November weather: mild, damp and grey
| Istanbul average | November |
|---|---|
| Mean maximum temperature | 16.1 °C |
| Mean minimum temperature | 9.9 °C |
| Mean temperature | 12.6 °C |
| Rainy days | about 11 |
| Precipitation | about 78 mm |
Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Istanbul station, averages for 1950-2025 consulted in October 2026. On average about one day in three is rainy, so always keep an indoor plan B: see what to do in Istanbul when it rains. Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year with no clock change: the sun sets early, around 5 pm, so start outdoor visits in the morning. For the whole season, see Istanbul in autumn.
Crowds and prices in November
November is one of the quietest months of the year: the summer groups are gone and queues at the main monuments are shorter than in October, especially on weekdays. Accommodation prices drop noticeably from November to March, outside the year-end holidays. The marathon weekend (31 October to 1 November), however, is busy around Sultanahmet and Beşiktaş. To choose a neighbourhood, see where to stay in Istanbul, and for spending estimates the Istanbul travel budget.
November 2026 highlights
Istanbul Marathon: Sunday 1 November
The 48th Istanbul Marathon takes place on Sunday 1 November 2026. It is the only marathon in the world that links two continents: runners start on the Asian side, cross the Bosphorus, then follow the European shore. Several roads and the bridge are closed for part of the day; plan to get around on foot or by ferry that morning. The Istanbul Marathon page details the route and categories.
10 November: minute of silence for Atatürk
On Tuesday 10 November, at 9:05 am, Turkey observes a minute of silence for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who died at that time in 1938. Sirens sound in the cities and traffic briefly stops. It is not a public holiday: museums and shops stay open.
Theatre and concert halls
The 30th Istanbul Theatre Festival, organised by the İKSV foundation, runs from 22 October to 3 December 2026: several shows fall in November, but most are in Turkish or surtitled, so check the language before buying. For the rest of the year, see the Istanbul festivals calendar.
What to wear in November
- Layers: a sweater and jacket for morning and evening, something light for the mildest afternoons.
- A raincoat or umbrella; the Bosphorus wind turns flimsy umbrellas inside out.
- Waterproof shoes with good grip: the cobbled streets of Balat, Galata and Sultanahmet are slippery in the rain.
- Thick socks for mosques, where you walk barefoot or in socks on the carpet, see visiting a mosque in Istanbul.
The best things to do in November
- The major monuments: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern are easier to visit than in October; arrive at opening time.
- Art museums: the Pera Museum, Istanbul Modern and the Archaeological Museum fill a rainy day well.
- Parks in colour: Emirgan Park and Gülhane Park keep their autumn foliage between showers.
- The hammam: see the best hammams in Istanbul when evenings turn cold.
- The Bosphorus: the Bosphorus cruise is still pleasant in clear weather; tourist boat schedules are more limited than in summer.
- At the table: seasonal fish, roasted chestnuts, salep and boza, see what to eat in Istanbul.
November 2026 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 1 November | Istanbul Marathon (48th edition) | Roads and bridge closed for part of the day |
| Tuesday 10 November, 9:05 am | Minute of silence for Atatürk | Not a holiday |
| 22 October to 3 December | Istanbul Theatre Festival (30th edition) | Paid tickets, İKSV |
| All month | 16.1 °C in the afternoon, about 11 rainy days | Hotels cheaper than in October |
Going further
November follows what to do in Istanbul in October and precedes what to do in Istanbul in December. To compare all seasons, read the best time to visit Istanbul, and for holiday closures, public holidays and bayrams in Istanbul.
