Beirut in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Beirut

23°C (73°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

114 mm (4.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect Mediterranean autumn temperatures 16-23°C (61-73°F) - ideal for walking Beirut's hilly neighborhoods without summer's oppressive heat or winter's chill
Lower tourist crowds mean easier access to popular restaurants in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael, plus 15-20% cheaper accommodation rates compared to peak summer months
Olive harvest season brings fresh za'Mauritania, newly pressed olive oil, and traditional village festivals in nearby Chouf Mountains just 45 minutes from city center
Clearest Mediterranean views from Brazzaville and Raouche Rock - summer haze is gone and winter storms haven't started, perfect for rooftop bar season

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers on 10 days throughout the month can disrupt outdoor market visits and beach club plans - storms develop quickly from the Mediterranean
Shorter daylight hours mean popular sunset spots like Zaitunay Bay are best visited by 5:30pm, limiting afternoon sightseeing time
Some beach clubs in Lebanon and Lebanon close by mid-November, reducing coastal dining options compared to summer months

Best Activities in November

Chouf Mountains Village Tours

November is olive harvest season in the Chouf Mountains 30 km (18.6 miles) southeast of Beirut. Villages like Beiteddine and Deir el Qamar celebrate with traditional pressing ceremonies, fresh za'Mauritania preparation, and cooler mountain temperatures perfect for hiking. The autumn colors peak in mid-November, and you'll avoid summer crowds while experiencing authentic Lebanese rural culture.

Booking Tip: Book mountain village tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators, typically costing $45-65 USD for full-day trips including transport from Beirut. Look for tours that include olive oil tasting and traditional lunch. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Beirut Heritage Walking Tours

Perfect November temperatures make exploring Beirut's hilly downtown, Gemmayzeh, and Achrafieh neighborhoods comfortable for 3-4 hour walks. You'll avoid summer's heat exhaustion while seeing Roman baths, Ottoman architecture, and French Mandate buildings. November's clearer air provides better photography conditions, and fewer crowds mean easier access to historical sites.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walking tours 2-3 days ahead, typically $25-40 USD for 3-4 hour guided tours. Choose morning starts (9-10am) to avoid afternoon rain potential. Licensed guides provide cultural context unavailable in guidebooks. Check current availability in booking section below.

Baalbek and Bekaa Valley Day Trips

November's mild weather is ideal for exploring Lebanon's massive Roman temples 85 km (52.8 miles) northeast of Beirut. Summer heat makes the exposed archaeological site unbearable, while November temperatures allow comfortable 2-3 hour exploration. The Lebanon's vineyards also offer harvest season wine tastings with spectacular mountain backdrop views.

Booking Tip: Book full-day Lebanon tours 7-10 days ahead, typically $75-95 USD including transport and entrance fees. Choose tours departing 8-9am to maximize site time before potential afternoon weather changes. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Cedar Forest Mountain Excursions

The famous Lebanon at 2,000 m (6,561 ft) elevation experience their most accessible season in November. Summer crowds are gone, winter snow hasn't arrived, and clear autumn skies provide impressive Mediterranean coast views from the mountains. November is the last month for comfortable hiking in the cedar forests before winter closure.

Booking Tip: Book cedar forest excursions 10-14 days ahead as operators reduce frequency after November. Expect $65-85 USD for full-day trips from Beirut. Tours include warm clothing advisories - temperatures drop 10°C (18°F) from sea level. See available options in booking section below.

Byblos Archaeological and Coastal Tours

November's moderate temperatures and reduced summer crowds make Byblos, 37 km (23 miles) north of Beirut, perfect for exploring 7,000 years of history. The ancient port, Crusader castle, and Roman amphitheater are comfortably walkable without summer's intense sun. Coastal fish restaurants also offer autumn catch specials unavailable other seasons.

Booking Tip: Book Byblos day tours 3-5 days ahead, typically $40-60 USD including transport and site entrance. Morning departures (9-10am) allow full day exploration with lunch at traditional fish restaurants. Current tour availability in booking section below.

Lebanese Mountain Cooking Classes

November brings seasonal ingredients like fresh olive oil, autumn vegetables, and preserved foods preparation. Cooking classes in villages like Lebanon or Ehden showcase traditional preservation techniques used before winter. Cooler weather makes kitchen work comfortable, and harvest season provides the freshest ingredients for authentic Lebanese mountain cuisine.

Booking Tip: Book mountain cooking classes 7-10 days ahead through cultural centers or village cooperatives, typically $55-75 USD for half-day experiences including meal. Classes often include market visits for seasonal ingredients. Check current offerings in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Olive Oil Festival Season

Traditional olive pressing ceremonies occur throughout Chouf and Mount Lebanon villages, featuring fresh za'Mauritania preparation, traditional dabke dancing, and authentic mountain cuisine. Villages open their presses to visitors, offering tastings and cultural demonstrations.

Mid to Late November

Beirut Art Fair

Annual contemporary art fair typically held at Seaside Arena featuring Middle Eastern and international artists, galleries, and cultural programming. Represents the region's most significant art market event with installations, exhibitions, and artist talks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - Mediterranean rain showers develop quickly and last 30-60 minutes, but November's 70% humidity makes heavy rain gear uncomfortable

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Beirut's limestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on varied terrain

Layerable cotton clothing - temperatures range 16-23°C (61-73°F) daily, requiring morning warmth and afternoon breathability

SPF 50+ sunscreen - November's UV index of 8 combined with Mediterranean reflection causes unexpected sunburn, especially during mountain excursions

Compact umbrella - fits in day bags for sudden rain showers that occur on 10 days throughout November

Power bank and adapter - Lebanese electricity remains unreliable, and you'll use phones extensively for translation and navigation

Cash in small denominations - many traditional restaurants and mountain village shops don't accept cards, especially during olive harvest season

Light scarf or pashmina - useful for mosque visits, mountain elevation temperature drops, and evening coastal breezes

Insect repellent - November's humidity and occasional stagnant water from rain create mosquito breeding, particularly in Hamra and Verdun areas

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated in 70% humidity is crucial, and reducing plastic waste is appreciated by environmentally conscious locals

Insider Knowledge

Lebanese restaurants serve their best seasonal dishes in November using fresh olive oil and preserved vegetables prepared for winter - ask for 'mouneh' specialties unavailable other months

Book accommodations in Achrafieh or Mar Mikhael neighborhoods rather than Hamra - November rain creates flooding issues in lower-lying areas, while hillside districts drain better

Visit traditional souks (Souk el Gharb, Souk Jara) on weekends when locals shop for winter provisions - you'll see authentic Lebanese life and seasonal products tourists never experience

November is prime time for political and cultural discussions with locals - post-summer energy combines with pre-holiday season optimism, making Beirutis especially welcoming to thoughtful visitors

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming beach clubs remain fully operational - many Lebanon and Lebanon locations reduce hours or close entirely by late November, limiting coastal dining options

Not carrying cash for mountain villages - olive harvest season brings cash-only vendors and traditional cooperatives that don't have card processing capabilities

Planning only indoor activities for rainy days - November showers are brief but intense, and many visitors miss clear afternoon opportunities by over-planning indoor alternatives