November marks the start of Istanbul's low season: highs are usually 12–17 °C, rainy days become more frequent and daylight shrinks noticeably. In return, museums calm down, the streets feel local again and winter flavours such as anchovies, chestnuts and boza return.
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November weather: rain, wind and the lodos
Typical highs are around 12–17 °C, with nights of 7–10 °C. Rainfall rises sharply compared with October. The southerly lodos wind is common this month: it can make the air surprisingly mild, but it whips up the Sea of Marmara and sometimes disrupts ferry services.
On lodos days, waves can crash over the sea wall onto the Kennedy Avenue seafront path; it is a dramatic sight, but keep your distance from the edge. When the wind swings round to the northerly poyraz, the air turns cold and crystal clear.
Crowds, commemorations and events
- Low season: International visitor numbers fall and queues at the big museums shorten. Our museum pass guide helps you plan which ones to see.
- 10 November: The anniversary of Atatürk's death. It is not a public holiday, but at 09:05 sirens sound and the whole city stops for a minute's silence. The area around Dolmabahçe Palace, where he spent his final days, can be busy around this date.
- Istanbul Marathon: Usually held in early November and famous for its course crossing a Bosphorus bridge from Asia to Europe. The route usually also passes through the Historic Peninsula and along the coastal road, so some roads close that day; check the date and route.
- Pro: Autumn colours linger in the parks, and the main sights are comfortable to visit.
What to wear
A warm sweater or fleece and a waterproof hooded jacket are November's essential pair. On lodos days umbrellas turn inside out, so a hood is more practical. Waterproof shoes and a spare pair of socks keep you comfortable on long walking days.
Choose shoes that are easy to take off and put on at mosque entrances. For women, a shawl that doubles as a winter scarf also serves as a head covering in mosques.
Things to do: warm interiors and winter flavours
November is a good chance to see the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı area without summer crowds. Hagia Sophia functions as a mosque; foreign visitors access the upper gallery through a separate, paid arrangement, so check the latest information. In Topkapı's first courtyard, Hagia Irene is a strikingly austere church building from the Byzantine era.
At the end of a cold, wet day, Sinan's Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam, between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, is a fine place to warm up. Black Sea anchovies reach the markets this month, and roasted chestnuts and thick boza return to the streets.
Two November plans
The first explores the Republican era and modern Istanbul; the second is an indoor-focused Sultanahmet day close to our hotel.
- Republic day, morning: Ride the T1 tram to the end of the line and tour the halls of Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Republic day, afternoon: Walk up to Taksim Square and its Republic Monument, then follow the nostalgic tram along İstiklal Avenue through the arcades of Beyoğlu.
- Sultanahmet day, morning: Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene, with a hot soup break in the side streets.
- Sultanahmet day, afternoon: The carpet and ceramic shops of the Arasta Bazaar, then a long, warming session at the Haseki Hürrem Sultan Hamam.
Frequently asked questions
Is November worth visiting Istanbul?
Yes, especially if you want to avoid crowds. Rain and wind are likely, but museums are calm and the city returns to its everyday rhythm.
What happens on 10 November?
On the anniversary of Atatürk's death, sirens sound at 09:05 and traffic and pedestrians stop for a minute. It is not a public holiday and sights are generally open, but the Dolmabahçe area can be busy.
How does marathon day affect getting around?
Roads along the route close to traffic for several hours; trams and rail lines generally keep running, but some routes may be affected. If you travel on marathon day, plan your airport transfer accordingly.
