COP31 Antalya Guide: November 2026 Dates, Venue, Attendance, and a 10-Day Itinerary

What to Expect in Antalya for November 2026?

COP31, the 31st session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, is heading to the Turkish Riviera. The summit will take place from November 9th to 20th, 2026, spanning twelve days at the Antalya Expo Center in the Aksu district. The venue is divided into two distinct areas: the Blue Zone, reserved for accredited delegations to conduct high-level negotiations, and the Green Zone, which is open to the general public. Depending on your access level, your schedule and stay will vary. If you are curious about the scope and goals of the summit, our detailed guide on what COP31 is and its objectives provides a full overview, while you can check the current calendar for the latest timeline.

The timing is ideal for visiting Antalya. Historically, the city enjoys a mild November with an average temperature of 15.6°C (approx. 60°F), peaking at 21.4°C and dipping to 10.9°C. With only 7 to 8 rainy days on average and about 6.3 hours of daily sunshine, the days are perfect for sightseeing, while the evenings call for a light jacket. For a deeper dive into Antalya weather in November and packing tips, see our dedicated weather guide.

The city has undergone significant upgrades to welcome the world. A new 38-kilometer road network connecting the Expo Center to major hotel hubs and the airport is now operational, and the venue is seamlessly linked via the existing tram line's Expo stop. With representatives from 198 countries and organizations and an expected 100,000 participants, Antalya's hospitality and transport infrastructure will be operating at full capacity for these twelve days.

Quick Facts

Exploring the City Between Sessions

With a twelve-day schedule, you'll find gaps between sessions and a full weekend to explore the city's wonders. The following spots are conveniently located relative to both the venue and the city center. For a more structured approach, check out our half-day and full-day excursion plans for non-conference hours.

Düden Waterfalls

The most accessible nature spot near the center. You can reach it via bus line 78 in about 35-40 minutes from the city center, with buses running every half hour. The Upper Düden section is managed as a nature park; entry requires a paid ticket purchased at the gate (Museum Pass is not valid here). During winter, it is open from 08:00 to 18:00.

Konyaaltı Beach

Located on the western edge of the city center, this 1.5-kilometer stretch of coastline is breathtaking. In November, it's less about swimming and more about scenic coastal walks and sunset views. Along the same axis, the Antalya Aquarium, located 15km from the airport, is open until 22:00 and offers free entry for children aged 0-2. This is your best bet for a rainy-day alternative.

Perge Ancient City

Conveniently located in Aksu, the same district as the venue. From the center, take bus AC03 to Aksu; the 17km journey takes about an hour depending on traffic, followed by a short 2km walk. You can explore the colonnaded street, the stadium, and the ancient baths. Thanks to its proximity to the Expo Center, it's easy to fit in before the morning sessions.

Side Ancient City

To reach Side, take a bus from the Antalya bus station to Manavgat, then transfer to a local Side minibus. Since the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater are integrated into the seaside town, the visit naturally becomes a scenic walk. With winter hours from 08:30 to 17:00, an early start is recommended.

Manavgat Waterfall

A perfect companion to a day trip to Side. Regular minibuses run from Manavgat center to the falls, though a rental car is also easy. With its powerful flow and riverside cafes, it's an ideal spot for a 30-minute break or a leisurely lunch on your way back from Side.

Phaselis Bay

Heading toward Kemer, this is where an ancient city with three harbors meets lush pine forests. Minibuses depart every half hour from across the clock tower in Kemer square, with a 25-30 minute ride that drops you right at the entrance. In November, the scent of pine and the empty beaches make this the most serene stop of the trip. If your time is limited, guided tour options in Antalya provide a streamlined way to visit these highlights.

Getting to the Venue

The Antalya Expo Center is located on Serik Avenue in Aksu. Its proximity to the airport and major hotel districts makes commuting straightforward. For a detailed map and specific route options, see our guide on venue location and transportation.

1. Arrival. Antalya Airport and the venue are on the same axis toward Aksu. For those arriving on domestic flights, the transfer time is very short.
2. Get Your Transport Card. Purchase an AntalyaKart at the Batıgar or Doğu Garajı centers or from automated kiosks. A standard non-personalized card is 100 TL, a personalized one is 200 TL, and the mobile app version is 19 TL. Since cash fares are higher, getting a card on day one is highly recommended.
3. Board the Tram or Bus. The tram line connecting to the conference area is integrated with the city center and hotel zones. Full fares are around 42 TL, and student fares are approximately 20 TL, with transfer discounts available for card users.
4. Check Hotel Shuttles. Many hotels listed in the conference directory will provide dedicated shuttle services. Ask your hotel reception upon check-in if they are on the official list.
5. Enter via Pedestrian Overpasses. Pedestrian access points around the venue have been expanded for the conference. Keep your accreditation badge and ID ready at the entrance.

Where to Stay: Finding Your Perfect Base

Your choice of neighborhood can save you up to 90 minutes of commuting daily. For a full breakdown of visas, currency, AntalyaKart, and accommodation zones, refer to our practical guide.

Planning Your 10-Day Stay

While the conference lasts twelve days, most attendees plan for a ten-day visit. With the event running from Monday, Nov 9 to Friday, Nov 20, there is one weekend in between (Nov 14-15). The following plan balances session intensity with the mild November weather. For evening plans, see our theme parks and entertainment guide and dining and nightlife routes.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Timing is Everything: Ancient sites operate on winter hours (08:30 - 17:00), and ticket offices close 30-45 minutes before the site does. Schedule your ruins visits for the morning.
• The Museum Pass: At 200 TL (100 TL discounted), it's a great value if you plan to visit multiple sites. Visitors under 18 and over 65 enter free with a valid ID.
• Düden Exception: Please note that the Upper Düden nature park does NOT accept the Museum Pass; a separate entry fee is required.
• Dress in Layers: November evenings can drop to 11°C. A light jacket, a waterproof outer layer, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Go Digital/Card: Cash fares are significantly more expensive. An AntalyaKart pays for itself quickly over a ten-day stay.
• Public Access: If you aren't accredited for the Blue Zone, follow the Green Zone program. This area is designed for the public, featuring exhibitions and events.
• Dining Logistics: Consider the distance between the center and Aksu when planning dinner. Eating near your hotel or the venue will save you valuable time at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

If you're heading to Antalya for COP31, three things will make your trip seamless: choosing a hotel near the venue or tram line, getting your transport card immediately, and visiting historical sites in the morning. The mild November climate is perfect for turning session breaks into mini-adventures.

For those who want to explore beyond the conference, our comprehensive guide to places to visit in Antalya offers a wide array of suggestions. You can track specific program options for the conference period via the calendar page above.