Thimphu in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Thimphu

20°C (67°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal-clear mountain visibility - November's dry air offers the best views of the Himalayas from Thimphu valley, with visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear days
Perfect hiking weather - daytime temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) make it ideal for exploring Tashichho Dzong and hiking to Buddha Dordenma without overheating
Post-harvest festival season - witness authentic local celebrations as farming communities complete their barley and potato harvests, with spontaneous village festivals happening throughout the month
Minimal tourist crowds - November sits between peak autumn (October) and winter holiday seasons, meaning shorter queues at Memorial Chorten and more intimate interactions with monks at weekend markets

Considerations

Dramatic temperature swings - mornings can drop to 3°C (37°F) while afternoons reach 20°C (68°F), requiring constant layering adjustments throughout the day
Accommodation heating issues - many guesthouses don't turn on central heating until December, so expect chilly evenings and request extra blankets in advance
Limited daylight hours - with sunset around 5:30 PM, outdoor activities must be planned carefully, and evening exploration requires warm clothing for rapidly dropping temperatures

Best Activities in November

Buddha Dordenma and Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park Hiking

November's crisp air and clear skies make the 30-minute uphill walk to Buddha Dordenma statue absolutely perfect. The 51.5m (169 ft) bronze statue offers panoramic valley views, and the cool weather means you won't overheat during the climb. Early morning visits (8-10 AM) provide the clearest mountain backdrops for photography.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for independent visits. Entry costs Nu. 20-30 ($0.25-0.35). For guided cultural context tours, book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators. Typical guided tours cost Nu. 1,500-2,500 ($18-30) including transportation.

Weekend Market and Local Festivals Experience

November coincides with post-harvest celebrations throughout Thimphu valley. The weekend market (Friday-Sunday) overflows with fresh winter vegetables, yak cheese, and handwoven textiles. Local families celebrate harvest completion with impromptu festivals in surrounding villages, offering authentic cultural immersion impossible during tourist seasons.

Booking Tip: Weekend market visits require no booking - arrive early (7-9 AM) for best selection. For village festival experiences, connect with local cultural guides 1-2 weeks ahead. Costs typically Nu. 2,000-3,500 ($25-43) for day trips including transport and meals.

Tashichho Dzong Evening Photography Tours

November's clear, dry air creates perfect conditions for capturing Tashichho Dzong's illuminated architecture. The fortress is beautifully lit from 6-9 PM, and cool temperatures make extended outdoor photography comfortable. The contrast between warm building lights and crisp mountain air creates dramatic atmospheric effects.

Booking Tip: Photography access requires permits obtained through licensed tour operators. Book 7-10 days ahead as permits are limited. Tours typically cost Nu. 3,000-4,500 ($37-55) including professional photography guidance and cultural context.

Traditional Archery and Local Sports Participation

November weather is ideal for Bhutan's national sport - archery competitions happen frequently as the harvest season celebrates with community games. The cool, still air provides perfect conditions for accuracy, and locals welcome visitors to learn traditional techniques at Changlimithang Stadium.

Booking Tip: Contact Bhutan Olympic Committee or sports clubs directly for sessions. No advance booking usually needed for casual participation. Equipment rental costs Nu. 200-400 ($2.50-5) per session. Professional instruction runs Nu. 1,000-1,800 ($12-22) per half-day.

Cheri Goemba Monastery Trek

The 6 km (3.7 mile) roundtrip trek to Cheri Monastery becomes accessible in November as post-monsoon trail conditions stabilize. Cool temperatures make the 2-3 hour hike comfortable, and clear skies offer impressive views of the Thimphu valley below. The monastery houses important historical artifacts and offers meditation sessions.

Booking Tip: Independent trekking possible with proper preparation. Guided treks cost Nu. 2,500-4,000 ($30-50) including packed lunch and cultural interpretation. Book 5-7 days ahead through registered trekking operators for the best guides.

Traditional Medicine and Handicraft Workshops

November's harvest season brings fresh medicinal plants to traditional medicine institutes. The Institute for Traditional Medicine offers workshops on identifying and preparing local herbs, while textile centers demonstrate winter weaving techniques as artisans prepare for the cold months ahead.

Booking Tip: Workshops require 10-14 days advance booking as class sizes are limited to 8-12 participants. Costs range Nu. 1,800-3,200 ($22-39) including materials and take-home products. Contact institutes directly or through cultural tour operators.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Thimphu Drubchen

A sacred masked dance festival held at Tashichho Dzong, featuring elaborate cham dances performed by monks. This three-day religious celebration attracts locals from across the valley and offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual traditions without the crowds of major international festivals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 3°C to 20°C (37°F to 68°F) daily, so pack thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and windproof outer shells

High-altitude sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 at 2,320m (7,612 ft) elevation, and mountain reflection intensifies exposure

Insulated water bottle - prevents freezing during early morning activities and keeps drinks warm during cold temple visits

Warm hat and gloves - essential for sunrise photography sessions and early morning monastery visits when temperatures hover near freezing

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - for Buddha Dordenma climbs and monastery treks on potentially icy morning trails

Portable phone charger/power bank - cold weather drains battery life faster, especially during long photography sessions

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors and smaller temples only accept Bhutanese Ngultrum, and ATMs can be scarce outside central Thimphu

Warm pajamas or thermal underwear - guesthouse heating is minimal in November, and nighttime temperatures drop significantly

Light rain jacket - despite dry conditions, occasional mountain weather can bring brief showers, especially at higher elevations

Lip balm and moisturizer - dry mountain air at 70% humidity can cause chapping and skin irritation for visitors from humid climates

Insider Knowledge

Visit weekend markets early (7-8 AM) when vendors display the most variety and prices are negotiable - by 10 AM, the best yak cheese and handwoven items are sold out to local families

Book accommodation heating requests in advance - most hotels don't activate central heating until December, but will provide space heaters for confirmed guests who request them during booking

Carry small gifts like postcards or pins from your home country - November's harvest celebration culture means locals often invite visitors to share meals, and reciprocal gift-giving is culturally important

Time outdoor activities between 10 AM-3 PM for optimal temperatures and lighting - morning frost doesn't clear until 9 AM, and temperatures drop rapidly after 4 PM

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature drops - many visitors pack for daytime weather (20°C/68°F) but forget that evenings plummet to 3°C (37°F), leading to miserable nights and cancelled dawn activities

Assuming November is completely dry - while rainfall is minimal, high altitude weather changes rapidly, and visitors without rain protection get caught in unexpected mountain showers

Planning too many late afternoon activities - with sunset at 5:30 PM and rapid temperature drops, outdoor sightseeing becomes uncomfortable after 4 PM without proper warm clothing