November (Kasım) is the last month of fall. The weather can be pleasant, averaging 15°C (59°F) in coastal cities, with cool to warm days and chilly nights, but you play cat and mouse with the rain.
Swimming may still be possible and pleasant along the Mediterranean coast—or not (especially later in the month). If your luck holds, you can have a marvelous late-year beach vacation with low prices and no crowds.
Where to Travel in November in Turkey
Crowds are gone from the beach resorts, some hotels in the resort towns close, and city life is more comfortable, but can be rainy. Antalya, Bodrum, Kaş, Kemer, Izmir, Istanbul, and Cappadocia are among the favorite choices of visitors when it comes to beach holidays.
Traveling to Istanbul and Cappadocia in November is also a great alternative because boutique hotel rooms are more easily available, lower prices, and smaller crowds, with shorter lines to enter major attractions.
Popular Activities in November
November is the end of the fall season in Turkey. While the weather is warm during the morning and chilly at night for the first half in coastal cities, it gets cold later. Popular activities during November include:
- Strolling in lively Aegean and Mediterranean cities, famous for their views.
- Taking tours of historical sites such as Ephesus, the ruins of Side, the ancient city of Aspendos, Olimpos and more.
- Attending festivals and local events.
- Hiking.
- Visiting Cappadocia and witnessing the gracious fall colors and riding hot air balloons, staying at authentic cave hotels and visiting underground cities in this amazing region.
Common Events, Festivals, and Holidays in November
The most important day of the month is November 10th, when Atatürk died in 1938 (at 9:05 a.m.) in Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace. The nation still observes a moment of silence on that day, at that time. The whole country (even cars on the highways) stops for 1 minute, so don’t be shocked if you end up visiting Turkey during November 10th. Though not a public holiday, the national hero's accomplishments are a key part of Turkish culture and heritage which can be seen in schools, radio, and television. If you happen to be in Turkey when this occurs, it’s best to also show respect and wait until the moment of silence is over.
The Istanbul Marathon, sometimes called the Eurasia Marathon (Avrasya Maratonu), is the big event mid-month in Turkey's largest city, roiling transport as thousands of runners race across the Bosphorus Bridge.
Black Friday is also in November in Turkey. Turkey is famous for having high-quality products at affordable prices. Although you won’t see the same type of deep discounts as in the US, there are usually sales in most large shops.
Percentage of Tourists in Turkey in November
There are not many tourists left in Turkey during November. Most locals and foreigners returned to work, leaving beaches, national treasures, and spots to the lucky few. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy Turkey to the fullest.
What to Know Before Traveling to Turkey in November
While the weather can be warm during November, just be mindful of rain and chilly nights, and remember to pack accordingly.
You can still swim in November as long as it is sunny and there is no wind. Especially if you are in one of the coastal cities in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, such as Antalya, Bodrum, Kaş, Kemer, and Çeşme, take advantage of the vacant beaches to enjoy the sea.
Visit Turkey in November
There is a lot to experience in Turkey during November. You can enjoy both worlds since the weather is cold in the south and warm in the west side of the country. This makes it possible to both swim and snowboard during November!
Remember to dress appropriately according to the region you will be visiting, and enjoy your trip to Turkey to the fullest.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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