Weather in Istanbul
Istanbul is a unique city where history and culture meet, carrying a unique magic in every season. Connected by bridges on both sides of the Bosphorus and offering magnificent views, Istanbul welcomes its visitors with a different identity for 12 months. It is possible to discover changing colors and atmospheres in the city in every season. Whether you are a history buff or want to observe the awakening of nature, each month of Istanbul offers you a different story.
ISTANBUL IN JANUARY
January is the coldest month in Istanbul. The average temperature is around 8 degrees and there are usually rainy, cloudy days. It is important for those visiting Istanbul to wear warm and comfortable clothes. This month is ideal for exploring historical places. You can visit Hagia Sophia and admire its magnificent architecture, and see the peak of Ottoman architecture in the Blue Mosque. Exploring the Basilica Cistern offers a mysterious underground experience. You can shed light on the history of the Ottoman Empire at the Topkapi Palace Museum. Watching the Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul also gives you a mystical experience. Traditional Turkish Rug-Making Experience allows you to get to know the cultural heritage closely.
ISTANBUL IN FEBRUARY
February is far from being a good month to fully appreciate your visit to the city of Istanbul. Not only because it is cold, but also because it rains often. The average temperature is 9 degrees, and the weather is usually partly cloudy. The sun is sometimes there, but the possibility of having snowfall should not be excluded either. You have to wait until the morning temperatures have climbed a few degrees to be able to feel a little softness in the middle of the day. You will see yourself bundling up to feel comfortable.
Those who come to Istanbul in February should expect cold and rainy weather. But this makes for a great time exploring the city’s cultural riches indoors. You can relax with romantic views on Pierre Loti Hill or have an unforgettable dinner experience on the Bosphorus on Valentine’s Day. Concerts held at the Şerefiye Cistern and a tour of the Topkapı Palace Museum are also among the cultural activities.
ISTANBUL IN MARCH
In March, winter recedes considerably. Temperatures are gradually rising and the number of sunny days is increasing. The average temperature is 11 degrees. Over the days, the weather is slowly improving, even though the temperature throughout March in Istanbul is still dominated by freshness. Especially since snowfall is rare.
March brings the first signs of spring in Istanbul. Sunny days and blooming trees add a cheerful atmosphere to the city. This month offers the perfect time to explore the city. Natural beauties such as Sapanca Lake and Maşukiye are ideal places for daily tours. Visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque is also recommended for those who love history.
ISTANBUL IN APRIL
Compared to previous months, the climatic conditions in Istanbul throughout April have improved significantly. Precipitation is decreasing, the heat is slowly returning, and the sun is often present. The average temperature is 15 degrees. The temperature throughout April in Istanbul will be your accomplice for discovering the city far from the crowds of summer visitors. And if you are not too chilly, the temperatures will make you feel a pleasant sensation of sweetness, especially around the middle of the day. On the other hand, mornings and evenings can be chilly.
April is ideal for visiting Istanbul. Decreasing rainfall and increasing temperature makes the city perfect for outdoor activities. The Istanbul Tulip Festival is one of the prominent events of this month. Places like the Miniaturk Park Museum and Watergarden Shopping Center can also be visited.
ISTANBUL IN MAY
If you are impatient you can already take t-shirts and summer clothes out of their closets because May heralds the return of sunny days. The weather in Istanbul throughout May, around the middle of the month, sees a marked improvement. Temperatures rise gradually up to 21 degrees; the mornings are now sweet and pleasant and the rest of the day comfortable. However, before scheduling outings for mid-afternoon or evening, check the local weather first, as this rise in temperature is often accompanied by thunderstorms.
May is one of the most beautiful times in Istanbul. The city comes alive with all the beauties of spring. Cultural events, open-air festivals, and colorful markets are ideal for those who want to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. You can take pleasant walks along the Bosphorus and taste local delicacies.
ISTANBUL IN JUNE
The combination of the pleasant heat and the beautiful sun makes the weather in Istanbul throughout June the ideal weather for a successful summer vacation. The average temperature is 26 degrees. While the rainy days are rare the sunny and pleasantly warm days compete in magnificence with each other, and this, is throughout June.
June is the ideal summer month to visit Istanbul. Warm and sunny weather provides a great environment for exploring the city. You can visit historical buildings, and music festivals or take a Bosphorus tour.
ISTANBUL IN JULY
Radiant days, favored by perfect sunshine, follow one another throughout July. In addition, the temperatures are high up to 28 enough to produce a comfortable atmosphere at all times of the day. Therefore, the climate throughout July in Istanbul has all the sine qua nonconditions for the ideal climate.
July is one of the hottest times in Istanbul. However, it is also possible to explore the city in this month. You can visit landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Topkapi Palace and spend your time with various activities.
istanbul in august
Summer is in full swing in August, in Istanbul: the heat is at its peak, and the beautiful sun reigns supreme over the bright days that follow one another. The weather in Istanbul throughout August is a real ally, thanks to its magnificence, for a successful summer vacation. With temperatures oscillating between 25 °C and 30 °C, the comfortable heat from morning to evening, day and night, combines with the beautiful sun to give beautiful sunny days suitable for all kinds of summer activities.
August is a holiday and fun time in Istanbul. Warm weather makes it possible to picnic on beaches or in green areas. You can discover the historical and cultural riches of the city or participate in various festivals.
ISTANBUL IN SEPTEMBER
With comfortable heat throughout the day and relatively light rains, the weather in Istanbul throughout September is almost ideal for visiting this thousand-year-old city steeped in history. The average temperature is 25 °C degrees. As September corresponds to the end of the summer season, temperatures gradually drop while the sun, always there, brightens up the days.
September is the perfect autumn month to visit Istanbul. The temperature begins to cool and the crowds thin. Bosphorus tours and historical sites can be visited.
ISTANBUL IN OCTOBER
October is a pivotal month between summer and fall. Temperatures gradually decrease on the average of 20 °C, while precipitation increases in intensity and frequency. However, the climate throughout October in Istanbul remains favorable, as the heat is always comfortable.
October marks the beginning of autumn in Istanbul. Pleasant weather conditions and reduced tourist crowds are ideal for exploring the city. Hagia Sophia Mosque and Blue Mosque can be visited.
ISTANBUL IN NOVEMBER
Thanks to the considerable decrease in precipitation, climatic conditions in Istanbul remain favorable. Temperatures continue to drop during November. The freshness of the atmosphere is already being felt. Again, remember to have light sweaters close at hand to have a comfortable feeling during your sightseeing visit. Especially since the downpours can surprise you during the day.
November offers a romantic atmosphere in Istanbul. The city gains a calmer atmosphere with the cold weather and decreasing tourist crowds. Historical places such as the Blue Mosque can be visited.
ISTANBUL IN DECEMBER
In December, the climatic conditions deteriorate with the cold, which gradually sets in. And despite the shy presence of the sun, the sky is often gray because of the clouds that are gathering. With an average of 10 °C, the climate throughout December in Istanbul is far from ideal, because if at the beginning of the month, the temperatures favor a certain freshness, in mid-December, they continue to drop, with a partly cloudy sky. It is also possible that it may snow. Because of the cold, it is essential to wear warm and comfortable clothes.
December marks the beginning of the winter season in Istanbul. Cold and cloudy weather is expected. Christmas and New Year celebrations add liveliness to the city. You can listen to Christmas services in historical churches or taste local drinks.
