Best time to go to Istanbul Average weather of Istanbul, Turkey
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Istanbul?
With its mild weather, Istanbul welcomes visitors throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Istanbul is during the months from April to October, when the climate is most favorable.
From May to September, the sun is shining, the weather is dry, and the temperatures are pleasant. For example, average temperatures range from 25 to 30°C (86°F) in July-August.
This period coincides with the peak tourist season. In the height of summer, hotel rates and flight tickets will be slightly higher. Nevertheless, you can easily find accommodation for less than €70 in Istanbul all year round.
Moreover, if you're wondering when to visit Istanbul without being bothered by tourist crowds, spring and autumn are to be preferred. This city can rely on beautiful weather conditions as early as the end of winter. Thus, in March, tourists are few but the weather is already very mild. Similarly, November is a month with low attendance but with favorable weather.
Furthermore, if you visit Istanbul in April, you will have the privilege of admiring blooming tulips. This is also the time when the International Tulip Festival is celebrated in Istanbul.
Finally, visiting Istanbul in winter could offer you an unforgettable stay, away from tourists. Certainly, between December and February, the weather is not ideal, but the temperatures remain mild compared to Northern Europe. The city of Istanbul retains all its charm and could therefore equally captivate you.
So, when is the best time to go to Istanbul? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Istanbul are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November
- On average, the warmest months are June, July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are January, February, March, October and December
- The best months for swimming are June, July, August and September
Annual weather in Istanbul
Weather details in Istanbul month by month
Weather and climate in Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most popular Turkish cities for tourists. Indeed, it receives nearly 10 million visitors each year who take turns visiting in all seasons. The climate in Istanbul is never really unfavorable for a stay. Most of the time, you can expect abundant sunshine, mild temperatures without being too hot, and little precipitation.
Moreover, Istanbul is located between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Its Mediterranean climate is therefore influenced by this particular geographical location. Let's take a closer look at what weather to expect according to the seasons.
Climate in Istanbul in Summer
In summer, the climate in Istanbul is dry and rather hot. However, the presence of the sea helps to temper this heat, with a sea breeze making the climate bearable.
Thus, it never gets too hot in Istanbul between the months of June and September. In July and August, the temperature ranges from 26 to 29°C (85°F) on average. In June and September, it varies between 22 and 28°C (83°F) . Of course, heatwaves are possible, but nothing comparable to Antalya where the summer heat can be quite extreme.
Finally, the sun shines every day during the summer season in Istanbul. There are only 1 to 2 days of precipitation in July and August, and almost as few in June and September.
Climate in Istanbul in Winter
In Istanbul, winter is characterized by cold spells following milder periods. While the average temperatures vary between about 7 and 11°C (52°F) from December to February, there can be days when the thermometer approaches 0°C (32°F) . In fact, snowfall is not uncommon in this city in winter.
Indeed, Istanbul is close to Eastern Europe, where winter temperatures are often below freezing. This is the case, for example, in Romania and Bulgaria, two neighboring countries.
However, Istanbul is mainly a rather rainy city in winter. There are about 6 to 7 rainy days per month during this season. This humidity makes Istanbul's climate quite unfavorable in winter.
Climate in Istanbul in Spring
Like in summer, the weather in Istanbul in spring is excellent. This season is actually a great time to visit this Turkish city.
Indeed, from April onwards, temperatures are mild and gradually rise to reach summer temperatures. In May, they easily reach 20°C (68°F) , while in early June, they are often around 25°C (77°F) .
Moreover, precipitation is low during spring in Istanbul. There are generally 4 days of rain throughout the month.
Sunny, this season is particularly pleasant for discovering the charms of Istanbul and the rest of Turkey.
Climate in Istanbul in Autumn
Autumn in Istanbul is characterized by slightly more humid weather than in summer, but with pleasant temperatures.
Indeed, in September, temperatures can reach around 25°C (77°F) and 20°C (68°F) in October. Moreover, they remain above 15°C (59°F) in November. Quickly, the mornings become a bit cooler, but that doesn't prevent enjoying beautiful sunny days.
However, expect some showers if you plan to explore Istanbul in autumn. The months of October and November are quite rainy, even though the sun remains predominant.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Istanbul
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Istanbul: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Istanbul
Find out when Istanbul has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Istanbul
- Very low season in Istanbul
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and February. - Low season in Istanbul
The months with low numbers of tourists are: March, April, June, November and December. - High season in Istanbul
The number of visitors to Istanbul is high in: May, July, September and October. - Peak season in Istanbul
The largest number of tourists visiting Istanbul is during: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Istanbul month by month
Best time for low prices in Istanbul
Average prices of hotels in Istanbul month by month
Generally, November is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Istanbul. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, May is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Istanbul
A return flight between London and Istanbul is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 102 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 193 more for your airline ticket to Istanbul if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Istanbul
Average price of hiring a car in Istanbul
On average, it costs $ 29 per day to hire a car in Istanbul. This price varies by $ 16 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 23 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 38.
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