, so skies are clear and the light is sharp, which is exactly what makes the chinar colours so vivid.

Srinagar weather in November

Srinagar in November is mild at midday and cold at night. The first half of the month often feels like a crisp autumn, with warm sun in the gardens; by the end of the month mornings are frosty and heating in your room starts to matter. Rain is rare.

Gulmarg weather in November

Gulmarg is noticeably colder: days around 9°C and nights just below freezing. Snow on the meadow is possible in some years, and the upper slopes at Apharwat often have snow by now, but the ski season does not usually start until December.

Chinar season: Kashmir in red and gold

November is chinar month. The great chinar trees of Kashmir, planted along the lakes and in the Mughal gardens, turn red, orange and gold from late October, and in most years the colours are at their best between late October and mid-November before the leaves fall. On a clear day, a garden full of chinars in the low autumn sun is one of the most beautiful sights in Kashmir.

• Naseem Bagh: the oldest chinar garden, on the north-west side of Dal Lake. It was laid out by Emperor Akbar in 1586, 1,200 chinars were later planted under Shah Jahan, and about 700 still stand across its 25 hectares. It is at its busiest from September to December.
• Nishat and Shalimar Bagh: the Mughal terraces under their chinars, with the lake behind.
• Char Chinar: the tiny island in Dal Lake named for its four chinars, best seen from a shikara.
• The road to Hazratbal: the drive along the lake shore is lined with chinars.

Saffron bloom in Pampore

For about two weeks each autumn, usually between late October and mid-November, the fields of Pampore, on the highway south of Srinagar, turn purple with saffron crocus. The exact window shifts each year with the weather. Go early in the morning, when the flowers have just opened and families are picking them; this is also when Pampore holds its saffron festival, Jashn-e-Zaffran.

If you buy saffron, buy it here or from authorised sellers, and look for GI-tagged Kashmir saffron, which is lab-tested and certified through the government's India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre in Pampore. There are a lot of fake saffron sellers around the tourist spots; do not buy from them.

Apples, harissa and the start of winter food

The apple harvest runs from late summer into November across the valley's orchards. By mid-October harissa is back in the Old City shops: slow-cooked mutton and rice, Kashmir's winter breakfast. For our family, winter means harissa: we used to ride to a small local shop in Rajouri Kadal, downtown Srinagar, at 4 in the morning in freezing cold, and it was worth it every time. In November the mornings are cold enough to understand why.

Does it snow in Kashmir in November?

Only up high, usually. Apharwat and the highest slopes above Gulmarg often have snow in November, and early snow can come even sooner: in the 2025-26 season it fell there on 2 and 3 October. Gulmarg itself gets snow in some Novembers, but the valley floor and Srinagar rarely do. If snow is the main reason for your trip, November is too early; plan for January or February.

For when and where snow falls across the valley, see our guide to snowfall in Kashmir.

Where to go in Kashmir in November

Srinagar is at its most beautiful: chinars in the gardens, a still lake, clear mornings and harissa back on the menu. Our Srinagar guide has every place and price.

Gulmarg is cold and quiet between the autumn and ski seasons. The Gondola runs and Apharwat may already have snow. See our Gulmarg guide for where to stay and what to do.

Going up to Apharwat? Book on the official portal; fares and slots are in our Gulmarg Gondola guide.

• Pahalgam: about 95 km from Srinagar airport, quiet and cold in November, with nights below freezing. Aru and Betaab Valley can still be reached before the deep snow.
• Sonamarg: open through the winter since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025; November is cold and clear.
• Gurez: reachable over the Razdan Pass in autumn, but the road usually closes from about December. If you want Gurez, November is the last window, and snow can close the pass early.

Early or late November?

For colours, go in the first half of the month. For a first taste of winter, go at the end.

Getting around in November

November is one of the easiest months to get around. Roads are open, the Mughal Road is usually still open until late December, and the heavy snow that closes roads and cancels flights has not yet arrived. Days are shorter, so plan drives to finish before dark.

For the rest of the planning (bookings, SIM, money and safety), see our Kashmir travel guide.

What to wear in Kashmir in November

Pack for two seasons in one day: a light layer for the midday sun and a warm jacket for mornings and evenings. In Gulmarg and Pahalgam, bring gloves and a cap, and waterproof shoes in case of early snow. Ask your hotel or houseboat how rooms are heated: by late November you will want it.

Is November a good time to visit Kashmir?

Yes, for colour, clear skies and quiet. It is the month for couples, photographers and anyone who wants Kashmir without the crowds, before the winter rush. It is not the month for guaranteed snow or skiing.

Comparing months? Our Kashmir month-by-month guide has every month side by side.