Average Monthly Sunshine in Istanbul

The graphs on this page shows the average number of hours per month and per day that Istanbul receives direct sunlight. The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average.

Monthly hours of sunshine

If you're visiting Istanbul, timing is key. In July, you can enjoy up to 318 hours of sunshine, while the shorter days of December provide just 61 hours. The total annual amount of sun is 2182 hours.

Daily hours of sunshine

For those who appreciate different seasons, Istanbul serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in July with an average of 10.6 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 2.0 hours of daily sunlight.

Istanbul’s total hours of sunshine compared to other major cities

Istanbul enjoys an average of 2182 hours of sunshine annually. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:

In Barcelona, Spain, there are 2530 hours of sunshine annually and is a city that can be visited year-round.

In contrast, Reykjavík, Iceland, receives only about 1330 hours of sunshine per year, known for its frequently overcast and rainy skies.

Beijing, China, has 2505 hours of sunshine annually, with clear, sunny days in winter.

Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 2770 hours of sunshine annually, with long, sunny summers.

Other climate information

December, Istanbul’s wettest month, receives 24 mm of rainfall and has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 29°C.

For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, check out our Temperature page. To explore more about precipitation patterns, visit our Istanbul Precipitation page.