What to Wear in Delhi in November: Weather, Smog and 4 Outfits

Last updated: October 2026

Quick answer: Delhi in November is warm in the afternoon and cool at night, so dress for two climates in one day. India Meteorological Department normals for Safdarjung put the average November high at about 28°C and the average low at about 13°C. Wear breathable cotton, linen or light silk by day and carry a layer for after sunset: a shawl, stole, light jacket, Nehru jacket or cardigan. On smoggy days, the Health Ministry advises a close-fitting N95 or N99 mask, because scarves and cloth do not filter the air.

November is one of the busiest months to be in Delhi. Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the wedding season is in full swing, and visitors arrive for the cooler weather. It is also the month when the city's air is often at its worst. This guide explains what the weather actually does across a November day, how to handle smog without ruining an outfit, and four complete looks for sightseeing, Diwali, an outdoor wedding and the office.

What Delhi weather is like in November

November is the transition from Delhi's post-monsoon warmth into winter. According to the India Meteorological Department's 1991 to 2020 normals for Safdarjung, the average daily maximum falls from about 33°C in October to about 28°C in November and about 23°C in December, while the average minimum drops from about 19.5°C to about 13°C and then about 8°C. November is also very dry, with only about 6 mm of rain on average.

What this means for your clothes:

• A 15 degree swing. A sunny 1 p.m. walk in a heavy knit is uncomfortable, but the same evening on a rooftop or a wedding lawn can feel chilly. Early November feels like late summer in the afternoon; by the end of the month, mornings and nights need a proper layer.
• No rain to plan for. You can wear silks, suede juttis and delicate embroidery without worrying about a downpour.
• Dust and smog. The dry, still air traps pollution. Dense fog is more typical of December and January, but hazy November mornings are common.

How to dress for smog without ruining the look

Smog is the part of a Delhi November that most outfit guides skip. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's air pollution health advisory is clear on two points that affect what you wear:

• A scarf is not a mask. The advisory states that "paper masks, handkerchiefs, scarves and cloth are not effective". Wrapping a dupatta or stole over your nose looks practical but does not filter fine particles.
• Use a close-fitting N95 or N99 on bad days. For days when the AQI is above 200 (poor to severe), the advisory suggests considering a close-fitting N95 or N99 mask that fits snugly over the nose and mouth, replaced as directed. Neutral white, grey or black masks with ear loops sit best with both Indian and Western outfits.
• Plan outdoor time around the AQI. The same advisory recommends avoiding outdoor walks and exercise in the early morning and late evening, and checking the daily AQI before making plans. If you have a choice, do your market walks and monument visits around midday.

Style-wise, it helps to choose pieces that do not mind being covered. A mask hides the lower face, so let your earrings, a statement collar or a bold dupatta carry the outfit instead of lipstick. Wash or air out wool and pashmina after a smoggy day, because they hold on to smoke smells.

The layering rule for a Delhi November

Think in two parts: a breathable base for the day and one warm piece for the evening. You do not need a winter coat in most of November.

• Daytime base: cotton, linen, chanderi, mul or light silk. These breathe in 28°C sun. Save heavy velvet and thick wool for December.
• Evening layer: a pashmina or wool shawl, a stole, a Nehru or bandhgala jacket, a denim or suede jacket, a cardigan or a light sweater. One of these in your bag covers most evenings.
• Late-month upgrade: from around the last week of November, a light wool coat, a sleeveless puffer under a jacket, or a velvet blazer starts to make sense for nights out.

If you are packing for a whole season of events, our festival capsule wardrobe shows how to build many outfits from a few pieces.

4 outfits for Delhi in November

1. Sightseeing and markets

Old Delhi lanes, Lodhi Garden, Qutub Minar and Dilli Haat all involve a lot of walking and dust. Try a cotton kurta with straight pants or palazzos, or a linen shirt with relaxed trousers, plus comfortable closed shoes or sneakers you do not mind getting dusty. Carry a light cotton or wool stole for temples, gurdwaras and the cooler late afternoon. If you plan to visit a gurdwara, our gurdwara dress guide explains head covering and what to bring.

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Best for: monuments, Chandni Chowk, markets, day trips.

2. Diwali evening at home or a party

Diwali on 8 November usually means an evening of puja, diyas and visiting. A silk or chanderi kurta set, a light lehenga, or a saree in silk or georgette works for the warmth indoors, with a pashmina or embroidered shawl for the walk between houses. Men can wear a silk kurta with a Nehru jacket, which adds warmth and polish in one piece. Keep long, loose dupattas and synthetic fabrics away from diyas and sparklers. For more ideas, see our Diwali party guest guide.

Best for: Lakshmi Puja, Diwali parties, family visits.

3. An evening wedding on a lawn

Delhi weddings in November often happen outdoors on farmhouse lawns that get noticeably cold after 9 p.m. Choose a lehenga or saree in a mid-weight fabric such as raw silk, brocade or organza with a fuller blouse, and plan a warm layer that belongs to the outfit: a matching velvet or embroidered jacket, a long jacket-style choli, or a pashmina shawl draped over both shoulders. Men can wear a bandhgala or a sherwani, which is already warm, with a shawl for late nights. Our guide to staying warm at a winter wedding covers hidden thermals and other tricks.

Best for: sangeet, reception, outdoor phere.

4. Office and city dinners

Offices in Delhi tend to be air-conditioned, and evenings out end late. A cotton or linen shirt or kurta with tailored trousers works for the day, with a lightweight blazer, a fine-knit cardigan or a structured shacket that takes you into dinner. Loafers, block heels or clean leather sneakers handle both. Neutrals such as ivory, olive, rust and navy hide city dust better than crisp white.

Best for: workdays, client lunches, dinners out.

What to pack for Delhi in November

• Two or three breathable daytime outfits in cotton, linen or light silk.
• One festive outfit for each event, with its own warm layer.
• A pashmina, wool shawl or large stole that works with everything.
• A light jacket or cardigan for evenings, plus a warmer layer if you are there after 20 November.
• Comfortable closed shoes for walking, plus festive footwear such as juttis, kolhapuris or heels.
• A small pack of N95 or N99 masks for high-AQI days.

FAQ

Is Delhi cold in November?
Not in the daytime. IMD normals put the average November high at about 28°C, which feels warm in the sun, but nights average about 13°C and feel cool, especially outdoors and late in the month. Bring one warm layer.

Do I need a jacket in Delhi in November?
A light one, yes. A shawl, cardigan, denim jacket or Nehru jacket is enough for most evenings. A heavier coat is only needed if you will be outdoors late at night near the end of the month.

What should I wear for Diwali in Delhi?
A silk or chanderi kurta set, light lehenga or silk saree, with a shawl or Nehru jacket for the evening. Choose natural fabrics and avoid long, loose dupattas near diyas and fireworks.

Does a scarf protect against Delhi pollution?
No. The Health Ministry's advisory says scarves, handkerchiefs and cloth are not effective. Use a close-fitting N95 or N99 mask on poor to severe AQI days.

When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja fall on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Puja timings vary by city, so check a local panchang.

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