Planning a trip to Istanbul? Understanding the weather is essential for packing, sightseeing, and enjoying everything the city has to offer — from sunset ferry rides to cozy museum days. This guide breaks down Istanbul’s climate month by month, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
📅 Quick Overview: Istanbul’s Four Seasons
- Spring (March–May): Mild and green, with some rain
- Summer (June–August): Hot, sunny, and lively
- Autumn (September–November): Golden, breezy, and ideal for walking tours
- Winter (December–February): Cool, damp, sometimes snowy
🌸 Spring in Istanbul (March–May)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Marchar | 8–13°C | Moderate | Breezy |
abril | 11–17°C | Light–Moderate | Mild |
Poderia | 15–22°C | Low | Calm |
Outdoor Plans:
Great for parks (Emirgan, Gülhane), 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.
🎫 CTA:
👉 [Book a springtime Bosphorus cruise + tulip tour →]
👉 [All-weather museum + transit city pass →]
☀️ Summer in Istanbul (June–August)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Junho | 20–28°C | Low | Mild |
Julho | 23–32°C | Very Low | Calm |
Agosto | 24–34°C | Very Low | Still |
Outdoor Plans:
Beach trips (Princes’ Islands), rooftop cafés, 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 cafés, Blue Mosque mid-day visits.
🎫 CTA:
👉 [Summer dinner cruise with live music + sea breeze →]
👉 [Book a skip-the-line museum + ferry bundle →]
🍂 Autumn in Istanbul (September–November)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Sept | 20–28°C | Low | Light |
Oct | 15–22°C | Moderate | Breezy |
Nov | 10–16°C | 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 cafés (Pierre Loti, Mandabatmaz), spice markets, hammams.
🎫 CTA:
👉 [Autumn walking tour + hidden cafés of Istanbul →]
👉 [All-season ferry + museum pass bundle →]
❄️ Winter in Istanbul (December–February)
Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Wind |
---|---|---|---|
Dec | 6–12°C | High | Strong |
Jan | 4–10°C | High | Gusty |
Feb | 5–11°C | 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).
🎫 CTA:
👉 [Winter hammam + museum access pass →]
👉 [Rainy-day Istanbul itinerary tour combo →]
📈 Istanbul Weather Summary Table
Season | Avg Temp | Rain Risk | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Spring | 8–22°C | Medium | Best for flowers & museums |
Summer | 20–34°C | Low | Best for rooftops & ferries |
Autumn | 10–28°C | Medium | Best for walking & food tours |
Winter | 4–12°C | High | Best for indoor history & baths |
🧳 Tips for All-Season Travelers
- Bring a scarf & socks for mosque visits year-round
- Pack layers, no matter the season
- Istambulkart works on ferries, metros, and buses — rain or shine
- Offline maps help in rain or snow when signal drops
- Weather apps: Windy, AccuWeather, or Turkey’s own MGM (Meteo)
🏙️ Travel Istanbul, Rain or Shine
No matter when you visit, Istanbul has something to offer — just plan smart, dress well, and stay flexible. From sunny Bosphorus views to rainy-day hammam retreats, the city never stops.
👉 [Get the all-weather Istanbul pass (includes transit + top sites) →]
👉 [Join a flexible tour that adapts to weather conditions →]
👉 [Download our month-by-month weather & clothing guide PDF →]