Palestine in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Palestine

24°C (75°F) High Temp

12°C (54°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - cool mornings at 12°C (54°F) make the 6am start to Israel bearable, with comfortable 24°C (75°F) afternoons for exploring Jerusalem's Old City on foot
Olive harvest season brings fresh oil tastings in West Bank villages, with farmers welcoming visitors to participate in traditional hand-picking methods passed down for generations
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% from peak summer rates, with better availability in East Jerusalem guesthouses and Bethlehem family-run hotels
Clear visibility for photography - November's lower humidity and occasional rain create crystal-clear days perfect for capturing the golden limestone of Jerusalem at sunset

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers can disrupt outdoor plans - 10 rainy days means a 33% chance of weather disrupting your daily itinerary, particularly affecting Israel visits
Early sunset at 5:15pm limits afternoon exploration time, especially problematic for visiting Hebron or Nablus where you need daylight hours for safe navigation
Cool evenings require layered clothing - the 12°C (54°F) temperature drop from afternoon to night catches many visitors unprepared for Jerusalem's stone streets

Best Activities in November

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tours

November's cool mornings and mild afternoons create ideal conditions for navigating the narrow stone streets and climbing the city walls. The 24°C (75°F) daytime temperatures mean you won't overheat during the steep ascents to the Temple Mount or walking the 4km (2.5 mile) Ramparts Walk. Early morning tours at 7am take advantage of the crisp 12°C (54°F) temperatures before crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed Palestinian guides. Tours typically cost $40-60 per person for full-day experiences. Look for guides certified by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism. Reference booking widget below for current tour options.

Dead Sea Float and Spa Experiences

November offers the perfect balance for Israel visits - warm enough for comfortable floating at 24°C (75°F) but not the scorching 40°C (104°F) summer heat. The 30-minute drive from Jerusalem is pleasant, and outdoor mud treatments are actually enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Morning visits work best as afternoon rains can interrupt outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 days ahead, typically $50-80 per person including transport from Jerusalem or Bethlehem. Choose operators providing towels and fresh water showers. Avoid Friday afternoons due to weekend crowds.

West Bank Olive Farm Cultural Experiences

November IS olive harvest season in Palestine. Families in villages like Taybeh and Birzeit welcome visitors to participate in traditional harvesting methods. The cool morning temperatures make the physical work of hand-picking olives manageable, while you'll taste the freshest olive oil of the year pressed within hours of picking.

Booking Tip: Contact Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees or book through community tourism operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Experiences cost $30-50 per person including meals with farming families. Transportation to villages typically adds $20-30.

Hiking in Wadi Qelt and Desert Monasteries

The desert climate in November provides perfect hiking conditions with cool 12°C (54°F) mornings ideal for starting the 7km (4.3 mile) Wadi Qelt trail to St. George's Monastery. Afternoon temperatures of 24°C (75°F) are comfortable for exploring without the dangerous summer heat that makes desert hiking risky.

Booking Tip: Book guided desert hikes 7-10 days ahead, costing $45-70 per person. Ensure guides provide adequate water and know monastery visiting hours. Some operators include transport from Jerusalem or Ramallah.

Bethlehem and Hebron Cultural Tours

November's moderate temperatures make walking through Bethlehem's markets and visiting the Church of the Nativity much more comfortable. The 24°C (75°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring Hebron's Old City and its ancient souks without summer's exhausting heat affecting your stamina for cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 5-7 days ahead through Palestinian tour operators, typically $60-90 per person. Ensure guides have proper permits for Hebron's controlled areas. Friday tours may have limited access to some religious sites.

Ramallah Food and Art Scene Tours

November evenings in Ramallah are perfect for exploring the city's cafes and galleries as temperatures cool to a comfortable 12°C (54°F). The city's cultural scene is most active in autumn, with art openings and food festivals taking advantage of the pleasant weather for outdoor events.

Booking Tip: Book food tours 3-5 days ahead, typically $35-55 per person. Evening tours work best to experience Ramallah's nightlife. Look for tours including traditional Palestinian dishes and contemporary fusion restaurants.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Olive Harvest Festival in Palestinian Villages

Family-run farms throughout the West Bank celebrate the olive harvest with traditional music, communal meals, and hands-on picking experiences. Villages like Sebastia and Battir open their orchards to visitors for authentic cultural exchange.

Mid to Late November

Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival

Interfaith musical performances in various venues across Jerusalem, featuring Palestinian oud players, international choirs, and collaborative concerts. The cool weather makes outdoor evening concerts at sites like the Jerusalem Theatre particularly enjoyable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - November's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours that can soak you while exploring outdoor sites

Layered clothing for 12°C (54°F) temperature swings - mornings in Jerusalem require light jackets while afternoons need only t-shirts

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet limestone becomes slippery in the Old City's narrow alleys during November rains

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cooler weather - UV index of 6 still causes burns during long days outdoors, especially at Israel's below-sea-level elevation

Portable umbrella that fits in daypack - sudden afternoon showers are common and shelter isn't always available in desert hiking areas

Cotton or merino wool base layers - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for religious sites, and November's temperatures make longer sleeves actually comfortable

Power bank and waterproof phone case - extended outdoor exploration in variable weather demands reliable device protection

Cash in small denominations - many Palestinian businesses and guides prefer cash payments, especially in smaller West Bank towns

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial even in cooler weather, and refilling reduces plastic waste in environmentally sensitive areas

Insider Knowledge

Friday afternoons and Saturdays see reduced transportation between Israeli and Palestinian areas - plan accordingly as shared taxis and buses run limited schedules

November olive oil is at its peak freshness - buy directly from farmers in villages like Taybeh for the year's best quality at $15-25 per liter versus $40+ for similar quality internationally

Jerusalem's light rail operates normally in November rain, but walking between Old City quarters becomes challenging - budget extra time for covered routes through covered markets

Palestinian guesthouses in Bethlehem and Ramallah often provide free warm meals during November's cooler evenings - a cultural hospitality tradition that saves money and provides real feels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the 12°C (54°F) nighttime temperature drop - many visitors pack only for daytime comfort and shiver through evening exploration of Jerusalem's streets

Not checking Friday prayer schedules - Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and other religious sites have restricted access during November's variable prayer times affecting tourism schedules

Assuming all outdoor activities continue in rain - Israel visits and desert hiking become unsafe during November's sudden downpours, requiring flexible backup plans