Mashhad in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Mashhad

15°C (60°F) High Temp

3°C (38°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect crisp weather for walking the massive shrine complex - at 15°C (60°F) highs, you'll comfortably cover the 15-hectare (37-acre) sanctuary without overheating
Saffron harvest season means the best prices of the year - premium Mashhad saffron drops from 4,500,000 IRR to 3,200,000 IRR per 100g at Bazaar-e Reza
Fewer international pilgrims than peak summer months, yet still maintaining the spiritual energy - queues at Imam Reza shrine average 20-30 minutes versus 60+ minutes in July
Pomegranate season in full swing - street vendors sell fresh Mashhadi pomegranates for 15,000-25,000 IRR per kg, and local restaurants feature seasonal pomegranate stews

Considerations

Unpredictable November weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 12°C (22°F) between morning and afternoon, catching visitors off-guard
Some outdoor attractions like Mellat Park close sections for winter preparation, limiting green space options during the 10 rainy days
Heating costs spike accommodation prices by 15-20% compared to October as guesthouses near the shrine turn on heating systems

Best Activities in November

Imam Reza Shrine Complex Extended Tours

November's cool weather makes it ideal for spending 4-6 hours exploring the full 15-hectare complex without fatigue. The crisp air and fewer crowds allow for contemplative visits to all 7 courtyards, the museum, and library. Morning visits (7-10am) offer the most peaceful atmosphere before afternoon prayer rushes.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through hotel concierge services. Tours typically cost 2,500,000-4,000,000 IRR and include cultural context essential for first-time visitors. Look for guides certified by Mashhad Tourism Organization. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Bazaar and Carpet Shopping Tours

Cool November weather makes navigating the covered Bazaar-e Reza comfortable for hours. This is prime carpet-buying season as merchants offer pre-winter discounts. The 70% humidity actually helps preserve carpet fibers during inspection. Best shopping happens 10am-2pm when natural light illuminates the intricate patterns.

Booking Tip: Join small group tours (maximum 8 people) that include carpet authentication lessons. Tours run 3-4 hours and cost 1,800,000-3,500,000 IRR. Book through licensed cultural guides who understand quality assessment. Current group tours available in booking section below.

Saffron Farm and Processing Experiences

November is harvest season - the only time to witness saffron picking and processing firsthand. Early morning tours (5:30-9am) let you join harvesters in the fields around Qaen (180km/112 miles south). The cool 3-7°C (38-45°F) morning temperatures are essential for preserving saffron quality during picking.

Booking Tip: Book harvest tours 2-3 weeks ahead as they're weather-dependent and limited to 20 visitors per farm per day. Day trips cost 8,000,000-12,000,000 IRR including transport and lunch. Look for tours that include both picking and processing demonstrations. Check current availability in booking section below.

Neyshabur Historical Site Day Trips

November's mild weather makes the 120km (75-mile) journey to Omar Khayyam's birthplace comfortable for outdoor exploration. Cooler temperatures are perfect for walking through Attar's tomb complex and the this destination without summer's exhausting heat. The season's clear skies offer excellent photography lighting.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours depart Mashhad 8am, return 6pm, costing 4,500,000-7,000,000 IRR including entrance fees and lunch. Book with operators who provide English-speaking guides familiar with Persian poetry and history. See current day trip options in booking section below.

Ferdowsi Tomb and Tus Ancient City Tours

Cool November conditions make exploring the ruins of ancient Tus (25km/15.5 miles north) enjoyable for history enthusiasts. The moderate weather allows 3-4 hours of outdoor exploration without discomfort. November's lower UV index (3) means less concern about sun exposure during extended outdoor photography sessions.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours run 9am-2pm, costing 3,200,000-5,500,000 IRR. Best combined with literature-focused guides who can recite Ferdowsi's poetry at the tomb. Book 1 week ahead during November as school groups also visit. Current tour schedules in booking section below.

Kooh-e Sangi Mountain Hiking Experiences

November offers ideal hiking conditions with crisp mornings and moderate afternoon temperatures. The 2,150m (7,054ft) summit provides clear views without summer haze. The 10 rainy days create dramatic cloud formations perfect for photography, while trails remain accessible between showers.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost 2,800,000-4,500,000 IRR including transport and guide. Book with certified mountain guides who know November weather patterns and safe routes. Groups limited to 12 people maximum. Essential to check daily weather before booking. See current mountain tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Saffron Harvest Festival

Local celebration of the saffron harvest featuring traditional music, poetry readings, and saffron-based food tastings. Held in villages around Qaen and Birjand, this authentic cultural experience showcases centuries-old harvesting traditions with demonstrations of hand-picking techniques.

Mid November

Ferdowsi Poetry Commemoration Week

Annual tribute to Ferdowsi featuring Shahnameh recitations at his tomb in Tus. Local schools and cultural groups perform traditional Persian poetry, making it an authentic cultural immersion opportunity for visitors interested in Persian literature and arts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 3°C (38°F) but afternoons reach 15°C (60°F), so pack thermal underlayer, sweater, and light jacket you can remove

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - the 18mm (0.7 inches) of rain creates slippery marble surfaces at the shrine complex

Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - November showers are brief but frequent (10 rainy days) and often catch visitors between covered areas

Modest long-sleeved shirts and pants - required for shrine visits, and November temperatures make these comfortable rather than oppressive

Warm hat and light scarf - early morning shrine visits and mountain day trips need protection against 3°C (38°F) temperatures

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, and you'll need navigation for the extensive shrine complex

Cash in small bills - many vendors near the shrine don't accept cards, and you'll want cash for donations and small purchases

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - you'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily exploring the shrine complex and bazaars

Sunglasses for clear mountain days - despite low UV index (3), reflection off November snow on distant peaks can be bright

Small day backpack - useful for carrying layers as temperatures change, plus water and snacks during long shrine visits

Insider Knowledge

Visit the shrine's main courtyards between 10am-12pm when natural light creates the most dramatic photography conditions and crowds are manageable before afternoon prayers

Local families do their major saffron purchasing in November - follow them to Bazaar-e Reza's spice section for authentic quality and fair prices, avoiding tourist-focused shops

November is when Mashhadi locals take their own pilgrimage walks - join the evening circumambulation (7-8pm) for the most authentic spiritual experience with minimal tourist crowds

The city's heating infrastructure kicks in mid-November - book accommodations with confirmed heating systems, as some budget options delay turning on heat to save costs

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack either for cold morning or warm afternoon, not both, leading to discomfort during long shrine visits

Visiting saffron markets without understanding seasonal pricing - November harvest prices are 30% lower than other months, but tourists often pay tourist premiums

Scheduling outdoor activities during the 10 typical rainy days without checking daily forecasts - brief November showers can disrupt mountain trips if not planned flexibly