Istanbul in November
In November, Istanbul averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (105 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
November in Istanbul is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How November compares to the rest of the year in Istanbul
November is in the middle of the year for warmth in Istanbul (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (19°C). November runs 5°C cooler than October (20°C) and cools 4°C in December (11°C).
November sunrise & sunset in Istanbul
Times shown for Istanbul local time (Europe/Istanbul), calculated for the 15th of November. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Istanbul — November
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of November, in Istanbul's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Istanbul in November
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on November's tier (Shoulder) and Istanbul's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — November in Istanbul
Istanbul is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — November in Istanbul
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Istanbul — November
Across the year Istanbul's sea swings from 8.8°C (February) to 24.9°C (August) — November sits at 16.6°C.
Istanbul in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 110 mm | 13 | — |
| February | 10°C / 50°F | 3°C / 37°F | 85 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 70 mm | 9 | — |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 8°C / 46°F | 45 mm | 8 | — |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 35 mm | 6 | — |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 35 mm | 4 | — |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 30 mm | 3 | — |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 40 mm | 4 | — |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 17°C / 63°F | 55 mm | 5 | — |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 85 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F | 105 mm | 11 | — |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 130 mm | 13 | — |
Other cities with similar November weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Istanbul in November →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Istanbul in November?
In November, Istanbul averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in November?
November can be fairly wet in Istanbul, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is November a good time to visit Istanbul?
November is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Istanbul in November?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full November packing list for Istanbul for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.