Istanbul November — rainy evening in Karaköy

Istanbul · Turkey

November

Cool and increasingly wet — good for culture-focused visits on a budget.

Strong option

#9 of 12 months

There are better months for Istanbul — see the full ranking below.

See when to go instead →

Climate

High

13.8°C

Low

8°C

Rain

102mm

Sun

4.5hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How November scores in Istanbul

Weather
Average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Average
Atmosphere
Very good

What you gain in November

  • Budget hotels return: one of the most affordable months for central Istanbul
  • Hammam experience: autumn is when locals use them most — genuinely authentic
  • Museums and indoor attractions at their most accessible

What you sacrifice

  • 102mm of rain: November is reliably wet — outdoor Istanbul significantly diminished
  • Cloudy and cool: 8°C nights require proper winter clothing
  • Cruise season ended: ferry connections to Greek islands suspended

How November compares to April (best month)

FactorNovemberApril
Weather
4
8
Value
8
7
Crowds
8
6

November in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Istanbul, not across destinations. Methodology →