What's the Weather like in Istanbul in November
Temperature
November is the end of autumn in Istanbul. Expect much colder, wetter weather across the country by the end of the month, as winter approaches.
The average temperature is just 12C, with barely warmer highs of 14C. The highest temperature ever recorded is 34C, though this is very unlikely to be the case by the end of the month. Overnight, the temperature falls to a low of 9C and it will feel quite cold in the evenings. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is -1C. As temperatures fall, the days get shorter (there are only 5 hours of sunshine each day on average in November) and sea temperatures also cool (reaching less than 16C by the end of the month).
It's a similar story across Turkey. In the south, while it is marginally warmer in general, the average temperature in Alanya is just 15C in November, with highs of 21C.
Rain
As winter approaches, precipitation levels greatly increase and it will be much wetter across the country. In Istanbul, around 100mm of rainfall is expected on average over 13 days. It will be even wetter in the northern areas of the province, which experience greater rainfall year round. The village of Bahcekoy, for example, receives around 135mm of precipitation in November. In the south of the country, while it may be slightly warmer, it is also much wetter. Rainfall averages spike dramatically at this time. Alanya sees around 171mm of rainfall in November over nine days, compared to only 80mm in October (more than double the amount of precipitation).
Humidity
Along with higher rainfall averages and shorter, colder days, Istanbul is likely to be overcast and foggy in November. Humidity is also at its highest at this time at around 80%.
Istanbul Hotels in November
Osman Han Hotel
The Osman Han Hotel is very comfortable, lovingly restored and ideally located in the heart of the Old City. It would be a great base from which to explore the rest of Istanbul. Breakfast is served on the terrace in the summer, which boasts fantastic sea views.
Raffles
Raffles is an oasis of calm in this bustling metropolis. The hotel sits at the intersection of the city's most important arteries, between the Bazaars of old and the new Zorlu Center. It boasts two speciality restaurants, two bars, a patisserie, indoor and outdoor pools, spa and heated heliport (because it would be terrible if you got too cold as you exited your helicopter, on your way into the hotel).
Bars and Restaurants
Old Ottoman Cafe and Restaurant
The Old Ottoman Café and Restaurant on Cagaloglu Hamam Sokak serves a range of lovely, fresh seafood and traditional fare. The testi kebab, baked and served in a clay pot, comes particularly highly recommended.
Beyaz Izgara
Beyaz Izgara is a small food stand in Nurosmaniye. The food is freshly prepared from local ingredients. Take away and eat walking from a container, or see if you can grab a place at the counter. This is Istanbul street food at its very best.
The Violina Cafe Restaurant
The Violina Cafe Restaurant serves BBQ kebab and traditional Turkish cuisine. In the middle of the Grand Bazaar, it's an oasis of calm. The restaurant isn't all that easy to find, but it's worth looking because the food is wonderful. With reasonable prices and friendly service, it's one not to miss.
Things to do in Istanbul in November
Shopping
There are plenty of opportunities to shop in Istanbul. If you fancy something a little more modern than the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market, check out Galleria Atakoy or Akmerkez (awarded the title of Europe's Best Shopping Mall in 1996).
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
While there is more than enough to do in Istanbul to keep even the most active tourist happy, since you're in Turkey it would be a shame not to visit at least some of the country's most historic sites. It is home to two of the seven wonders of the ancient world, after all, not to mention thirteen Unesco World Heritage Sites. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was the burial site of King Mausolus, and has been described as the only historic site still standing among the Seven Wonders of Antiquity. It built in the 4th century, and today is located in Bodrum province.
