Turkey in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Turkey

21°C (70°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking temperatures of 14-21°C (57-70°F) make exploring Istanbul's hills and archaeological sites comfortable without summer's exhausting heat
Shoulder season pricing drops hotel rates by 40-60% compared to peak summer, with luxury properties offering best value of the year
Autumn colors transform the Bosphorus hillsides and create impressive photography conditions, especially around Emirgan Park and Büyükada
Local chestnuts (kestane) and roasted corn vendors appear on every corner, plus pomegranate season brings the year's freshest Turkish breakfast spreads

Considerations

Daylight ends by 5:30pm limiting afternoon sightseeing time and making evening photography challenging without proper lighting
Sudden downpours can last 45-90 minutes and flood Istanbul's older neighborhoods, particularly around Tehran and Sultanahmet
Many coastal restaurants in fishing villages close for the season, limiting dining options along the Marmara Sea coast

Best Activities in November

Istanbul Historical Peninsula Walking Tours

November's cool temperatures make the 5-8km (3-5 mile) walks between Sultanahmet, Tehran, and Galata Tower genuinely pleasant. Summer heat makes these climbs exhausting, but November's 18°C (64°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring Byzantine cisterns and Ottoman courtyards. The lower UV index of 4 means less sun glare for photography in the Blue Mosque.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. Group tours typically cost ₺800-1,200 ($27-40) per person. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Private tours range ₺2,500-4,000 ($85-135) for up to 6 people. Many tours include skip-the-line access crucial during November's moderate crowds.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flights

November offers the most reliable flight conditions of the year with minimal thermal turbulence and clear morning skies. The 6:30am launch temperature of 8°C (46°F) creates perfect lift conditions, and autumn light enhances the red rock formations. Flight cancellation rates drop to just 15% compared to 40% in winter months.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead as November is peak balloon season. Standard flights cost ₺4,500-6,500 ($150-220) per person, deluxe baskets ₺7,500-9,500 ($250-320). All operators must have Civil Aviation Authority permits. Book through hotels for pickup coordination in remote Cappadocia locations.

Pamukkale Thermal Pool Experiences

The 36°C (97°F) thermal waters feel incredible when air temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) in November evenings. Steam rising from the white travertine terraces creates dramatic photography conditions impossible in summer heat. The reduced crowds mean you can actually relax in the sacred pools without fighting for space.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Istanbul cost ₺2,800-3,800 ($95-130) including transport and lunch. Two-day packages with overnight stays range ₺4,500-6,200 ($150-210). Book accommodation in Pamukkale village 10-14 days ahead. Entry fees are additional ₺200 ($7) per person.

Bosphorus Dinner Cruises

November's clear skies and calm waters provide the year's best conditions for evening cruises. The 7pm sunset timing aligns perfectly with dinner service, and indoor/outdoor boat options handle the 14°C (57°F) evening temperatures. You'll see Istanbul's Asian and European shores lit up without summer's crowded decks.

Booking Tip: Premium dinner cruises cost ₺1,800-2,800 ($60-95) per person with alcohol, standard options ₺900-1,400 ($30-47). Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend cruises. Look for boats with enclosed dining areas and heating. Pickup from Sultanahmet or Taksim hotels typically included.

Turkish Cooking Classes in Local Homes

November brings peak season for Turkish comfort foods perfect for cooking classes - hearty stews, fresh bread, and seasonal specialties using autumn vegetables. The cooler weather makes kitchen work pleasant, and pomegranate/walnut dishes showcase November's harvest. Local families open their homes more readily during shoulder season.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes range ₺1,200-1,800 ($40-60) per person including meal and recipes. Full-day market tours plus cooking cost ₺2,200-3,200 ($75-110). Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend classes. Look for classes including market visits to source seasonal November ingredients.

Ephesus Archaeological Site Tours

The 19°C (66°F) November temperatures make walking the 2km (1.2 mile) marble-paved ancient streets comfortable for hours. Summer heat reflects brutally off the white marble, but November provides perfect conditions for exploring the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. The lower tourist volume means better photo opportunities at iconic spots.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Kusadasi cost ₺1,600-2,400 ($55-80) including guide and transport. From Izmir add ₺400-600 ($13-20) for longer transfers. Book 7-10 days ahead during November's moderate season. Entry fees additional ₺200 ($7). Look for tours including nearby House of Virgin Mary.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Istanbul Film Festival Autumn Screenings

Special November screenings at historic venues like Pera Palace Hotel and restored Ottoman cinemas. Features Turkish cinema retrospectives and international premieres with English subtitles. Tickets often include wine receptions in beautiful historic settings.

Early to Mid November

Pomegranate Harvest Festivals

Regional celebrations in Antalya and Mediterranean provinces featuring fresh pomegranate tastings, traditional music, and local craft demonstrations. Markets overflow with ruby-red fruit at peak ripeness, and restaurants create special November menus featuring pomegranate dishes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Istanbul's cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 6-10km (4-6 miles) daily

Packable down jacket for 14°C (57°F) evenings - November temperatures drop quickly after sunset at 5:30pm

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - sudden 45-60 minute downpours happen without warning in Turkish cities

Layers for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings - start with 21°C (70°F) afternoons, end with 14°C (57°F) evenings

Moisturizer and lip balm for 68% humidity - much drier than summer, skin needs extra protection

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight means more indoor time using maps and translation apps

Light scarf or pashmina - required for mosque visits, plus useful for chilly morning balloon rides at 8°C (46°F)

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with reflection off white travertines at Pamukkale

Comfortable day pack for 4-6 hour walking tours - November weather encourages longer outdoor exploration

Quick-dry pants or jeans - November's 8 rainy days mean you'll get caught in showers occasionally

Insider Knowledge

Turkish families start making winter preserves in November, so neighborhood markets have the year's best selection of fresh pomegranates, quinces, and nuts - buy these for authentic snacks

November is when locals book their winter hammam sessions, so traditional Turkish baths are less touristy and attendants have more time for proper treatments

The 2025 Istanbul metro extension to the airport opens in October, making November the first full month with direct rail connections avoiding notorious traffic delays

Heating in Turkish buildings doesn't start until December 1st by law, so pack extra layers for indoor spaces - even luxury hotels keep lobbies cooler in November

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all coastal restaurants stay open - many family-run establishments in seaside towns close from November through March, leaving limited dining options

Not checking Cappadocia balloon flight backup plans - while November has great conditions, you still need 2-3 day buffers for weather cancellations

Packing only summer weight clothing because Turkey is 'warm' - November nights in central Anatolia can hit 5°C (41°F), much colder than coastal areas