Lebanon in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Lebanon

24°C (75°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

75 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather with crisp 14-24°C (57-75°F) temperatures and crystal-clear mountain views - no summer haze blocking Cedar Reserve vistas
Olive harvest season brings authentic cultural experiences, with families welcoming visitors to traditional pressing ceremonies in villages like Koura and Zgharta
Shoulder season pricing saves 30-40% on accommodations compared to summer peaks, with boutique hotels in Beirut averaging $80-120 vs summer's $140-200
Comfortable 65% humidity makes exploring dense urban areas like Hamra and Mar Mikhael enjoyable without the oppressive summer stickiness

Considerations

Unpredictable mountain weather can shift from sunny to stormy within hours - I've seen Baalbek tours cancelled due to sudden temperature drops of 10°C (18°F)
Swimming season ends as Mediterranean temperatures drop to 20-22°C (68-72°F) - most beach clubs in Batroun and Jounieh close by mid-November
Daylight shrinks to 10.5 hours with sunset by 5:15 PM, limiting afternoon sightseeing and forcing earlier dinner plans than locals prefer

Best Activities in November

Baalbek Archaeological Complex Exploration

November's cool temperatures make exploring this UNESCO site comfortable for the 2-3 hours needed to properly see the Roman temples. Clear skies provide perfect photography conditions without summer's harsh shadows. The 4-hour drive from Beirut through Bekaa Valley showcases autumn grape harvests.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Half-day tours typically cost $45-65 including transport from Beirut. Look for operators with archaeological expertise, not just drivers. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cedars of God Nature Reserve Hiking

November offers the last comfortable hiking weather before winter snow closes high-altitude trails. Temperatures at 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation range 8-15°C (46-59°F) - perfect for moderate exertion. Ancient cedar groves are impressive against clear mountain skies, and you'll likely spot migrating birds.

Booking Tip: Book eco-lodge accommodations in Bcharre 10-14 days ahead as many close for winter after November. Guided nature walks cost $25-40. Essential to have proper hiking boots and layers. Check current trail conditions in booking section.

Beirut Food Walking Tours

Cool November weather makes 3-4 hour food walks through dense neighborhoods comfortable. This is peak season for traditional dishes like kibbeh nayyeh and fresh olive oil tastings. Vendors in Souk el Gharb and Hamra are less rushed than in tourist summer months.

Booking Tip: Book evening tours starting 4 PM to maximize daylight in shorter days. Group food tours typically cost $35-55 per person. Look for tours including traditional home visits, not just restaurant stops. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Jeita Grotto Underground Experience

November's stable temperatures make the underground boat ride through limestone caverns ideal - no summer crowds and consistent 16°C (61°F) cave temperatures feel perfect after cool outdoor air. The 20-minute boat journey through the lower grotto is mystical without summer's waiting lines.

Booking Tip: Combine with Harissa cable car for full-day trips. Entry costs $16-20 for adults. Book transportation from Beirut 2-3 days ahead, typically $30-45 round trip. Photography restrictions strictly enforced. See current combination tours in booking section.

Byblos Archaeological Site and Old Souk

November's mild coastal temperatures 18-23°C (64-73°F) make exploring this 7,000-year-old city comfortable for half-day visits. Clear autumn light enhances ancient stone ruins, and the old souk vendors have more time for authentic interactions without summer rush.

Booking Tip: Combine archaeological site entry ($5) with traditional lunch in old town. Half-day tours from Beirut typically cost $40-60. Book tours including both historical sites and cultural experiences. Current Byblos tour options in booking section below.

Chouf Mountains Druze Village Cultural Tours

November harvest season brings villages like Deir el Qamar to life with traditional activities. Cool mountain temperatures 12-20°C (54-68°F) make walking through terraced villages comfortable. This is authentic season for traditional crafts demonstrations and family-style meals in village homes.

Booking Tip: Book village homestay experiences 1-2 weeks ahead through cultural tourism operators. Day tours typically cost $50-80 including traditional meals. Look for tours emphasizing cultural exchange, not just sightseeing. Current mountain village tours available in booking section.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Olive Oil Festival Season

Traditional olive pressing ceremonies occur throughout November in northern villages. Families welcome visitors to participate in ancient pressing techniques, taste fresh oil, and learn traditional preservation methods. Most authentic cultural experience available to tourists.

Mid November

Beirut International Film Festival

Independent cinema showcase typically runs mid-November, featuring Lebanese and regional filmmakers. Venues include historic theaters in downtown Beirut. Films often include English subtitles, providing cultural insight into contemporary Lebanese society.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures can swing 12°C (22°F) between coast and mountains in Easttimor day trips

Waterproof hiking boots for mountain excursions - trails can be muddy after November's 8 rainy days

Light rain jacket - afternoon showers typically last 30-45 minutes but can be intense

Warm sweater or fleece for elevations above 1,000m (3,281 ft) where temperatures drop significantly

UV protection despite moderate UV index 4 - mountain reflection intensifies exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Beirut's marble sidewalks become slippery when wet

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on device navigation and photography

Cash in small denominations - rural olive oil vendors and mountain villages prefer small Lebanese pounds

Modest long pants for religious sites - shorts inappropriate even in cool weather

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain poncho for urban exploring in Beirut

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 15th - many mountain hotels close for winter renovation, limiting options for last-minute bookings

Eat lunch between 12:30-2 PM when restaurants serve traditional winter dishes like mjadara and fattoush with seasonal ingredients unavailable other months

Avoid driving in mountains after 4 PM - fog can roll in quickly as temperatures drop, making winding roads dangerous

Exchange money before visiting rural areas - olive harvest season means villages have limited banking services as locals focus on agricultural work

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating mountain weather changes - bringing only light clothes because coastal Beirut feels mild, then freezing at Cedar Reserve altitude

Booking beach activities - most seaside restaurants and water sports close by mid-November, leaving tourists with limited coastal options

Planning extensive outdoor itineraries without indoor backup plans - November's 8 rainy days can disrupt hiking and archaeological site visits