Things to Do in Jerusalem in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Jerusalem
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November marks the transition into Jerusalem's rainy season, which means you'll catch the city right as the landscape starts turning green after the dry summer. The temperature sits in that perfect 13-19°C (55-67°F) range where you can walk the Old City for hours without overheating, and the cooler mornings at 13°C (55°F) make sunrise visits to the Mount of Olives actually pleasant instead of sweltering.
- Crowd levels drop significantly after the Jewish High Holidays end in October, and you're ahead of the Hanukkah and Christmas rush that hits in December. This means shorter lines at major sites like the Western Wall tunnels and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, plus better availability at guesthouses in the Christian Quarter. Hotel rates typically run 20-30% lower than peak season.
- The olive harvest happens throughout November, and you'll see families in Palestinian villages around Jerusalem gathering olives the traditional way. Many farms offer harvest experiences where you can actually participate, and the first-press olive oil from this season's harvest starts appearing in Mahane Yehuda Market by mid-month. The quality difference between fresh November oil and year-old oil is remarkable.
- With only 10 rainy days spread across the month, you're looking at about 67% dry days, and when it does rain, it's usually brief afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. The rain actually enhances the experience in some ways - the limestone of the Old City takes on this golden glow when wet, and the smell of rain on ancient stone is something you won't forget.
Considerations
- November weather in Jerusalem is genuinely unpredictable. You might get three days of perfect sunshine followed by a surprise cold front that drops temperatures to 10°C (50°F) with wind and rain. That 70% humidity combined with stone buildings that haven't been heated yet means indoor spaces can feel surprisingly cold and damp, especially in budget accommodations without proper heating systems.
- The 10 rainy days mean you need backup plans, and while the Old City is walkable in light rain, the limestone pavement becomes legitimately slippery when wet. I've seen tourists slip on the polished stones near the Damascus Gate more times than I can count. Plan indoor activities like the Israel Museum or Yad Vashem for rainy afternoons, but know that half the city has the same idea.
- Daylight hours are shrinking fast in November - sunset hits around 4:45 PM by month's end. This matters in Jerusalem because many religious sites close early on Fridays for Shabbat, and with the earlier sunset, you're losing touring time. The Western Wall is accessible 24/7, but the Temple Mount closes at 1:30 PM most days, giving you a narrow window for visits.
Best Activities in November
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours
November temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring the 0.9 square km (0.35 square miles) of the Old City on foot without the brutal summer heat. The cooler 13-19°C (55-67°F) range means you can comfortably navigate the four quarters, climb the Ramparts Walk (about 2.5 km or 1.6 miles total), and spend time in covered markets without feeling drained. The stone alleyways actually stay dry under archways during brief rain showers, and the softer November light creates better photography conditions than the harsh summer sun. Start early around 8 AM when the light hits the Dome of the Rock perfectly and local shopkeepers are just opening.
Dead Sea Day Trips
November is actually perfect for the Dead Sea, located 430 m (1,410 ft) below sea level and about 80 km (50 miles) from Jerusalem. While Jerusalem gets those 10 rainy days, the Dead Sea typically stays dry and warm, with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). The drive takes 45-60 minutes, and you'll escape the crowds that pack the beaches in summer. The lower UV intensity in November (though still index 8, so sunscreen matters) means you can spend more time floating without burning. The mineral-rich mud treatments feel especially good after walking Jerusalem's hills.
Mahane Yehuda Market Food Experiences
November brings seasonal produce to Jerusalem's main market - pomegranates are at peak sweetness, fresh olive oil from the current harvest appears mid-month, and winter vegetables like cauliflower and Swiss chard start showing up. The cooler weather makes wandering the covered market more comfortable than summer, and the 70% humidity actually helps keep produce fresh-looking on the stalls. Thursday and Friday mornings are when locals shop for Shabbat, creating an energetic atmosphere. Evening visits after 7 PM show a different side when the produce stalls close and the bars and restaurants open.
Bethlehem and Surrounding Area Tours
Located just 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is far less crowded in November than it will be come December when Christmas tourism peaks. The weather is identical to Jerusalem - those same comfortable 13-19°C (55-67°F) temperatures - making it pleasant to explore the Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, and the surrounding Palestinian villages. November is olive harvest season here too, and you'll see the agricultural side of the West Bank that tourists miss. The Separation Wall art is easier to photograph without crowds blocking your shots.
Israel Museum and Yad Vashem Visits
November's 10 rainy days make indoor cultural sites essential backup plans, and these two institutions require at least half a day each to properly experience. The Israel Museum houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and has extensive archaeology collections that provide context for everything you're seeing in the Old City. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial, is emotionally heavy but historically crucial. The cooler November weather makes the outdoor sculpture garden at the Israel Museum and the memorial grounds at Yad Vashem more comfortable to explore than in summer heat.
Masada and Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
This combination trip takes you to Masada fortress (about 100 km or 62 miles from Jerusalem) and Ein Gedi oasis. November weather is ideal - Masada sits at 450 m (1,476 ft) elevation in the desert, and while summer temperatures there hit 40°C (104°F), November averages a manageable 25°C (77°F). The cable car ride up Masada takes 3 minutes, or you can hike the Snake Path in about 45 minutes without risking heatstroke. Ein Gedi's waterfalls and hiking trails are at their best after early winter rains start, though water flow is still limited in November. The desert landscape provides complete contrast to Jerusalem's urban density.
November Events & Festivals
Olive Harvest Season
Throughout November, Palestinian and Israeli families harvest olives in the hills surrounding Jerusalem. This isn't a tourist event but an actual agricultural season that's been happening the same way for centuries. Some farms in villages like Battir (about 6 km or 3.7 miles west of Bethlehem) welcome visitors to participate in the harvest. You'll use traditional methods - laying tarps under trees and hand-picking or using small rakes. The first cold-press olive oil from the 2026 harvest starts appearing in markets by mid-November, and the difference in flavor between fresh and year-old oil is remarkable. Ask at your accommodation about connecting with farms offering harvest experiences.
Jerusalem Season of Culture
This annual arts festival typically runs from late October through November, featuring performances, exhibitions, and cultural events across the city. Venues include the Jerusalem Theatre, various galleries in the city center, and sometimes outdoor spaces when weather permits. The programming mixes international and local Israeli artists, with everything from contemporary dance to classical music to visual arts installations. The festival provides evening activities that work well when those 4:45 PM sunsets cut your daylight touring short. Specific 2026 programming will be announced around September 2026 on the Jerusalem Municipality culture website.