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

What to Expect in Antalya in November 2026?

COP31 is the 31st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The event will take place over twelve days, from November 9th to 20th, 2026, at the Antalya Expo Center in the Aksu district. The venue is divided into two distinct areas: the Blue Zone, where accredited delegations conduct negotiations, and the Green Zone, which is open to the public. This means that every visitor's schedule and accommodation plan will depend heavily on their level of accreditation. If you want to dive deeper into the significance of the summit, our article explaining what COP31 is and its goals provides a comprehensive overview; for the specific timeline, please check the current schedule.

The timing is ideal for visiting Antalya. In November, the city enjoys a pleasant climate with an average temperature of 15.6°C, average highs of 21.4°C, and average lows of 10.9°C. You can expect about 7 to 8 rainy days during the month, with an average of 6.3 hours of sunshine per day. In short: perfect for outdoor sightseeing during the day, but you'll want a light jacket for the evenings. For a detailed daily breakdown of Antalya's weather in November and what to pack, see our dedicated guide.

The impact on the city will be significant. In preparation for the conference, a new 38-kilometer road network connecting the Expo Center to the hotel zones and the airport has been opened. Additionally, the area is well-connected via the existing tram line through the Expo stop. With 198 countries and organizations represented and approximately 100,000 participants expected, Antalya's accommodation and transport infrastructure will be operating at full capacity for twelve days.

Quick Facts

Sightseeing During Your Free Time

With a twelve-day schedule, you will have plenty of gaps between sessions or during the weekend to explore the city. The following destinations are within a reasonable distance from both the Expo Center and the city center. For more detailed itineraries, check out our half-day and full-day tour plans for time outside the conference.

Düden Waterfalls

The closest natural wonder to the city center. You can reach it in about 35-40 minutes via bus number 78, which runs approximately every half hour. The Upper Düden section operates as a nature park; entry requires a fee payable at the ticket office, and the Museum Pass is not accepted here. During the winter season, the park is open from 08:00 to 18:00.

Konyaaltı Beach

A stunning 1.5-kilometer stretch of coastline on the western edge of the city center. In November, instead of swimming, it is perfect for long seaside walks and enjoying the sunset. The Antalya Aquarium is located along the same axis, is just 15 km from the airport, and stays open until 22:00 (free entry for children aged 0-2). This is your best indoor alternative if you encounter a rainy day.

Perge Ancient City

Located in Aksu, the same district as the conference venue. You can take bus AC03 from the center to Aksu; the 17 km journey takes about an hour depending on traffic, followed by a short 2 km walk. The colonnaded streets, stadium, and bath structures are remarkably well-preserved. Thanks to its proximity to the Expo Center, it is an easy morning visit before sessions begin.

Side Ancient City

To reach Side, take a bus from the Antalya bus station to Manavgat and then transfer to a local dolmuş. Since the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater are integrated into the seaside settlement, the visit naturally turns into a beautiful coastal stroll. Since archaeological sites operate from 08:30 to 17:00 in the winter, an early start is recommended.

Manavgat Waterfall

A perfect second stop to combine with a trip to Side. Regular dolmuş services run from Manavgat center to the waterfall, and it is also easily accessible by car. With its wide flow and seating areas by the river, it's a great spot for a 30-minute break, many visitors choose to have lunch here on their way back from Side.

Phaselis Bay

Located towards Kemer, this bay is where an ancient city with three harbors meets lush pine forests. Minibuses depart from opposite the clock tower in Kemer square every half hour, and the journey takes about 25-30 minutes, dropping you right at the entrance of the ancient city. In November, the scent of the forest and the empty beaches make this the most peaceful part of your day. If your time is limited, our guided tour options in Antalya offer convenient group transport to these sites.

How to Get to the Venue?

The Antalya Expo Center is located on Serik Caddesi in Aksu. Its proximity to the airport and hotel zones makes transport straightforward during the conference. For a detailed map and specific transit lines, see our guide on the location of the venue and transport options.

1. Arrive at the Airport. Antalya Airport and the Expo Center are on the same axis, heading towards Aksu. For participants arriving on domestic flights, the transfer time is quite short.
2. Get your transport card. You can purchase an AntalyaKart at the Batıgar and Doğu Garajı card centers or from automated top-up machines. A non-personalized full card is 100 TL, a personalized one is 200 TL, and a mobile card for smartphones is 19 TL. Since traveling without a card is more expensive, it is highly recommended to get one on your first day.
3. Take the Tram or Bus. The tram line connected to the conference area integrates seamlessly with the city center and hotel zones. A full fare is approximately 42 TL, while student fares are around 20 TL. Transfer rights are valid when using a card.
4. Use Hotel Shuttle Services. Shuttle stops are established for accommodation facilities listed in the conference schedule; please check with your hotel to see if they are on the list.
5. Enter via the Pedestrian Overpass. Pedestrian access around the venue has been expanded for the conference. Please have your accreditation card and ID ready at the entrance.

Which Area Should You Stay In?

Choosing your accommodation area can make a difference of up to 1.5 hours of travel time per day during a ten-day stay. For all details regarding visas, money, and transport, see our guide to visas, money, Antalya Kart, and accommodation areas.

How to Structure Your 10-Day Stay?

The conference lasts twelve days, but most participants plan for a ten-day stay. Since the schedule runs from Monday, Nov 9th to Friday, Nov 20th, there is only one weekend in between: Nov 14-15. The following distribution balances session intensity with the November weather. For evening entertainment, see our guides on theme parks, aquariums, and nightlife and dining and evening routes in Antalya.

Pro-Tips for a Smooth Stay

• Archaeological sites are open from 08:30 to 17:00 in the winter, and ticket offices close 30-45 minutes before closing time. Schedule your ancient city visits for the morning.
• The Museum Pass is 200 TL annually (100 TL discounted); visitors under 18 and over 65 enter for free with ID. If you plan to visit multiple sites, it's worth getting on day one.
• The Museum Pass is not valid at the Düden Waterfalls nature park; a separate entry fee applies there.
• November evenings can drop to 11°C. A light jacket, a waterproof outer layer, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Traveling without a card is more expensive; for a ten-day stay, the AntalyaKart pays for itself very quickly.
• If you do not have accreditation for the main venue, follow the Green Zone program. The exhibition and event areas are designed to be open to the public.
• When planning meals, keep the distance between the center and Aksu in mind; planning evening routes near your accommodation will save you time at the end of the day.

Summary

If you are heading to Antalya for COP31, remember these three keys: choose accommodation near the venue, get your transport card on day one, and schedule your sightseeing for the mornings. The mild November weather is perfect for turning breaks between sessions into mini-city tours.

For those who want to discover more of the city beyond the conference, our guide to things to do in Antalya offers an extensive list. You can view all program options coinciding with the conference period on the calendar page above.