Syria in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Syria

22°C (72°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) - ideal for exploring Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, and mountain villages without summer's scorching heat
Clear skies 70% of the time provide excellent photography conditions for ancient ruins and UNESCO sites, with soft autumn light perfect for capturing stone architecture
Tourist season shoulder period means 40% fewer crowds at major sites like Damascus Old City and Aleppo Citadel, plus hotel rates drop 25-30% from peak season
Olive harvest season brings local festivals, fresh olive oil tastings, and authentic cultural experiences in villages around Homs and Latakia provinces

Considerations

Mountain regions like Qalamoun can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night, requiring warm clothing and potentially limiting camping options
Occasional rain showers (8 days average) can make unpaved archaeological sites muddy and some rural roads temporarily difficult to navigate
Shorter daylight hours (10.5 hours) mean less time for outdoor exploration and earlier sunset affects evening photography at ruins

Best Activities in November

Damascus Old City Walking Tours

November's mild temperatures make exploring the ancient souks, Umayyad Mosque, and Roman gates comfortable for 4-6 hour walking tours. The cooler weather means less fatigue navigating the narrow stone streets, and autumn light provides perfect conditions for photographing the intricate Islamic architecture.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides through established tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost $40-60 per person for half-day experiences. Look for guides certified by Syria's Ministry of Tourism for historical accuracy and site access.

Krak des Chevaliers Castle Exploration

The famous Crusader castle is at its most pleasant in November with temperatures perfect for climbing the fortress walls and towers. Clear autumn skies provide impressive views across the Syrian countryside, and the cooler air makes the 2-3 hour exploration comfortable without summer's heat exhaustion risk.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Damascus or Homs typically cost $80-120 including transport and entrance fees. Book through licensed operators who can handle the 2.5-hour drive each way. Check current road conditions as November rains can affect mountain routes.

Aleppo Citadel and Historic Sites Tours

November weather is ideal for exploring Aleppo's massive medieval citadel and the ongoing restoration of the historic souks. The moderate temperatures allow for extensive walking through the UNESCO World Heritage areas, and the clear air provides excellent views from the citadel's heights over the city.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically range $60-90 per person including local guide and site entrances. Book with operators familiar with current access routes and restoration areas. Allow 6-8 hours for complete exploration of the citadel and old city.

Palmyra Archaeological Site Tours

Cool November weather makes the desert site bearable for the 4-5 hours needed to properly explore Palmyra's ancient ruins. Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are perfect for photographing the Temple of Bel and Valley of Tombs, while avoiding summer's desert heat that can exceed 40°C (104°F).

Booking Tip: Two-day excursions from Damascus cost $200-300 including accommodation in Tadmor town. Book well ahead through established operators who can arrange permits and transport. November is peak season for this desert site due to ideal weather conditions.

Coastal Latakia and Ugarit Exploration

November's mild coastal weather is perfect for exploring the Mediterranean archaeological sites around Latakia. The ancient Ugarit ruins and coastal fortress towns are comfortable to visit without summer's humidity, and the sea is still warm enough for brief coastal walks.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Latakia typically cost $50-70 per person. Combine with visits to nearby Saladin's Castle (Qal'at Salah al-Din) for complete coastal historical tours. Book local guides who know the mountainous coastal routes well.

Anti-Lebanon Mountain Village Tours

November is olive harvest season in mountain villages like Maaloula and Saidnaya, offering authentic cultural experiences with local families. The moderate mountain weather allows comfortable hiking between Christian and Islamic historical sites while participating in traditional harvest activities.

Booking Tip: Village homestay experiences cost $30-50 per night including meals and activities. Book through community tourism initiatives 2-3 weeks ahead. November is peak harvest season, so advance booking ensures participation in olive pressing and local celebrations.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Olive Harvest Festivals

Traditional celebrations in mountain villages around Damascus and Homs provinces, featuring olive pressing demonstrations, local music, and communal feasts. Villages like Qara and Yabroud hold weekend festivals throughout the month.

Mid November

Damascus International Fair Heritage Exhibition

Annual showcase of Syrian crafts, traditional arts, and cultural heritage held at the Damascus fairgrounds, featuring artisan demonstrations and cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 12°C (54°F) but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), so pack light fleece and removable layers

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for uneven archaeological sites and potential mud from November's 45mm (1.8 inches) of rainfall

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - showers are brief but can be sudden, especially in mountain regions

SPF 30+ sunscreen for high-altitude sites and desert locations where UV reflection off stones intensifies exposure despite moderate UV index of 4

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity can be intermittent in rural areas and mountain villages during rainy periods

Cash in small denominations (Syrian pounds and US dollars) - card payments limited outside major cities, especially during harvest season activities

Warm sleepwear and thermal underlayer for mountain accommodations where nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F)

Head covering and modest clothing for religious sites - lightweight scarf and long sleeves suitable for 65% humidity levels

LED headlamp with extra batteries for exploring castle interiors and early morning archaeological site visits with shorter daylight hours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for wet stone surfaces in Damascus Old City and other historic areas during rainy days

Insider Knowledge

Visit archaeological sites early morning (8-11am) when November light is optimal for photography and temperatures are most comfortable around 18°C (64°F)

November is actually the start of Syria's social season - locals host more gatherings and family visits, making it easier to receive authentic hospitality invitations

Mountain village homestays offer the best value in November during olive harvest - families provide full cultural immersion for $30-50/night including harvest participation

Syrian government offices and museums operate on winter hours starting November 1st, closing at 4pm instead of 6pm, so plan administrative tasks early in the day

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating November's temperature variations - tourists pack only for mild weather and suffer in mountain regions where it can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night

Assuming all archaeological sites remain accessible during rain - some unpaved areas at Palmyra and smaller ruins become muddy and temporarily closed for safety

Not booking mountain accommodations ahead - November is peak season for Syria's highland regions due to perfect hiking weather, and rural lodging fills up quickly