Planning a trip to Istanbul? Understanding the weather is essential for packing, sightseeing, and enjoying everything the city has to offer โ from sunset ferry rides to cozy museum days. This guide breaks down Istanbulโs climate month by month, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
๐ Quick Overview: Istanbulโs Four Seasons
- Spring (MarchโMay): Mild and green, with some rain
- Summer (JuneโAugust): Hot, sunny, and lively
- Autumn (SeptemberโNovember): Golden, breezy, and ideal for walking tours
- Winter (DecemberโFebruary): Cool, damp, sometimes snowy
๐ธ Spring in Istanbul (MarchโMay)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
3์ | 8โ13ยฐC | Moderate | Breezy |
4์ | 11โ17ยฐC | LightโModerate | Mild |
5์ | 15โ22ยฐC | Low | Calm |
Outdoor Plans:
Great for parks (Emirgan, Gรผlhane), Bosphorus ferries, and Tulip Festival strolls.
Clothing Tips:
Layers, light rain jacket, scarf for breezes. Waterproof shoes help.
Indoor Backups:
Art museums (Pera, Istanbul Modern), hammam visits, Turkish cooking classes.
๐ซ CTA:
๐ [Book a springtime Bosphorus cruise + tulip tour โ]
๐ [All-weather museum + transit city pass โ]
โ๏ธ Summer in Istanbul (JuneโAugust)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
6์ | 20โ28ยฐC | Low | Mild |
์น ์ | 23โ32ยฐC | Very Low | Calm |
ํ์ | 24โ34ยฐC | Very Low | Still |
Outdoor Plans:
Beach trips (Princesโ Islands), rooftop cafรฉs, sunset cruises, late-night bazaars.
Clothing Tips:
Light cotton/linen, sun hat, sunglasses, modest mosque attire.
Indoor Backups:
Air-conditioned malls (Zorlu, Kanyon), sea-view cafรฉs, Blue Mosque mid-day visits.
๐ซ CTA:
๐ [Summer dinner cruise with live music + sea breeze โ]
๐ [Book a skip-the-line museum + ferry bundle โ]
๐ Autumn in Istanbul (SeptemberโNovember)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Sept | 20โ28ยฐC | Low | Light |
Oct | 15โ22ยฐC | Moderate | Breezy |
Nov | 10โ16ยฐC | Higher | Stronger |
Outdoor Plans:
Photo walks, Golden Horn sunset views, day trips to islands.
Clothing Tips:
Light sweaters, scarf, waterproof jacket. Great walking shoe season.
Indoor Backups:
Historical cafรฉs (Pierre Loti, Mandabatmaz), spice markets, hammams.
๐ซ CTA:
๐ [Autumn walking tour + hidden cafรฉs of Istanbul โ]
๐ [All-season ferry + museum pass bundle โ]
โ๏ธ Winter in Istanbul (DecemberโFebruary)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Dec | 6โ12ยฐC | High | Strong |
Jan | 4โ10ยฐC | High | Gusty |
Feb | 5โ11ยฐC | Moderate | Cold breezes |
Outdoor Plans:
Short ferry rides, snow photography (if you’re lucky!), warm street food stops.
Clothing Tips:
Thermal base layers, waterproof boots, scarf, hat, gloves.
Indoor Backups:
Suleymaniye Mosque, Turkish baths, indoor bazaars (Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar).
๐ซ CTA:
๐ [Winter hammam + museum access pass โ]
๐ [Rainy-day Istanbul itinerary tour combo โ]
๐ Istanbul Weather Summary Table
Season | Avg Temp | Rain Risk | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Spring | 8โ22ยฐC | Medium | Best for flowers & museums |
Summer | 20โ34ยฐC | Low | Best for rooftops & ferries |
Autumn | 10โ28ยฐC | Medium | Best for walking & food tours |
Winter | 4โ12ยฐC | High | Best for indoor history & baths |
๐งณ Tips for All-Season Travelers
- Bring a scarf & socks for mosque visits year-round
- Pack layers, no matter the season
- ์ด์คํ๋ถ์นด๋ฅดํธ works on ferries, metros, and buses โ rain or shine
- Offline maps help in rain or snow when signal drops
- Weather apps: Windy, AccuWeather, or Turkeyโs own MGM (Meteo)
๐๏ธ Travel Istanbul, Rain or Shine
No matter when you visit, Istanbul has something to offer โ just plan smart, dress well, and stay flexible. From sunny Bosphorus views to rainy-day hammam retreats, the city never stops.
๐ [Get the all-weather Istanbul pass (includes transit + top sites) โ]
๐ [Join a flexible tour that adapts to weather conditions โ]
๐ [Download our month-by-month weather & clothing guide PDF โ]