Weather in Istanbul in November

How November compares

November is the 8th warmest month of the year in Istanbul and ranks 118th of 134 destinations we compare for November - see where else is hot in November. Within Turkey it is 18th of 18 (Turkey in November). Against London's average high of 10.4°C in November, Istanbul is 4.0°C warmer by day and 5.1°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in November

The typical November day in Istanbul peaks at 14.4°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.7°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 10.0°C; one night in ten drops to 5.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest November day here reached 23.1°C (2019-11-13) and the coldest night 0.7°C (2005-11-22).

Rain in November

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 10 days with 1 mm or more, 72 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest November was 2001 with 149 mm, the driest 2011 with 6 mm. Humidity averages 77%.

Sea temperature in November

The sea averages 14.8°C - too cold for most (under 18°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 13.2°C to 16.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (24.4°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:52 and sets about 17:46 local time in mid-November. Average cloud cover is 60%.

Is November a good time to visit Istanbul?

November is not the strongest month here: cool days and frequent rain. The best months for Istanbul on our scoring are August, July, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Mild afternoons are possible, but pack for chilly evenings

The average high of 14.4°C makes November comfortable enough for walking in layers, though not reliably warm for sitting outside for long. The warmest days can reach around 19°C, so a mild afternoon is possible without being something to plan around. Nights average 10°C, with the coldest falling to around 6°C or below. A jumper and a jacket give you more flexibility than relying on light autumn clothing alone. Keep that warmer layer with you if you will be out into the evening. This month suits travellers who prefer exploring without heat; it is a poor fit if you want to leave your coat at home.

Keep outdoor plans flexible around rain and limited sunshine

With about 10 rainy days, November calls for a waterproof jacket and shoes you are comfortable wearing in wet conditions. That does not mean every day is a washout, but a schedule built entirely around being outdoors leaves little room to adapt. There are about 3.9 hours of sunshine within 9.7 hours of daylight, so do not mistake the available daylight for guaranteed sun. Give outdoor time priority when conditions are dry, and keep indoor breaks flexible rather than fixed. If your dates are flexible and warmth is the priority, June, July and August are better choices. November makes more sense when you are content to dress for the weather and adjust your day.