Mashhad Weather in November

November weather

Mashhad feels cool and crisp in November, with mild afternoons and chilly evenings. The average high is 16°C, but lows reach 3°C. Rain is limited to a few days, so you can still explore the Imam Reza shrine complex and nearby bazaars on foot. The shorter daylight leaves less time for long outings, and evenings are better spent indoors.

For a change of pace, visit Nader Shah's mausoleum or browse the shops around the shrine. Skip exposed mountain hikes if you're not comfortable with cold, changeable weather. Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor sightseeing to the warmer part of the day.

Events and crowds

November doesn't bring a fixed annual festival to Mashhad. Religious observances such as Fatimiyya, a period of mourning for Fatima, follow the lunar calendar and can sometimes fall this month. If they do, expect a more solemn feel around the shrine, with extra pilgrims.

Compared with busy spring holidays and October, November is generally a quieter time to visit, and hotel prices can be lower. The shrine still draws visitors throughout the year, though, so its courtyards may feel crowded at prayer times. Dates for religious observances shift each year, so check the calendar for your travel dates.

Make your visit easier

November's cooler weather suits a slow day around the shrine, where you can move between courtyards, museums and covered spaces without summer heat. Save a long outdoor trip for a sunnier day; clouds and rain can make the day feel less inviting.

For the shrine, dress modestly. Women need a chador, a full-body covering; ask at the entrance about borrowing one. Afterwards, try Mashhadi sholeh, a thick local meat-and-wheat dish, at a restaurant near the Haram. It's especially welcome when the evening turns cold.