Damascus in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Damascus
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature range 5-20°C (41-69°F) - ideal for walking the Old City's 15 km (9.3 miles) of ancient streets without summer's brutal 40°C+ (104°F+) heat
- Minimal rainfall at 20mm (0.8 inches) means outdoor souq exploration and archaeological site visits proceed uninterrupted - crucial for Damascus's uncovered Roman ruins
- Post-harvest season brings the city's famous autumn specialties: fresh pomegranate juice, roasted chestnuts on every corner, and ma'moul cookies made with new-crop pistachios
- Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to peak spring months, with boutique hotels in the Old City dropping to $60-90 per night from $120-150
Considerations
- Significant temperature swings from 5°C (41°F) at dawn to 20°C (69°F) afternoon require layered clothing - many tourists pack incorrectly and suffer in morning cold or midday heat
- Occasional dust storms from eastern desert create hazy conditions lasting 2-3 days, reducing visibility for panoramic views from Mount Qassioun 1,151m (3,776 ft) elevation
- Shorter daylight hours (10 hours vs 14 in summer) compress sightseeing time, particularly problematic for covering Damascus's sprawling 105 km² (40.5 mi²) metropolitan area
Best Activities in November
Old City Walking Tours
November's 5-20°C (41-69°F) range transforms Old City exploration from summer's endurance test into pure pleasure. The UNESCO World Heritage site's narrow stone alleys stay naturally cool, while afternoon temperatures warm perfectly for outdoor café stops. Local guides operate peak schedules in November before winter slowdown, offering 3-4 hour tours covering Straight Street, Ananias Chapel, and hidden courtyards impossible to find alone.
Umayyad Mosque Cultural Experiences
November's comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make the mosque's marble courtyards and prayer halls ideal for extended visits. The 70% humidity feels pleasant rather than oppressive, perfect for the 2-3 hours needed to properly explore the shrine of John the Baptist, intricate mosaics, and three minarets. Local worshippers appreciate respectful tourists during this non-peak season.
Straight Street Archaeological Walks
The famous Roman road mentioned in Acts becomes a photographer's dream in November's crisp air and golden light. At 1.5 km (0.9 miles) long, this ancient decumanus requires comfortable walking weather - November delivers perfectly. Archaeological sites along the route, including Roman arches and Byzantine remains, benefit from the season's excellent visibility and minimal heat distortion.
Azem Palace Museum Visits
This 18th-century Ottoman palace showcases traditional Damascus house architecture with multiple courtyards and rooms. November's weather perfectly suits wandering the interior spaces and outdoor courtyards without summer's stifling heat. The palace's tile work and woodwork require close examination impossible during peak tourist months when crowds overwhelm the intimate spaces.
Mount Qassioun Panoramic Viewpoints
Damascus's guardian mountain at 1,151m (3,776 ft) elevation provides spectacular city views, weather permitting. November offers the year's best visibility conditions - after summer haze clears but before winter storms arrive. The 15°C (27°F) temperature difference between city center and summit requires proper layering, but rewards visitors with unparalleled photography opportunities of the Barada River valley and Old City layout.
Traditional Hammam Experiences
November's cool mornings and evenings make traditional Turkish bath houses especially appealing. Historic hammams in the Old City operate at perfect temperatures for the multi-stage bathing ritual, and the moderate weather means post-bath comfort rather than summer's overwhelming heat. Several Ottoman-era hammams still function with original marble installations and traditional attendants.
November Events & Festivals
Damascus Rose Hip Festival
Local celebration of the autumn harvest featuring traditional preserves, teas, and medicinal preparations made from Damascus rose hips. Small-scale neighborhood events in Old City courtyards showcase traditional preparation methods and offer tastings of seasonal specialties.
Sufi Music Gatherings
Traditional dhikr ceremonies and musical performances increase in frequency during November's comfortable evening temperatures. Several tekkes (Sufi lodges) host weekly gatherings featuring traditional instruments and spiritual music, particularly meaningful during the pre-winter contemplative season.