November is one of the best months of the year for rafting in Rishikesh. The monsoon water has settled, the Ganga runs clear and green, the rapids are still lively, and the sun is warm from about 10 AM to 3 PM. Days average around 25°C and it almost never rains, so trips run on schedule.
It is also a lovely month for camping in Rishikesh. Nights are cool, about 11°C in town and colder at the forest camps, so the evening bonfire, starry skies and a warm dinner feel just right. This guide is written from our own camps at Goolar and near Shivpuri and from 22+ years of guiding on the Ganga. It covers November weather, river conditions, the Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti long weekends, prices, the best camps and exactly what to pack.
Is November a Good Time for Rafting and Camping in Rishikesh?
Yes, and many of our guides would call it the best month of the season. Here is what November does well and what to plan around:
| What’s great | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Clear, settled Ganga with good Grade II–III+ rapids | The river is snow-fed and cold, so choose a late-morning batch |
| Dry, sunny days, almost no rain | Short days: sunset is around 5:20–5:35 PM |
| Cool nights, perfect for bonfires and stargazing | Forest camps get chilly after midnight; carry warm layers |
| Quieter weekdays after the October rush | Diwali and the 21–24 Nov weekend fill up early |
If you want warmer water, compare November with other months in our best time for rafting in Rishikesh guide.
Rishikesh Weather in November: Town vs Camp
November is when Rishikesh moves from autumn into early winter. The first half of the month feels warm by day; by the last week, mornings and nights are properly cold, especially in the forest and riverside camps outside town.
| Early November | Late November | |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime in town | About 26–28°C | About 23–25°C |
| Night in town | About 13–14°C | About 9–11°C |
| Night at forest camps (Goolar) | About 11–12°C | About 8–10°C |
| Rain | Rare: about 6 mm in the whole month | |
| Sky | Mostly clear; occasional morning haze or light mist by the river | |
Before you travel: check the IMD forecast for Dehradun and Tehri districts, and our is rafting open today page for the latest river status.
Is Rafting Open in Rishikesh in November?
Yes. November is part of the main rafting season, which runs from September to June. All stretches operate, subject to the authorities’ daily river checks:
| Stretch | Rapids in November | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brahmpuri 9 km | Grade I–II, gentle | Families, children 12+, first-timers |
| Phool Chatti 12 km | Grade II–III | A short trip with real rapids |
| Shivpuri 16 km | Grade II–III+ (Roller Coaster, Golf Course) | Most groups; best value |
| Marine Drive 26 km | Grade III–III+ | Fit groups who want more rapids |
| Kaudiyala 35 km | Grade III–IV+ (The Wall) | Adventure seekers with a full day |
Water temperature: the Ganga is fed by Himalayan snowmelt, so the water is cold in November, colder than in October. The air in the midday sun is warm, though, so you dry off quickly. Book a batch between about 10 AM and 1 PM, and choose the 16 km Shivpuri rafting if you want the classic rapids without spending too long in cold spray.
November 2026 Calendar: Diwali, Long Weekends & Quiet Weeks
| Dates | What’s happening | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|---|
| Sun 8 Nov | Diwali, followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj | Many families travel in the Diwali week. Book camps 2–3 weeks ahead. |
| Sat 14 – Sun 15 Nov | Children’s Day weekend | Popular with families and school groups |
| Mid-November | Rajaji National Park safari season usually opens | Combine rafting with a jungle safari near Rishikesh |
| Sat 21 – Tue 24 Nov | Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima (Tue 24 Nov) | A 4-day weekend if you take Monday off; ghats are busy on Kartik Purnima |
| Weekdays, 16–20 and 25–30 Nov | Quiet weeks | The best time for a relaxed trip and easy bookings |
Holiday dates follow the national holiday list; Kartik Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti fall on the same full moon this year. Expect big crowds for the holy dip at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh and Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on that day.
Camping in Rishikesh in November
November evenings are the reason many people choose camping over a hotel. The air is crisp, the sky is clear enough for stars and the Milky Way away from town lights, and the bonfire becomes the centre of the evening.
- Forest camp at Goolar (21 km from Rishikesh): Alpine tents in the forest, a short trail to a hidden waterfall, bonfire and meals. Coldest at night, so bring warm layers.
- Cottages near Shivpuri: a good choice for families or anyone who prefers solid walls on cold nights.
- Camp with activities: our 1-night camp with activities adds games and short adventure activities.
Not sure which camp suits you? Our Rishikesh camping guide compares camp types in detail.
Rafting & Camping Prices in November
| Trip | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Rafting 9 km (Brahmpuri) | ₹800 |
| Rafting 16 km (Shivpuri) | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Rafting 26 km (Marine Drive) | ₹2,000 |
| Camping, 1 night with dinner, breakfast and bonfire | From ₹1,550 |
| Rafting + camping (9 / 16 / 26 / 35 km) | ₹2,150 / ₹2,550 / ₹3,550 / ₹4,550 |
See every combination and what is included on our rafting and camping packages page. A 30% advance confirms your booking, and group discounts apply. Diwali and long-weekend dates may carry peak pricing, confirmed at booking.
November Trip Plans for Families, Friends & Corporate Groups
Weekend from Delhi (2 days)
Leave Delhi early on Saturday (about 6–7 hours by road), check in to camp, do the 16 km rafting by late morning, and spend the evening at the bonfire. On Sunday, take an optional sunrise hike to Kunjapuri temple and drive back after breakfast.
Diwali holiday with family (3 days)
Stay in a cottage near Shivpuri, raft the gentle 9 km Brahmpuri stretch, see the Ganga Aarti, and spend a day in Haridwar. If you are based in Haridwar, our guide to rafting from Haridwar explains the day trip.
College and corporate groups
November’s dry weather makes it ideal for team outings: rafting in shared boats, a forest camp night with team games and a bonfire, and an easy trek the next morning. Large groups are split across rafts, and we plan the camp layout around your group size.
Add a short trek
The higher Himalaya is clear in November. Look at our treks in Uttarakhand if you have a few extra days.
From Our Guides: What November Is Really Like
After more than two decades on this river, here is what our team tells guests who ask about November:
- “The river is at its most beautiful.” The silt from the monsoon has settled, the water is clear, and the white sand beaches are back.
- “Midday is the sweet spot.” Early batches are beautiful but cold. By 10 AM the sun is strong and the spray feels refreshing rather than freezing.
- “Book the long weekends early.” Diwali and the 21–24 November weekend sell out first; the weeks in between are relaxed.
- “Change straight after rafting.” A dry T-shirt and a fleece in the vehicle make a big difference on the drive back.
What to Pack for Rishikesh in November
- For rafting: quick-dry T-shirt and shorts or track pants, sandals with a back strap, a strap for spectacles
- A full change of dry clothes and a towel
- For camp nights: a fleece or sweater, a light padded jacket, warm socks and a cap (late November)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: the November sun is strong at midday
- A torch or headlamp for the camp at night
- A government photo ID for every person
November Safety Tips
- Raft only with a licensed operator, and keep your life jacket and helmet on at all times.
- Choose a midday batch and change into dry clothes right after rafting to avoid getting chilled.
- Do not swim in the river at the camps after dark; the water is cold and fast.
- Avoid alcohol before rafting.
For age limits, weight limits and rafting for non-swimmers, read our guide: is river rafting in Rishikesh safe.
Why Trust This Guide
This guide was written by Bheem Singh Chauhan, founder of White World Expeditions, with input from our river guides and camp team. We run rafting trips on the Ganga every day of the season and operate our own camps at Goolar and near Shivpuri, so the camp temperatures and batch advice come from our own trips, not just weather websites. White World Expeditions is a government-registered company in Tapovan, Rishikesh, licensed for the 2026-27 rafting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time for rafting in Rishikesh?
Yes. November is one of the best months for rafting in Rishikesh. The Ganga is clear and settled after the monsoon, the rapids are still good, and the days are sunny and dry. The water is cold, so choose a batch between about 10 AM and 1 PM.
Is river rafting open in Rishikesh in November?
Yes. Rafting is open in November as part of the season that runs from September to June. All the main stretches (9, 12, 16, 26 and 35 km) operate, subject to daily river checks by the authorities.
What is the weather in Rishikesh in November?
Rishikesh averages about 25°C by day and 11°C at night in November, with only about 6 mm of rain in the month. Early November is warmer; late November nights drop to around 9–11°C in town and 8–10°C at forest camps.
Is camping in Rishikesh good in November?
Yes. November has clear skies, no rain and cool nights, which make bonfires and stargazing the highlight of camp. Pack a fleece and a light jacket, especially for the forest camps in late November.
Is the water too cold for rafting in November?
The Ganga is cold in November because it is snow-fed, but rafting is comfortable in the midday sun. Wear quick-dry clothes, take a late-morning batch and change into dry clothes straight after rafting.
How much does rafting and camping in Rishikesh cost in November?
Rafting costs about ₹800 for 9 km, ₹1,000–1,500 for 16 km and ₹2,000 for 26 km per person. Camping starts at ₹1,550 per person per night with meals, and rafting + camping packages start at ₹2,150. Long-weekend dates may cost more.
Is Rishikesh crowded during Diwali?
The Diwali week (Diwali is on Sunday 8 November 2026) is busy, as are the Children's Day weekend (14–15 November) and the Guru Nanak Jayanti weekend (21–24 November). Book camps two to three weeks ahead for these dates.
What should I wear for rafting in Rishikesh in November?
Wear a quick-dry T-shirt with shorts or track pants and sandals with a back strap. Avoid cotton and jeans. Keep a dry change of clothes, a towel and a fleece in the vehicle for after the trip.
What else can I do in Rishikesh in November?
Add a sunrise hike to Kunjapuri temple, the evening Ganga Aarti, a day trip to Haridwar, a Rajaji National Park safari once the season opens in mid-November, or a short trek in the Garhwal Himalaya.
Can families with children go rafting and camping in November?
Yes. Children aged 12 and over can raft the gentle 9 km Brahmpuri stretch with a parent, and cottages near Shivpuri are comfortable for families on cool nights. Raft in the midday sun and pack warm clothes for the evening.
Do I need to book in advance for November?
For weekdays, a few days ahead is usually enough. For Diwali, the Children's Day weekend and the 21–24 November long weekend, book two to three weeks ahead. A 30% advance confirms your booking.
Plan Your November Rafting & Camping Trip
Rafting from ₹800, forest camping from ₹1,550 and rafting + camping packages from ₹2,150 per person. Diwali and the 21–24 November weekend fill up first, so send us your dates today.