Things to Do in Chennai in November

November Weather in Chennai

30°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

350mm (13.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon freshness makes the city significantly more pleasant than the scorching summer months, with cooler morning temperatures around 23°C (73°F) perfect for temple visits and walking tours
Festival season is in full swing - Diwali celebrations, Karthigai Deepam preparations, and numerous temple festivals create vibrant cultural experiences unavailable other months
Bay of Bengal is calm after monsoon turbulence, making day trips to Puducherry by road much more comfortable and coastal photography opportunities excellent
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak winter season (December-February) while weather is still very manageable for sightseeing

Considerations

Occasional heavy downpours (10 rainy days average) can disrupt outdoor plans, especially afternoon temple visits and Marina Beach walks
High humidity at 75% makes midday exploration uncomfortable - you'll need frequent indoor breaks and extra hydration
Mosquito activity peaks post-monsoon, requiring constant repellent and making evening outdoor dining less pleasant without preparation

Best Activities in November

Mahabalipuram UNESCO World Heritage Site Tours

November's cooler mornings and post-monsoon clarity make this the ideal time to explore the ancient rock-cut temples 60km (37 miles) south of Chennai. The stone carvings photograph beautifully in the softer light, and the coastal location provides refreshing sea breezes. Tourist crowds are manageable compared to peak season.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators for ₹2,000-3,500 per person including transport and guide. Morning departures (6-7 AM) avoid afternoon heat and return before evening rains. Look for operators offering AC vehicles and certified archaeological guides.

Traditional South Indian Cooking Classes

November's festival season means access to special Diwali sweets and traditional recipes not taught year-round. The comfortable indoor activity is perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans, and you'll learn seasonal dishes using fresh post-monsoon ingredients from local markets.

Booking Tip: Reserve classes 7-10 days ahead for ₹1,500-2,500 per person. Look for classes including market visits and recipe cards. Morning classes (9 AM-1 PM) are cooler for market shopping. Many operators offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Mylapore Heritage Walks

November's festival atmosphere brings these ancient temples alive with special pujas and decorations. The slightly cooler weather makes the 3-4 hour walking exploration comfortable, and you'll witness genuine local celebrations rather than tourist-focused events.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks 3-5 days ahead for ₹800-1,500 per person. Early morning starts (6:30 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Look for guides familiar with Tamil temple traditions and current festival schedules. Some walks include traditional breakfast.

Backwater Village Tours in Muttukadu

Post-monsoon water levels are perfect for boat rides through mangrove channels 35km (22 miles) south of Chennai. November's calmer weather makes the 2-3 hour boat journeys comfortable, and migratory birds start arriving, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book boat tours 1 week ahead for ₹1,200-2,000 per person including transport. Morning tours (8 AM start) offer better bird sighting and cooler temperatures. Look for operators with covered boats and life jackets. Combine with Cholamandal Artists' Village visits.

Chennai Street Food Tours in T. Nagar

November's festival season brings special sweets and snacks to street vendors that aren't available year-round. The slightly cooler evenings make the 3-4 hour walking food tours more comfortable, and post-monsoon hygiene standards are typically higher at established stalls.

Booking Tip: Book evening food tours 5-7 days ahead for ₹1,000-1,800 per person. Tours starting 5:30 PM avoid peak heat and coincide with fresh evening preparations. Ensure operators focus on established vendors with high turnover and provide bottled water.

DakshinaChitra Cultural Museum and Artisan Workshops

November's pleasant weather makes the outdoor heritage village experience ideal, with traditional craft demonstrations more comfortable for both artisans and visitors. The museum's 20-acre (8-hectare) site requires significant walking, perfect in cooler post-monsoon conditions.

Booking Tip: Book workshop experiences 1 week ahead for ₹600-1,500 per person including museum entry. Morning visits (10 AM-2 PM) offer the most artisan demonstrations and cooler weather. Look for packages including pottery, weaving, or wood carving hands-on sessions.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Diwali Festival Celebrations

Chennai's Diwali celebrations in early November transform the city with elaborate kolam (rangoli) displays, fireworks, and sweet distributions. Temple festivals across the city offer authentic cultural immersion, with Kapaleeshwarar Temple hosting special evening aartis.

Late November

Karthigai Deepam Festival Preparations

Late November marks the beginning of preparations for Tamil Nadu's festival of lights. Temples start elaborate decorations, oil lamp lighting ceremonies occur nightly, and traditional sweet making reaches peak activity in local communities.

Late November

Chennai Music Season Preview Concerts

The famous December music season begins with preview concerts and rehearsals in late November. Smaller venues host emerging artists, offering intimate Carnatic music experiences before the main season crowds arrive.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry lightweight pants and long sleeves - 75% humidity makes cotton clothing take hours to dry and synthetic blends more comfortable

Waterproof phone case and small umbrella - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden heavy downpours lasting 30-45 minutes

High-quality mosquito repellent with DEET - post-monsoon mosquito activity peaks, especially during evening temple visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble temple floors become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with 75% humidity intensifies sun exposure during outdoor sightseeing

Electrolyte supplements or ORS packets - high humidity and temple climbing cause faster dehydration than visitors expect

Light scarf or shawl for temple visits - required for covering shoulders and useful for AC buses and restaurants

Antacid tablets - rich festival foods and street food tours can upset unaccustomed stomachs

Small towel for frequent hand/face cleaning - high humidity and dust require more frequent freshening up

Portable phone charger - using maps, translation apps, and photography drains batteries faster in humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities 11 AM-4 PM during November due to humidity - plan temple visits for early morning (6-9 AM) or evening (5-7 PM) when photography light is also better

Book accommodation near metro stations - November rains make auto-rickshaw negotiations difficult and metro remains punctual when surface transport slows

Carry ₹10 and ₹20 notes for temple donations - November festival season means more donation opportunities and exact change gets better treatment from priests

Download offline maps before arriving - cellular networks get congested during festival days and GPS accuracy decreases during heavy rain periods common in November

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing white clothing during November visits - temple visits involve sitting on floors that may be wet from rain or cleaning, and festival colors stain light fabrics easily

Planning only outdoor activities - with 10 rainy days expected, visitors need indoor backup plans like museums, cooking classes, and shopping centers

Underestimating temple visit duration - November festival activities extend normal 1-hour temple visits to 2-3 hours with special ceremonies and crowds