In November 2026, Antalya will become the global epicenter for the United Nations' climate agenda. Whether you are a traveler planning a visit, a corporate delegate, or a global citizen following the news, you will likely see "COP31" appearing everywhere. The dates are set: the summit will run from November 9–20, 2026, hosted at the Antalya Expo Center in Aksu. While Türkiye serves as the host nation, Australia will lead the negotiation presidency. With an expected attendance of approximately 100,000 people, this event will be one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in the region. This guide breaks down exactly what the summit is, its core objectives, and the trajectory from the Paris Agreement to Antalya, backed by verified data. We have also included essential tips on November weather and the best local sights to visit near the venue.
What is COP31? The Quick Answer
COP stands for "Conference of the Parties." It is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), meeting annually since 1992. COP31 is the 31st session of this series, taking place in Antalya from November 9–20, 2026. In a unique collaborative model, Türkiye will host the event while Australia holds the negotiation presidency.
Breaking Down the Name: Why "31"?
The term "Conference of the Parties" refers to all the nations that have ratified the original climate treaty. The number indicates the sequence of the meeting; since the previous session was COP30, the 2026 gathering is designated as COP31. Essentially, it is the 31st annual milestone in the calendar of global climate diplomacy.
What are the Main Objectives?
The primary goal is to review the national contributions of member states toward the temperature targets set by the Paris Agreement and to forge consensus on climate adaptation and financing. Beyond high-level negotiations, the summit focuses on an action-oriented agenda with ten priority themes:
- Zero Waste
- Oceans and Seas
- Food Security
- Climate-Resilient Cities
- Climate Implementation Bridge
- Youth and Education
- Green Industrialization
- Clean Energy Transition
- Rio Synergy
- Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems
The Connection to the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 and entered into force on November 4, 2016. Its core mission is to keep the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Türkiye signed the agreement on April 22, 2016, and the law approving its ratification was published in the Official Gazette on October 7, 2021. Around the same time, Türkiye announced its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2053. The COP31 agenda is built upon the ten-year implementation balance sheet of this framework.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | 31st Conference of the Parties |
| Dates | November 9–20, 2026 |
| City | Antalya, Türkiye |
| Venue | Antalya Expo Center, Aksu |
| Host Country | Türkiye |
| Negotiation Presidency | Australia |
| Expected Attendance | Approx. 100,000 people |
| Access Zones | Blue Zone and Green Zone |
| Priority Themes | 10 |
| Avg. November Temp | 15.6°C (60°F) |
Must-Visit Spots Near the Summit Venue
For visitors arriving in Antalya for the twelve-day program, there will likely be a few free half-days. The following landmarks are conveniently located between the city center and the venue in Aksu.
Perge Ancient City
Located in the same district as the summit venue (Aksu), Perge is only about 18 kilometers from the city center. Highlights include the colonnaded street, the stadium, the agora, and the ancient baths. For those with limited time, this is the most accessible ancient site. While MuseumPass holders can enter for free, please note that these cards are typically for residents; international delegates arriving on visas should be prepared to pay the entrance fee at the gate.
Düden Waterfalls
Also known as Düdenbaşı, this stunning waterfall is located in the Kepez district, 10 km from the center. The water splits into two branches; the "Lower Düden" section is a spectacular sight where water plunges 40 meters from the cliffs directly into the Mediterranean. With its observation decks, wooden walkways, and cozy tea gardens, it is the perfect half-day escape.
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Located 22 km from the center, Kurşunlu was declared a nature park in 1991. The park spans 33 hectares of lush greenery. The main waterfall drops from 18 meters, surrounded by seven smaller falls and rocky ponds. The park is open daily, but since opening and closing hours vary between summer and winter, we recommend confirming the schedule before your November visit.
Konyaaltı Beach
Stretching approximately 7 kilometers, this coastline is within walking distance of the city center. In November, it is less about swimming and more about scenic walks and cycling. The promenade is lined with cafes, sports facilities, and bike paths. It is a fantastic spot to clear your head between intense summit sessions.
Side Ancient City
Located in the Manavgat district, Side is about 75 km from Antalya center. The columns of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater are legendary spots for sunset photography. You can easily reach Side via local minibuses (dolmuş) departing from the city center or Manavgat.
How to Get to Antalya and the Summit Venue
The venue is located in the Aksu district, northeast of the city center. Because the airport, the hotel districts, and the expo center are all aligned on the same axis, transportation is straightforward:
- Arrive at Antalya Airport via domestic or international flight; this is the city's primary gateway.
- Head toward Aksu. Since the Expo area is just north of the airport, transfers are typically very short.
- If staying in the city center, use the light rail (tram) system; the final stop in the Expo direction is within walking distance of the venue.
- Those arriving by bus will reach the Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal and can then take local lines toward Aksu.
- For delegations or groups, we strongly recommend arranging door-to-door shuttle services, as daily movement will be frequent over the twelve days.
Attending COP31: Blue Zone vs. Green Zone
The summit venue is divided into two distinct areas. Knowing which one you have access to will change your preparation.
| Feature | Blue Zone | Green Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Managed By | United Nations | Host Country |
| Who Attends | State representatives, ministers, national delegations | Private sector, academia, NGOs, youth |
| Content | Official negotiations and decision texts | Exhibitions, panels, workshops, public events |
| Access Requirement | Official Accreditation | Registration |
| Visitor Experience | Closed-door sessions | Publicly accessible programming |
Antalya Weather & Daily Planning for November
November is a transition month in Antalya. Historical data shows a significant temperature swing, often up to 10 degrees, between day and night.
| Period | Average Value | Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Average | 15.6°C (60°F) | Dress in layers; a light jacket is usually enough |
| Daytime | High of 21.4°C (70°F) | Schedule outdoor sightseeing for the afternoon |
| Nighttime | Low of 10.9°C (52°F) | Bring a warm sweater or coat for evening events |
| Rainfall | Avg. 7.5 rainy days, 127.7 mm | Keep a compact umbrella or raincoat in your bag |
| Daylight | Early sunsets | Plan ancient city visits for the morning hours |
Making the Most of Your Free Time
Special programs tailored for the summit week are available; to see the full schedule and content breakdown, check the current calendar. For those with half-days between sessions, we offer guided local experiences. If you want to explore Kaleiçi and the coastline step-by-step, browse our Antalya walking tours. For a comprehensive journey through ancient cities and museums, our Antalya cultural tours are the ideal choice.
Pro Tips Before You Arrive
These points form the backbone of a successful preparation list for a twelve-day international program.
- Complete your accreditation and registration early; announcements are released in phases via the official portal.
- For the shortest commute, look for accommodation in the Aksu, Lara, and Kundu areas. If staying downtown, prioritize hotels near the light rail line.
- With an average of over seven rainy days in November, keep your outdoor plans flexible.
- Clarify your museum entry options: The MuseumPass is available for residents (the 2026 price is announced as 200 TL), but a different system applies to international visitors on visas.
- Since you will be commuting daily, pre-plan your airport and venue transfers to avoid the rush.
Summary: The Goals of COP31
COP31 is the annual negotiation platform that turns the framework of the Paris Agreement into concrete action. The Antalya summit, held from November 9–20, 2026, is hosted by Türkiye and will drive a ten-point action agenda. For visitors, the twelve-day window offers a perfect opportunity to combine global diplomacy with the timeless beauty of Antalya in November.
To explore every detail of the event, you can follow the complete COP31 Antalya guide. For specific details on the venue and transport, see the expo center location and transportation, and for administrative preparation, read our post on practical tips: visas, currency, transport, and lodging.
Frequently Asked Questions 7
What does COP31 stand for and what does the number mean?
COP stands for "Conference of the Parties." The number indicates how many times the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have met. The 2026 session is the 31st such meeting.
When and where in Antalya is the summit taking place?
The summit will be held from November 9–20, 2026, at the Antalya Expo Center in the Aksu district. Its location on the same axis as the airport and hotel zones makes transportation very efficient.
Is accreditation required to enter the Blue Zone?
Yes. The Blue Zone is the official negotiation area managed by the United Nations and requires strict accreditation. The Green Zone is open to registered participants and hosts exhibitions, panels, and workshops.
What is the link between the Paris Agreement and COP31?
The Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015. COP31 focuses on the implementation balance sheet of the goals set in that agreement, specifically keeping global warming below 2°C and aiming for 1.5°C.
What is the weather like in Antalya during November?
The average temperature is 15.6°C, with highs around 21.4°C and lows around 10.9°C. On average, there are 7.5 rainy days per month with a total rainfall of 127.7 mm.
If I have a half-day free, which site is closest to the venue?
The Perge Ancient City is the closest major site, located in the same district (Aksu) as the summit venue and approximately 18 km from the city center.
Which countries are participating in COP31?
All countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are invited. For the 2026 summit, Türkiye is the host nation, and Australia holds the negotiation presidency.
