Islamabad in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Islamabad
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with crisp mornings 48°F (9°C) warming to comfortable 77°F (25°C) - ideal for Margalla Hills trails without summer's brutal heat
- Post-monsoon crystal clear air provides impressive views of the Himalayas from Daman-e-Koh and Shah Faisal Mosque, visibility reaches 50+ km (31+ miles)
- Peak season for local citrus fruits - fresh kinnow oranges and pomegranates flood markets at ₨50-80 per kg, street vendors serve hot roasted chestnuts
- Outdoor dining renaissance - F-6, F-7 restaurant terraces reopen after summer closure, perfect evening temperatures for Kohsar Market café culture
Considerations
- Unpredictable temperature swings require layered clothing - morning fog at 48°F (9°C) can shift to afternoon sun at 77°F (25°C) within hours
- Wedding season crowds peak accommodation prices 40-60% higher than October, especially weekends when Pakistani diaspora returns for celebrations
- Occasional smog from crop burning in Punjab reduces air quality for 3-5 day periods, particularly affecting outdoor photography
Best Activities in November
Margalla Hills Nature Trail Hiking
November offers the year's best hiking conditions with cool morning starts and warm afternoons. Trail 3 to Viewpoint provides panoramic Islamabad views without summer's 104°F (40°C) heat. Morning mist clears by 10am revealing the Pir Panjal range 150 km (93 miles) away. Local hiking groups are most active this month.
Saidpur Village Cultural Heritage Tours
The 500-year-old village transforms in November when outdoor terraces reopen and traditional craft workshops resume full schedules. Perfect weather for exploring narrow stone pathways and photographing Mughal-era architecture. Local artisans demonstrate pottery and woodworking in comfortable 70°F (21°C) afternoon temperatures.
Rawal Lake Boating and Bird Watching
Migratory waterfowl arrive in November making this prime birding season. Over 150 species including Siberian cranes and pintail ducks. Cool mornings with 70% humidity create perfect conditions for 3-4 hour lake excursions. Lotus flowers are in their final bloom before winter.
Shah Faisal Mosque Photography Tours
November's clear post-monsoon skies provide perfect lighting for capturing the mosque's white marble against the Margalla Hills backdrop. Golden hour occurs at 5:30pm with dramatic shadows across the courtyard's geometric patterns. Comfortable walking weather for exploring the 33-acre (13-hectare) complex.
Lok Virsa Folk Heritage Museum and Craft Demonstrations
November marks the peak season for live craft demonstrations as artisans prepare for winter festival orders. Watch truck art painting, carpet weaving, and blue pottery creation in comfortable indoor-outdoor pavilions. Weekend folk music performances resume after summer hiatus.
Daman-e-Koh Sunset and Night Photography
Crystal clear November evenings offer unobstructed 360-degree views of Islamabad's grid system illumination. The hilltop viewpoint at 1000m (3280 ft) elevation provides cool evening temperatures perfect for extended photography sessions. City lights begin at 6pm with full illumination by 7pm.
November Events & Festivals
Shalimar Food Festival
Annual celebration of Pakistani regional cuisines featuring live cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and craft exhibitions. Over 200 food stalls representing all four provinces. Perfect November weather allows for comfortable outdoor dining experiences.
Pakistan International Mountain Film Festival
Showcasing adventure documentaries and mountain culture films at various Islamabad venues. Features outdoor screenings at F-9 Park taking advantage of November's pleasant evening temperatures. International and local filmmakers present climbing and trekking expeditions.