Kabul in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Kabul

15°C (59°F) High Temp

-2°C (29°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Crystal clear mountain views - November's dry air offers the best visibility of the Hindu Kush mountains with snow-capped peaks creating impressive photography conditions
Perfect indoor exploration weather - cold temperatures make Kabul's covered bazaars, museums, and traditional tea houses incredibly inviting with authentic local atmosphere
Minimal rainfall at 18mm (0.7 inches) means reliable sightseeing conditions with only light snow flurries that add charm without disrupting plans
Traditional carpet weaving season - November marks peak production time when artisans work indoors, offering authentic workshops and best selection at winter prices

Considerations

Severe cold at altitude - temperatures drop to -2°C (29°F) at night requiring serious winter gear and heating costs that many budget accommodations struggle with
Limited outdoor activity hours - daylight ends by 5:30 PM and morning temperatures don't become comfortable until 11 AM, restricting sightseeing windows
Unreliable heating infrastructure - many buildings lack adequate heating systems, making indoor comfort unpredictable even in mid-range accommodations

Best Activities in November

Historic Old City Walking Tours

November's cool, dry weather is perfect for exploring Kabul's ancient quarters without summer heat exhaustion. The crisp air makes 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable, and reduced tourist numbers mean authentic interactions with local merchants and craftspeople. Morning frost creates atmospheric photography conditions in historic courtyards.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierge services. Tours typically cost $30-50 USD and include warm traditional tea stops. Look for guides with cultural ministry certification. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Bazaar and Handicraft Workshops

Cold November weather drives artisans indoors, making it peak season for carpet weaving, metalwork, and jewelry crafting demonstrations. Chicken Street and surrounding covered markets offer warm respite from outdoor temperatures while showcasing authentic winter crafts production. Negotiate better prices as vendors prepare for winter inventory.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for bazaar visits, but handicraft workshops require 2-3 days notice through local cultural centers. Workshop fees range $15-25 USD including materials. Winter operating hours typically 9 AM to 4 PM due to heating costs.

National Museum and Cultural Sites

Indoor cultural exploration becomes essential in November's cold. The Banjul of Afghanistan and other cultural centers offer heated environments to appreciate Afghan history and art collections. Many sites extend winter hours for reduced visitor numbers, allowing longer, more detailed exploration.

Booking Tip: Museum entries cost $5-8 USD with photography permits extra. No advance booking required but confirm heating availability. Best visited between 10 AM-3 PM when buildings are warmest. Some exhibits close on Fridays.

Mountain Viewpoint Photography Tours

November's clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility of surrounding Hindu Kush peaks with fresh snow creating dramatic contrasts. Early morning light at 7-8 AM offers golden hour illumination of snow-capped mountains, though temperatures require serious winter photography gear protection.

Booking Tip: Half-day photography tours cost $40-60 USD including transportation to viewpoints 20-30 minutes outside city center. Book through photography associations 7-10 days ahead. Bring extra batteries as cold drains power quickly.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Yalda Preparation Season

November marks the traditional preparation period for Yalda night celebrations, with families beginning to prepare special foods and decorations. Local markets showcase pomegranates, nuts, and traditional sweets while artisans create winter festival items.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat rated for -5°C (23°F) - nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing at Kabul's 1,790m (5,873 ft) altitude

Thermal underwear and wool layers - indoor heating is inconsistent and buildings retain cold at high altitude

Insulated waterproof boots with good grip - morning frost and occasional snow flurries create slippery conditions on uneven streets

Warm hat covering ears - cold mountain winds are persistent and sun protection still needed with UV index of 4

Heavy gloves for outdoor activities - essential for morning photography and walking tours

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries rapidly, especially during outdoor sightseeing

Lip balm and moisturizer - 70% humidity combined with cold creates chapping conditions

Sunglasses for snow glare - mountain snow reflection can be intense even in winter months

Cash in small denominations - heating costs mean vendors prefer exact change to avoid keeping registers open long

Insider Knowledge

Most hotels reduce heating at night to save costs - pack extra blankets or request them at check-in, and consider upgrading room categories for better heating systems

Traditional tea houses become social gathering centers in November - join locals for afternoon tea sessions starting around 2 PM when buildings are warmest

Morning markets (7-9 AM) offer best selection before vendors reduce inventory due to cold - buy fresh bread and warm foods early

Photography equipment needs protection from temperature shock when moving between heated indoors and freezing outdoor conditions - use gradual temperature transition techniques

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude cold effects - visitors from sea level struggle with how much colder 1,790m (5,873 ft) feels than the Easttimor temperature at lower elevations

Planning too many outdoor activities - November daylight is limited and comfortable outdoor time is only 4-5 hours between 11 AM and 4 PM

Booking accommodations without confirming heating - many budget and mid-range hotels have inadequate heating systems that make November stays miserable