Istanbul, where East meets West
Istanbul, one of the most amazing cities in the world. It's a buzzing city and a mix of European and Asian, like a summer day in Madrid with a touch of Bangkok.
Istanbul Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Istanbul.
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Climate overview of Istanbul
Istanbul can best be visited in spring (May and June) or autumn (September and October) with temperatures between 22°C (72°F) and 30°C (86°F). During summer it tends to be to hot to visit the city with average temperatures between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F).
Throughout the year Istanbul is very windy.
Istanbul Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Istanbul - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Istanbul
In Istanbul, temperatures differ significantly between summer and winter months. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in August to a chilly 10°C (50°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) in August to 5°C (41°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Istanbul
On average, Istanbul receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 730 mm (29 in). The seasons in Istanbul bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives high rainfall, with an average of 103 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 17 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 24 mm (0.9 in) over 5 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Istanbul Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Istanbul
In Istanbul, summer days are longer and more sunny, with daily sunshine hours peaking at 10.6 hours in July. As the darker season arrives, the brightness of the sun becomes less. December sees a soft sun for only 2.0 hours per average day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Water Temperature in Istanbul
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 8°C (46°F) in February to 25°C (77°F) in July.
Water temperature over the year
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
For comfortable weather, consider visiting Istanbul in May, June, July, August, September and October. Conditions are usually least favourable in January, February and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
cold
Feb
cold
Mar
mixed
Apr
good
May
excellent
Jun
excellent
Jul
excellent
Aug
excellent
Sep
excellent
Oct
excellent
Nov
good
Dec
wet
- Best overall: May, June, July, August, September and October
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Fewest rainy days: June, July and August
- Best for swimming: June, July, August and September.
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct dry season from May to August, with warm summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Istanbul
What is the best time to visit Istanbul?
May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Istanbul. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Istanbul has a distinct dry season from May to August, with warm summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Istanbul?
Daytime highs range from 10°C (50°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 5°C (41°F) to 22°C (72°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Istanbul get?
Annual rainfall is around 730 mm (29 in). December is the wettest month with 103 mm (4.1 in), while August is the driest with 24 mm (0.9 in).
How sunny is Istanbul?
Istanbul receives around 2,182 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 318 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 61 hours. Overall, Istanbul enjoys abundant sunshine.
Istanbul 3-Day Forecast
Istanbul on the map
Istanbul is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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