Things to Do in Jerusalem in November

November Weather in Jerusalem

19°C (67°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather - 19°C (67°F) highs mean comfortable all-day exploration without summer's exhausting 35°C (95°F) heat that forces midday breaks
Minimal tourist crowds at Western Wall and Dome of the Rock - November sees 40% fewer visitors than peak March-May period, meaning shorter security lines and better photo opportunities
Ideal lighting for Old City photography - softer November sun creates golden hour conditions from 4:30pm-5:30pm, perfect for capturing Jerusalem stone architecture
Olive harvest season brings fresh oil to Mahane Yehuda Market - local vendors offer tastings of new-press olive oil unavailable other times of year

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers disrupt outdoor plans - 51mm (2.0 inches) spread across 10 days means frequent 15-30 minute downpours that can soak you between Old City quarters
Early sunset at 4:45pm limits afternoon sightseeing - major sites like Temple Mount close at 3pm, leaving little time for multiple locations in one day
Cool mornings require layering strategy - starting at 13°C (55°F) then warming to 19°C (67°F) means carrying extra clothing while walking 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily

Best Activities in November

Old City Archaeological Walking Tours

November's cool 19°C (67°F) temperatures make the 3-4 hour underground tunnel walks comfortable - summer heat makes these claustrophobic. The Western Wall Tunnels and City of David excavations require lots of walking on uneven stones, perfect when you won't overheat. Rain rarely penetrates underground sections, making this ideal for November's 10 rainy days.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as tours are limited to 25 people maximum. Expect to pay ₪120-180 per person for quality guided experiences. Look for operators offering both surface and underground portions. Check current availability in booking section below.

Dead Sea Day Trips

November offers the perfect Dead Sea experience - air temperature at 25°C (77°F) and water at 23°C (73°F) means comfortable floating without summer's brutal 42°C (108°F) heat. The 45-minute drive from Jerusalem is pleasant, and you'll avoid the intense UV that makes summer visits dangerous. Masada cable car operates in ideal conditions.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically cost ₪280-450 including transport, Masada entry, and Dead Sea access. Book through operators providing both historical sites and beach time. Hotel pickup saves navigating mountain roads. See current options in booking section below.

Bethlehem and West Bank Cultural Tours

Cool November weather makes the walking-intensive visits to Church of the Nativity and Banksy's Walled Off Hotel comfortable. The 20-minute drive from Jerusalem is pleasant, and you'll spend 3-4 hours walking cobblestone streets. November's lower tourist numbers mean more personal interactions with local artisans and shopkeepers.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range ₪200-320 per person. Essential to book with operators holding proper permits for border crossings. Morning tours (9am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain showers. Verify guide credentials for historical accuracy.

Israel Museum and Yad Vashem Indoor Experiences

November's 10 rainy days make indoor cultural sites essential backup plans. These world-class museums require 4-6 hours each - perfect for cool, drizzly days. The Israel Museum's Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit maintains perfect climate control, and Yad Vashem's outdoor memorial gardens are beautiful in November's soft light.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entry costs ₪54-58, but combination tickets save 20%. Audio guides add ₪25 but essential for context. Museums open 10am-5pm with last entry at 4pm. Book guided tours for historical depth.

Mount of Olives and Garden of Gethsemane Walks

November's clear post-rain air offers spectacular Old City views from Mount of Olives - summer haze obscures the panorama. The 2km (1.2 mile) walk down ancient paths is comfortable in 19°C (67°F) weather. Olive trees in Gethsemane show autumn colors unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, but guided tours (₪150-220) provide historical context. Start early morning for best light and fewer crowds. Wear non-slip shoes - limestone paths get slippery when wet. Combine with nearby sites for full-day experience.

Mahane Yehuda Market Food Tours

November brings olive harvest season and new wine releases to Jerusalem's main market. Cool weather means comfortable browsing of 250+ stalls without summer's overwhelming heat and crowds. Local specialties like fresh halva and seasonal pomegranates are at peak quality.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost ₪180-280 including 8-12 tastings. Thursday and Friday mornings offer maximum vendor selection before Shabbat. Evening tours (after 6pm) feature different atmosphere with bars and restaurants. Book operators including both traditional and modern Israeli cuisine.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Jerusalem Wine Festival

Local wineries showcase new releases from the September harvest. Held in the Israel Museum gardens, featuring 40+ Israeli wineries with tastings and food pairings. November's cool weather makes outdoor wine tasting comfortable.

Throughout November

Jerusalem Season of Culture

Month-long arts festival featuring international and local performers in venues across the city. Outdoor concerts benefit from November's mild evenings, while indoor events provide refuge from occasional rain.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Jerusalem's limestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket - November's showers are brief but intense, often catching tourists between Old City quarters

Layering pieces for 13°C-19°C (55°F-67°F) range - start mornings in long pants and light sweater, shed layers as day warms

Portable phone charger - November's early 4:45pm sunset means relying on phone flashlight for evening navigation

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 4 still requires protection, especially with reflection off white Jerusalem stone

Modest clothing for religious sites - long pants and covered shoulders required for Western Wall, Temple Mount, and churches regardless of weather

Small daypack with waterproof cover - for carrying layers, water, and protecting electronics during sudden downpours

Comfortable walking socks - prevent blisters during long days exploring archaeological sites with uneven terrain

Light scarf or shawl - useful for modesty requirements and warmth during cool mornings at 13°C (55°F)

Cash in small bills (₪20-50 notes) - many Old City vendors and tip situations don't accept cards, especially during brief power outages from storms

Insider Knowledge

Temple Mount morning hours (7:30am-11:00am) offer better weather conditions and fewer crowds than afternoon sessions - plus you avoid the 3pm closure that catches many tourists off guard

November rain creates temporary waterfalls in Kidron Valley visible from Old City walls - locals know to visit these viewpoints within 2-3 hours after heavy showers

Egged bus routes 1 and 3 become essential during rainy days - ₪6.90 day passes let you hop between major sites without getting soaked walking

Local Jerusalemites shop for winter clothing in November when prices drop 30-40% before December tourist influx - Mamilla Mall and Ben Yehuda Street offer best deals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - 4:45pm sunset means major outdoor sites close by 3-4pm, not enough time for multiple locations without planning

Wearing inappropriate shoes for wet limestone - summer sandals become dangerous on slick Old City stones, causing slips and falls

Not checking religious calendar for site closures - November includes various Jewish, Christian, and Muslim observances that affect Temple Mount and church access