Istanbul in November

Istanbul wrapped in autumn’s golden embrace, fewer crowds wandering through ancient streets, and that crisp November air carrying the scent of roasted chestnuts from street vendors. Sounds magical, doesn’t it? If you’re wondering whether Istanbul in November is worth visiting, let me tell you – it absolutely is, and here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.

Why Istanbul in November is Actually Perfect for Travelers

November in Istanbul is like finding a hidden gem in plain sight. While most tourists have packed up and headed home, you’ll discover a city that breathes more freely, where locals reclaim their favorite spots, and where every corner tells its story without the summer chaos.

Think of November as Istanbul’s “shoulder season” – that sweet spot between the bustling summer crowds and the quiet winter months. You’re getting the best of both worlds: comfortable weather for exploring and authentic local experiences without fighting for that perfect photo spot.

Air and water temperature in Istanbul in November

Istanbul in November keeps you on your toes with its changeable personality. During the day, temperatures typically hover between 50-59°F (10-15°C), making it perfect for comfortable walking tours. But here’s the thing – evening temperatures can drop to around 46°F (8°C), so you’ll want to layer up as the sun sets.

The weather can be a bit of a drama queen, honestly. One morning you might wake up to brilliant sunshine streaming through your hotel window, and by afternoon, clouds could be gathering for an impromptu drizzle. It’s all part of November’s charm in this transcontinental city.

November brings about 8-10 rainy days to Istanbul, but don’t let that scare you. We’re not talking about torrential downpours that’ll ruin your vacation. Instead, expect light showers that come and go, often lasting just an hour or two. These gentle rains actually create some of the most atmospheric moments in the city – imagine the Galata Bridge glistening with fresh raindrops while the call to prayer echoes across the Bosphorus.

Wear windbreakers – the humidity at this time of the year reaches 80%

Sea Temperature Reality Check – Let’s be honest – swimming in the Bosphorus or Sea of Marmara in November isn’t on most people’s bucket lists. The water temperature drops to around 57-61°F (14-16°C), which means most waterfront activities shift from swimming to scenic cruising and waterside dining.

Dressing for Success: Your Istanbul November Wardrobe Guide

Layering is your secret weapon for Istanbul in November. Start with a comfortable base layer – think breathable cotton or merino wool. Add a warm sweater or cardigan, then top it off with a light jacket or windbreaker that you can easily remove when the afternoon sun decides to make an appearance.

Here’s your essential packing checklist:

• Waterproof light jacket or trench coat
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Long-sleeve shirts and a few t-shirts
• Comfortable jeans or travel pants
• Warm scarf and light gloves
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip

What to bring with you from clothes and shoes:

Istanbul’s streets tell stories through their cobblestones, but those same romantic cobbles can be slippery when wet. Pack comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction. Waterproof boots or sturdy sneakers are your best friends. Save those Instagram-worthy heels for indoor venues – your feet will thank you after a day of exploring.

Evening Outfit Considerations – November evenings in Istanbul call for smart layering. A nice sweater with a stylish jacket works perfectly for dinner at a rooftop restaurant or evening strolls along the Bosphorus. Don’t forget a warm scarf – it’s both practical and adds that effortlessly chic touch to your travel photos.

Holidays in Istanbul in November

November weather makes it the perfect time to dive deep into Istanbul’s incredible indoor attractions. The Hagia Sophia becomes even more mystical when you’re escaping a light drizzle outside. The Topkapi Palace’s intricate rooms and courtyards offer hours of exploration without worrying about weather.
The Basilica Cistern feels particularly atmospheric during this season – the ancient columns and mysterious lighting create an otherworldly experience that’s enhanced by the cooler weather above ground.

This is where November really shines! Museums that are packed shoulder-to-shoulder in summer become peaceful havens of culture and history. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the Pera Museum all offer comfortable indoor exploration when the weather turns moody.

Istanbul’s coffee culture truly comes alive in November. Locals return to their favorite neighborhood cafés, and you’ll find yourself welcomed into the authentic rhythm of the city. Head to the historic coffee houses in Sultanahmet or discover hipster havens in Karaköy and Beyoğlu.

Events and Festivals Not to Miss

Republic Day Celebrations (November 29)

One of Turkey’s most important national holidays falls in November, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Turkish patriotism and culture. Expect parades, flag displays, and a general festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Cultural Events and Theater Season

November kicks off Istanbul’s cultural season in earnest. The Istanbul Theatre Festival often extends into early November, and various art galleries and cultural centers host special exhibitions perfect for rainy day exploration.

Day Trip Opportunities from Istanbul

The Princes’ Islands take on a different character in November. While swimming isn’t on the agenda, the islands offer peaceful walks, cozy restaurants with sea views, and that special autumn light that photographers dream about.

November’s mild weather makes it perfect for day trips to places like Edirne or even a quick visit to Troy. These destinations are much more comfortable to explore without summer’s heat and crowds.

Excursions in Istanbul in November

November in Istanbul is conducive to trips to museums and palaces, relaxation in hamams (for example, the historical Hürrem Sultan hammam) and cozy coffee houses in the Beyoglu quarters.

Don’t forget to use the Museum Pass Istanbul to get into museums without queues and save on entrance tickets.

The BigBus tours are operating in November as usual, and you can take a hop-on hop-off tours to see main tourist places in 2-3 days.

In addition to self exploration of historical sights in Istanbul, you can order unusual excursions on English from local residents. Among them, gastronomic excursions with tastings of wine, cheeses and traditional Turkish dishes stand out.

Shopping Adventures in November Istanbul

Grand Bazaar Without the Madness

The Grand Bazaar in November is a completely different experience. Instead of fighting through tourist crowds, you can actually have conversations with shopkeepers, learn about their crafts, and negotiate prices in a relaxed atmosphere. The cooler weather makes wandering through the covered bazaar incredibly comfortable.

Modern Shopping Districts and Malls

November is perfect for exploring Istanbul’s modern shopping scene. Districts like Nişantaşı and Beyoğlu become pleasant for outdoor shopping, while malls like İstinye Park and Zorlu Center offer luxury shopping with warming Turkish tea breaks.

Seasonal Shopping Opportunities

November brings early winter collections to stores, and you might catch some great end-of-season sales. Turkish leather goods, textiles, and ceramics are always good buys, but November’s comfortable shopping weather makes browsing a pleasure rather than a chore.

Numerous shops, shopping centers, bazaars and shops have always attracted travelers. But at the end of autumn, when local tourism is on the decline, walking between the shopping windows of the city is much calmer. You can wander without haste through the endless labyrinths of local stalls. Read our detailed article about where you can shop in Istanbul.

Don’t leave Istanbul without gifts and memorable souvenirs! To avoid standard and non-original purchases, look first of all at “authentic things”. The full guide to choose best souvenir and gift is available on our website.

The Grand Bazaar is located very well, in the very center of Istanbul, in Sultanahmet district. On its territory there are 61 streets, 12 mosques, warehouses, studios, baths, cafes and even one school. Impressive, isn’t it?

We recommend walking through the second-hand bookstore Çukurjuma (near Galatasaray Square) or the Sahaflar Book Bazaar (between the Beyazit Mosque and the Grand Bazaar Gate). Connoisseurs of old books can find here manuscripts about Islam and the history of Turkey, old editions of world classics.

More info about November in Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotel prices in Istanbul in November

Hotels in Istanbul in November traditionally reduce prices by about half, and November shares the championship with February in terms of cheapness. Then in December the tourist period starts again and prices grow by the new year.

So, booking a hotel in the center of Istanbul on Booking.com in November costs approximately:

• From $24/day for an apart-hotel or apartment in the Fatih area
• From $28 for a 3⭐ hotel in Sultanahmet or Taksim
• From $43 for a 4⭐ hotel in Sultanahmet or Taksim
• From $67 for a 5 ⭐ hotel in the Fatih or Beyoglu area
• From $19 for a hostel in the central Fatih area.

Given the minimum prices for accommodation in November, we recommend choosing a hotel closer to the Sultanahmet area. The main attractions are concentrated in the historical center of the city, so you won’t have to spend time on transportation.

Transfer from the airport to the city

How to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Laleli, Beyoglu, Fatih and other areas):

• Transfer bus (go to Taksim and to the Yenikapı area)
• Yellow taxis at the airport, the most preferred option is a private transfer with a fixed rate. You will be met with a sign at the airport by a English-speaking driver. Waiting is free.
• A popular international service for ordering transfers in Istanbul is GetTransfer. The cost here is an order of magnitude lower than that of competitors.
• You can also order a transfer online in advance on a trusted Kiwitaxi.

Holidays and events in November

10th of November. Every November, Istanbul celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the leader of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Ataturk.

His heart has stopped at 9:50 am on November 10, so mass flash mobs and commemorative events are held annually on this day. For example, fan clubs arrange performances at football stadiums. A moment of silence passes throughout the country. Even transport stops. Departures from Istanbul airports are not scheduled for 9:05. There are almost no entertainment shows and concerts on TV screens.

October 22-November 20 – International Festival of Theater Arts and Acting Istanbul Theater Festival, or IKSV Theatre. The event takes place in dozens of different locations. There are paid performances, free productions and online screenings. You can get acquainted with the program on the official website tiyatro.iksv.org/en.

Pros and Cons

The doubts of inexperienced tourists are completely understandable whether it is worth going to Istanbul in November. Holidays off the coast of Turkey at this time of the year implies a certain discomfort:

• Unstable weather, with sudden changes in temperature
• cold sea

But this, perhaps, is all the inconvenience. Summing up, we can note several advantages of the autumn tour to Istanbul:

• low flow of tourists;
• lack of queues in museums and sights;
• busy schedule of cultural events;
• calm leisurely shopping tour of local shops;
• low prices for housing and food.

Main image source: Medium