Best time to visit Istanbul
The best months to visit Istanbul are May, September and June, based on month-by-month temperature and rainfall data. The full year of weather, daylight, holidays, and festival timing is below.
May, September and June score best for Istanbul weather:
- May22° / 14°CPleasant warm weather, low rainfall — one of the best months. Long daylight hours; outdoor restaurant terraces open.
- June27° / 19°CWarm summer — tourist crowds rising, but heat still manageable. Bosphorus ferry trips ideal.
- September26° / 18°CLate summer — temperatures dropping, crowds thinning, one of the best months. Outdoor terraces still active.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated May 20, 2026
Istanbul weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | Daylight | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9° | 3° | 60 | 9 | 9h | 10° |
| February | 10° | 3° | 65 | 9 | 10h | 9° |
| March | 12° | 5° | 70 | 8 | 12h | 10° |
| April | 17° | 8° | 55 | 8 | 13h | 11° |
| MayBest weather | 22° | 14° | 35 | 5 | 14h | 16° |
| JuneBest weather | 27° | 19° | 25 | 4 | 15h | 23° |
| July | 30° | 21° | 25 | 3 | 15h | 25° |
| August | 30° | 22° | 40 | 3 | 14h | — |
| SeptemberBest weather | 26° | 18° | 40 | 5 | 12h | 23° |
| October | 21° | 14° | 80 | 7 | 11h | 19° |
| November | 16° | 9° | 85 | 9 | 10h | 17° |
| December | 11° | 5° | 105 | 12 | 9h | — |
Temperatures in °C. Long-term monthly averages.
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Istanbul month by month
January
Istanbul in January: 9°C high, 3°C low, 60mm rain over 9 days, 9.4h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
February
Istanbul in February: 10°C high, 3°C low, 65mm rain over 9 days, 10.4h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
March
Istanbul in March: 12°C high, 5°C low, 70mm rain over 8 days, 11.7h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
April
Istanbul in April: 17°C high, 8°C low, 55mm rain over 8 days, 13.1h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
MayBest weather
Istanbul in May: 22°C high, 14°C low, 35mm rain over 5 days, 14.3h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
JuneBest weather
Istanbul in June: 27°C high, 19°C low, 25mm rain over 4 days, 14.9h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
July
Istanbul in July: 30°C high, 21°C low, 25mm rain over 3 days, 14.7h daylight. Hot and dry — outdoor friendly, hydrate.
August
Istanbul in August: ?°C high, ?°C low, ?mm rain over ? days, 13.6h daylight. Cold and clearer — short daylight but skies open.
SeptemberBest weather
Istanbul in September: 26°C high, 18°C low, 40mm rain over 5 days, 12.3h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
October
Istanbul in October: 21°C high, 14°C low, 80mm rain over 7 days, 10.9h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
November
Istanbul in November: 16°C high, 9°C low, 85mm rain over 9 days, 9.7h daylight. Mild and dry — shoulder-season sweet spot.
December
Istanbul in December: ?°C high, ?°C low, ?mm rain over ? days, 9.1h daylight. Cold and clearer — short daylight but skies open.
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