Tehran in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Tehran

15°C (59°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather - crisp 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures ideal for exploring Tehran's mountainous terrain without summer's crushing heat
Crystal clear mountain views - November's dry air provides spectacular visibility of the Alborz Mountains, perfect for photography at Tochal and Darband
Peak pomegranate and persimmon season - Tehran's fruit vendors display the year's best harvest, and traditional fesenjan stew appears on every family table
Ideal hiking conditions - cool mornings and mild afternoons make this the best month for Darband to Tochal trails, with comfortable temperatures at 1,200-3,900 m (3,937-12,795 ft) elevation

Considerations

Early sunset at 5:15 PM limits afternoon outdoor activities - plan major sightseeing before 4 PM to avoid rushed visits in fading light
Unpredictable rain showers - November brings 10 rainy days with sudden downpours that can flood Tehran's poor drainage system, disrupting metro schedules
Smog accumulation begins - cooler air traps pollution in the valley, creating hazy days that obscure mountain views and affect sensitive travelers

Best Activities in November

Darband Mountain Hiking Trails

November offers perfect conditions for Tehran's most popular hiking destination. Cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) morning temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) climb to the first teahouse comfortable, while clear autumn air provides impressive Alborz Mountain panoramas. Locals flood these trails on Friday mornings when the air is cleanest. The traditional trail restaurants serve hot ash-e reshteh soup - perfect warming food for November's crisp weather.

Booking Tip: Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid afternoon crowds and catch the clearest mountain views. Most hiking is self-guided, but mountain guides cost 500,000-800,000 IRR for technical routes. Check current tour options in the booking section below for organized group hikes.

Traditional Bazaar and Covered Market Tours

November's cool weather makes navigating Tehran's sprawling Grand Bazaar complex much more pleasant than summer's stifling heat. The 10 km (6.2 miles) of covered corridors maintain comfortable temperatures, and this is pomegranate season - vendors display gorgeous crimson fruit pyramids. November is also carpet-buying season as families prepare for winter, creating dynamic market energy.

Booking Tip: Guided bazaar tours typically cost 1,200,000-2,000,000 IRR and help navigate the complex's 4,000 shops. Book morning tours (9-11 AM) when merchants are most energetic and before Friday prayer closures. See current market tour options in the booking section below.

Tochal Gondola and Mountain Adventures

November provides ideal conditions for Tehran's famous gondola system. The 8 km (5 mile) cable car journey to 3,740 m (12,270 ft) elevation offers impressive views in crisp autumn air. At the top, November temperatures of 0-5°C (32-41°F) create perfect conditions for Iran's ski season preparation. The gondola restaurants serve traditional dizi stew - perfect mountain weather food.

Booking Tip: Gondola tickets cost 800,000-1,200,000 IRR for roundtrip. November sees fewer crowds than summer but book weekend slots 3-5 days ahead. Weather can change rapidly at altitude - bring warm layers even on sunny days. Check current mountain tour packages in the booking section below.

Palace and Garden Complex Visits

November's mild weather is perfect for exploring Tehran's palace gardens like Golestan and Saadabad. The autumn colors in Persian gardens are spectacular, and 10-18°C (50-64°F) temperatures make outdoor photography comfortable. This is also wedding season, so you'll see Iranian families taking formal photos in traditional dress against autumn backdrops.

Booking Tip: Palace complexes charge 500,000-1,500,000 IRR entry fees. November has shorter lines than spring but visit weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for the best light and fewer tour groups. Combined palace tickets save 20-30%. Check current cultural site packages in the booking section below.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

November's cooling weather signals traditional hammam season in Tehran. Iranian families begin their winter wellness routines, and historic bathhouses like those in the old city become social gathering places. The contrast between cool outdoor air and warm hammam steam (40-45°C or 104-113°F) is particularly satisfying in November's climate.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammam experiences cost 800,000-2,500,000 IRR including massage and scrub services. Book women's sessions 2-3 days ahead as November is popular for pre-winter skin care. Men's sessions are usually walk-in. Check current spa and wellness packages in the booking section below.

Culinary Walking Tours and Food Markets

November brings Tehran's best seasonal foods - pomegranate dishes, fresh walnuts, and warming stews like fesenjan and ghormeh sabzi. The cooler weather makes walking food tours through neighborhoods like Tajrish much more comfortable than summer. Local restaurants switch to heartier autumn menus perfect for November's 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 1,500,000-3,000,000 IRR including tastings at 5-7 locations. November evening tours (4-7 PM) are popular as restaurants prepare dinner specialties. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours. See current culinary tour options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Yalda Night Preparation Season

While Yalda Night falls in December, November is when Tehran families begin preparations. Markets overflow with pomegranates, watermelons stored from summer, and nuts. You'll see traditional Hafez poetry books displayed in bookshops and families shopping for the longest night celebration.

Mid November

Autumn Pomegranate Festival at Tajrish Bazaar

Local celebration of pomegranate harvest featuring traditional music, poetry readings, and pomegranate-based dishes. Vendors compete for the largest and most beautiful fruit displays. This neighborhood festival showcases authentic Tehran culture away from tourist areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - start with long sleeves for 8°C (46°F) mornings, add/remove layers as temps reach 15°C (59°F) by afternoon

Waterproof ankle boots - Tehran's streets flood quickly during November's 10 rainy days, and mountain trails can be muddy

Warm scarf and hat - essential for early morning mountain activities and evening strolls when temperatures drop rapidly after sunset

Light rain jacket with hood - sudden showers are common and Tehran's limited drainage creates street flooding within minutes

Sunglasses - despite cooler weather, reflection off mountains and clear autumn skies can be bright, especially at altitude

Portable umbrella - compact one for navigating bazaars and street markets during unexpected rain showers

Warm socks and comfortable walking shoes - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on Tehran's hilly terrain

Light sweater or cardigan - perfect for evening restaurant visits and indoor mosque visits where heating may be minimal

Power bank - shorter daylight hours mean more indoor time and increased phone use for navigation and photos

Moisturizer and lip balm - November's 70% humidity is lower than summer, and mountain air can be drying

Insider Knowledge

November is 'autumn cleaning' season in Tehran - many museums and attractions close 1-2 days for maintenance, so confirm opening hours the day before visits

Friday mornings (7-10 AM) offer the clearest mountain views before weekend air pollution builds up from increased car traffic

Pomegranate juice vendors set up on every corner in November - the peak season fruit costs half the summer price and tastes incredible

Tehran taxi drivers often refuse short trips in November rain due to flooding risks - download Snapp (Iranian Uber) as backup transportation

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how quickly weather changes at elevation - Tochal can be 15°C (27°F) colder than city center, and many tourists arrive underdressed

Planning outdoor activities after 4 PM - November sunset at 5:15 PM catches visitors off guard, leaving popular sites like Darband poorly lit

Not checking air quality forecasts - November begins smog season and sensitive travelers should plan indoor alternatives for high pollution days