Before travelling, smart travellers check the weather at their destination. If you’re planning to visit Istanbul, join us as we uncover the best time to visit this fascinating city!
- Visiting Istanbul by Season
- Summer
| Months {1} | June to August |
| Temperature {1} | • Highs of 29℃
• Warm but manageable |
| Rainfall {1} | average of 1 inch with 3 rainy days/month |
| Tips {1} | Pack sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and respectful attire (light shawl for mosques). |
| Pros {2}
|
• No precipitation
• Ideal for hiking and beach-related activities |
| Cons {3}, {4}
|
• Hot and humid
• Busy airport • Inflated prices • Overcrowded attractions |
- Fall
| Months {1} | September to October |
| Temperature {1} | Between (20℃) and (25℃) |
| Rainfall {1} | 5 days in September and 7 days in October |
| Tips {1} | Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings. |
| Pros {5}, {1} | • Having a chance to enjoy the landscapes transformed by the falling leaves
• Pleasant weather • Ideal for outdoor dining and Bosphorus boat trips |
| Cons {3} | You need a light jacket in the evening. |
- Winter
| Months {1} | November to February |
| Temperature {6} | Between (4℃) and (10℃) |
| Rainfall {1} | • High precipitation
• Peaking at 4 inches in December • Occasional snow |
| Tips {1} | Take advantage of this quiet time with fewer tourists to enjoy top attractions like Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque. |
| Pros {3}, {7} | • Fewer crowds
• Lower prices • An opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve • An opportunity to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
|
| Cons {7} | • Cold and unpredictable weather
• Some tourist spots might be harder to get to or closed during the winter. • Winter days are shorter, so you’ll have less time to enjoy outdoor activities. |
- Spring
| Months {1} | March to May |
| Temperature {1} | Highs of (21℃) |
| Rainfall {1} | Relatively low with plenty of sunshine |
| Tips {1} | This is considered the best season to visit Istanbul. |
| Pros {3} , {1}
|
• Good deals on accommodation.
• Fewer crowds • Beautiful nature |
| Cons {3} | The weather is unpredictable. |
- Tailoring Your Visit by Interest
| Beaches | July and August |
| Festivals | Summer Months:
• Istanbul Music Festival • Istanbul Festivali • Istanbul International Jazz Festival • Istanbul Shopping Festival December: • New Year Celebrations |
| Historical Sites | May and October: nice weather and fewer tourists |
| Cheap Prices | January |
| Hiking | Shoulder Months:
• May • October • November |
{8}
Resources:
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul? | Celebrity Cruises
- Summer in Turkey: Weather Tips and Top Destinations | Bookmundi
- Best Time and Season to Visit Istanbul: Complete Guide (acko.com)
- What is the best time to visit Istanbul? | Chasing the Donkey
- Turkey’s Season: Best HYPERLINK “https://www.traveloka.com/en-en/explore/destination/best-worst-time-to-visit-turkey-acc/279941″& HYPERLINK “https://www.traveloka.com/en-en/explore/destination/best-worst-time-to-visit-turkey-acc/279941” Worst Time to Visit Turkey (traveloka.com)
- 10 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul (2024) — Mog and Dog Travels
- Winters in Turkey: 9 Pros and Cons of visiting Turkey during winter (2023) (theartoflivinginturkey.com)
- Best Time to Visit Istanbul (Weather and Costs) – Goats On The Road
